Moved to a Small Town in Oregon to Save Money: Love It, but There Are Downsides
In 2022, my partner and I found ourselves scraping by in our cozy Koreatown apartment in Los Angeles. Although we treasured our bustling city life, the soaring costs of living—namely rent, utilities, and grocery bills—had become unbearable. With dreams of financial stability and starting a family inching closer, we knew we needed a change. The fact that we could both work remotely offered us the perfect flexibility to transition to a more affordable lifestyle.
The Move: A New Beginning
In July 2023, we packed our F150 full of essentials and made the leap to a small town in rural Oregon. With my prior experience living in the state, I felt confident that our dollars would stretch further here than in the chaotic streets of LA. SMALL TOWN LIFE might be what we needed.
Living Costs: A Breath of Fresh Air
One of the most appealing aspects of our new home has been the reduced cost of living. While our rent isn’t quite as low as we’d hoped, the overall expenses are significantly more manageable compared to our life in LA. The added outdoor space? An absolute bonus, especially for our dog, Stella.
The cost of groceries has also seen a positive shift. Despite inflation affecting prices nationwide, we can access high-quality, locally grown produce at more reasonable rates through various farmers’ markets. That said, our choices can feel limited; with only two grocery stores nearby, we sometimes miss the wide selection of Whole Foods that LA offered.
Leisure Activities: Cheaper, but Limited
Transitioning from the vibrant cultural scene of Los Angeles to a quieter small town has its pros and cons. On one hand, leisure activities are noticeably cheaper. A night out for drinks won’t sting our wallets as much as it did in LA, but the options are rather sparse—with only four bars in town, two of which are truly worth visiting.
However, the Pacific Northwest is a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts. Nature is right at our doorstep, providing free and almost limitless options for recreation without long commutes.
Hidden Costs and Unexpected Fees
Even with the perks of small-town living, we faced some unexpected financial hurdles. Living in a rural area has introduced its share of inconveniences, which can add up.
For instance, reliable internet isn’t a given here. In our initial months, our internet connection was unreliable, and while waiting for fiber optics to be installed, we had to shell out for an expensive mobile hotspot just to get by.
Additionally, the cost for garbage collection is surprisingly higher than what we paid in LA. Our first house had trash service costing around $70 a month, mainly due to the logistics of distance for collection and disposal. Imagine dragging your trash can 200 yards down a gravel road every week—your workout for the day!
A Beautiful Space for Family
As of January, we welcomed our daughter into this quaint town, and the experiences we are sharing here are priceless. Walking her around the peaceful streets is something we’ll cherish forever.
We’ve managed to build a career as filmmakers, which is not a luxury that everyone can afford, especially in a limited job market typical of small towns. I won’t lie; I miss the excitement of LA—the cultural events, the buzz of people, and the endless entertainment. But, if I had to make the choice all over again, I would without hesitation.
Reflections on Small-Town Life
Overall, our journey into small-town life has not only saved us money but has also reduced stress, eliminated hours wasted in traffic, and simplified our decision-making process.
And, for an unexpectedly charming start to each day, we’re greeted not by an alarm clock but by our neighborhood rooster—every. single. morning. We may not be small-town folks forever, but for now, we’ve found our home.
In conclusion, moving to a small town in Oregon has been a transformative experience. While there are downsides, the overall benefits, particularly for our family, make it a choice I wholeheartedly embrace. If you’re considering a similar move to save money and simplify your life, it might just be the change you need.
