We’ve identified communities where you will be safe and welcome and where your vote will be a game-changer at the ballot box.

“Oregon: A State AND a State of Mind”

Oregon: Congressional District 5

Located in Oregon's dynamic central region, the 5th Congressional District encompasses the perfect blend of Pacific Northwest living—from the tech-savvy suburbs of Lake Oswego and Happy Valley to the outdoor recreation mecca of Bend, from the agricultural richness of the Willamette Valley to the scenic beauty of the Cascade foothills.

This diverse, educated region offers the ideal combination of urban sophistication with small-town community feel, world-class outdoor recreation with economic opportunity, and friendly values with practical solutions—all while enjoying Oregon's comprehensive LGBTQ+ legal protections and serving as a great home for families, professionals, and retirees in the most politically competitive district on the West Coast.

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS

Bend, Deschutes County

For Sale

For Rent

Some Bend Stats:

Suburban ● $$$$ ● Schools: B ● Crime: B ● Community Health: Above Average ● Nearby Airport ● Outdoor Adventure

Living in Bend, Oregon, often feels like a permanent vacation for outdoor enthusiasts, nestled in the high desert with the majestic Cascade Mountains as a backdrop. The climate is generally dry and sunny, boasting over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it ideal for year-round recreation, from skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor in winter to hiking, mountain biking, paddleboarding, and fly fishing in the warmer months. The city has a vibrant and growing economy, heavily influenced by tourism and outdoor industries, but also a growing tech and healthcare sector. Bend's community is active, health-conscious, and largely friendly, with a strong emphasis on local businesses, craft breweries, and an evolving culinary scene. However, this popularity comes with a significant trade-off: the cost of living, particularly housing, is considerably higher than the national average. For LGBTQ+ individuals, Bend has a small but growing and increasingly visible community, with dedicated queer-owned businesses, inclusive events like Winter PrideFest, and local groups working to foster a more welcoming and diverse environment,

Cool Fact: Bend is home to "OUT Central Oregon," which hosted the first-ever Winter PrideFest in 2018 — one of the only LGBTQ+ ski festivals in the Pacific Northwest. It combines queer pride with snow sports, drag tubing, and mountain dance parties at Mt. Bachelor. It’s a colorful and celebratory blend of outdoor adventure and queer joy — very Bend.

Brentwood-Darlington, Portland

For Sale

For Rent

Some Brentwood-Darlington Stats:

Suburban/Urban ● $$$$ ● Schools: B ● Crime: N/A ● Community Health: Above Average ● Nearby Airport ● Walkable

Living in the Brentwood-Darlington area of Southeast Portland, Oregon, provides a distinctly more suburban and family-oriented atmosphere within the city. This largely residential neighborhood features quiet streets, a mix of older and newer homes, and ample green space, including Brentwood Park. You'll find a growing number of diverse food options, particularly excellent Asian restaurants and markets, reflecting its varied population. The area offers a strong sense of community, where neighbors often connect. While more affordable than some central Portland neighborhoods, it's less walkable for extensive retail and dining, though these are just a short drive or bike ride away in nearby areas like Woodstock. For LGBTQ+ individuals, while Brentwood-Darlington itself is quieter, it benefits significantly from Portland's broadly progressive and welcoming culture, with easy access to the city's numerous LGBTQ+ resources and supportive community networks.

Cool Fact: In 2021, Portland unveiled "Never Look Away", a vibrant, three-story-tall mural located in the Pearl District. This 120-foot-wide artwork is Oregon's first public art project dedicated to LGBTQ+ community achievements. It features eight LGBTQ+ activists, including national figures like Marsha P. Johnson and Angelica Ross, as well as local heroes such as Rupert Kinnard, David Martinez, and Kathleen Saadat. The mural symbolizes the city's commitment to honoring queer history and progress.

We have put together a comprehensive guide for Colorado that includes:

  • Safety and Legal Protections for LGBTQ+ People, including comprehensive anti-discrimination laws through the Oregon Equality Act.

  • Political Context and Competitiveness; this is the most competitive district on the west coast.

  • Community Overview of the Region and Neighborhoods, mix of rural, suburban and small urban communities with a mild climate.

  • LGBTQ+ Friendly Real Estate Brokers Serving the Region

  • Economic Opportunity and Cost of Living; broad spectrum of industries, from agriculture to high tech.

  • Schools and Education, including Supports for LGBTQ+ Families; comprehensive anti-discrimination laws.

  • Healthcare Access, including Supports for LGBTQ+ Minors and Seniors, including strong LGBTQ+ affirming medical and mental health providers.

  • Civic Engagement Opportunities, including competitive school board, county commission and city council races.

Complete the form below to access everything the Oregon Guide has to offer.

By sharing your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from PowerMoves.

By providing your cell phone number, you have provided us with consent to send you text messages in conjunction with the services you have requested. Message & Data Rates May Apply. Text HELP for Info. Text STOP to opt out. No purchase necessary.

Why OR-05 Represents the Future

Oregon's 5th Congressional District embodies the kind of place where LGBTQ+ people can thrive while making a real difference in America's political future. It's a community where:

  • Your safety is protected by comprehensive state laws and a welcoming culture

  • Your vote genuinely matters in one of the most competitive districts in the nation

  • Your voice can influence policy through engaged local government and competitive elections

  • Your life can flourish with world-class outdoor recreation, excellent amenities, and educational opportunities

  • Your career can thrive in a diverse economy with opportunities from tech to outdoor recreation

  • Your family can succeed with top-rated schools and supportive communities

  • Your investment can grow in a dynamic real estate market with strong long-term prospects

This isn't just a place to find acceptance—it's a place to live excellently while shaping America's future, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and innovative communities that represent the best of the Pacific Northwest.