Old Town

[Lillietta]

I can't see people moving in to a community where values and local politics would be in constant conflict. That's very important to most people.[/quote]

Here on these very boards are people saying they are leaving Portland because of the liberalism. I have to agree with OldTinType and also you, Supernova, by giving you my reasons for moving here:

First, believe it or not, the summer weather. And so far I have always loved the rain but we'll see how I feel about that after one winter.

Second, the beauty of the city and surrounding countryside, the excellent transportation and the fact that I can easily get to other wonderful places not so far away - San Francisco - Seattle, Vancouver,Victoria.

That being said, I would not move here if the mentality was conservative, because, after all, without friends, no place would be worth a damn, unless one is a hermit.

[Lillietta]

Oh, and two other reasons: Affordability, and the not-so-pretty, rundown areas of Portland that are more interesting than pristine spaces (I like the options and contrast, depending on a mood of a day), with a variety of cultures, shops, eateries, etc.

[Ethirtysex]

Has anyone considered that when the term "next pearl" is used for old town, it may simply be refering to the fact that old town is next to see investment in the area? Do any of you actually want to see drug dealers working corners and a few blocks that basically becomes a transient camp at night? Have any of you tried to park in old town after dark and then walk somewhere? It's really very frightening. The investment in old town by Mercy Corps and University of Oregon indicates that the area is going to be redesigned to be a part of town people might actually want to visit. I haven't heard any plans by the Naitos to turn old town into a modern high rise paradise like the pearl. It will most likely retain the old buildings but with some wonderful renovations.

[jojo4]

Take a look at the plan for old/Chinatown.

Ankrom Moisan Associated Architects Portfolio Project

The last time I went to old town in the evening was during the NEXT BIG thing event. We stayed until 9pm and did not see any drug dealers working. There were a lot of people for the event so it felt pretty safe.

I get the feeling that people who badmouth Old Town hasn't been there lately, it is definitely up and coming. The area is much nicer than 10 years ago. If all goes well, it will be a neighborhood where people of mixed income can live close in.