Someone suggested Portland over Florida....what's the big differences :) (unemployment, wages)

[ffire]

I have been considering moving to FLorida with my family and young kids, but someone just suggested Portland as a very good alternative.

What is the weather like there (is there plenty of sunshine?).

What is the culture (for the most part - or the mindset).

What are the beaches like?

And anything else really imp you think i should know about.

I met areally nice lady from Portland when I was in Hawaii......who would have thought.
Thanks for your help.

Trying to narrow down a state is kinda hard.

PS moving from Australia, looking for a vibrant city, good for families and young people.

[davefr]

Originally Posted by ffire

I have been considering moving to FLorida with my family and young kids, but someone just suggested Portland as a very good alternative.

What is the weather like there (is there plenty of sunshine?).

What is the culture (for the most part - or the mindset).

What are the beaches like?

And anything else really imp you think i should know about.

I met areally nice lady from Portland when I was in Hawaii......who would have thought.
Thanks for your help.

Trying to narrow down a state is kinda hard.

PS moving from Australia, looking for a vibrant city, good for families and young people.

1. Portland weather is primarily overcast skies, rain and drizzle late Oct thru early June with bursts of great weather in the spring. (like today). Late June thru Oct. is very pleasant and it tends to be dry.

Winters are 30's - 40's, Summers are 70's - low 90's. >100 and <30 is fairly infrequent.

2. Ocean beaches are the most beautiful in the world IMHO and we don't have to worry about poisonous jellyfish!! However swimming in the Ocean generally requires a wetsuit even in the summer.

3. Unemployment has gone thru the roof and jobs are extremely scarce right now. Do you plan to work or retire? Wages tend to be on the low side and cost of living tends to be on the high side.

4. Portland culture is very liberal but the surrounding area get's more sane. It's generally a good place to raise a family as long as you can get a job.

5. We have better beer then OZ.

[EnricoV]

Yeah, I'd say the two are about night & day from one another. In almost every way.

I'm not surprised you met an Oregonian in Hawaii, it's a very, very popular vacation destination for Oregonians.

[piniw]

FL and Portland are polar opposites. I'd take Portland over anywhere in Florida anyday. If you can handle rain and cloudy days-you will love Portland.