Good & bad about Portland, Or?

Question

Am thinking of moving there.

Answer 1

Portland is often voted one of the most liveable cities in America and lots of people move there every year. There are many good things about Portland: 1) a fabulous transit system (light rail train, streetcar, buses) that make it possible to use transit to get almost anywhere, 2) land use planning that prevents urban sprawl and keeps the city's downtown intact (instead of deserted, like most american cities), 3) a tremendous number of recreational opportunities in and around the city, 4) very friendly, helpful people, 5) tons of great restaurants and jazz clubs, 6) neat neighborhoods with lots of character.

The bad stuff: well, the only really bad thing about Portland (or anywhere in Western Oregon) is that it actually rains during most of October through May, and when it is not raining it is overcast/grey. Some people have a tremendous problem with this and get depressed because of not seeing the sun during these many months. That's about the only bad thing. The cost of living isn't bad yet, despite the huge numbers of people moving there. Better move quick!

Answer 2

The Good: Beautiful city and climate. About an hour from the coast and an hour from snowboarding in the mountains. Plenty of things to do outdoors. Beautiful neighborhoods, wonderful landscapes.
The Bad: The job market is not as good as people like to think, but if you have a degree and experience you won't have problems. Housing is a nightmare. Too expensive and too little of it. Artificial growth boundaries have killed Portland's housing. If you're looking to have your own business look somewhere else. There is a current seventy percent vacancy rate in downtown Portland's small business fronts. Businesses that have been there for over a hundred years are leaving. Schooling is horrible. One of the highest funded school districts in the nation and they're still asking for more money and making excuses for why they cannot teach our kids. One of the worst traffic systems in the nation. no repair of city streets and excessive funding into a public transit system used by only six percent of our city's residents.
If you really want to move to Oregon look at one of the outlying communities surrounding Portland. Much more liveable.

Answer 3

Well if I were to visit a big city it would be Portland. this is a good thing.
Bad thing I always get lost when I was driving and would end up in Washington....

Lived in Beaverton years ago.....

Answer 4

I live here and the good would be that there are lots of Tech Jobs that pay well. The bad would be the cost of living.

It rains here in the winter and the summers are warm.

There is lots of outdoor activity in the area.

Answer 5

Little bad except maybe a little too grey/rainy. Good infrastructure, beautiful surroundings, interesting downtown - probably the place I would move if I was looking and could choose.

Answer 6

http://www.city-data.com/city/Portland-Oregon.html
you might want to consider where many live & commute:
http://www.city-data.com/city/Vancouver-Washington.html