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
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Not Depressing at all - 6/1/2007
I've lived in Portland for almost my whole life and i never came up with any sign of depression. Don't think too much about how bad it is, look on the bright side, gee. It's better than any other place i've lived
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Lived in Portland for 5 years - 5/25/2007
...and there are certainly people who will find it perfect, but of course nothing is perfect. Unless you are downtown or along a well-traveled route, the public transit system is lacking (ie: one bus that runs every 30 minutes, and stops running at 9pm). I ended up buying a car after not having owned one for 8 years (I relocated from Chicago), because I got tired of standing in the rain waiting for the one bus that went by my workplace. The winters are definitely long, grey, and wet - it literally can rain nearly all the time for weeks or months on end. I wouldn't mind if it only lasted a few months, but after 4 or 5 months you are very ready for summer. And the summers are beautiful! They almost make up for the winters (almost, but not quite). If you are NOT outdoorsey, then scratch a lot of things off the list that many consider to be positive attributes. Still a drug problem (meth) in this town. Caucasians are in the vast majority, with Asians second. It's the whitest
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Taking a Good Look at Portland - 5/25/2007
I'm currently living on the coast of New Hampshire and working in Boston. I have heard many things, good and bad, about Portland OR, and I am giving a LOT of thought into actually living there when I finish my military tour in 18 months. I'm single, and I have no kids, and very liberal-minded so I'm more interested in the social culture/life of Portland as well as the neighborhoods and what it is like to live/work
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Properties Appreciating In The Portland Metro Area - 5/24/2007
Here is a great article written by the Associated Press regarding the Portland metro housing market:
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS - 12/27/06, 6:07 P.M.
PORTLAND REAL ESTATE PRICES BUCK NATIONAL TREND
By Tim Fought
(AP) — PORTLAND, Ore. — While residential real estate prices have turned south in much of the United States, Portland's housing stock continues to appreciate, and by double-digit percentages.
Why? Young families looking for hip, yet livable, places. Retirees following their kids around. Wads of cash inherited from the World War II generation. Tight supplies caused by the planning and zoning restrictions that lead to "livability." Easy terms for even first-time buyers. Relatively higher prices next door in California.
Explanations from those in the real estate business are abundant, which itself may help to explain the continued rise in prices.
The S&P/Case-Shiller composite index for 20 major markets in the
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Best City in the nation - 5/23/2007
We have lived in Portland, OR for 24 years. It remains one of the cleanest, most progressive and innovative cities in the nation. I am proud to call Portland my
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Portland is a great place to live for about 3 year - 5/16/2007
Portland is a great place to live for about 3 years. That is about how long the rain and lackadaisical nature of the people can fool you into thinking it is some sort of promise land. If you want to have an easy life, hang out, and have no real ambition this might be the place. If you want to actually go somewhere in life you'll find the economy sucks and there are a bunch of over educated pseudo hippies vying for a limited number of low paying jobs. Would I ever move back, maybe when I
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Education 19.1 Students per Teacher?? - 5/13/2007
I have to question where this number came from? I have lived in Portland since 1992 and it has been a never ending plea for more money more money more money for the schools. Overcrowded classrooms at 30+ students per teacher and so on.... The attitude of more money equals better teacher is what they preach but they are the highest paid teachers in the US now. If the teacher earns $68,000 per year now but can teach better if they get a 15% raise. I don't know about this, I give my job all I can give everyday, if I get a handy raise I will be happy and feel rewarded but it won't help me do a better job. Guess I should be a teacher.....
Don't get me wrong, I love Portland and don't want to live anywhere else. There is so much here, Mountain, rivers, the ocean within an easy drive. Snow skiing without living in the snow. Big City perks without the BIG CITY...
But, back to education.... I pay $900.00 per month to send my son to private school for a superior education
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Vancouver: the crown in Portlandia... - 5/11/2007
that's Vancouver, WA, just across the Columbia River. "The Couv" has better school systems, better economy, no state income tax, great medical care and very nice neighborhoods. Sure, that's true of many suburbs of other cities, but most don't have the "next state over" choice of a better infrastructure than the hub city. We can enjoy Portland's night life, terrific restaurants, then cross the river back home.
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Friendly - 5/11/2007
This is a very friendly city where people are polite and very
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