Last one out turn off the lights... (Portland: school, taxes)

[pdxMIKEpdx]

I have always believed that a large number of people that move to Portland are late 20 somethings, fresh out of college or whatever, trying to "find themselves" and do that final little bit of growing up and maturing between graduating college and starting adult lives with families and careers.

They come to Portland for the outdoor lifestyle, the foodie scene, the the chance to mingle with others like them that are doing the same, and all the rest of the stuff that attracts so many people in their twenties and thirties to Portland.

Once they have lived here for three or four years, they grow up and realize that they may have better and cheaper options for career advancement and raising families in other cities, and leave town.

What hurts the long term residents of Portland is what I call the "sheep mentality" where they think that everyone is super liberal, loves socialism and taxes, loves a nanny state, and vote that way because they want to be in the "in crowd" and be like everyone else and fit in, and think its part of that "trendy Portland image".

Then we get all sorts of inept yaywho's elected, dumb laws are passed, the City can't govern itself out of a paper bag, and those same people that caused it all say "Portland is too weird, the weather sucks, its to expensive, the job prospects suck, and I have had it with this silly town. I'm moving! So long suckers!."

Then the next twenty something batch of dreamers moves in thinking Portland is all fun and quirky and cool and stuff, and the cycle begins all over again.

[DKM]

It was a great place right up until I had kids. Then my priorities changed and we got out of there. I have to admit that I sort of fell into MIKE's description. The majority of my friends who still live in portland either never grew up, or didn't have kids yet.

[psichick]

Originally Posted by pdxMIKEpdx

I have always believed that a large number of people that move to Portland are late 20 somethings, fresh out of college or whatever, trying to "find themselves" and do that final little bit of growing up and maturing between graduating college and starting adult lives with families and careers.

They come to Portland for the outdoor lifestyle, the foodie scene, the the chance to mingle with others like them that are doing the same, and all the rest of the stuff that attracts so many people in their twenties and thirties to Portland.

Once they have lived here for three or four years, they grow up and realize that they may have better and cheaper options for career advancement and raising families in other cities, and leave town.

What hurts the long term residents of Portland is what I call the "sheep mentality" where they think that everyone is super liberal, loves socialism and taxes, loves a nanny state, and vote that way because they want to be in the "in crowd" and be like everyone else and fit in, and think its part of that "trendy Portland image".

Then we get all sorts of inept yaywho's elected, dumb laws are passed, the City can't govern itself out of a paper bag, and those same people that caused it all say "Portland is too weird, the weather sucks, its to expensive, the job prospects suck, and I have had it with this silly town. I'm moving! So long suckers!."

Then the next twenty something batch of dreamers moves in thinking Portland is all fun and quirky and cool and stuff, and the cycle begins all over again.

I gotta say, my BF who is a native Oregonian said that Portland attracts people who are, for the most part, slackers. Those that don't really want "real" jobs (aka careers), those that are happy on welfare or disability, those that don't want an 8-5 job, corporate job, job in general. Well, at least that's what he's seen and what he went to school with (most of Oregon City in general).

It makes sense though, what you both are saying. This city is not a "rat race" city, it doesn't have tons of opportunities in a widespread area, its schools are mediocre and college is expensive (don't get me wrong, college is expensive everywhere, but I was shocked at the community college prices). Personally, if I wanted a career and kids, I'd look elsewhere too.

Now it makes me wonder how many people are CFBC and older that have moved here. Hmmm....

[MDCB]

Originally Posted by DKM

It was a great place right up until I had kids. Then my priorities changed and we got out of there. I have to admit that I sort of fell into MIKE's description. The majority of my friends who still live in portland either never grew up, or didn't have kids yet.

I have a kiddo on the way. What do you think are better options?
I see that you are in Thousand Oaks area - is that where you moved with your kids?

Somewhat agree with the above posts. I feel as though I have made that transition from the early 20s something to the young 30s something, now with a family - growing up. Realizing that the inner city, as great as it is from a driving, biking, walking standpoint, may not be where I want to raise a kid. We want a good neighborhood with good schools..

Will continue to look..

[Leisesturm]

I can agree that Portland is a real pit of a place to live in, but I'm not sure how rolling around in our collective misery about it helps anyone. This (and other threads like it) would be far more useful if those of us that have escaped, or are planning one, would share their intel on destination cities that: do not have taxes; do not have homeless; do not have slackers; do not have health, food, or housing subsidies; are properly religious and politically conservative. Let's not be selfish about this.

[MDCB]

Originally Posted by Leisesturm

I can agree that Portland is a real pit of a place to live in, but I'm not sure how rolling around in our collective misery about it helps anyone. This (and other threads like it) would be far more useful if those of us that have escaped, or are planning one, would share their intel on destination cities that: do not have taxes; do not have homeless; do not have slackers; do not have health, food, or housing subsidies; are properly religious and politically conservative. Let's not be selfish about this.

Haha.
Guess I should addend my post and say that I still think it is a wonderful place to live! But like Minervah posts, it has changed a lot! Not quite "real pit of a place" (perhaps I am missing your sarcasm)

Great airport, great nature, progressive ideas - would be cool if there was a power house college here also.

[DKM]

Originally Posted by MDCB

I have a kiddo on the way. What do you think are better options?
I see that you are in Thousand Oaks area - is that where you moved with your kids?

Somewhat agree with the above posts. I feel as though I have made that transition from the early 20s something to the young 30s something, now with a family - growing up. Realizing that the inner city, as great as it is from a driving, biking, walking standpoint, may not be where I want to raise a kid. We want a good neighborhood with good schools..

Will continue to look..

I know exactly what you mean. What you want now is a place where your kids can bike and walk around safely. Yes we moved to the Conejo Valley for the specific purpose of wanting to raise our family here. It took about a year of research and several trips to top areas on our list. We wanted a place that would give us the lifestyle we wanted (outdoor activities without being hemmed in by 6 months of cold rain) with a safe environment for children. I also wanted a politically moderate community. Finally it had to have a good education system and an economy supporting good paying jobs without being crowded.

We looked at Denver, Phoenix, San Diego area, and the RTP area of North Carolina. The rest is just bonus: great beaches, perfect weather, no more Portland style traffic, BBQ's all year round, kids outdoor sports clubs year round. Decent skiing available. Day trips like you couldn't imagine. The arts programs at school are world class. Need I go on? This isn't the place for everyone though, especially those who like Portland culture.

[Minervah]

Originally Posted by Leisesturm

I can agree that Portland is a real pit of a place to live in, but I'm not sure how rolling around in our collective misery about it helps anyone. This (and other threads like it) would be far more useful if those of us that have escaped, or are planning one, would share their intel on destination cities that: do not have taxes; do not have homeless; do not have slackers; do not have health, food, or housing subsidies; are properly religious and politically conservative. Let's not be selfish about this.

Here's the thing. I didn't leave Portland to avoid any of the things you mention. There is no city that is devoid of all the problems you mention but these negatives don't outweigh the positives for the individuals doing the relocating.

I left because Portland became way too expensive for me to continue living there. Secondary was that I felt I no longer fit in as the city changed. It just didn't meet my most of needs any longer.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Not every place is for everybody for whatever reason. I don't believe staying in a place that no longer suits you whether you've been there two years or twenty. If at all possible, it's better to find one that does.

[Dwayne Lassiter]

Portland is the pits!
Portland is awesome!
I'm from Timbuktoo and need to know if Portland is right for me!
I make no money, and need to know if I can survive in Portland!
I'm an unfriendly SOB, and need to know if I can make friends here!

This forum is an exercise in belief systems, and really doesn't relate to people living here who just want advice about making their lives better. Sorry. I don't mean to come across as a troll, but I wish we could think of better things to talk about here. Some practicing psychiatrist would be handy here.

[sorupaa]

If everyone that was cool didn't move away Portland might be cooler.