PNW: San Francisco vs Portland for older person.

[PDX_LAX]

Originally Posted by philwithbeard

Oh, and I have been so finding that out....
You called that correctly ( I was wondering if anyone would ever comment on that line.)

Phil

If you want to live in an area (downtown Portland) nice enough to have the experience I described above (walking everywhere, grocery stores, etc.) "limited financial means" is a scary term.

BUT if you were willing to live in north Portland in an area that was poor and fairly dangerous a decade ago but which is now the artists district with dense, walkable, "funky" neighborhoods, restaurants, and grocery stores that is still an easy MAX ride into downtown, your money will go further - not for much longer though, the area is currently experiencing urban renewal and prices are rising quickly. Again though, it's an "artsy fartsy" area and you would be living with those 30-something hipsters you don't like. Still, it's a popular destination for older people looking to retire in a more urban environment from the suburbs (my mother being one of them).

Cost of living is much higher in San Francisco.

Also, one thing I wanted to mention but neglected to earlier is your grouping of San Fran as a "PNW" city. Have you had travel experience in either city? San Fran is probably as close to Portland and Seattle as you can get, but the "PNW" will feel different from any other part of the country.