Hi, we’re Kelsey and Brandon, and we moved to Northwest Arkansas from Portland, Oregon. What made us leave an area some people claim is “God’s country?”
We left Portland, Oregon, because of the dreary weather, higher crime rates, and a higher cost of living. Northwest Arkansas appealed to us because of the amazing trail system and all the outdoor activities available all year round.
Are you considering moving to this area? Then stick around, as we’ll tell you more about our journey and share some tips on how to make this move successful.
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Why Did You Leave Portland?
There were several reasons why we left Portland, Oregon. The main reason is that the weather was dreary most of the time, and we wanted to be where it was more pleasant. I never thought we’d leave, as I’ve lived in the area my entire life. But things changed during Covid.
We both work remotely, so we were looking for an area where the cost of living hadn’t surged to ridiculous prices. While we had all the benefits and features of the culture and lifestyle of a big city, we didn’t have the other things that went with it.
Northwest Arkansas has the following that we love:
- Less traffic
- Lower cost of living
- Lower crime rates
- More outdoor spaces and trails
We love the outdoor spaces here, which is why we love Oregon so much. We could hike, bike, and run in the areas there, so we were pleasantly surprised that Northwest Arkansas had the trail systems and outdoor spaces we loved so much in Oregon.
This area is really nothing like we’ve ever experienced before.
What Were Your Criteria For Moving To NWA?
We had several items on our wish list when we moved to NWA. The first on the list was the weather. While this is a similar climate to Oregon, we see far less rain here than there.
The next item on our list was that we wanted less traffic. Portland became really congested, and we wanted somewhere that had a lot to offer but not the density that Portland had. It used to take us hours to get anywhere due to the traffic and congestion.
We also wanted to move somewhere with amazing food and coffee options, and we are not disappointed with the food scene here by any means. The restaurants and chefs are incredible, and NWA has the best coffee on the planet.
What Do You Love About NWA So Far?
So far, the best part about NWA is the people, as they’re so friendly here. We’ve felt welcomed from day one. We’ve met some really great neighbors and friends. And there are plenty of social events to grow our network of friends That’s been our favorite part of moving here.
Having had an established group of friends in Portland, I was nervous about moving to a new area and not having that. But from the moment we moved in, people opened up their doors and welcomed us.
What Do You Look Forward To Doing Here?
Our future in NWA looks very bright. We’re going to continue to enjoy meeting new people, growing our social circle, and focusing on mountain biking. That’s one thing we’re excited about–biking.
Another thing we want to dive into is the arts and cultural scene, especially Crystal Bridges. The museums and other cultural locations are a huge plus for us, and we can’t wait to experience them more often.
Tips To Move To NWA
Typically when you move to a new area, you want to find the good parts of the area or the most desirous locations to live. You definitely can’t go wrong with Fayetteville, Rogers, or Bentonville. But all of NWA is decent, and unlike most major cities, you most likely won’t end up in a “bad” part of town.
The emotional adjustment of moving to an area sight unseen shouldn’t take you as long here as it might in other areas. People are just so friendly, so if you’re a little shy or have social anxiety, not to worry. Take your time to get adjusted, and you’ll fit right in before you know what happened.
Another tip for moving to NWA is to seize the day. There’s no time like the present to make your move.
We spent a couple of months toying with the idea of moving. We could have talked ourselves out of moving. You know, “It’s not the right time,” “We don’t have enough money,” or “We won’t be able to find the right place.” Those questions and justifications can take you completely out of the moving game and keep you grounded in the place you’re at.
At the end of the day, rip off the bandaid and do it. Try something new–you won’t be disappointed. For us, we instantly knew we were in the right area when we were driving through the Rolling Hills area.
And we’ve met others who have said the same thing–that they instantly felt like they were home.
What Would You Like To Communicate About NWA?
This area is not what you would expect when you think of Arkansas. It’s a hidden gem, and like nowhere I’ve ever been in my life. It has culture, great food, great coffee, and plenty of great outdoor space.
What we would like to communicate about NWA is to get active and get involved in the community.
Take advantage of everything the area has to offer. Go on the trails. Experience the food and art scene. Get out of your social comfort zone and go meet people. You might find that warm welcome you crave, and it can enhance your initial experiences here.
Conclusion
Portland, Oregon, is a great place in a lot of ways, but it didn’t have what Northwest Arkansas has. It’s like NWA took all of the great things about Portland, left the negative things, and deposited the benefits in the northwest corner of Arkansas.
Rip off the bandaid and just move here. You won’t regret it.
