Which is better place to live - Washington or Oregon?

Question

I lived in Renton, WA and Kent, WA when I was younger. We want to move to the Pacific Northwest in about a year, but are having trouble deciding on Oregon or Washington. I am looking for mountains, trees and water - not the flatter parts of either state. Does anyone have any insight as to which state is the best to live in, and why?

Answer 1

Oregon, no sales tax!

Answer 2

OREGON BY FARRRRR...especially northern oregon like on I 84...soooo beautiful you would LOVE it

Answer 3

Washington =)

I have lived in the Seattle Metropolitan Area for most of my life but have been to both states. Although Portland is fairly similar in climate & people to Seattle, it just is'nt the same. The rest of Oregon is either college town or Hick Town compared to Seattle [may be a little bias since I live here after all ;) ]

In the Greater Seattle area whether it be Edmonds, Bellevue, or South Seattle, you will have beautiful views, mountains, trees, water, seasons, its just great overall.

It has a little something for everyone! If you are the city slicker, you can live in downtown Seattle, OR Downtown Bellevue. But if you prefer the countryside, just 20 minutes away you have Issaquah, Duval, or Woodinville. You get the best of both worlds, and it's only a short drive away. (I sound like I'm advertising for a travel magazine...haha)

Given we have our rush hour traffic to watch out for, but as soon as you get to know the roads a little, taking backroads will be a sinch when its bad. Rain really is'nt as bad as people make it out to be. If anything, it makes you appreciate a nice sunny day when they are here =). Nothing like walking on Alki Beach with the whole Seattle Skyline at your disposal.

It's a really relaxed culture here, but at the same time more lively than Oregon. The food is great. The people are diverse. You'll see all sorts of nationalities hanging out together. People tend to not discriminate against anyone, and during winter when it snows, it's a winter wonderland view.  

As you can see, I'm a HUGE fan of this city, and although consider moving away often just to travel the world, I ultimately would love to come raise my family here.

I was born in Russia, but am a Seattlite for life =). If you are an outgoing person, you will love this city & state.  

Answer 4

Oregon is most superior! Washington is not even in the same league. I know I lived in both and I just finally came back to Oregon.

Oregon people are much more friendly with a higher standard of customer service and also the area around Portland is much cleaner than Seattle area. Seattle has a lot of traffic problems more so than Portland.

Bend in Oregon is an awesome place to go Skiing, fishing, hiking and has a really nice State Park called Smithrock. Mt. Bachleor is an awesome ski area.

The coastal areas are better in Oregon with the vast array of clean beaches that have many State run day areas.

Washington is good too I guess, but I didn't like it there as much. Mt. Rainier is fun to visit and they have the San Juan Islands up north in the Puget Sound which is great for kayaking and Orca whale watching.

Answer 5

OH MY GOSH

i used to live in vancouver, washington which is like...15 minutes away from portland, oregon!!!!

it is absolutely gorgeous.

vancouver is really nice and so is portland, so if you live kind of on the border, its AMAZING.

i miss it there so much.

it is so green and beautiful.

Answer 6

Vancouver Washington, across the river from Portland Oregon is the best place to live. Close to mountains, coast, water ways, all for recreation. Close to a large Metro area for shopping malls and theater, etc., but don't have all the social problems of a big city, like crime, etc.

Washington doesn't have a personal income tax, Oregon does. Washington has a sales tax, Oregon doesn't. Live in Washington, don't pay income tax, zip over the bridge to shop in Oregon and don't pay a sales tax.  Best of two worlds.