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Actually, at this point I don't think you're well-suited to Portland at all. (And, boy, you'd better avoid San Francisco, even as a tourist.) I wouldn't even recommend The Pearl to you. If you can handle the burbs, try Lake Oswego. But many of the other burb towns have their big share of problems, too. (Hispanic gangs and meth thiefs are abundant in the town I live.)
I've been patronizing the Saturday Market since '78 and I have never, ever, seen anyone defecate around the streets, so apparently I've been fortunate. I still go there at least twice a year, and maybe I'm just less sensitive to what's going on around me, but I've no trouble walking past someone holding out cups or trying to stop me for change.
Yep, strip clubs are big business here. Even in the burbs. There's one right next door to City Hall where I work, and I don't see the problem at all (although I always wonder WHY we have so many). Why does that bother you? I've never seen a naked girl run out of there, never witnessed anything curious outside their premises. Strip clubs shouldn't affect you at all if you choose not to step inside of them.
You should be more leery of a bigger problem and that's burglaries and theft.
I think you should check into crime statistics for the Portland-Metro area. Some of them provide good information in their municipality's websites.
If you think there are kids hanging out doing nothing but drinking and drugging, you should see Salem. We moved here 3 years ago, and within 2 months my 14 yr old granddaughter, who was an honor roll student before we moved here, was one of the kids hanging out drinking, and doing all kinds of drugs including meth.
I understand that some of the kids are from abused families, but not all, and not her. I think one of the problems in Salem has to do with the fact that there is very little to do. Nevertheless, it is a horrible problem here, and the worst of it is, that nothing is being done to change it here, whereas it sounds like in Portland, an effort is being made.
I am trying to get us out of here as fast as I can, and Portland is where I'd like us to move. We came from Utah, but I don't want to go back there unless there is no other option. I've now had a taste of what it's like living in the 21st century and I don't want to warp back in time unless I have to. I know Salem is hardly progressive, but in comparison to Utah, it's years ahead. lol......
I've read through the posts here, and you all have given some great information about places to look for housing. Hopefully we can find somewhere affordable and get my granddaughter away from this element. I know that if she wants to find trouble she will, but it also sounds like she stands a better chance of getting help too. If anyone can think of anything else that might be helpful, I'd really appreciate it if you would post it. This move has to be successful.
Hi everyone! I'm finally back in town and anxious to tell you all Portland is the best!!! Depressing? I just got back from a full week in Portland proper just off of Hawthorne and 33rd and I got to experience most of Portland's weather in a course of a week. 104 +humidity, dark gray rain, and super sunshine. Those dark gray rainy days were fantastic days to get great photos of the beautiful foliage and gardens around the neighborhoods and was such a joy to exercise in the cool refreshing air. It didn't stop anyone from doing anything. Kids were playing at the park, people walking to and fro along the shops and down the street. Everyone, even the grumpiest people, were still fairly friendly. I will be posting pictures and other comments throughout the forum, but just wanted to check in and encourage those who have had bad experiences. I saw the slums and the expensive areas and I think Portland is a great place.
Loved your post but it always makes me laugh when someone mentions the west coast and humidity in the same sentence.
Come to the east coast to experience humidity.
We had some weird weather with unusual humidity and a massive (for this area) thunderstorm. Normally (thankfully!) we don't get humidity to that level!
Welcome to City-Data.com forum! Make sure to register - it's free and very quick! You have to register before you can post and participate in our discussions with 700,000 other registered members. User profiles and some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your free account you will be able to customize many options, you will have the full access to over 15,000 posts/day about local topics and you will see fewer ads. 
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