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
don't move here - 5/9/2007
I have lived in Portland for 14 years. You don't want to move here, the traffic is terrible, Californians are moving here by the droves and bringing their bad attitudes, selfishness, uppity behaviors, reckless driving habits, lack of respect for the envirionment, and all-over toxicity. Home prices have shot through the roof because Californians are willing to pay anything for the homes here. The Californians say they come here to "get away from it all" yet they demand the same lousy strip-malls and fast-food joints that they had in California. When it isn't raining, and that is not often, one tries to get out into nature yet every yahoo from different states brings their 40 foot motor home with a generator to our parks/recreation areas destroying our wilderness experience. And they demand development in pristine areas so they can drive their fat lazy as#@ into the wilderness instead of hiking there; so their spoiled self can sleep between 400 count silk sheets. I'm going to move
Read More
Start Your Review of Portland
If You Want Lilly White, Portland Is for You... - 4/29/2007
Living in Portland for two years was all I could take. As an African American, in such a lilly white city, I just was not comfortable. Plus, I never really felt like I was in a major city there. I grew up in LA and have lived in Portland and now Seattle. I'm loving Seattle. It reminds me of LA and I feel like I'm in a major city again. Seattle has the diversity I want to. When I was in Portland, I felt like I could have been in Iceland. Plus, I found the white people in Portland seem to for the most part be uneasy around African Americans. I heard the "N" word more there in two years than my whole life elsewhere. So, I guess what I'm saying is, If you're white, Portland's right. I was very bored in Portland. Not much in the way of sports teams, and just out the most boring city I've been
Read More
TAX, TAX, TAX, and MORE I-TAX, still losing servic - 4/29/2007
Oregon is one of the highest taxed states, Portland (Multnomah Co.) is even worse! We just finished paying a three year added tax for Multnomah Co. to help restore services, but nothing to show for it. Schools are being closed, law enforcement is being cut, the health department is going
Read More
quality of life - 4/26/2007
I have lived in Portland since 1979 as a young man. Growing up here was an adventure. By 19 I was scuba diving the coasts, skydiving, skiing the mountains, and living the outdoor life. It has not changed, I have since enjoyed teaching windsurfing, and teaching scuba diving. Politics? I just live the way I want regardless of who is in office. Religion? Same thing.
Growth? Well of course it has happened and things are a little crowded, but it is easy to like living here especially if you like outdoor life.
Traffic? Not so good now, but better than other big cities. Crime? The rate per population is the same as 1950, but the news reporting makes it seem to be
Read More
Oh no more rain! - 4/26/2007
I moved to Portland area about 5 years ago from the San Francisco Bay area. I knew it rained here, but oh my goodness, no one told me I would need webbed feet. It is gorgeous here, but due to the lack of sunshine, there is also a lack of vitamin D, and this can lead to depression. Just something to
Read More
Moving to Portland...need more info - 4/13/2007
As a single, young professional female I am very excited to be moving to Portland in a few months from Colorado. I have done quite a bit of research on the area, but still have a few questions for anyone out there.
**I would like suggestions on best places to live...and to get more specific, I prefer suburbs out of the metro city. A little more concervative neck of the woods would suit me fine. I know i am politically outnumbered there, but by no means am I a liberal, socially, or otherwise.
**Are there many young professionals in this town?
Thanks for your help
Read More
Ocean, mountains, desert, we have it all - 4/10/2007
We're right by the ocean, the mountains, the desert, we get snow & sun.....we have it all.
I know it rains but it's never bothered me that much because it makes it so green and pretty. Some places are so brown.
It would be nice to have a few more sunny days, but I guess you can't have everything.
Portlanders are not fashion conscious, very laid back and casual when it comes to clothing. Designer bags and $400 shoes do not impress here.
I think the people are very friendly. We are a bit liberal in Portland but it's all relative, it's what makes us so tolerant. It's an integrated area and I haven't noticed racism like the one poster encountered.
All in all, I think Portland is quirky and
Read More