How is Portland,OR?

Question

What is portland like im thinking about moving there and was just wondering.

Answer 1

I grew up here, and I always come home. I've been all over the world, and nothing's quite like it.

If you have an interest, you will find it here. If you want a friendly laid-back environment, it's here.
Seasons??? Here.
I can't lie and say it's perfect. No town is. But, the people are friendlier, the crime is lower, the tolerance is higher, and the pace is slower than most.

It's a great balance between big city and small town.

Answer 2

That's a super broad question, but I can try to give you a super broad answer. ; )

The people:

Portlanders are generally very nice. There are many many transplants who visited once and liked the pace and the friendliness of the city. People actually say please, thank you, and you're welcome. Even the blue collar workers (like parking lot attendants) and incredibly nice. It is a more progressive and green city so if the thought of gay people makes your skin crawl, or the thought of professional hippies makes you sick, or you think that caring for the environment is bullhonkey, then you will NOT be happy.

The Weather: It rains off and on from mid september until it decides to stop. During the winter months, even if it's not raining daily, it's grey. Even if you think you like grey and gloomy, it does get to you, so it's generally wise to schedule a mid-winter trip elsewhere (south). The last two summers have been nice, but short. Portland didn't get warm regularly and lose the rain until June or July. But in other years, it's beautiful starting in May and stays that way until October (with temps gradually decreasing). But, the weather has been weird everywhere the past few years.

The Community: Traffic is bad during rush hour, but nothing compared to LA or NYC or San Fran. There is very little smog. The city can be difficult to negotiate, but there is a light rail system that's very accessable in the downtown area. There are some rough areas in and around Portland. Housing is quite expensive in the downtown area and in a view boutique suburbs, but deals can be found if you are willing to travel a little bit or work outside Portland proper. Dining is fantastic in Portland. The nightlife is also quite active. Music, dancing, theater, are all available to you. THe schools in Oregon are rough at best, however, some fabulous schools are available across the river.

Random: There is no Sales Tax in Oregon. There is no State Income Tax in Washington. Many people choose to live & work in Washington and then travel to Oregon for major purchases. It's a great deal.

Wine country is a quixk 30-45 minute drive away. The wines are some of the best in the world. It's a geat place if you love wine or if you want to learn. There's something for everyone.

Surrounding areas: In two hours you can be at Mt St. Helens, Seattle (well, maybe 3), the beach, the mountains, the boondocks, or the river. You can find a nice, safe, place to hike or walk generally within 15-30 minuted of your abode.

Sports: Basketball. AAA baseball. Oregon Football. Lacrosse. AAA Hockey. Local teams. Cycling. Golf (several large tournaments are held locally). Windsurfing/Kiteboarding (some of the best in the world).

But, this is not LA or other large Urban city with tons of 24 hour drive throughs, 24 hour supermarkets, a million nightclubs, and a go go go mentality. Some people enjoy that so Portland comes across as boring.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

I have been thinking the same thing. I just today came from Portland, after spending a week there checking it out. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. Of course, it is September. The air is clear. The transit system is great. People are friendly. The surrounding towns of Portland are also nice. Great bike and hiking trails all around and in Portland. Lots of things to do. Good restaurants. Money wise, it's a good deal for the West Coast.

I say go for it.

Answer 4

It really depends on what you're looking for! My family just moved here from Texas, and we love it. The air is clean, the people are ultra friendly, there's lots of activities for families, and it feels safe. There are quite a few cultural activities/events - and if you like (1) beer (2) local wine (3) local art (4) fresh food, you'll find all in abundance.

That said, the nightlife scene seems to be a bit sparse...perhaps I just don't know where to look yet. And while the seafood is great - the mexican food is horrible.

Housing prices are a bit high - there's a large high-tech presence here, especially on the west side - and that's driven cost of living higher than US average.

If you like the outdoors, this is the place to be - mountains all around, lots of green spaces, beach 2 hours away, etc etc.

Answer 5

We'll be relocating to Portland the beginning of Oct.06. Right now we are living in California's Central Valley and are sick and tired of it ! We have been to Portland a few times for 1 week visits, and we just LOVE it there. So much to do, so green, awesome stores and shops, nice and polite people, diverse population.....everybody does their thing. So....yes....we are looking forward to living there SOON !!!!!!

Answer 6

Thanks for asking! I am also relocating to the Portland area and have noticed that the community is extremely friendly and welcoming. There seems to be a ton of nature-friendly activities and lots to jump into as it relates to cultural events. The diversity is strong in a couple of the suberbs, but once you leave that area it becomes rather vanilla and traditional.

You may also find it helpful to use moving tools or something like that to get a better perspective. Movers web gave me lots of stats that helped me get a better feel for the state and my visits to Beaverton, OR also helped me get more familiar with what to expect there.

Good luck! Thanks for asking the question...responses were helpful to me also!

Answer 7

ive live in portland for a year and i liked it

Answer 8

It's not as rainy as Washington state and not as hot and humid as California.

Answer 9

really not that much compared to other places it rankes as boring ?