salem,eugene or portland (school, living in, moving)

[4shannan]

If you were a single white female living alone, you were a server/bartender and student which would you choose to live in?? Im really ready for a complete change of scenery...any way Im thinking in this order.....Salem Eugene, Portland

[jjpop]

Hey 4shannan. First of all, I am a married male so I'm not the foremost expert on this, but I have known several single females and I have lived in both the Portland area and in Eugene.

If I were you, I would seriously consider Portland for the following reasons:
1) Job opportunities are more abundant than either Salem or Eugene.
2) Public transportation is better.
3) Portland is much larger, so there are more cultural opportunities.

I have to add that I think you are comparing apples to oranges when you compare Portland to either Salem or Eugene. Do you want to live in a large city, or would you prefer a small city? Maybe a visit is in order. And if you choose one of these cities and decide you made a mistake, would you be averse to packing up and moving again?

[Dark of the Moon]

I've lived in all three of these cities and would have to say a lot depends on what you're looking for in terms of a city's character. Eugene is very "latter-day hippie," and has lots of students because of the UofO. Salem is the state capitol and is a fairly conservative place. Overall it's also, IMHO, an unattractive place. Portland is the largest of the three, has the best public transit (as mentioned) and is a fairly liberal city.

Personally, I like them in this order: Eugene, Portland, Salem.

[Silverfall]

I live in Salem and have lived in Portland. I am married, but could not imagine living in Salem as a single person. I would choose Portland over Salem anyday as a single person. Salem is a very family oriented community. Portland is much more dynamic with more to offer I think.

It really depends on what you are studying in school and what type of place you want to wait tables.