Moving from Portland, OR, to New York, NY

Moving from the West Coast to the East Coast

Relocating from Portland, OR, to New York, NY, is a coast-to-coast move at just under 2,900 miles.  

Portland’s metro population of over 2.5 million is significantly smaller than the NYC metro of 20.1 million people. Everything might seem larger in “The Big Apple” compared to “Rose City.” 

Besides adjusting to the number of residents in NYC, prepare for an onslaught of tourists — over 55 million per year on average — much more than Portland’s average annual tourist numbers of approximately 12 million people. 

Expect more sunny days and more snowfall in NYC

Summer average high temperatures are similar in Portland and New York, with both cities reaching the low 80s. Rainfall is also comparable between the two locations at around 45 inches annually. 

You will experience more sunny days in NYC — around 224 days per year — since Portland only averages 144. 

The climate difference is most apparent during the winter. New York City's lows are typically around 26 degrees, 10 degrees lower than Portland's average. NYC also gets about 25 inches of snowfall per year, compared to only 3 in Portland, so it’s a good time to invest in some good snow boots. 

Getting around in the Big Apple

Both Portland and NYC have public transit systems, but the one in New York is much more robust, leading many residents to ditch their cars due to traffic congestion.  

From the 24-line subway system to the MTA bus and train systems with over 300 routes, getting around the city is possible without a vehicle. 

You’ll also find plenty of taxis and rideshare services for hire, or you can walk or rent a bike to get to nearby locations. 

Fun facts about New York City

Get ready for life and trivia nights in NYC with these facts: 

  • Around 800 languages are spoken within the city, with English, Spanish, Chinese and Russian being the most common.
  • It’s the birthplace of the ice cream cone.
  • New York City was the first capital of the United States.
  • One of the city’s nicknames is “The City That Never Sleeps” for its 24/7 entertainment and shopping options.
  • “The Big Apple” nickname originated with a newspaper sports reporter in the 1920s who covered horseracing. Coincidentally, New York State grows more apples than all other states except Washington State.
  • The city has more than 720 miles of subway tracks.
  • The Empire State Building has its own zip code.
  • There are over 6,000 high-rise buildings and more than 230 skyscrapers in NYC. 

Move to New York with U-Pack

U-Pack® has nationwide service centers and more than 25 years of experience in long-distance moves. Our locations near Portland and New York are ready to serve you. We’re a DIY-moving service where you handle packing, loading and unloading, and we drive your belongings to your new home. Get a free online quote today, or give us a call at 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant.