Need to move out of Memphis (Portland, Phoenix: fit in, sales, job transfer)

[psi2007]

We've been living in a nice suburb of Memphis that got annexed. Now we get to pay Memphis city taxes as well as county taxes, 9.75% sales tax and have to go to Memphis City Schools or pay for private school. We moved here because of a job transfer that was only supposed to last 2 years. Its been almost 7. Memphians are the most racist people on the planet. Its hard to believe that a place like this can actually survive. I suspect it will die soon unless it changes drastically. Strangely enough there are good churches here and you can find smart people if you know where to look. The library system in the suburbs and the central library is very good. It has taken me a long time to get to know how to get things done here (7 years). I'm ready for a place that is not so hard to just live in. I was looking at Phoenix and Las Vegas but they weren't what I expected. Actually they look like built up Afghanistans. I couldn't shake the feeling, in Las Vegas, that we were mice running around in a dust bowl. I lived in Tacoma, WA for 3 years in the military and the rain was boring but it was a nice place. Do you think I would like Portland? I was born and raised in NYC and left in my mid-twenties.

[Leisesturm]

Originally Posted by psi2007

Do you think I would like Portland? I was born and raised in NYC and left in my mid-twenties.

Depends on how you define 'like'. It would appear from your post that you have lived in the Mid-Atlantic, South, Southwest, and Northwest. You are running out of country. What do you need from a city? There are none perfect. Compromise is a must, otherwise you will be a nomad all your life.

H

[mdvaden]

I sure liked driving into the Memphis area when we traveled east to Georgia - referring to the natural area.

Odds are you will like the look around here.

Everybody can fit in here.

[psi2007]

Originally Posted by Leisesturm

Depends on how you define 'like'. It would appear from your post that you have lived in the Mid-Atlantic, South, Southwest, and Northwest. You are running out of country. What do you need from a city? There are none perfect. Compromise is a must, otherwise you will be a nomad all your life.

H

No I am not "running out of country". My work took me to a lot of places and I also go on vacations. I have not lived in the Southwest. Since this is the first time I can actually pick where I live it is a harder decision. Lighten up.

[Wicked Felina]

Originally Posted by psi2007

I'm ready for a place that is not so hard to just live in.
I lived in Tacoma, WA for 3 years in the military and the rain was boring but it was a nice place. Do you think I would like Portland?

Yes, you would probably like Portland very much. I was born in NYC too and moved here in my late-20's. I loved it here the moment I got here.

But the rain....there're so many more outdoor activities to do here than in Tacoma, if you can get past the rain you'll enjoy your time here.

It's not hard to live here at all, IMO. (Yes, everybody, I know that the job situation is horrible) I much prefer this area to the area around Tacoma.
I'd never move to Tacoma if I had a choice. Portland is actually a very pleasant place to live.

I agree with the other poster, everybody can fit in here. It's true.

[Élan vital]

I think everyone should move out of Memphis
It's too hot, too humid, too crowded. The drivers are CrAzY! I do not care for that city at all. There is no comparison between Memphis and Portland. If you could stand Memphis for 7 years ( lordy!!) then Portland will seem like Eden. IF you have a job!

[philwithbeard]

I also agree you will like Portland.....

However, I think a few of our regular posters to the Portland forum should advise psi2007 about Portland's taxes. He may be in for a small shock about Oregon's high income taxes, and the whole Property tax discussion we had on the "why is it so expensive in Portland" thread. Since I am so biased as a pure dyed liberal, I will hold my peace so others can give him a sermon (??) on Oregon taxes.

(Hint: Oregon has no sales tax on what you buy. None. They make up for it in Income Tax rates.)

Phil

[Wicked Felina]

Originally Posted by philwithbeard

However, I think a few of our regular posters to the Portland forum should advise psi2007 about Portland's taxes. He may be in for a small shock about Oregon's high income taxes, and the whole Property tax discussion we had on the "why is it so expensive in Portland" thread. Since I am so biased as a pure dyed liberal, I will hold my peace so others can give him a sermon (??) on Oregon taxes.

(Hint: Oregon has no sales tax on what you buy. None. They make up for it in Income Tax rates.)Phil

Have at it Phil, your posts are almost always spot-on, imo.

Here's some info on taxes by state. "No sales tax" really doesn't mean a lot, all things considered.
Retirement Living - Taxes by State: New York - Wyoming