What Should I Know About Portland Before Moving?

[jjbarnone]

It rains in Portland? I thought it was a gentle mist...

[rhodan653]

Originally Posted by SiddharthaGautama

But wouldn't you agree that the cost of living in Portland is much lower than San Diego? I'm just looking for a medium sized town, not too big and not too small. Cost of living not out of control like ALL of southern California. An abundance of outdoor activities or at least at your fingertips. Clean city with good public transportation.

I think the most important element in COL to worry about is housing, and more specificlly buying a house. If buying a house is at the top of your list, that has a HUGE impact to your cost of living (and potentially quality of life) but seems to get smoothed over in the statistics. Portland real estate is significantly cheaper than Southern California, so if you ever plan to buy a house, Portland will make a big difference. In my opinion salaries in California do not in any way cover the difference in real estate prices. People in So. Cal can pay $600k to $1 million for a house that might be $250k to $500k here, if not less. People in Portland can buy condos fairly close to downtown for $200k and sometimes less. Assuming best case that you could get a 20% higher salary in CA(which I do not think is likely for most people), that doesn't come close to making up for housing prices that are in some cases double, or even more. How do the COL calculations account for the fact that a lot of people living in CA will never be able to afford to buy a house and if they do, a major fixer that is small and cramped will cost $500k?? Seems crazy to me but for a lot of people there is no substitution for the beach and the sun.

The housing issue would be my primary concern but it comes down to what is most important to you as an individual. Good luck!!

[aroseinrain]

Originally Posted by rhodan653

I think the most important element in COL to worry about is housing, and more specificlly buying a house. If buying a house is at the top of your list, that has a HUGE impact to your cost of living (and potentially quality of life) but seems to get smoothed over in the statistics. Portland real estate is significantly cheaper than Southern California, so if you ever plan to buy a house, Portland will make a big difference. In my opinion salaries in California do not in any way cover the difference in real estate prices. People in So. Cal can pay $600k to $1 million for a house that might be $250k to $500k here, if not less. People in Portland can buy condos fairly close to downtown for $200k and sometimes less. Assuming best case that you could get a 20% higher salary in CA(which I do not think is likely for most people), that doesn't come close to making up for housing prices that are in some cases double, or even more. How do the COL calculations account for the fact that a lot of people living in CA will never be able to afford to buy a house and if they do, a major fixer that is small and cramped will cost $500k?? Seems crazy to me but for a lot of people there is no substitution for the beach and the sun.

The housing issue would be my primary concern but it comes down to what is most important to you as an individual. Good luck!!

Besides missing Oregon like crazy, this is a major factor in my decision to move the family there asap.

We're living in the SF bay area now and when the whole bottom dropped out of the housing market I knew prices were at the all time low - we STILL couldn't afford it! The absolute best price I could find was $200k for a really crappy looking older dump in gangland. I was like, "yeah, we're leaving California - this's stupid"

It's either that or shell out $2000 per month rent for a three bedroom apartment in a passable neighborhood since we have a girl who's approaching her teenage years and a boy just starting gradeschool. They just can't share a bedroom forever.

Plus - Californians tick me off.

[SiddharthaGautama]

Good point Dom about the Mexican food. That is a huge plus about living in SD.

[Rob Allen]

Originally Posted by Dom1964

it's really hard (impossible??) to find good Mexican food.... I have been here 4 months, and haven't found any yet.

Where have you looked? There are plenty of Mexicans here; just ask them where they eat. Personally, I like Don Pedro's in Hillsboro, and the taqueria at 10th & Morrison downtown. You can also go to supermarkets like Grande Foods in Cornelius or Chavita's in Beaverton and buy the ingredients and make your own.

[figmalt]

Originally Posted by Rob Allen

Where have you looked? There are plenty of Mexicans here; just ask them where they eat. Personally, I like Don Pedro's in Hillsboro, and the taqueria at 10th & Morrison downtown. You can also go to supermarkets like Grande Foods in Cornelius or Chavita's in Beaverton and buy the ingredients and make your own.

Seriously. You're just not looking in the right places if you haven't found it. Hillsboro has a big Hispanic population, with a variety of cuisine choices.

[backdrifter]

Originally Posted by Rob Allen

Where have you looked? There are plenty of Mexicans here; just ask them where they eat. Personally, I like Don Pedro's in Hillsboro, and the taqueria at 10th & Morrison downtown. You can also go to supermarkets like Grande Foods in Cornelius or Chavita's in Beaverton and buy the ingredients and make your own.

That place downtown is, in my umble opinion, a joke of authenticity. Never been to Don Pedro's, but I personally really enjoy this little joint on SE 17th at Spokane in Sellwood called La Sirenita. Best tacos I've ever had. Also on NE Glisan at about 60th there is a place called Los Taquitos that, although greasy, is very good too. Both come very close to the great Mexican food I was spoiled with in Southern Oregon (where the Hispanic population is a greater percentage), but nowhere near my tias' home-cooked, hand-me-down recipes from my abuela. If only she had taught my mom to cook too, and not just the three oldest sisters...