Visiting / Re-locating to Portland - where to go? (hotel, good schools)

[megh]

My husband and I are considering different cities to which we might like to re-locate. Portland has made the list, although we have not actually visited there. From all that we have read and know of Portland, it definitely "fits" what we are looking for. Mid-size city, liberal minded, friendly, eclectic, good music/art scene, lots of activities for the family, etc. If we were to visit Portland, where would be a good place to stay and things to do to get an overall sense of the city so that we might have a better idea if Portland would work for us. Also.. are there any specific communities that you would suggest we tour through. We would like to find an area that is family oriented, but NOT the stereotypical suburbs. We like to be able to walk / ride our bikes places. Ultimately, we would like to find a community that is safe, diverse in culture & lifestyle, not pretentious, moderately priced, with good schools. We also have a 3 year old son.. so schools will soon be a concern for us. Any suggestions would be great! Thx!!

[Metlakatla]

I always stay at the Ace Hotel. It's great.

ACE HOTEL | PORTLAND (broken link)

[GB1]

Originally Posted by megh

We would like to find an area that is family oriented, but NOT the stereotypical suburbs. We like to be able to walk / ride our bikes places. Ultimately, we would like to find a community that is safe, diverse in culture & lifestyle, not pretentious, moderately priced, with good schools. We also have a 3 year old son.. so schools will soon be a concern for us. Any suggestions would be great! Thx!!

I don't mean to be flip, but scientists at Portland State University have concluded that 99.998% of the people moving to Portland at the moment are looking for:

- safety, safety, safety

- "diversity" (though the definition of that word remains nebulous)

- moderate prices compared to where they're coming from

- good schools for their toddler

- good biking/public transport

- and, above all, an area that is not in the (shudder!) suburbs, but somehow has all the suburban smallish-town amenities while maintaining a cool urban character

So you're looking in the right place for what you want, but so is everyone else.

Portland is very safe compared to most cities of its size. The moderate prices may be a problem. As for diversity in culture and lifestyle, you will be surrounded with others who are just like you, looking for the exact same things.

The result may or may not be to your taste or pocketbook. I also notice that you don't mention jobs, so that may not be a concern for you, but that's a whole 'nother thread.

Good luck.