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
Taxpayers and Christians beware of Portland - 4/10/2007
I've lived in the Portland metro area for more than 12 years and I keep moving further out to escape the ever-increasing taxes and insane public policy changes. The city has always been corrupt, only now the backroom deals are done between developers and political liberals. The Klan has been replaced by equally vicious animal rights terrorists (this is no exaggeration--these people are dangerous, so don't cross them). Self-righteous humanists are dominant in the schools and public life. Our Congressman Earl Blumenauer was one of the few to vote against a resolution supporting Christmas. The lunatics are running the asylum here. If you know how to work hard, you can run circles around the potheads, but they will tax you to death as you do.
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Portland - RACIST BIG TIME!! If you're Black, DO - 4/6/2007
As an African American originally from Seattle, I moved to Portland because of a family member needing my help.
I noticed there are not very many African Americans in Portand. And, after being there a while, I know why. I have never been in a city that is so racist - especially against African Americans. Rednecks are abundant and ignorance of Afriacn Americans is unreal. I'm going back to Seattle where I can feel comfortable and see more diversity. I was shocked whenever I'd see one of my own in Portland, Oregon. Hillbilly City...you can have it. I'M OUTTA HERE!!
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Beautiful but so weird. - 4/3/2007
There are few places in America more picturesque than Portland. It is breathtakingly green and flowery and when the sun is out after a rain shower and you see Mt. Hood looming over town it is hard to argue. But I'd rather take an uglier city with nice, down-to-earth people over a beautiful city inhabited by weirdos and hippies.
Unfortunately Portland is just strange. The downtown area is full of homeless kids lounging out on the sidewalk playing music asking for handouts. They call it "The People's Republic of Multnomah" for a reason--it's is waaaay liberal. I'm from Colorado originally and didn't think I'd notice the political and cultural differences. But there was an obvious shift from my hometown Focus on the Family crowd to the Greenpeace and gay rights emphasis in P-Town. The people are too laid-back and are a lot different from most places in the middle of America.
It's a nice place and people, though odd, are still very friendly. If you're
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Love it and hate it..... - 3/26/2007
After growing up in Washington, living in Seattle and now Portland for a few years, I'm ready for the sun, too. I can't complain too much, because I truly love Portland; for the beer, arts and acceptance of alternative lifestyles. It is almost a requirement to be gay and artsy, and there are yummy restaurants and breweries in abundance....I agree with the last person who wrote that you can't go wrong if you come here on vacation in the summer. But, living here can be a drag. It use to be a a great getaway from the craziness of Seattle, but now the traffic and the cost of living is just as bad. My girlfriend was recently diagnosed with Seasonal Depression Disorder and since her only two options are medication or a sunnier climate....then, I must say, farewell Pacific
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quality of life in portland? - 3/26/2007
hello. my partner and i are interested in moving to portland, oregon. and yes, we are from southern california. i have visited portland several times over the last few years and find that i quite like it. it just feels like home. can anyone tell me about the quality of life in portland - such as the people? the nite life? the real estate? gay friendly? social? cultured? i understand that it rains alot there so is no need to reiterate that point. :) i just want to know how the rest of life there can be.
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From a Naive Native - 3/25/2007
Portland is a wonderful city! I have lived here all my life and I have never needed a driver's license because our public transportation is so good and relatively inexpensive. An All-Zone bus pass runs about $80 a month and you can get from Gresham to Hillsboro and anywhere in between (although it will take you longer than driving)!
The rain in the area west of the Cascades can be oppressive for some people, myself included. I try to make an escape to either a sunny climate or the east side of the state for at least one week in the winter, and that helps immensely! Many people do not realize that the east side (the high-dessert) of the state typically sees 300 days of sunshine each year!
Portland can be a difficult place to break into until you have found your niche. The "club" scene is pretty much for traditional aged college students, so it is hard for someone new to the area in their late twenties and up to meet people... at first. The key to meeting
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Portland is for 'food-ies' - 3/18/2007
Portland has fantastic food - grocery stores include Whole Foods, New Seasons, and the usual big chains. Also, Portland has a vast collection of marvelous restaurants of every variety for every
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If you can't take the heat... - 3/18/2007
Regarding the attitude against outsiders moving in. That is nothing new in Portland or anywhere else. I grew up in Oregon and it was way back in the 70's that they came out with the bumper stickers saying "Welcome to Oregon, Now Go Home." However, Portland isn't unique. I live in coastal NC right now and the attitude here is exactly the same. Except instead of anti-Californian, it's anti-Yankee. Yep, those Yankees have come in and ruined everything. If you're going to leave your hometown and move some place where the cost of living is lower so you can trade in your old 1961 tract home for a brand new McMansion, you are going to get attitude from the locals who are stuck in their own 1961 tract home. So develop a thick skin, or stay put. That said, I would give my right arm to move back to Portland. Best city in the world! I'll take 5 months of drizzle over the 5 months of oppressive humidity here
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Porland is great to live by just not in - 2/3/2007
I grew up 20 miles north of portland (P-town), in vancouver WA., untill about 3 years ago when I moved to Utah. I would never recommend living in P-town to anyone. The outskirts are much cleaner and far less crime. In P-town you have to be careful of what streets you drive down, especially at night. I would never go there at night alone, ever. The down town area is filled with bars and night clubs, all of which are about as trashy as you can get. If your into transexuals and very promiscuas dirty people than this is the place for you. On the brighter side, P-town is great to live outside of. It offers a great art culture and miles of wonderfull downtown shopping. As long as you know where your going and it's daytime you'll have a great time. During the summer there are carnivals and something called 'The Satuarday Market' where local venders come to sell their crafts, clothing and anything else you can think of. I've gotten some of my favorite jewelry there. There is also live
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