Why I Prefer Seattle Over Portland (schools, income, income tax)

[Rcsligar]

Most people in Seattle are aware that there is somwhat of a rivalry between Seattle and Portland. I thought it would be beneficial to outline some of the reasons why I prefer the Emerald city.

1. The "liberal" vibe is much less abrasive in Seattle that in Portland. I feel like people in Seattle are much more open minded rather than strictly clinging to liberal pretentsions. Because of this, I think Seattle attracts more down to earth and less high and mighty people. Although conservatives are not necessarily held in high regard; I feel like the city leans libertarian in some aspects, which is a good thing for moderates like me.
2. The aesthetics are better in Seattle. Overall, I found Seattle to be much cleaner than Portland. The homeless problem seemed to be less apparent and there was less garbage on the streets. I also found the architecture to be more modern and well kept.
3. The tech industry is more prominent in Seattle. This factor leads to an increase in intelligent and "in the know" people. There is a higher education attainment rate overall in Seattle.

The vibe in Seattle is much more pleasant to me overall. Thoughts/opinions are welcome.

[Tall Traveler]

Originally Posted by Rcsligar

Most people in Seattle are aware that there is somwhat of a rivalry between Seattle and Portland. I thought it would be beneficial to outline some of the reasons why I prefer the Emerald city.

1. The "liberal" vibe is much less abrasive in Seattle that in Portland. I feel like people in Seattle are much more open minded rather than strictly clinging to liberal pretentsions. Because of this, I think Seattle attracts more down to earth and less high and mighty people. Although conservatives are not necessarily held in high regard; I feel like the city leans libertarian in some aspects, which is a good thing for moderates like me.
2. The aesthetics are better in Seattle. Overall, I found Seattle to be much cleaner than Portland. The homeless problem seemed to be less apparent and there was less garbage on the streets. I also found the architecture to be more modern and well kept.
3. The tech industry is more prominent in Seattle. This factor leads to an increase in intelligent and "in the know" people. There is a higher education attainment rate overall in Seattle.

The vibe in Seattle is much more pleasant to me overall. Thoughts/opinions are welcome.

Having lived in both, I prefer Seattle also but Portland has its charms. Regarding comment #1, what I have said is that Portland has "true believers" who do not compromise thier ideals while Seattle is liberal but not so much if it gets in the way of profit/enterprise. Have you ever seen Portlandia? Pretty good satire on Portland mentality.

The other thing I love about Seattle and Washington is no state income tax....I've saved probably $300K in state income tax since moving from Oregon to Washington. In general Seattle just has a better economy.

[UrbanAdventurer]

I think Seattle is better in almost every objective way. Seattle is easily one of the best places in the country if you can stomach the weather. But somebody from or familiar with Portland would have no surprises there.

[amaiunmei]

One good thing about Portland: they know how to have fun! The strip clubs down there are far and away better, and they have Cuban restaurants there!

Still, I love Seattle ... it is home, y'know?

[angelenogirl]

Well, strip clubs are an important factor when making a relocation decision, falling somewhere between schools and access to transportation.

[UrbanAdventurer]

Originally Posted by angelenogirl

Well, strip clubs are an important factor when making a relocation decision, falling somewhere between schools and access to transportation.

True, they are everywhere for whatever reason. Most of them are not anything to get worked up about though. It ain't top flight talent like you see in Vegas as far as the girls go...lots of trashy chicks with too many tattoos and meth habits. One place in Milwaukie serves a dynamite 8oz bacon wrapped filet for $10.50 though (What!)

[amaiunmei]

Originally Posted by angelenogirl

Well, strip clubs are an important factor when making a relocation decision, falling somewhere between schools and access to transportation.

You might have a chuckle about it, but I have heard of people moving for stranger reasons than strip clubs.

[jjinla]

Lol...and pot. Don't forget pot! Maybe WA legalized pot so that you wouldn't notice how bad their strip clubs were?

[RunTheDistance476]

Originally Posted by Tall Traveler

Having lived in both, I prefer Seattle also but Portland has its charms. Regarding comment #1, what I have said is that Portland has "true believers" who do not compromise thier ideals while Seattle is liberal but not so much if it gets in the way of profit/enterprise. Have you ever seen Portlandia? Pretty good satire on Portland mentality.

The other thing I love about Seattle and Washington is no state income tax....I've saved probably $300K in state income tax since moving from Oregon to Washington. In general Seattle just has a better economy.

$300,000 in state income tax alone? Holy crap! What do you do for a living?

[Ira500]

Originally Posted by jjinla

Lol...and pot. Don't forget pot! Maybe WA legalized pot so that you wouldn't notice how bad their strip clubs were?

No. It's Portland Oregon with all the strip clubs. I can't say we don't have the pot, but Portland clearly has the lead in strip clubs. We can do better