Category: Uncategorized

Where career still matters—but life does too

Portland offers a refreshing contrast to Silicon Valley intensity.

Affordability

• Housing is significantly more accessible
• Lower pressure to “stretch” financially

Job Market

• Strong tech-adjacent roles and startups
• Ideal for remote or hybrid professionals

Neighborhoods

• Less density, more charm
• Strong sense of neighborhood identity

Commute & Transit

• Commutes are shorter and more predictable
• Bike-friendly infrastructure

Lifestyle

• Creative culture, local food, and outdoor access
• A city that values downtime

Families

• More family-friendly housing options
• Strong community involvement in schools

Thinking About Making the Move to Portland?

If you’re exploring what life in Portland could look like for you, I’d truly love to be a resource. I’ve helped many people relocate from cities like this one and find a home that fits not just their budget—but their lifestyle, priorities, and long-term goals.

Portland is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality, and knowing where to look (and where not to) can make all the difference. Whether you’re just starting to explore or you’re ready to take the next step, I’m always happy to talk through your options, answer questions honestly, and help you navigate the process with confidence.

Tom Kerr
Licensed Realtor in the State of Oregon
🌐 www.tomkerrhomes.com
📧 tom@tomkerrhomes.com

If Portland is calling, I’d be honored to help you feel at home here.

A calmer, more connected way of living

Portland appeals to those ready to simplify without sacrificing culture.

Cost of Living

• Housing costs are notably lower than most LA neighborhoods
• Utilities and insurance tend to be more affordable

Employment

• Fewer industries, but more balance
• Strong healthcare, tech, and creative markets

Neighborhood Safety

• Neighborhoods are more walkable and locally oriented
• Less sprawl, more community feel

Commute

• Shorter drive times
• Public transportation is more viable for daily use

Quality of Life

• Cooler climate and greener surroundings
• Easy access to nature within the city itself
• Less hustle, more intention

Family Life

• Easier access to parks, schools, and family activities

Thinking About Making the Move to Portland?

If you’re exploring what life in Portland could look like for you, I’d truly love to be a resource. I’ve helped many people relocate from cities like this one and find a home that fits not just their budget—but their lifestyle, priorities, and long-term goals.

Portland is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality, and knowing where to look (and where not to) can make all the difference. Whether you’re just starting to explore or you’re ready to take the next step, I’m always happy to talk through your options, answer questions honestly, and help you navigate the process with confidence.

Tom Kerr
Licensed Realtor in the State of Oregon
🌐 www.tomkerrhomes.com
📧 tom@tomkerrhomes.com

If Portland is calling, I’d be honored to help you feel at home here.

A lifestyle shift that still honors innovation and culture

For many leaving San Francisco, Portland offers familiarity in values but relief in cost and pace.

Cost of Living

• Significantly lower home prices and rents
• No sales tax helps offset Oregon income tax
• Day-to-day expenses are more manageable

Job Market

• Tech-adjacent roles, startups, and creative careers thrive
• Remote workers gain financial freedom
• Less pressure, more sustainability

Neighborhoods & Safety

• Smaller-scale neighborhoods with strong identities
• More residential calm compared to SF density

Commute & Logistics

• Less time commuting, more time living
• Bike- and pedestrian-friendly design

Lifestyle & Culture

• A strong creative, food, and arts scene
• Four distinct seasons and abundant greenery
• Community-focused rather than hyper-competitive

Families & Schools

• More space for families at a lower cost
• Good access to childcare and education options

Thinking About Making the Move to Portland?

If you’re exploring what life in Portland could look like for you, I’d truly love to be a resource. I’ve helped many people relocate from cities like this one and find a home that fits not just their budget—but their lifestyle, priorities, and long-term goals.

Portland is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality, and knowing where to look (and where not to) can make all the difference. Whether you’re just starting to explore or you’re ready to take the next step, I’m always happy to talk through your options, answer questions honestly, and help you navigate the process with confidence.

Tom Kerr
Licensed Realtor in the State of Oregon
🌐 www.tomkerrhomes.com
📧 tom@tomkerrhomes.com

If Portland is calling, I’d be honored to help you feel at home here.

You will fall in love with this home the second you arrive.
The curb appeal – landscaping, lovely fir front porch, bay
windows, stained glass, and paint to show off the
architectural details. High ceilings, original detailed
moldings, and Doug fir floors throughout blended with
modern updates. The kitchen has been thoughtfully
modernized with stainless steel appliances, granite, white
cabinets, and exits to the back deck and yard for outdoor
entertaining. Three bedrooms and a full bath on the upper
level. Amazing location! Walking distance to restaurants,
coffee, New Seasons, and bars. Walkscore: 84. Biker’s
Paradise Score: 90. Good Transit Score: 52

2476 NE 50th Avenue Portland, OR 97213

This updated Rose City Park century home was built in 1910. The main floor comprises a living room with a fireplace, dining room, kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite & custom cabinets along with two bedrooms, and a sizable bathroom with full soaking tub and marble tile surround. Oak hardwood floors, original fir floors, and stunning moldings throughout. Top floor master has a pitched ceiling, built-ins, en-suite with marble tiles, walk-in closet, and 4th bedroom/office/yoga. Lower level family room has built-ins and polished concrete, laundry, and 5th bedroom, which includes a private bathroom. New dream backyard has been professionally landscaped with patio pavers, mahogany deck, and raised garden beds. It’s perfect for outdoor entertaining.

• Sq. Ft.: 2,874
• 5 bedrooms
• 3 bathroom
• Yr. Built: 1910
• Schools: Rose City Park, Roseway Heights, Madison
• RMLS #: 20148754

5005, 5009, 5013, & 5017 SE Market St Portland OR 97215 $599,000

Thoughtful attention to detail is what makes these 1760sqft NW contemporary attached homes stand out among the rest. The main level, comprising of the living room, kitchen & dining room, boasts wide open spaces and tons of natural light. Features include built-ins, tiled gas fireplace, engineered wood floors, tiled floors, wall to wall carpet, quartz, custom wood cabinets, tile back splash, deluxe lighting package, matte black and brushed brass hardware throughout, vaulted ceiling, and A/C. Opens outside to stairs going down for outdoor entertaining. Three bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a third bedroom suite, which includes a private entrance, making it ideal for possible rental income. Located in the Mt Tabor/Hawthorne Neighborhood, a few blocks from restaurants, shops, bars, and so much more. Walk Score: 88; Transit Score 54; Bike Score: 99. No HOA fee.

3604 SE Haig St. Portland OR 97202

Remodeled turn-key home in Richmond. Open main floor comprises a living room with fireplace and built-ins, dining room, and beautiful kitchen with stainless steel gas appliances and custom cabinets along with a bedroom and sizable bathroom with full soaking tub. Two spacious master suites – one upstairs with pitched ceiling and en suite and bedroom adjacent. The other one is downstairs with en suite and walk-in closet. Bright basement with family room and laundry room/storage. Central air conditioning. Large one car detached garage with ample storage space. A lot of house at an incredible price in the Richmond Neighborhood just a few blocks from Clinton/Division restaurants, shops, bars, parks, and so much more. Walk score 80 Bike 90. One block to transit. 2016 sqft

3412 SE 36th Ave & 3416 SE 36th Ave

Come see the thoughtful attention to details and what makes these homes stand out among the rest. The main level boasts wide open spaces and tons of natural light comprising the living  room, kitchen & dining room. Built-ins, tiled gas fireplace, engineered wood floors, tiled floors, wall to wall carpet, quartz counter tops, two toned kitchen cabinets, tile backslash, large island, deluxe lighting package, matte black & brushed brass hardware throughout, vaulted ceilings. A/C, refrigerator, and washer & dryer included. Opens out to the extra long deck for outdoor entertaining. Three bedrooms with en suites, three and a half bath. Third bedroom suite ideal for possible rental income and includes it’s own private patio and a private entrance. To top all of this off there is NO HOA fee. Attached tuck under garage. In the Richmond Neighborhood a few blocks from Clinton/Division restaurants, shops, bars and so much more. Long-lasting vistas with western exposure toward the city and eastern views up Mt.Tabor. Walk score 80 Bike 90. One block to transit. $674,900 1969sqft

Please contact me with any questions. Tom Kerr 503-758-5561