What It’s Like Living in Tillamook, Oregon [Moving Guide]

Are you looking to settle down in a thriving city with scenic views and a friendly community? If so, moving to Tillamook may be just the right move for you. Located on the coast in the Northwest region of Oregon, this charming city allows you to enjoy the wonders of its natural environment. From calming beaches, to dense forests, to protected parks perfect for outdoor adventure, you’ll be in the middle of some of the most captivating and peaceful scenery the West Coast has to offer.

You’ll also be immersed in the culture and community that make Tillamook a special place to live. With a plethora of museums, shops, restaurants, and landmarks, the area is perfect for those hoping to embrace its unique culture and history.

If you’re considering moving to Tillamook area, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to discover the ins and outs of this city and what it’s like to live here!

About Tillamook, Oregon

The name Tillamook references the Native Tillamook people who called the area home until the 1800s. The first European traveler to arrive on the Oregon coast was Robert Gray, who docked in Tillamook Bay in 1788. Tillamook County was established in 1853 and the town of Tillamook itself was founded just over 10 years later. It was officially recognized as a city in 1891 and it remains the county seat to this day. 

The area values its history and you can appreciate the influence of the town’s unique story everywhere you go. In fact, the Tillamook Air Museum was once a wooden blimp hangar built during World War II. The city has continued to grow and expand in recent decades and is known for its thriving dairy and lumber industries. It’s an ideal region for farmers so you’ll often see cows, horses, and other animals as you take in the sights. Due to its charming atmosphere, remarkable natural environment, welcoming locals, and engaging city center, tourism has become a staple of the city’s economy and way of life.

While Tillamook is a well-known city and a popular destination for vacationers, Tillamook maintains a unique identity that can be felt whether you’re a resident yourself, or just passing through. Here are some facts you may want to know if your thinking about making Tillamook your home:

• Population — Tillamook has a population of 5,085.
• Demographics — The median age is 35.7 with an average household size of 2.6 people per home. Just over half of these households include children, and the population skews female with 55%.
• Proximity to Portland —  Tillamook is about 73 miles from Portland and you can easily drive there in just under 1 hour and 30 minutes.  
• Weather — The weather is mild but leans slightly cool. You can expect the hottest months to reach about 70° and the coldest to get down to roughly 40° on average.
• Schools — The Tillamook School District includes five schools for K-12 which all provide quality faculty and an array of extracurricular opportunities and educational support. 
• Cost of living — The cost of living in Tillamook is relatively affordable with an index rating of 99.1 compared to the national average. However, it is much lower than the average cost of living in other Oregon cities, which average to a rating of 113.1.

Things To Do in Tillamook 

Tillamook has a variety of exciting and immersive attractions that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. To learn more about the culture and history of TIllamook, you can visit any one of the many museums located all around the city. Check out the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum to view its many artifacts and learn more about early settlers through their many exhibits and events throughout the year. You can also gain insight into Tillamook’s extensive dairy industry by visiting the famous Tillamook Creamery, where you can tour the cheese-making process from start to finish and get plenty of free samples of ice cream and other dairy products. If you’re interested in military history, look no further than the TIllamook Air Museum to get a close look at authentic WW2 aviation artifacts.

For those who are looking to enjoy the natural setting, Tillamook Bay is the perfect place to explore whether you want to take a relaxing stroll by the water to breathe in the fresh air or to enjoy some recreation like boating or fishing. You can also take advantage of one of the area’s many parks and forests such as the Hoquarton Interpretive Trail or the Tillamook Forest Center, which has a wide choice of trails to choose from.

Discover the many local restaurants and shops available in the center of the city, including Dutch Mill Cafe, Warner Beef and Brew, and Pacific Restaurant among others. And don’t forget to check out some local food trucks in the city like Recess and Tacos La Providencia. With an abundance of shops, stores, bakeries, and more throughout the city, you’ll always find new places to explore. Check out this local shopping guide for more information.

The Pros & Cons Of Living In Tillamook, Oregon

Tillamook offers many diverse elements that make it a truly remarkable city beloved by both residents and visitors. Its combination of spectacular landscapes, exciting activities, and warm community make it the perfect destination for people of all interests and backgrounds. Of course, every city has its drawbacks in addition to its perks. Take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of living in Tillamook.

Pros

• Gorgeous views and natural landscapes. As you probably know by now, the natural environment in Tillamook is one of its highpoints. With stunning beaches, forests, and mountains, the area is a playground for those who love nature and outdoor adventures.

• Strong sense of community. Even as the city becomes a more popular tourist destination, the local community remains close, connected, and exceedingly friendly.

• Great restaurants. Despite being a small town, Tillamook is known for its fantastic array of quality seafood restaurants, food trucks, and cafes! With a rich history in the dairy industry and its beachside location, you can enjoy fresh fish, delicious local cheeses, and great ingredients!

Cons

• Don’t forget your raincoat. Tillamook is one of the rainiest places in Oregon, and that’s saying something! With 94 inches of rainfall per year, you shouldn’t hold your breath for the few sunny days that roll around.

• It sometimes smells like cows. Many of the locals will tell you that cows outnumber people due to the region’s many dairy farms, and this can lead to a sometimes noticeable but rarely overwhelming farm-like smell. It doesn’t seem to bother most locals, though!

Moving to Tillamook? Contact West Coast Moving & Storage Today to Get Your Move Scheduled

Are you thinking of making the move to Tillamook? The area is filled with unique and exciting attractions as well as a peaceful and enchanting atmosphere. But no matter your destination, moving can be a challenge. From time management, to logistical roadblocks, to all the heavy lifting, you’ll need quality and reliable support to make your move as smooth and simple as possible. That’s where we come in! At West Coast Moving & Storage, we have the knowledge, skills, and experience to handle the toughest aspects of the moving process so you can enjoy your new home with as little stress as possible.

Contact us today to ask about our services and get a free consultation!