Portland vs. Olympia (job market, theater, private schools)

[StellaRicco]

I am a 22 year old student currently residing in Tempe, AZ. I would like to move to either Portland or Olympia for college. I like both schools, so that's not the issue. I would like to know, which city has the best quality of life? I know that both cities are rainy and cold for a large portion of the year, I can deal with that. I would just like to hear some pros and cons for both cities. What are some fun things to do in Olympia? How are the people in Olympia/Portland? What are some big differences between the two (other than the fact that Portland is much larger than Olympia). I've been doing some online research, but I'm still not getting the information that I want. Any information from real people with real opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[StealthRabbit]

Read the forums and get a feel for attitude. There can be a significant difference in OR vs. WA, but it may not bother you.

Basically WA folks are a bit more broad minded and economy is supported by a larger variety of industry.

OR folks tend to be a bit polarized and I consider narrow minded. They REALLY expect (often demand) you to think like them, and they have interesting social dynamics and legislative battles. But this is all relative to how you interpret relationships.

Both spots are quite liberal. Olympia has closer access to water, but Portland has a couple large rivers and is close (1.2 hrs) to very nice coast.

Jobs probably tougher to get in Portland (and lower pay) + 9% state income tax. More schools, more nightlife. Variety of snow Skiing and windsurfing ez'r in Portland.

[Sandy Nelson]

I would say as far as quality of life, Olympia has more to offer. Olympia has been ranked the safest mid-sized city in the US these past two years in a row. Olympia is much smaller than Portland and has less traffic, pollution, etc. Culturally, Olympia offers a score of galleries, several theaters, the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, bars, clubs and a great variety of restaurants. Surely Portland offers more, but based on Olympia's smaller size, it's not lacking. I'd recommend you visit both cities to get a feel for yourself.

[SeattlitefromNC]

Socially, Portland has more to offer. But, it will cost you ... in a lower salary overall, a worse job market, and income tax.

For job opportunities, Olympia probably has the upper hand. A note of warning on that, though: the predominate employer in Olympia is the state government ... and right now, they are cutting back. If you do not have to look for work, it's not a bad situation. However, if you are looking for work, be forewarned.

[Neal2009]

Ok, I know the economic situation is not great in Portland at the moment, but lets face it, for a 22 year old Portland is much much more interesting. Portland has a wide variety of private schools and one major public school, Portland State. As far as I know, Olympia just has Evergreen College.

As far as character and culture goes, Olympia seems to be lacking that in every regard. And people are right, it is a government town, and everything revolves around that and not much more. Portland has great culture including a pretty good music scene, excellent nightlife, lots of great restaraunts and easy access to some amazing outdoor activities. Not to mention Portland is the number one city for biking in the entire nation.

I suppose I could go on and on. I was born in Olympia after all, then moved around the country for several years and wanted to come back to the Northwest after a 20 year abscence. When considering where to go to, Olympia didnt even come into question.

But honestly, you need to come up yourself and explore and get a feel. Olympia is a mere two hour drive from Portland, straight north on 1-5, so you could easily explore both cities in a couple of days.

[RobE]

Olympia is actually a small town, but not in an everybody is in your business kind of way. It's pretty decent living there. Portland can get damn hot in the summer whereas Olympia is much more temperate, though it will drizzle a lot most of the year. But you get used to that.

Both cities are progressive (Olympia is rather politically correct, in fact). Olympia's mayor, though, is a lot less colorful. *lol

[Neal2009]

Originally Posted by RobE

Olympia is actually a small town, but not in an everybody is in your business kind of way. It's pretty decent living there. Portland can get damn hot in the summer whereas Olympia is much more temperate, though it will drizzle a lot most of the year. But you get used to that.

Both cities are progressive (Olympia is rather politically correct, in fact). Olympia's mayor, though, is a lot less colorful. *lol

Are you joking me? I lived in Texas for 10 years where it was 100 degrees for 4 straight months. 90 is considered hot here and when people start complaining, I laugh. I literally fall down on the floor dying of laughter. And when it is that hot, it only is so about 3 to 5 days before its back in the high 70s or low 80s.

[StellaRicco]

Thank you everyone for responding, helped a great deal. Well like I said, I'm from Tempe, AZ so I'm not worried about it being "hot" in Portland.