Weird question: How are your stress levels living in Portland?

[hamellr]

When I had a long commute, and a job I hated, I was very stressed. Now I barely have any stress at all. If I do, it's time to go hiking. Or visit a food cart. Hit up the art museum. Go to the Coast. Drive up the Gorge.

That is what really keeps me in the Portland area. The Quality of Life.

[Priscilla Martin]

Maybe a couple surprises, but not many. I've lived in Oregon all my life, Portland most my life. I never experienced stress outside what would be considered normal, though that is subjective.

[classicanne]

I have some personal stress in my life currently, but it's not due to being in Portland, this would be the case anywhere, and is probably less here due to available local amenities. I don't have to deal with a commute, I do love the weather here (and the dark and dreary days too), the laid-back atmosphere, the creative environment, the liberal outlook. I felt much more stress in Florida than I do here.

[Minervah]

My highest stress levels have always come from job layoffs as companies I worked for closed their doors and having to find new jobs as work dried up. Then the ever increasing cost of living was another.

[mc0624]

Well now I know why I am so stressed!!!! I currently live in what is #15! LOL

[dblcheezburger00]

While I'm leaving Portland for a new job, I've experienced little stress for the time I was here. Never worried about safety, people were friendly, and the area I lived in had many activities to do for unwinding purposes. Only stress I can think of is getting on 26 east heading towards the city during afternoon commute time...

[(*)]

People talk about the clouds and rain being a downer, but they don't have to be at all. Just stay active physically, and stay active as a member of your community. A lot of those "darkness downer" comments likely come from newcomers who bring their old less active, more isolated lifestyles with them.

The clouds and rain make the great food, drink, and gardening cultures possible. Something else that surprises a lot of newcomers is that most people dress appropriately for the rain. Fashion and workplace gear are less pretentious here, less about appearance and more about comfort. Break out your Colombia and REI gear. Sure Portland has its hipsters, but that usually just refers to a designer rain jacket and laptop case. PDX appreciates functionality more than labels.

The fashion designers in this area work for companies like Nike, Keen, and Columbia - not Chanel. That's evident when you walk down the street, even downtown. Maybe that would be a source of stress for a fashionista new in town.