Moving from the Heart of America to Portland
Every US city is unique in its own way. It doesn’t matter where you plan to build a new life. You can be sure that you will have the opportunity to enjoy your new home to the fullest. Chicago is situated in the center of the United States. Hence, its “Heart of America” nickname. The city of Chicago has a population of over 2.7 million and is the third largest city in the US. Impressive. And vibrant Chicago is also known for having one of the most beautiful skylines in the world.
Peculiar and charming Portland
Located on the Northern Pacific Coast, Portland is one of the most loved cities for living. It also has a reputation as an oddball. Curious? Let’s take a look at some of the things that make this city so eccentric and charming at the same time:
- Bikes and vegan treats
Portland is well known for its great number of vegan eateries. This city is also a biking paradise. And even if you are not a fan of bicycle riding and plant-based foods, you might very soon become one. Who knows?
- “Keep Portland Weird”
This is one of the most popular slogans in this city, as well as its unofficial motto. You may see it everywhere: on bumper stickers, street art, and even some random signs around the city.
To Portlanders, the phrase promotes individuality, local art, and the right to express oneself. The city dwellers are proud of their eccentricity. So don’t be afraid to embrace a new lifestyle once you move to this unusual city.
- Portland’s name was decided by a coin toss
Yes! You read that right. Rumor has it, if it weren’t for a coin toss, Portland, might have been called Boston.
“New England natives Asa Lovejoy, a lawyer from Boston, and Francis Pettygrove, of Portland, Maine, were trying to decide what they would call a portion of land they both owned after dividing it back in the 1800s.
They found themselves in a stalemate and couldn’t pick between their respective hometowns, so they decided to leave it up to a coin flip to determine who would have the honor of crowning the settlement with the moniker of their choice.”
- Mills End Park and the Guinness Book of Records
Do you know which city is home to the smallest park in the world? You guessed it! With a total area of 0.29 square meters, Mills End Park is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s smallest park.
Located near the Willamette River, Mills End Park was recognized as an official park in 1976.
Portland is also home to Forest Park — the largest forested park within city limits in the United States. It is located just northwest of downtown and stretches for over 13 kilometers.
- Powell’s City of Books
The world’s largest independently owned bookstore is also located in this gorgeous city. It is called Powell’s City of Books. Make sure to visit it whenever you get a chance.
Chicago vs. Portland Climate
As you know, Chicago tends to be cold and snowy during the winter. Nevertheless, spring and summer are worth waiting for.
In Portland, however, you will get to skip cold and snowy winters altogether. Its temperate oceanic climate is characterized by cool winters and warm and dry summers.
Moving to Portland with a car
As a new resident, you will have to get an Oregon Driver License as well as title and register your vehicle within 30 days after you establish your move.
You can also consult the Oregon Department of Transportation for useful information on how to:
- Get an ID card
- Apply for a disabled parking placard
- Get a Sno-Park permit
If you need to get your vehicle to Portland, but don’t want to drive it, we can help you ship it. Corsia Logistics provides comprehensive nationwide auto transport services. We are always ready to assist you with shipping your car from Chicago to Portland!