Reviews & Comments
Portland, OR
We Like Portland -
4/23/2006Why is it that the only negative comments about Portland are from intolerant people who want things the "way they were." Yes, Portland has undergone some changes and a influx of "outsiders". But I consider this a good thing. Whereas in the past, the food was terribleand boring, the cultural scene was boring, and the population was horribly homogenous, these "outsiders" (read, Californians, East Coast people) have done a lot to diversify the city and to bring a much-needed infusion of sophistication to Portland.
If you're complaining about real estate prices, Portland is still relatively cheap for a large city on the West Coast. In fact, it is probably the cheapest major metropolitan area on the West Coast. If you don't believe this, check out the average home prices in Seattle, San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Even home prices in less-than-desirable areas in California such as the Central Valley have shot through the roof and have probably outpaced Portland's increases.
Yeah, the weather is sometimes depressing (this is the Northwest) and I wish there were more innovative high tech companies here, but this is a very nice area to move to.