However driving towards the coast or to Portland might not be possible at all times. The past two years, we started putting together a list of pros and cons for each city (check out Portland & NYC). (And when the 2009 economic meltdown hit, a lot of those former co-workers got laid off and suddenly realized a steady job at Costco could be pretty sweet.). If I may ask, do Portlander’s fear a real estate bubble, or does the current trend really feel sustainable? Portland was a cool place to visit but just wasn’t for me. Big plus. Living in Portland puts you geographically between the Columbia and Willamette rivers, the former creating a natural border between Oregon and Washington State. Homelessness is the most visible issue with the state of rent and real estate prices, which means you can see families sleeping in parks, medians, and even doorways. Thank you for the tips. Considering a move to Portland area (in the near future) and also love to travel. I’m not sure if large classroom sizes are a thing in California, but in Oregon that seems to be the case. Our daughter thinks we are, but crazy has always worked for us the past. I love the environment. Thank you so much for this write up; it’s the first truly even handed perspective that I have seen. If you are new to Portland or are visiting and you want to take a culinary tour of the city, then your best bet is to choose an ethnic restaurant or a place that serves fresh seafood that was just taken off of the boat. The state has a lower heath care quality rating than most. Oregon’s Particular Weaknesses (Living in Oregon Cons) The state has a higher overall crime rate than most states. So many places to go — the mountains, the beach, even the parks closer in — and so many places you can sit outside with your dog while enjoying a coffee or a beer. I LOVED seeing actual seasons because I come from Southern California where we have perpetual summer. To add one more to the cons: Oregon drivers and their love of tailgating. 13 Pros of Living in Portland, Oregon #1 Portland is GREEN I mean this two ways – we have a lot of trees (even redwoods and sequoias) and we’re very environmentally conscious. Thanks for taking the time to offer your two cents!! Sign up for the email list and join a robust community of 40,000+ monthly readers — you’ll always be in the know. Once you begin to figure out how to navigate the complex grid that the city provides, you’ll find that almost everything is a quick trip away. Kind of weird at first because strangers talk to you and stuff, but more pleasant than the East Coast "frown in public always" attitude. Cons: * It rains. My wife and I are considering moving to Portland with our 7 month old son. And yes, Portland speaks to some but not to all. That place is like magic! Pros: Oregon is absolutely beautiful. . Portland offers lots of different community activities for you to join throughout the year. This is the darker aspect of the Portland reserve and something we definitely had to adjust to. There is a large Jewish community in Portland, as well as many Asian Americans. I am a vegetarian. I am wanting to move there early next year (2021). Many neighborhoods in Portland weren’t built in mass clusters. We had a dog during our time there and found the area one of the best places in the country for canines. It also offers some world-class beaches, stunning national parks, and quiet roads where you may not encounter someone for miles. No sales tax in Oregon--mild temperature in the summer -- rarely over 90 degrees--low crime rate compared to most large cities--lower housing cost than most of So Cal. Crime, especially violent crime, is very low in Portland. It really is a lovely place to be. Portland is a great place to live! During a bad season, the air quality here can be worse than what it is in Mexico City. Trying to navigate the highways and bridges of Portland is challenging for even the best drivers. 0 0. I’m hoping that this doesn’t ruin our new found journey in the beautiful town. MAPS OF COOS BAY, OREGON Check out the latest Maps in a variety of categories including cost of living, population, and commute time. A note from the editor: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. There is a place perfect for you in Oregon somewhere. Honestly, life is pretty normal here. Portland used to be affordable, but it is one of the cities that is consistently leading the country in rising rental costs. Thanks for the info! I had my come to Jesus moment end of 2019/early 2020 when it just didn’t make any sense for me to keep being miserable. The pros obviously won out for us, but we’ve listed everything so you can decide for yourself! ), opening car doors with oven mitts (bye, bye AZ and New Mexico) and budget (can’t remain in So. It can be tough to find a place to live if you’re renting. * High cost of living. The story of Portland, Oregon, begins in 1843 when two business partners, Asa Lovejoy and William Overton, decided to file a claim to land on the western bank of the Willamette River. Secondly, how unstable is the political landscape? There might be a lot of overcast days to make your way through when you start living in Portland, but you will also discover that summer is the perfect season when you are here. However, I don’t think you should worry too much about that or take away an exaggerated picture of “White Portland.” There are Portlanders of any and every race, ethnicity, religion (or lack of), and political ideology you can think of. If you take an item priced $8.95 to the registrar, that’s all you’ll have to pay. Where you get hit is with the income tax, which is 9% on any state-based income that is over $8,401. It sounds strange, but the two cities have such different feels! The pros and cons of living in Portland then depend on the neighborhood you choose. There is certainly an effort to keep Portland weird, much like you can find with the attitudes in Austin, Texas. Antonina is correct that Portland is a lot less diverse ethnically than many large cities, which is unfortunate. You are only about 30 minutes away from stunning waterfalls, mountain trails, and some of the most amazing hikes that you can find in the United States. I moved up there in 2018 and was looking forward to all the same pros you listed. moving to portland for college and just wondering if any of you can tell me a little about the good and bad of weather, environment, city life, safety, and anything else you can think of THANKS! Then there are the colors of fall to enjoy while in Portland too. I just came back from a road trip to Oregon and I wanted to stay Passing through Bend, Sisters, Salem etc.. and ending in Portland. By 1910, that figure reached more than 207,000. . A half hour drive takes you to amazing hikes, waterfalls, and vistas (although it’s a bit further now because of recent fires). Because there are about eight weeks each year where the weather becomes unbearable from a heat standpoint, most buildings do not invest in any type of air-conditioning. Source: quora.com. The Bay Area is so beautiful! You’ve got the mountains and the beach within close reach, national parks you can explore, and plenty of fresh seafood to enjoy. We’re definitely not as big as LA, but I hope the food scene can keep you entertained all the same. Your summers are going to be filled with some sunshine, but the rest of the year involves overcast skies, plenty of rain, and more than your fair share of snowstorms. This advantage makes it a lot easier to start making friends with others, to establish your foundation, and become comfortable in your own skin. We are ex-Portlanders who left the PNW for life in Europe in 1999, but did go back fairly regularly until Covid. It seems like rent prices are (slowly) dropping due to COVID. The first thing that surprised me was that I wouldn’t be saving oodles of money in rent or overall cost of living. My first fall was magical. Welcome!! Thanks for reaching out and don’t hesitate to ask most questions – happy to help! That makes it easier to ride your bike in the city or stay safe as a pedestrian, but it can be a real headache if you find yourself stuck in rush hour traffic. A lot. Each one has its own character, so find one that matches your own to have a great time. It was like being in those Hallmark movies. Portlanders are generally very accepting of differences and celebrate diversity, even if there are a lot of white people. Living in Portland Oregon Pros and Cons April 30, 2018by talhaLeave a Comment Living in Portland is settling in a cultural, artistic and commercial center. ZIP CODES IN COOS BAY, OREGON 97420. My rent is cheaper; my pay is higher. 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