General advice (Portland: travel, rent , job)

[nocalsf]

Hi,
We're moving to Portland in the next year. I'm wondering when a good time to actually move is--start of summer to prepare for the winter, or just arrive for winter and get to see spring, summer, etc?

Also, is there a specific area good for walking when visiting?
What about areas to meet a good mix of Portlanders?

I'd really appreciate hearing from people CURRENTLY living in Portland. There seems to be a lot of people on this board no longer living there or not yet living there and I'd really like to get an opinion from people who are actually living the life, walking the talk Just want to make sure I don't miss out or get sent in the wrong direction when we visit in a few weeks. I've read lots about Portland but I'd like to make sure I get a feel for what it's REALLY like when we're there. We'll be there for only three days so time is kind of crunched.

[Lillietta]

[I shouldn't answer because I am not yet living there, but I must say that I want to be there when the good weather starts (June next year or so) so that when winter comes, I know what I can look forward to in summer and not become discouraged with all that winter grey.

[Supernova7]

Originally Posted by Lillietta

[I shouldn't answer because I am not yet living there, but I must say that I want to be there when the good weather starts (June next year or so) so that when winter comes, I know what I can look forward to in summer and not become discouraged with all that winter grey.

Don't worry, feel free to share your views. I find it hilarious how people make up different screen names just to come on this site in order to suit their ego's.
Let's see what are the odds of someone starting a thread with SPECIFIC indication requiring ONLY to hear from people currently living in Portland? I would say one in a million. People who come here looking for help/advice are OPEN TO ALL INPUT, at least that's how it works on nearly every other message board out there. What's the world coming to....Lol

[nocalsf]

Originally Posted by Lillietta

[I shouldn't answer because I am not yet living there, but I must say that I want to be there when the good weather starts (June next year or so) so that when winter comes, I know what I can look forward to in summer and not become discouraged with all that winter grey.

That's what we were thinking but then I was thinking that maybe if we came at the start of winter we could hash through the worst of the worst, see the good weather and then make a totally informed decision if the area is for us or not based on that. You know, ending on a good note! If we come for summer I'm afraid winter will just seem like a disappointment. Before we buy we play to rent and live in the area for a year first. Decisions, decisions...I'm looking forward to our visit in two weeks and I guess maybe that will answer some of our questions?!

[nocalsf]

Originally Posted by Supernova7

Don't worry, feel free to share your views. I find it hilarious how people make up different screen names just to come on this site in order to suit their ego's.
Let's see what are the odds of someone starting a thread with SPECIFIC indication requiring ONLY to hear from people currently living in Portland? I would say one in a million. People who come here looking for help/advice are OPEN TO ALL INPUT, at least that's how it works on nearly every other message board out there. What's the world coming to....Lol

I don't really know why this is directed to me but in reading this board there are a lot of negative things written by people who moved from Portland and I would really rather hear from people who are still there. We can only afford to come up once before our move sometime in the next 6-12 months so I want to make sure we maximize our visit. This is a big step for us and if people have feedback that is relevant to my question please respond!

[nocalsf]

Also we're in our 30s and will be travelling with our dog if that makes a difference on suggestions.

[Supernova7]

I must say that this site and "some" of the people are ridiculous. People literally make up different screen identities in order to come here and validate their points in order to manipulate people to their ideals. If that isn't sick and pathetic I don't know what is. Actually, it's hilarious beyond belief. What's worse is that they do it so poorly that even someone with have a brain could recognize this. Where are these children's parents?....LOL

[Pen Cap Chew]

Nova, seriously, you are paranoid. Nobody has made up an alternate screenname, certainly not oldtintype if that is what you are thinking. That would be totally unlike her personality and you are way off there I have NO doubt. Ask Waterlilly, I'm sure as a mod she can see the IP addresses of everyone who posts and see what state or country of everyone.

Bottom line: you are starting to be irrational. Take your paranoia pills, or get off them, whatever the case may be.

[JakeDog]

Don't currently live there, so you may disregard this message, but I grew up there, visit several times a year, and am still fond of it. If you are actually MOVING there, I'd say go when it is convinient to you. If you are going to see what it would be like to live there, I'd recommend late fall or early spring so you get a feel for the weather, but avoid the short cold period which isn't very representative of the city. The downtown is very compact. If you have time, I'd recommend spending a day hiking from downtown through old town, through the Pearl District, up to NW 23rd, then through the Rose garden up vista to Portland Heights. A good walk on the East side is around Sellwood to Reed College.

[tangerinepuddle]

Originally Posted by nocalsf

I don't really know why this is directed to me but in reading this board there are a lot of negative things written by people who moved from Portland and I would really rather hear from people who are still there. We can only afford to come up once before our move sometime in the next 6-12 months so I want to make sure we maximize our visit. This is a big step for us and if people have feedback that is relevant to my question please respond!

Hi there,

I am currently living in Portland. I've been here for a year. I grew up on the east coast, and spent about two years in the southwest.

I can give you opinions and thoughts on anything you'd like. Just let me know the specifics. Where are you moving from? do you have job(s) lined up? what sort of neighborhood do you want to live in? close to the city, in the city, rural? What sorts of things to you like to do in your spare time?
Answers to these questions can help me point you in the right directions and give some suggestions.

I have a fairly diversified view on various places in the US, having lived in three distinct "regions (PNW, SW & NE") and traveled in many others.

As for the weather question, three days isn't enough time to get enough of the summer beauty, nor enough time to know if the winter grey will effect you....come out whenever you can!!!

feel free to pm me! and early WELCOME!!!!!