Young adult Moving to Portland

[gorilazgomossad]

wise.

[portland1980]

Originally Posted by Supernova7

It would probably be a big change from Miami. Portland is not a fast paced city with beaches and round the clock entertainment. You'll find many people in your age group with many things to do, it all depends on your interests. I hear they have many small movie theaters and a strong independent music scene. There's also arts, parks and museums. I wouldn't compare Portland with Miami though and the weather is quite the opposite. SE Portland Hawthorne District would be a good option as long as money is not an issue for you. I'm not sure what an "extremist" is. I don't think anyone will cut of your head and film it Many people say that it's very socialist/left wing but others also say that there is a republican/conservative presence as well (in the city) Suburbs are mostly republican/conservative, it fits some I guess. As long as you're TOLERANT then you'll be fine anywhere you go. Also, be sure you can cope with many days/months of rain and darkness. It's not a sunshine state like Florida and not as warm. I think you might like it.

I'm actually looking to move and have a home not too far from the Hawthorne District. When will you be moving up and were you thinking of buying a house soon? Let me know.
Portland is a great city, by the way.

[philwithbeard]

portland1980:

SuperNova7 posted in August of 2007.

Way before the Great Recession and even before $4.00/gal gas in summer of 2008. I imagine the housing market in Portland was very different back then, before the housing bubble went POP.

.

[Yhbv24]

Funny, I am 25, and moved to Portland from Miami (Pinecrest area) about ten or so months ago. It's much cheaper than Miami, that's for sure.

Anyway, Portland is a neat city with lots to do, and in my opinion, it's much more beautiful than Miami. Drive an hour west, and you hit the Oregon coast. Drive an hour east, and you get to Mt. Hood. You can do some fun hikes just 30 minutes outside the city in the Gorge.

Music scene is incredible, especially when compared to Miami, but I would imagine it depends on your musical tastes. If you're into the indie/alternative scene, then it's great. I went from perhaps one show every few months (and that was driving to West Palm or Boca) to picking and choosing shows every month.

I used to live in SE Portland, and it's a lot of fun. Cool shopping area with funky shops and restaurants, pretty young area, neat bars, etc. Pretty hipster. The Hawthorne/Belmont areas are worth checking out. I moved downtown to the Goose Hollow area though, in part for a quicker transit time to Beaverton for work on the MAX. But overall I prefer living downtown and going to the SE for fun if I want, rather than the reverse. I lived for pretty cheap when I lived in SE, and walking distance from the "main" part of it. I still live on the cheap, in a nice area, with a roommate. It depends on what you're looking for, but like anything, if you look you can likely find a close fit.

There are lots of activities going on. Check out Last Thursday on Alberta, it's super fun. Also First Thursday in the Pearl, Saturday Morning Market and the Farmer's Market at PSU.

[mbrg2011]

I have lived in Portland for 10 years and I love it. It's very green, has a river running through the middle of it and has a good sized "downtown" with tall buildings and many restaurants, music shops, and independant clothing boutiques. The majority of people living in Portland, even if they are more
"city" than suburban are VERY into outdoor activities. You don't often meet someone who isn't an avid hiker, kayaker, snow skier, rock climber and above all else a cyclist. I'm not really an outdoor person myself, but most of my friends are, and I have more of a challenge meeting men to date because I'm into more of the fluff. There are TONS more women here then men as well. Portland is MOSTLY rainy and cloudy (and the rain gets sideways with lots of wind in the winter-time). We have only about 2 months of consecutive sunshine in the Summer time and rain will still find it's way to creep in. It has snowed here the past 3 Winters. Portland is quite liberal (although every city has conservatives as well), and if you are at all uncomfortable with diverse ethnicities, sexual orientations, different religions, and outspoken "different" individuals this would not be your city. Portland is a very tolerant place that respects all backgrounds, beliefs, and choices. There are a TON of amazing places to eat at and get a good cocktail. If nightlife is your thing, you won't be disappointed and you'll meet plenty of people. I've been to 185 restaurants (yes I've counted!) and many are my favorite. Making friends can be a bit of a challenge when moving to Portland after the age of 21. People in Portland are generally extremely friendly, but a bit clique-ish at the same time. I have a huge group of friends, but it took a while to build that group. You will need to be assertive in making a point not just to be friendly, but asking people to join you in activities. I would suggest checking with The Personnel Department or such companies, which are staffing agencies to help you get your foot in the door for employment with large companies such as OHSU teaching hospital, Intel, Providence or any big company which pay quite well in Portland.
Some of my favorite things in Portland:
Whole Foods Grocery Store
Portland City Grill (30th floor restaurant with awesome view)
Ground Kontrol (vintage arcade-game bar)
Alimirs (middle Eastern restaurant and bar that gets really lively on the weekends)
Rays Ragtime (funky vintage/thrift shop in downtown Portland)
Departure (swanky hip/trendy 15th floor restaurant and bar in the fancy Nines Hotel)
Pride Parade
The random pirate-dresed outtings I've seen in Summer (Portland is really weird sometimes!)
NorthEast Mississippi (street with independant clothing shops, wine bars, and places to eat)
Portland Rose Gardens
Japanese Gardens
Forest Park
Miscellaneous Bike rental shops (try before you buy and check out Portland!)
Portland Street Car ([url=http://www.trimet.org]TriMet: Public Transportation for the Portland, Oregon, Metro Area[/url])

[nwsoul]

Good areas to check out for younger crowds might be Hawthorne, Belmont, Laurelhurst. All have plenty of good eats, activities & neighborhood to do's within walking distance.
This is a pretty laid back & diverse place.
If anyone has kids look at the schools outside of Portland Public School sysytem, that poor thing is sadly failing.

[Nell Plotts]

No worse than other districts in the metro area. We just hear more of what's happening in PPS.