Ok, it's not a huge deal or anything, but I am seriously considering moving to Portland with my family in a year or two.
I live with my fiancee and our 6 year old son in Las Vegas, where I am currently a teacher.
So...any insight into the great city or Portland would be awesome. Not just scooter-related, but weather, art, community, government, schools, neighborhoods, etc.
I have done a lot of research, and I continue to do so, but I would love some personal accounts.
PORTLAND, OREGON FOLKS...PLEASE READ!!!
Moderator: Moderator
I am from the Salem Oregon area (approx 60 minutes to the south), the much smaller State Capital but I did live in Portland right downtown for a short time approx 15 years ago.
Things were not quite the same then, but I do make it up for visits often.
I've never been much for 'big city' living, and I admire that in portland you are never far away from an open park, or more then an hours drive from the countryside.
It's very nice that in a few hours you could be at the beach collecting sand dollars, and 4 hours later hitting the slopes for ski/snowboard lessons on Mt. Hood. Wind the evening down at one of the tribal casino's if you'd like (you are from vegas
Portland is surrounded by cities that I would be more apt to live in, Gresham is closer to the mountains, has a decent sized university and most stores/shops you would be used too.Wilsonville, Tualatin, Sherwood Lake Oswego(if you have the money), or even Newberg are close enough to downtown that you could commute.
Portland proper has everything you would expect from a modern big city, What I would consider a larger then average transient population, and medium/low violence. Seems to be a lot of racially charged attacks and shootings recently (primarily in the north or north east side)
Hmmm whatelse can I tell you, I'll surely answer any questions you have.
My favorite city in Oregon (Eugene) is the second largest (under portland) known for being the home of liberal hippie bongo beaters that enjoy scooters /smile
Things were not quite the same then, but I do make it up for visits often.
I've never been much for 'big city' living, and I admire that in portland you are never far away from an open park, or more then an hours drive from the countryside.
It's very nice that in a few hours you could be at the beach collecting sand dollars, and 4 hours later hitting the slopes for ski/snowboard lessons on Mt. Hood. Wind the evening down at one of the tribal casino's if you'd like (you are from vegas
Portland is surrounded by cities that I would be more apt to live in, Gresham is closer to the mountains, has a decent sized university and most stores/shops you would be used too.Wilsonville, Tualatin, Sherwood Lake Oswego(if you have the money), or even Newberg are close enough to downtown that you could commute.
Portland proper has everything you would expect from a modern big city, What I would consider a larger then average transient population, and medium/low violence. Seems to be a lot of racially charged attacks and shootings recently (primarily in the north or north east side)
Hmmm whatelse can I tell you, I'll surely answer any questions you have.
My favorite city in Oregon (Eugene) is the second largest (under portland) known for being the home of liberal hippie bongo beaters that enjoy scooters /smile
Why don't I answer what you did ask about real quick
Weather - A lot of rain, obviously we are in Oregon! Normally the hottest days of the year are low 100's and they are few and far between. Summers around 70-80, spring and fall 50-60, and winters anywhere from 20-50. I will say that whent snow/ice are on the road in Oregon you best watch yourself the novice drivers don't seem to be overly cautious.
Case in point - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMzeiMJQrvk and that is with 3 inches
Art - Plenty of it the 'pearl district' is textbook regentrification and is packed full of the yuppie hippie set who beyond shopping at whole foods seem to really enjoy their art.
Also the Portland Art Museum is cheap, can be enjoyed in a day or two, and doesn't leave you feeling overwhelmed
Community - I never got the strongest feel for it in Portland, but I was a kid then.
Government - Large police force somewhat rocked by scandal recently, but always nearby in portland. No sales tax which is sweet, of course instead be prepard to give your money for property and income taxes.
Schools - Like most places they range from 'no thanks, I'll bus my kids elsewhere' to facilities that are much more respectable. I'm not sure of any portland area schools that I would shout 'failure' about
Neighborhood - Let me know where you were thinking of living Because there are just too many to pick from.
My roomate has just graduated and looked for employement in the portland area (Teacher of high school social science), He didn't have much luck. In fact he applied for a position down in Las Vegas as he is a Nevada native. I guess there is some sort of hiring freeze going on down there?
Weather - A lot of rain, obviously we are in Oregon! Normally the hottest days of the year are low 100's and they are few and far between. Summers around 70-80, spring and fall 50-60, and winters anywhere from 20-50. I will say that whent snow/ice are on the road in Oregon you best watch yourself the novice drivers don't seem to be overly cautious.
Case in point - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMzeiMJQrvk and that is with 3 inches
Art - Plenty of it the 'pearl district' is textbook regentrification and is packed full of the yuppie hippie set who beyond shopping at whole foods seem to really enjoy their art.
Also the Portland Art Museum is cheap, can be enjoyed in a day or two, and doesn't leave you feeling overwhelmed
Community - I never got the strongest feel for it in Portland, but I was a kid then.
Government - Large police force somewhat rocked by scandal recently, but always nearby in portland. No sales tax which is sweet, of course instead be prepard to give your money for property and income taxes.
Schools - Like most places they range from 'no thanks, I'll bus my kids elsewhere' to facilities that are much more respectable. I'm not sure of any portland area schools that I would shout 'failure' about
Neighborhood - Let me know where you were thinking of living
Because there are just too many to pick from.My roomate has just graduated and looked for employement in the portland area (Teacher of high school social science), He didn't have much luck. In fact he applied for a position down in Las Vegas as he is a Nevada native. I guess there is some sort of hiring freeze going on down there?
Portland is great!
*...Oregon is great!!
I think you'll love Portland...lots to do...cool hipster type people....HUGE scooter community.
1 hour away from skiing.
1 1/2 and a half from the beach.
2 1/2 hours from desert.
1 hour from the Valley.
Yeah...it rains.
So what...
I used to live in the largest rainforest in North America..
You'll love it here..
Robert
*...Oregon is great!!
I think you'll love Portland...lots to do...cool hipster type people....HUGE scooter community.
1 hour away from skiing.
1 1/2 and a half from the beach.
2 1/2 hours from desert.
1 hour from the Valley.
Yeah...it rains.
So what...
I used to live in the largest rainforest in North America..
You'll love it here..
Robert
"I can't drive......35!"
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da808fokai
- BMX
- Posts: 26
- Joined: Sun Aug 17, 2008 1:46 am
Hmm... I think rumor has it that Portland has more strip clubs per capita than any other city in the US. Least thats what I heard. But its not like they are everywhere and stand out. You get used to seeing them and you just don't realize they're there after a while.
Back to the topic...
I've been in portland for 8 years now and I love it. Moved here from Hawaii/Guam. Its not a huge crazy city, but is large/busy enough to have fun and not be bored. Culture is pretty diverse. There's tons of different style/priced neighborhood's to choose from. Public schools honestly are hurting, but I have no first hand experience because I moved here for college.
Scooter community is HUGE. Many different clubs have their own styles, some are picky or strict about who/what can ride with them so I hear. My group is pretty relaxed, we were with some Harley's last weekend.. lol.
G'luck, if you have any other questions PM me.
Back to the topic...
I've been in portland for 8 years now and I love it. Moved here from Hawaii/Guam. Its not a huge crazy city, but is large/busy enough to have fun and not be bored. Culture is pretty diverse. There's tons of different style/priced neighborhood's to choose from. Public schools honestly are hurting, but I have no first hand experience because I moved here for college.
Scooter community is HUGE. Many different clubs have their own styles, some are picky or strict about who/what can ride with them so I hear. My group is pretty relaxed, we were with some Harley's last weekend.. lol.
G'luck, if you have any other questions PM me.
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PimpinSpree
- Elite
- Posts: 722
- Joined: Thu Apr 19, 2007 6:40 pm
- Location: oregon coast