IS Portland a better fit than San Diego? (low crime, house)

[san_wander]

I have been living in San Diego for the past 2 years, and am considering a change. I am originally from North Carolina, and have also lived in NYC, Costa Rica, etc. I like San Diego but I dont LOVE it. I moved here with my previous boyfriend, but we broke up last year and I stayed out of defiance I am very into the arts, and work as a therapist for teenagers. I like liberal & progressive environments with a strong creative vibe, but dont really care about tans, clothes and talking about working out every day- and am not sure SoCal is my calling. I have considered San Francisco, but dont necessarily want to live in a house with 4 other strangers just to afford the rent. I am 30, single, and love urban settings but am also an avid outdoors person (hiking, camping, etc.). Colorado seems cool, as does parts of the Northwest, but I feel I have been spoiled by SD's weather. I do like snow, and grew up in the crazy humidity and heat of NC beaches...and I do miss seasons. I am in the phase of my life where I would like to meet someone serious who shares the same values as me, maybe buy a house in a few years...in other words, create roots. I am into holistic ideas, but am too cynical to be a true hippie. I am a musician, love yoga & bodywork, and might want to open an arts/holistic center one day that also provides counseling in an area that would be receptive. Is Portland for me, or should I keep searching????

[lovethegreen]

Sure thing, it sounds like you would like it very much. Creativity, art, outdoorsy activities are all a big part of the feel of this place. I would suggest you test yourself on the cloudy/wet/cool climate before committing though that is the only negative I can think of as compared to San Diego. And the air is pure and clean! I have visited San Diego and while there were lots of pluses the air pollution was too much for me.

[roneb]

It sounds like Portland would fit almost all of your criteria except for the seasons. If you miss having four distinct seasons, you won't get that in Portland.

[bobmulk]

Excuse me? Portland doesn't have four distinct seasons? The cold, starkness of winter? The new blooms and new growth of spring? The lazy, warm days of summer? The changing colors and nip in the autumn air?

Do you LIVE in Portland????

[taketime]

I'm with bob, Portland has 4 incredible contrasting seasons! I think you would like it here. By the way, we LOVE visiting San Diego, great weather, tasty restaurants and so much to do.

[gorgecoach]

I agree with the above folks. I have toured and worked over the US and chose to live in the PDX area because I had lived elsewhere...food, drink, music and view...all here like no other...but it is getting crowded in places...many nice hoods to chose from, do some investigation and you will find a great fit here

[ahempton]

I'm in a similar situation. I've lived in San Diego my whole like and am considering moving to Portland. The main reason for me is affordability of housing, but also Portland today seems to be similar to San Diego when my parents moved here in the 80's. San Diego has changed and grown so much, it's not quite as charming as it was.

[Cheeto]

I'm originally from Michigan and live in San Diego. Just visited Portland for the first time and loved it. Being from MI the cool rainy weather didn't faze me at all. The people are down to earth, and even in the rain I saw so many beautiful sights. The coastline, about an hour away was far more scenic than the San Diego coast (no palm trees though), and relatively unscathed. If your looking for a city that offers clean affordable living, a liberal mindset, low crime and a variety of cultural and entertainment venues, all surrounded by unmatched natural beauty, then Portland's the place. I'm putting in for my transfer at work a.s.a.p.

[mdvaden]

Originally Posted by taketime

I'm with bob, Portland has 4 incredible contrasting seasons! I think you would like it here. By the way, we LOVE visiting San Diego, great weather, tasty restaurants and so much to do.

Yes, that's basically what I'd say.

Really, I don't think any place that claims 4 distinct seasons really has them. I saw the 4 season thing promoted in southern Oregon, and it's really not much different down here at all, than it was up near Portland.

Portland, and much of Oregon, has:

1. Warm dry summer
2. Cool and moist autumn and leaves change colors
3. Wetter winter and more dry cold days near January
4. Spring with new leaves and lots of flowers.

But as I spend a lot of time hiking every month, and working outdoors for almost 30 years, I find that every single month has it's own changes.

[gypsydoc]

I agree with the other posts, absolutely! If you haven't had a chance to visit, should be a great idea before you decide, perhaps. My daughter is a massage therapist here, and loves it. There are many people aware and interested in all the holistic options. Sounds like this might be your "soul town".

Best wishes