Planning a trip to check out the area

[DesertDog]

txsizzler
If I recall you've been in Portland around one year and I'd like your opinion being you are a transplant. Has this been a good move as far as quality of life? I remember a job brought you there but are you satisfied with your neighborhood, neighbors, stores, weather, recreational stuff, etc.?

[txsizzler]

Originally Posted by DesertDog

txsizzler
If I recall you've been in Portland around one year and I'd like your opinion being you are a transplant. Has this been a good move as far as quality of life? I remember a job brought you there but are you satisfied with your neighborhood, neighbors, stores, weather, recreational stuff, etc.?

DesertDog, thus far, its been the best move I have made since moving from Montana back in 1995. When I originally moved to Texas, I was in N. Texas (Wichita Falls) up until March of 2009, when I came down here. My wife, kids, and I fell in love with Portland after looking at some homes over here (we were originally going to stay in the Calallen area), and moved to Portland in June of 2009. Portland offers many amenites that I did not find in Calallen. I have written in a thread describing some of these differences (last post on the page):

https://www.city-data.com/forum/corpu...d-texas-4.html

As far as the people go here, I find them to be very friendly. However, I did not have any problem with that in Corpus either. The demographic in Portland is far more of a white population than what you have in Corpus (which is by no means a good or bad thing). My kids go to TM Clark school, and I do like their curriculum there.

Recreational activities are big here in Portland. Since we are located on a bluff next to the bay waters, you have abudant fishing, kite boarding, wildlife (especially birds!), alot of parks, a great City ran community center, and more!

Weather... another great aspect to this city! The weather here, compared to Corpus is fairly similiar, but being that we have the Bay to our south, the Gulf waters to the Southeast, East, and ENE, with inland tributaries to our north, our weather is nearly completely marine. Thus, we escape the worst of the S. Texas heat during the summer (last few days, inland Corpus has hit over 100 degrees, only in the mid 90s here). We get an EXCELLENT sea breeze effect here, which tremendously mitigates the heat. Night time temps are warmer here though due to the strong Gulf influence (lows average near 80 during the summer months). This also translates to a milder winter, as our temps are very effected by the Gulf water temps. Our days average in the mid to upper 60s (Corpus is closer to the upper 60s to around 70), but our nights are warmer due to the proximity of the water (average in the 50s, with Corpus being cooler in the mid and upper 40s). This also means fewer freeze days... Portland averages 1-3 per year, while Corpus Christi Airport averages 5-7. Here are a couple of weather average links for Portland:

Average Weather for Portland, TX - Temperature and Precipitation

Monthly Averages for Portland, TX

Anyhow, to sum it all up, we love it here! We do alot of fishing, I try to spend as much time as I can outdoors because it is so absolutely delightful here! I have a 250cc scooter I ride to work alot, and its a blast! As I mentioned earlier, its the best move I have made in a LONG TIME!! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!


Ian

[DesertDog]

Ian
Thanks for the info. It was exactly what I was looking for especially coming from a newcomer.