We moved to Portland about a year ago, but we've taken several trips to Seattle and think we may like it there better there. What are some of the main differences that make you think one or the other is better?
2006-09-13 15:42:36 · 12 answers · asked by rainydaygirl 1 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Seattle
Seattle is more scenic, the weather is better, and there is much more activities. Not to mention, it is more centrally located to National Parks, Vancouver, Victoria, and of course Portland.
I would choose (and I did choose) Seattle.
2006-09-14 17:28:17 · answer #1 · answered by seattlecutiepie 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Follow up question: Glad I found this post! I am trying to decide between Portland and Seattle myself. Think I am going with Seattle but what areas are SAFE and affordable? I have dogs too... is it going to be a problem trying find an apartment? What about the art scene? I heard that Portland has these great festivals - how is it in Seattle? And are the people friendly?
2006-09-16 01:05:01 · answer #2 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's funny you should say that. I lived in Seattle for a while because I needed to be there, but I found Portland to be more charming than Seattle on the whole.
I like the fact that there's a light rail in Portland, that their Downtown is full of trees, and there are more little atmospheric touches like the bridges...street lamps...organized landscaping. I know that's seems so minor and nitpicky, but it adds up.
Seattle's grandiose monorail plans always seem to implode before construction even starts. While Seattle's skyline is larger, it's kind of bland at "street-level" compared to Portland. Seattle is also less friendly and more attitude-laden.
Although I will admit that Seattle is blessed with a better location on the Puget Sound. Portland is pretty much in the middle of nowhere, at the tail end of a dusty farming valley on one side (and a volcano + nuclear power plant on the other side). In terms of convienence, I also liked being close to Vancouver and Victoria. Plus, SEA-TAC airport is also superior to PSX in practically every way.
2006-09-14 21:28:00 · answer #3 · answered by SFdude 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just get your butts here! You'll L;OVE it. Seattle is the "most livable" big city in the country. If you liked the feel of Portland, you'll be crazy about Seattle. Bellevue is a good place to start a family if you don't mind the traffic across the floating bridges when you want to get into Seattle proper. Frankly, I'd look north to Edmonds or Mukilteo if I were starting a family. Very nice communities which are still close enough to get to Seattle in half an hour or so, but far enough away to feel "out of town." EDIT: I REALLY like Robert's answer, and even though he's only been here 10 years (compared to my 62!)---he's got it figured out pretty well. Obviously an amazing guy I wish I knew--and extremely perceptive about a really special city. Hope you will be joining us here!
2016-03-27 00:32:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seattle has more going on- fast paced, lively, etc.
Portland is not as lively, but it's sort of cute in a smalltowny sort of way (even though it's not really small).
Seattle is NOT just for businesses, it's NOT just cosmopolitan/sophisticated, it's great for families too (there's so much to do!). By big city, it's not dirty or anything like NYC, it's clean and gorgeous and the natural beauty of the area is very present even downtown.
Seattle has a lot of great food and art and technology and politness,
Portland has a lot of hospitality and families and welcomeness...
It depends on you,
but I'd pick seattle.
2006-09-15 15:48:00 · answer #5 · answered by sarahg 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think Seattle is better, but I've lived in Tacoma for 21 years, so I may be a bit biased.
On fact though is that the weather in Seattle is a little more moderate than Portland. In other words, it's a little warmer in winter and a little cooler (as much as 10 degrees) in the summer.
Good luck deciding!
2006-09-14 13:04:19 · answer #6 · answered by midlandsharon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Portland is definately more laid back, but I prefer Seattle. I think people are more environmentally friendly in Seattle and in Portland there appears to be more crime. Portland is cheaper to live in though. Seattle gets a little less snow that Portland because of the Puget Sound, but I think the Puget Sound has a lot more to offer than the Columbia. I've lived in both areas (just outside the cities) and have found I enjoy Seattle more, but once I retire I think I want to settle into the Portland area where life is a little more laid back.
2006-09-14 17:53:35 · answer #7 · answered by Serena 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Portland. Cheaper cost of living, actually less rain!, not as crowded, less crime, more snow activities, better year round scenery. Plus it is always nice to have Seattle only a short drive a way. A great place to escape on the weekends and do all the touristy things you know you wouldn't do if you lived there...
2006-09-14 17:35:37 · answer #8 · answered by I Drive a Mini 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you like Grand Opera, Symphony Concerts, and the Legitimate Theatre, there is no contest - Seattle has it over Portland by a Mile.
2006-09-14 14:40:07 · answer #9 · answered by fatsausage 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Portland, because it is beautiful and not as fast paced as Seattle. Unless you are an entrepeneur, then Seattle is the way to go. It all depends on your future goals and career. Home is where the heart is. Good luck on your decision.
2006-09-13 15:51:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋