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I have read a few posts and have generally heard comments mentioning the similarities between these cities. I'm planning a big move by years end and trying to get a clear picture of Portland. Been to Seattle a long time ago and remember it as a wonderful city but so much has changed over the years. I would like to hear from natives, transplants and those who visited "recently" with regard to the following.
1) Cost of living apartments, utilities, food and public transit.
2) Strength of the economy and unemployment rate. Which industries are thriving/high demand for?
3) Quality of educational institutions
4)Political tone/climate and which city offers more resources
5)Which city has more culture and ethnic diversity
6)Weather (year round)
7)Overall Quality of life
8)If you don't live there presently would you consider it in the future? Why?
9)If you're a transplant, why did you move to either city?
10) Would you live out the remainder of your life in either city?
Please compare and contrast both cities to the best of your ability. Share, your views, thoughts, and experiences and please be sure to note the striking similarities and difference between Portland and Seattle....
Wow, I just read some posts on the Portland thread and several people (locals) mentioned that Portland is meth-infested, people are inclusive/introverts . This is supposed to be WITHIN the city of Portland. Apparently Eugene and outlining suburbs are all conservative rednecks with a latent hillbilly complex.
I can't believe this as I was starting to get such good vibes for Portland. Several people spoke so highly about this city and then having to learn about this is dissapointing. Anyone?
Last edited by Waterlily; 05-31-2007 at 02:33 AM..
Reason: keep it real
Location: from houstoner to bostoner to new yorker to new jerseyite ;)
4,084 posts, read 12,631,181 times
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The Pacific Northwest is extremely white, with some Asians and other minorities here and there. I had a black friend who attended college in Eugene and she couldn't wait to flee to LA for grad school. That's the thing about these so-called "liberal oasis" cities. They seem "liberal" for only a certain segment of the population.
I'm black and you will be surprised at the number of minorities in the Seattle area. More than I ever expected.
I love both Seattle and Portland. Not perfect cities but a huge improvement over many cities I lived in and visited. Pleasant, laid back, clean, walkable, relatively safe, dense, nice downtowns, green, great weather imo, amazing natural beauty.
Seattle is very diverse with a huge Asian population, about 20-30% I think. Not that many blacks or hispanics, though.
Portland is very white, in fact it's been voted as the number one whitest city in America.
I'm also considering Seattle and Portland as a future residence, including Vancouver in Canada. But if I spend some time out there during the winter to experience the climate, I might cross out three cities off of my list.
Last edited by AngryTypingGuy; 05-30-2007 at 10:29 PM..
In many respects, Seattle reminds me of a mini-LA with trees and lakes. To be sure, west Seattle, downtown and other districts are perhaps more walkable and people-friendly than areas of LA, but outlying parts of Seattle are sprawling with traffic clogged freeways, strip malls, big-box parking lots and cars everywhere. Portland is much smaller, which is the main thing that stands out for me in comparing the two cities. Seem to see more bicyclists in Portland, too.
That said, Seattle and the the entire Pacific Northwest is great (including Vancouver, BC, Canada). But in traversing the area, greater Seattle feels to me like the region's megalopolis. Pac NW winters are cold and drizzly, but the summers are stunning, twilight until 10 p.m.
Portland IS mainly white according to statistical surveys. It's like 80% White, with the remaining 20% divided by blacks, hispanic and asian populations.
I'm white and liberal but really NOT in to living in an inclusive "all white" community. Race is not an issue for me, I just prefer to have a good ethnic mix in the community. Especially "poor immigrants" who come to America and set up cheap shops in the community. I'm an old fashioned New Yorker what can I say....lol
Yes, Seattle is a "world class city"...I haven't heard one person say anything bad about Seattle. I haven't been there in years and don't remember it at all other than I loved it. No city in America compares to Seattle in my opinion. It just has that good mix of everything. Sure it could use a touch of California weather or Texas charm/manners but overall people are polite, lots of cafe's, strong music/arts scene, good hippie/bohemian feel, a city where republicans and democrats actually get along from what I've heard.
Sad....Just like all "good cities" cost of living has shot up. It PAYS to living in a good city, with good weather, culture, public transportation etc,. AND it will COST you. Is the weather similar in Portland or different? What's the overall cost of living comparison? Other than Seattle being bigger and more culturally diverse I don't see more of a difference. Do you?
For those looking to move to Canada, Vancouver BC, Calgary, Banf or Quebec
you'll LOVE it! Canada is a beautiful country with a strong economy and gorgeous mountains, lakes etc.. It reminds me of Alaska the last great frontier but you have to love the cold and enjoy a socialist government. For me, It's a perfect match but I still love the US despite the enormity of problems we have here.
Be sure you guys check with the U.S. Embassy/Consular's Office prior to moving to Canada.
Why did your friend want to leave Eugene for Los Angeles so bad? Did the locals discriminate and harass her? I'm really saddened to hear this coming from a "liberal / socialist" community. That's mind boggling as liberals/socialists are strongly opposed to sexism, racism and poverty etc....
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