What BestPlaces Users Say about Portland
Portland, Oregon is a dynamic city known for its vibrant arts scene, outdoor recreation opportunities, and progressive culture. It has a population of over 600,000 people and is consistently ranked as one of the best cities to live in the United States. With such high praise, it's no surprise that many people have chosen to make Portland their home. To get a better understanding of what it's like to live in this city, I have included summaries of user reviews from BestPlaces.net.
According to a review from "Mark," Portland is "a city that truly lives up to its reputation." He goes on to mention the city's charm, friendly residents, and abundance of coffee shops and microbreweries. Another user, "Samantha," agrees, stating that Portland is "a dream city for anyone who loves nature and outdoor activities." She also highlights the city's food scene and bustling downtown.
However, not all reviews are glowing. A user named "Jonathan" mentions that while he loves the city's culture and opportunities, the high cost of living can be a challenge. He also points out the growing issue of homelessness in certain areas of the city. Similarly, "Jessica" mentions that the traffic and commute times in Portland can be a downside, although she still enjoys living there overall.
In summary, it's clear that Portland has a lot to offer, from its unique culture to its beautiful outdoor spaces. While some reviewers mention challenges such as high costs and traffic, the majority of users are happy with their decision to live in this dynamic and diverse city. As "Mark" puts it, "Portland truly is a gem in the Pacific Northwest."
based on 386 ReviewsGet to know Portland with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Portland
Rain!! - 7/3/2011
On a sunny day Portland and the whole Oregon Valley is an incredibly bueatiful place. Unfortunately, the sunny days are few an between.. I would guess that on average Portland has about 300 days of clouds/rain... and by rain I mean drizzle which may not sound as bad as heavy rain but trust me after a solid month of drizzle and NO SUN you will be crazy!! On the other hand, the Summer, once they start, is amazing. It rarely gets above 95, and in the summer it barely ever rains. an average day in July is around 80-85 and sunny :). However, summer can take a long time to start. This year (2011), we set a record for portland having the fewest June days above 80 degrees with 2!!
Overall, I hate the weather here. I need sun to function at a high level... But maybe thats just me.
Hope this helps in your desicion making!
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Portland - 6/26/2011
There are different things to do at any time of year here. And you don't have to go far to do them. You can hike, go clubbing, coffee shops, wine tasting, and boating all within a 20 mile
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PORTLAND DISAPPOINTING IN MAY WAYS - 6/24/2011
PROS: Gorgeous scenery/lots of outdoor activities/great food/wineries FOR 3 MONTHS OF THE YEAR! Best public transit system anywhere!
CONS: Weather! Weather! Weather! 9 straight months of a watery DARK dungeon. No-one is outside, everyone is inside, miserable and mean. That's why it seems like everyone is passive aggressive- they have 9 months to stew about other people, gossip about other people, and sleep and watch tv. It truely is a depressing place. There is not a ray of sunshine. It is like a gray flannel blanket thrown over the city and surrounding areas for 9 solid months. Been here 2 years, 2 people we know have committed suicide. And people here say the like the rain....Riiiiight. They say they like the "mild" weather.....9 months of wet 40 degree weather is mild?.....they say there's lots to do....if you are only active 3 months of the year yes. TRAFFIC- awful, bike riders in the city cutting in-between cars, cursing and banging on the sides
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If you like the sun DO NOT MOVE HERE - 6/22/2011
I moved to Portland about 4 1/2 years ago, and I'm not sure what happened, but every time I came up to visit before I moved the weather was BEAUTIFUL. And even the first two years were OK. But the last two years?! HORRIBLE. Everyone keeps saying, Oh, This is abnormal, we usually get more sun. Seriously? I am so sick of the rain and gloom up here. I have lived in Southern CA, Northern CA, and Southern OR, and never once have I experienced the depression that I feel up here for pretty much 9 months of out the year. The summers are beautiful - when it finally decides to show up!! What is typical is that we will have a beautiful gorgeous day, but it only lasts one day, the next it is back to clouds. And I'm not talking a few clouds, I'm talking overcast ALL DAY. What's a shame is that things are going really well for me up here - except for the weather. I get so frustrated and unhappy that my boyfriend and I have almost broken up several times. I do regret my decision to move
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I would just like to say - 6/22/2011
Guess what? Some people ACTUALLY like rainy weather. Is that such a problem? People always say "you shouldn't move here because of all the clouds and rain". But some people WANT to move here because of it. Did that ever occur to you? And to all those who say it limits outdoor activities? Portland people are some of the most outdoor type people I know. The rain doesn't stop them, and come on, it's not like it's thunderstorming and down pouring, typically it's light rain and more cloudy than actual rain, which is nice when you're outdoors because it prevents you from being sunburnt. Don't call us dirty just because we're rugged by nature either. Another thing, if you think all Portland people think this and that they all purposefully think alike, I disagree. Being originally from Portland and now living in LA, so many of my old friends say how jealous they are that I live in a sunny climate. The sun I can stand, the heat I can't, therefore I can't wait to move
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Miserable Place to Live 9 months out of the year - 6/17/2011
You know it rains in Portland. But it doesn't just rain, it is completely dark gray 9 months of the year with not a hint of light. It feels like it's 8pm all day. Its a dark watery grave. Then 3 months of glorious summer. If you come in the summer you will love it and you will want to live here. Try coming back for the other 9 months and see how you like it, before you move. People try to tell you they "enjoy" the rain. Riiiiight. They tell you they like the "mild" weather....9 months of wet weather makes 40 degrees mighty cold. They'll tell you that it's no big deal to go into work drenched and wet, because no-one cares! Portland was voted the #1 most most miserable place to live, by Newsweek.
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Give it 4 years..... - 6/15/2011
I'm finally moving out of pdx, end of this year. I loved it here the first 3 years. I hear this a lot from people. Then by year 4, something starts to happen...depression sets in longer, the clouds feel darker, you become more reclusive just like everyone else. Here I am 6 years later and felt like I got sucked in to a black hole. I've tried every possible therapy, medication, alternative medicine, TONS of vitamin D. Nothing can replace SUNSHINE! I think the summers have gotten shorter. Last year summer fell on July 21st, that was it. Seriously, 4 weeks of what I'd call "warm" if we're lucky. You'll love it at first and think you're in heaven, it's very beautiful. But slowwwllly the lack of light will creep up on you and you'll wake up wondering who you are.
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Portland Culture /Recreation - 6/5/2011
Portland is a very unique city. There are many pros to the area--lots of activities, great restaurants, microbrews, some decent wine. Also great for outdoor activities--hiking, windsurfing in the gorge, beutiful scenery, an hour and half or so from the mountains, or the coast. People are not overly friendly but also not rude like you might experience in a bigger city. Generally clean, and it's a green enviroment--although good to have environmental concerns it is taken to extreme here with some people overzeolous.
Primary cons to this area are that it rains 8-9 months out of the year, so a small window of opportunity for outdoor activities, unless you don't mind the rain. It has been called anti business, OR has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, so career opportunities are likely limited. Extremely liberal political climate, where the motto seems to be tax and spend, without accountibility. The liberals of the city/Multnomah county tend to
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Here is the lowdown on Portland.. - 5/22/2011
I've lived in the Portland area for about 4 years. I have also lived in several other states/cities. Pros and cons... PROS- not alot of traffic usually, nature (trees, rivers,lakes,mountains,etc.), good public transportation and social services (except when you need an MRI or CT scan, not alot of African-Americans, affordable rents. CONS- corrupt and criminal police, judges, etc. Very sneeky spineless people everywhere. Rednecks and Nazi-types abound. Lots of gossip and shunning of unique people, and people won't level with you. Many evil sheep-people here. It comes from the ancestry of English protestant I think. Very snooty and snobby, but I still can't for the life of me figure out what for?? The women here are nothing spectacular but seem very impressed with themselves. Baffling! they are followers here. If you are a clone or a drone with no spine.. you will like it here. i lost a job due to slander from an unknown source (still don't know who the cowardly worm is).
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If you have kids and attend functions in the Rose - 5/18/2011
Portland, OR is a very diverse city that I have had the pleasure to call my home for many years. While I love the culture and "vibe" of the city, I did not realize the major thing that downtown Portland is lacking until I had a child: public restrooms! Yikes! Even to watch the 4th of July firework display, there are never enough bathrooms and storekeepers do not allow non-customers to use theirs. Portland is a very friendly city for adults, but needs a little work before it can be considered family friendly. Other than that,
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