What's the real deal with Portland? (employment, transfer to, schools)

[phlinak]

I am considering a transfer to Portland but I want to know what is the true Portland.

Is it the Seattle "lite" as some people describe it?

Is it a good place to raise a family?

How are the schools compared to say, Minnesota or Maryland?

Are there a lot of family activities or opportunities for youth sports?

Is it the the coffee and beer swilling city city full of Birkenstock-wearing, pretentious, judgmental, liberal/progressive, passive/aggressive, phony, NIMBY do-gooders as I have heard some describe the denizens of Portland?

Surely, there is more to the city than "hippies and hipsters", "beer and coffee", "crunchies", "greenies" and every other bumper sticker label that has been ascribed to Portland.

I would like to hear an honest critique of the city (good and bad) from those who have no ax to grind and no agenda to forward. Please share what you know from personal experience of everyday life and not what you have heard second and third hand.

I just want an honest, balanced assessment of what I can expect if I choose to transfer to Portland so I can make an informed decision. My decision will not only affect me but my four children (13 year old girl, 11 year old boy, 9 year old boy and a 4 year old girl) as well.

If you are willing to share, then I am willing to listen.

To those who respond, I thank you.

[ramedud]

Originally Posted by phlinak

Is it the Seattle "lite" as some people describe it?

It's a relaxed pace, that's for sure.

Originally Posted by phlinak

Is it a good place to raise a family?

It's a great place. Lots to see and do.

Originally Posted by phlinak

How are the schools compared to say, Minnesota or Maryland?

I know someone who teaches in Minnesota and their public education system is eons ahead of the rest of the country. In this era of education spending cuts in Oregon it would be unfair to make comparisons. Can't say much about Maryland, never been there.

Originally Posted by phlinak

Are there a lot of family activities or opportunities for youth sports?

Tons.

Originally Posted by phlinak

Is it the the coffee and beer swilling city city full of Birkenstock-wearing, pretentious, judgmental, liberal/progressive, passive/aggressive, phony, NIMBY do-gooders as I have heard some describe the denizens of Portland?

Hold the "coffee and beer swilling city city full of Birkenstock-wearing" part, and you just described San Franciscans to the T. Portlanders are much better than this.

Originally Posted by phlinak

Surely, there is more to the city than "hippies and hipsters", "beer and coffee", "crunchies", "greenies" and every other bumper sticker label that has been ascribed to Portland.

Those describes bumper stickers, not Portland.

Originally Posted by phlinak

I would like to hear an honest critique of the city (good and bad) from those who have no ax to grind and no agenda to forward. Please share what you know from personal experience of everyday life and not what you have heard second and third hand.

You can find a ton of these in this forum. It's fair to say every active participant in the Portland forum has already done this 2~3 times.

Originally Posted by phlinak

To those who respond, I thank you.

You're welcome.

[urbanlife78]

I have met a number of Alaskans over the years that have migrated down to Portland and have seemed to enjoy it here. Really it is what you make it, Portland is a great city to enjoy things that make you happy. Obviously we tend to be very liberal, environmentally conscience, and nature loving. More than likely what you are looking for, you can find here.

[hamellr]

Oregon's biggest import is Alaskans.

[phlinak]

In the intereest of full disclosure, I arrived in Alaska 9+ years because this is where the job sent me. I am originally from Philly (born and bred) via Baltimore (6+ years).

Just for the record.

[Nell Plotts]

Oregonians frequently take a ferry ride for their Alaskan cruse.

[Bkk4now]

Portland is an island of liberalism in a conservative state (this is coming from a liberal).

Just watch Portlandia and you will see they are making fun of the real character of the town.

Don't get me wrong, I do like Portland, but what made it special is quickly disappearing and the city is changing.

[khyron]

Originally Posted by phlinak

My decision will not only affect me but my four children (13 year old girl, 11 year old boy, 9 year old boy and a 4 year old girl) as well.

...then your answer will depend a great deal on what industry you're and/or where you expect your income to be coming from. The schools here probably aren't vastly different from many other similarly sized cities across the U.S. but the employment situation most definitely is (depending, specifically, on your profession).

[phlinak]

Originally Posted by khyron

...then your answer will depend a great deal on what industry you're and/or where you expect your income to be coming from. The schools here probably aren't vastly different from many other similarly sized cities across the U.S. but the employment situation most definitely is (depending, specifically, on your profession).

I would be transferring within my organization so that's not an issue.

[phlinak]

Originally Posted by Bkk4now

Portland is an island of liberalism in a conservative state (this is coming from a liberal).

Just watch Portlandia and you will see they are making fun of the real character of the town.

Don't get me wrong, I do like Portland, but what made it special is quickly disappearing and the city is changing.

Please elaborate. In what way is the city changing and is the change for the better or for the worst?

By the way, I discovered "Portlandia" about two or three weeks ago and I love the show!! It has to be one of the funniest and entertaining shows on television.