New York is too hard to live in, is Portland an easier alternative. (apartment, rent)

[deadmoney]

Hey there, I am in my mid 20's and am from Ireland. I have been living in NYC for 10 months and in this time I have worked as a barista, bar back, and intern for a music label. I am trying to break in to a music industry job but this is very difficult and involves a lot of hard work and networking. My montly rent since moving here has been $850 for a room in a shared apartment and I have been making on average $400-$500 per week. I barely manage to pay my rent each month as I go out a decent amount (although not as much lately) and I spend a decent amount on eating out in NY (since I am always on the go).

I have heard so many good things about Portland and I feel like NYC is wearing me down and I am losing faith in this city. If I moved to Portland I would aim to get a job bartending. I have plenty of experience and I would hope being Irish and having an accent might improve my chances. NYC is full of Irish people so my edge is a lot smaller here : ( I just want to experience something different and see new places and meet new people. I have been thinking about the idea of relocating for months now but since I am living very day to day I have never been in a position where I have enough money to pursue such an idea.

I am also a highly qualified barista and have worked in some of NYC's leading cafe's so at very least I assume I could land a job in a cafe. However I assume like NY this won't allow for much more than getting by in the city. So with regards to how much money I would need to get set up in Portland, can anybody please give me an idea of what I would need to have? I would be looking for a room in an apartment sharing with others similar to my set up in NY. I know absolutely nobody in the city so I would probably have to get somewhere asap upon arriving. I would also prefer to live in a some what vibrant part of the city with plenty of music art and young people, or well....hipsters I guess, haha. I appreciate any advice at all.


Thanks in advance.

[cmollet]

Definitely easier than in NYC cost wise.
Finding a job bartending or barista-ing (?) might be tougher than in NYC.

For music industry, Portland has a great scene, but it's notoriously tough to find work. I would assume that's the case in the other cities that come to mind as good music-industry startup areas like Austin and Nashville too.

[Minervah]

Generally, jobs will be more difficult to find in Portland than New York in both professions. Your ethnicity will probably not be a factor in getting work. I can think of a couple of Irish bars Kell's and Dublin's but there that's about it. On the plus side, however, Portland does have many bars and the chances that any one of them will need an experienced barista will be greater than the need for openings in other fields.

Portland is so much smaller than New York it will be easier to get around. If you live on a good bus or light rail line, you can get around fine but choose your neighborhood carefully if you want to do this because all areas are not served well. Your best bet is near the downtown area where your $850 can get you a studio apartment.

You should absolutely come for a visit and get the feel of the place. Talk to other baristas and ask questions. You may also be able to get information about the music industry in Portland that way. I don't know anything about it other than I hear it's tough to get into.

No one can really make the decision as to whether or not Portland will be an easier alternative for you except you.

[Nell Plotts]

I hear Portland State has mentored several very successful musicians but with rare exception it is a hard way to make a living and because our market is small and it requires lots of travel.

[hamellr]

On the other hand, Portland is a great place to get in with a band and get some experience before moving on to Seattle, LA, or NYC.

Since you're an intern for a Music Label though, I don't know of much in the way of that side of the music industry here. I'd probably check Portland Mercury music classified ads and see what is available.

[Nell Plotts]

There is only one recording studio in Portland.

[PNW-type-gal]

There is only one recording studio in Portland.

There are HUNDREDS of recording studios around the area. Most are just small. As far as "record labels," there are maybe 20 or so, mostly small indie labels.

[aajn1983]

Originally Posted by Nell Plotts

There is only one recording studio in Portland.

seriously?

this can't be true.

[Minervah]

Maybe it depends upon the definition of recording studio. I used to work with a guy who has a recording studio in his home. I think in his basment. He has all the up-to-date equipment and makes recordings for foriegn people particularly Korean people who record old folk songs for their children so the songs will not be lost to future generations. But he also records anything and everything for anyone wanting to record something. But I don't think that is what the OP has in mind when thinking of recording studios.

[EnricoV]

I Google it, and found quite a number of them listed.

It's one of those things that, unless you're looking for them, you don't really know they're there.