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
Portland - 12/1/2008
A vibrant, elegant, and beautiful city with intelligent and benevolent people, all hidden in a temperate rain
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Rain - 11/14/2008
It rains a lot. I am often surrounded by
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love the clouds - 11/1/2008
long, gray winters and drizzly mornings are familiar friends in portland. california can keep their blue skies and
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Way too liberal - 10/21/2008
Too many homeless people living here. The city provides way too many ammenities that attract this type of person. The city has given them land to live on within the city, as long as they can build a shack to live in. No taxes, just free housing. Too many young people with nowhere to go, but to hang around in groups panhandling. Portland has changed considerably in the last 15 years and not for the
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Just getting by... - 10/21/2008
I moved to Portland as a mid-life venue change in April of 2008. My kids were old enough to leave and I was tried of living in "Missery" (this is a state, both mental and geographical!). I wanted to be closer to the ocean (grew up in S CA) and missed smelling pine trees and seeing actual mountains instead of worn out hills.
After the initial thrill, I have found this to be more challenging than expected. The cost of living is high. The poverty level is a tad overwhelming (homeless are everywhere). And trying to find a teaching position has proven to be quite daunting. I have 9+ years of teaching secondary science and had always been told that a science degree is a sure hire. This seems to be a non-sequiter in OR. I have been told by more than one person that trying to get a teaching position in OR is VERY CHALLENGING! I have applied to over 20 positions and have only had one interview.
So, while I may enjoy the fact that I can get to very beautiful
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i heart pdx - 10/7/2008
portland is a wonderful place to call home because the cost of living is reasonable, but you still have access to wonderful restaurants, music, art and beautiful green spaces everywhere you
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Dating, Jobs ... You name it! - 10/4/2008
I am amazed everyday that this city functions at all. While the suburban areas outside of the Portland City limits offer great family living, with year around snow cap mountains, wonderful ocean beaches only just an hour away in either direction all too sadly sooner or later you will have to go into the city. Once there it is a battle ground between militant cyclist who dare you to use the city streets, within with workplace there is always a raging battle between the Democrats and Conservatives who own all the successful businesses/corporations; and neither will have nothing to do with the narrow minded Republicans, plus in the dating world if you cannot prove that you are a card carrying PC TruBluLiberal you will be kicked to the curb in NYC heartbeat. Everything is all based upon your party politics and if you are not in the IN-CROWD, you actually may not even be given a raise at work. The only clear way that I can best describe the general atmosphere in Portland is to compare
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Portland, OR >>> An old city, appealing to the you - 10/4/2008
Portland is a very strangely laid out city. Younger families seem to be drawn to the older sections (northeast: Hollywood area). Cost of housing is way above true value. Portland's density is rapidly becoming undesirable for those seeking some solace. A better fringe city might be: Tigard, Wilsonville, and points south. Portland gets even more rain than
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YUK - 9/27/2008
This town is so stuck up that I couldn't wait to leave when I was there visiting. Rent too high and jobs just weren't there like most think they are - too big and too crowded - its a mini Los
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Same crime ratings for Portland and Los Angeles? - 9/11/2008
The crime ratings seem quite off. I've spent a fair amount of time in Portland and loads of time in Los Angeles ( most of 28 years ). Both cities the same violent crime rating on this site ( 7 of 10 ) but Portland has nowhere near the amount of crime LA
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