Denver vs. Seattle vs. Portland? Which city is better? (living, rates, compared)

[Arktikos]

Old thread. He moved to Seattle.

[Ankhharu]

People saying friendly for Denver have not lived here, lol. And Dean's right about the respirartory problems. Wildfire season is every year. There's a period of weeks you can't even see the mountains from Denver due to the smoke. Denver doesn't really fit any of OP's criteria, but this is an old thread and they chose Seattle. Good choice. Much closer fit, they would have regretted Denver had they chose here.

[SEAandATL]

In 2021, I'd say Seattle > Denver > Portland

[nadnerb]

I would personally put Portland above Denver. Denver has the stronger economy, professional sports, and big airport, but Portland has the much prettier natural setting, more walkable / bikeable urban atmosphere, better food scene, and more to offer in terms of outdoor access. As far as city amenities are concerned, both seem about equal.

[Guineas]

Jetstream mostly blows east. That means Seattle will have much better air quality than Denver, while Denver is downstream to all the California, PNW and Mountain West fires.

https://denver.cbslocal.com/2021/08/...ires-colorado/
https://www.denverpost.com/2021/09/0...t-air-quality/

Denver goes into poor air quality for months at a time.

[annie_himself]

Originally Posted by nadnerb

I would personally put Portland above Denver. Denver has the stronger economy, professional sports, and big airport, but Portland has the much prettier natural setting, more walkable / bikeable urban atmosphere, better food scene, and more to offer in terms of outdoor access. As far as city amenities are concerned, both seem about equal.

How does Portland have more to offer with outdoor access?
Denver definitely has more to offer as far as city amenities. Its larger, larger economy, pro sports, etc.

Also, how is Portland more walkable? They seem to be about equal considering size.

[Mezter]

Originally Posted by Guineas

Jetstream mostly blows east. That means Seattle will have much better air quality than Denver, while Denver is downstream to all the California, PNW and Mountain West fires.

https://denver.cbslocal.com/2021/08/...ires-colorado/
https://www.denverpost.com/2021/09/0...t-air-quality/

Denver goes into poor air quality for months at a time.

It’s actually only been bad like this the last 2 fire seasons. This might be the new normal with climate change though.

But let’s not act like this isn’t something the PNW cities don’t also have to deal with.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.sea...-week/%3famp=1
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.kgw...8-daab45ccec36

[dtran103]

Portland, by default because at least it has a good food scene.

[Guineas]

Originally Posted by Mezter

But let’s not act like this isn’t something the PNW cities don’t also have to deal with.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.sea...-week/%3famp=1
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.kgw...8-daab45ccec36

PNW has smoke too, but more short-lived and only happens when the jetstream buckles and sends up smoke north. For the most part, the jetstream goes east.

[Need4Camaro]

Seattle has the best climate of the three IMHO.