There are countless good reasons to make residence in Oregon ranging from how transgender people are treated to recreation, shopping and various life styles.
Thinking of Salem to Portland, Salem is more conservative then Portland which provides diversity in many areas.
How transgender people are treated, example, when I discussed my transition with Human Resources there was already a policy in place bathroom usage which is, the person transitioning uses the facilities that they see themselves as gender wise. Overall transgender people are treated extremely well, even when one does not pass very well.
In regards to recreation, within short distances can go swimming, skiing, camping or navigating mountain roads in my Miata. Culture is very diverse so one gets the best of them including shopping and out on the town for dinner or other night time activities.
My favorite shopping malls are Washington Square and Woodburn.
I have been here for 21 years coming from the East Coast and could not be happier in regards to where I live.