United States / Oregon / Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro Metro Area / Multnomah County / Portland / Zip Codes

Review of Portland, Oregon

culture shocked
Star Rating - 12/5/2007
I live in colorado springs. I am married with an autistic child. I am a black female disabled veteran ( I was in the Air Force) my husband is in the Army. We have lived here for 3 years And I love the scenery but it is hard to find jobs and the rental and housing is sky high. I am an army bratt! I started school in Germany and graduated high school in Hawaii I know expensive and this is it. When our son was in kindergarten I picked him up from school instead of my husband and the next day the kids Jumped him.they said he was not yellow white he is yellow black and used the N-word. I was shocked my husband looks mixed or latino and my son looks just like him. I sometimes get those attitudes when my husband and me go out to eat at some places such as Briargate area, Woodland Park, Littleton, etc. I am surprised I only lived here previously when my dad was stationed here when I was 9 I am now in my early 30's. I like to find a place that is cultural, family friendly, We like to eat out sometimes as family and others as mommy and daddy time, education is a must with and autistic 7 year old, and jobs. we are looking for a good place to raise a family. I would consider other cities in colorado or any state for that matter any suggestions?
Christine | Colorado Springs, CO
Reply to this Comment

9 Replies

Wow, that sounds like San Diego. I am also ex military orig from NY, and lived in San Diego for over 20 years. All I can say is, one heck of a totally racist town for sure. Ask anyone that is African American. I figure it does'nt matter how good the weather is if everyone is a total racist. What a misconception the world has of san diego. I now suggest Los Angeles over san diego any day.
Michael | Tempe, AZ | Report Abuse
Agree 8   Disagree 3
Have you found services and or programs to help your autistic child? Would like to relocate from Reno, NV
John | Sun Valley, NV | Report Abuse
Agree 10   Disagree 3
Yes we did
John | Sun Valley, NV | Report Abuse
Agree 5   Disagree 5
I have to STRONGLY disagree with Leo re: South Florida being "excellent when it comes to race." I have family there and have visited for over 30 years. The reason I would NEVER live there is because of the extremely rude behavior and entitlement attitudes of two groups of people. The Latin people and older/retired people. I have never experienced this anywhere else in the United States or Mexico, but it is PRONOUNCED in Florida. I now live in Central Kansas and I suppose that it is probably the best place I have lived in regard to racial equality and/or tolerance. I can't say it is the best, but I too was an Air Force brat and I think we got spoiled because I never seemed to notice racial tensions in that culture. I am white, but have a couple of minorities in my family so we tend to talk about issues like this. My niece's father is black and her mother white, and my niece's husband is Mexican. They live in Lubbock. They have had their share of minor instances, but nothing like your experience. Christine, did you settle in Colorado Springs because there is a military base nearby? I would have thought/hoped you would not find those attitudes around the military. I am particularly disgusted that children that young have been taught that attitude and that language. Their parents are probably too ignorant to be ashamed. Best of luck to you in your search.
Robin | Halstead, KS | Report Abuse
Agree 5   Disagree 4
South florida is excellent when it comes to race. People here are very open minded, and there are jobs...for now. The economy is pretty bad all over the country. I think we are already on a recession, just no one has noticed it. Delray beach is a good place to live and raise a child...also for now. I have an autistic nephew and as far as I know the school is good. There is no real prejudice here since it is mainly latin, and most of us are mixed. I am leaving FL because I am beginning to hate the escess of heat and need a change. I am moving to Portland...lets see how it goes. I am a white latin, but still latin, and also gay though not noticeable. My partner is Brazilian but looks middle eastern...I hope it will all be ok. Good luck!
Leo | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Report Abuse
Agree 5   Disagree 3
well? Minnesota is cold but Minnesota has great medical and is very beautiful. I live in Taylors Falls,MN (you can read my comments) There is a lot of culture here,and a lot of acceptance. Low crime rates also. I am white but never wanted to move to an all white community as for me that's not the real world. We have been very happy here. The schools are ok, I have had worse in the cities. But the surroundings of the community has been mostly a great experience.
Laura | Taylors Falls, MN | Report Abuse
Agree 8   Disagree 4
Christine, unfortunately when you are in a city in which the black population is roughly 6% you are going to have instances like the ones you've mentioned. This would be no different if the situation were reversed (one of our white brothers/sisters moved to College Park, GA - suburb of Atlanta). There are going to be issues regardless of where you live but the question is "are those issues more than what you are willing to deal with"? The same things I hear about Colorado Springs I hear about Charlotte, Raleigh, Denver, Dallas etc (notice the trend). No place is perfect and I'm sure wherever one resides the N-word is not too far behind unfortunately in every community/metropolitan area (white/black/latino - you name it). If you are looking for more diversity then I would suggest relocating to Denver. However, overall I think that Colorado Springs is a great place to live (I enjoyed my 3 years there).
Reginald | Charles Town, WV | Report Abuse
Agree 4   Disagree 3
I have been with my husband in Louisville, Ky for 5 years. I am white he is black. We now have 3 children together, although none of them are school age yet. We have never had any problems here, no looks or comments, or at least any I noticed. We are also both prior service and coming from a military community thought that would be the only place we wouldn't have any problems. We don't like the school district here though and plan to move before our children reach school age. I hope we find a place with good schools, low crime and no racism fools. If you look into Louisville go east, no problems with schools in the very east side of the county and in the two counties to the east. Good luck!!
Robin | Louisville, KY | Report Abuse
Agree 9   Disagree 5
Try Austin, Texas. Great weather, good jobs, affordable housing. Great Tex-Mex food, as Texans love to eat out. You'd feel comfortable there, I think.
Lynne | Eagle River, AK | Report Abuse
Agree 4   Disagree 3
MORE REVIEWS OF PORTLAND, OREGON
- 3/20/2023
There is no One way to see any large city
I lived in Portland for 19 years (I've also lived in Boise, ID, the Bay Area, Austin, TX a...
Amy | Austin, TX | 2 Replies
- 11/8/2022
Great Place, Too Many Cars.
One of the best cities in America. Food scene is the best in the world. Weather is prefera...
Shane | West Haven-Sylvan, OR | No Replies
- 10/10/2022
Houston Transplant, 2022 Portland Review
I moved from Houston to Portland about a year ago. I remember reading the reviews on here ...
Josh | Houston, TX | 4 Replies
- 8/2/2022
Beautiful recreation, hypocritical people
Portland is a super unique place. It is both one of the greatest and one of the crappiest ...
Tyler | Murrieta, CA | 1 Reply
- 4/9/2022
depressing please go somewhere else maybe
ive lived half of my life in seattle and half now in portland, i loved these cities growin...
nesha | Bethany, OR | No Replies
- 11/11/2021
Portland. A Critically broken & ill City.
I've lived in Portland for over 20 years (split with a 10 year move to Los Angeles) and it...
Alexander | Portland, OR | 2 Replies

Privacy Policy  •  Terms of Use  •  Returns & Refunds
© Best Places. All rights reserved.