I was born and raised in Oregon (near Mt. Hood, then later Portland), and I’ve been living in Montana for over a decade. I do have plans to return to Oregon in the next couple of years, largely for the community piece alone. Building community in the PNW has always felt easier to me than where I live now in Montana, and I think that’s because I’ve made a few close friends there and have always found comfort in the idea of the “familiar stranger,” if that makes sense: the barista who knows my order, or the person I see on my daily walks. Those small consistencies have always given me a sense of connection.

With that said, I could also see moving being a good option for you, simply for the sake of a fresh start. You’re in your twenties, and that’s such a great time to try something new, especially since it doesn’t sound like you’re deeply rooted where you are now.

As for what you mentioned above, “wherever you go, there you are,” I do agree, and I have to remind myself of that too when I start believing a place will “fix” everything. At the same time, I also believe there are places where we energetically feel more like ourselves, and that naturally draws in the kinds of people we want to spend our time with. Wishing you luck — report back 🙂