Oregon Native ; Portland and Salem are horrible
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7/19/2021
I was born in Portland 42 years ago and during my lifetime the city has really gone to hedouble hockey sticks. Especially in the last five years with the last two being the worst yet.
In 2020 we endured riots for close to a year with the local government doing nothing and claiming that the rioters were peaceful. This was not the case . So much damage to property downtown many had to close business for good. So here are other things that have just gone away and what you can expect if visiting or relocating here.
Lots and lots of homeless . Large camps like pretty much everywhere. Factors are that housing is not just overpriced but availability is very limited. As far as jobs go yes you can work but don’t expect stability . It’s either you will be hired and scheduled just right below the amount of hours needed for benefits, benefits provided but too costly for the employees or no benefits are offered . You won’t find a career here really that will provide a sustained income and longevity . We pay property tax at an insane hiked rate plus income taxes .
Then there is the crime ! So many many many stolen cars !! Tons of property damage occurs and recently the amount of gun violence has soared. I swear each night on news there is at least two people killed from gun violence at the present time .
Lots of fly by night scan employees come in and out . Also many “start up “ companies with Californian transplants at the lead of these.
Most people are scraping by to make rent .
Also expect to see used needles on the ground . They seem to be everywhere regardless of city or outplaying suburb .
I have lived in Texas , VA , FL, and ID. Comparably majority of people in Oregon don’t care about their neighbors nor would stop to talk with you if they don’t know you. And if you need help for a medical emergency or other reasons honestly it’s rare that you will find it from others . Not saying it doesn’t happen but more often it doesn’t than it does.
People stealing cars and doing other forms of illegal acts are not getting arrested . If they do it’s usually like a ticket that they have to appear in court and if they do get taken to jail they are usually right back out same day .
Don’t know what happened but this potentially amazing place has turned toxic and rancid. Do yourself a favor and just skip our state and cities for a bit. It will even out with time but right now … yeah it’s really really bad .
Rebecca | Portland, OR