Question

[47of74]

I was out in Oregon last month, specifically the northwest corner of the state (Portland, Astoria, etc). I was really taken with the area. There was something about the area that made me feel at ease.

For DUers living out in Oregon how do you all like it out there? Would it be a good place to move to? There's a lot to be said about Iowa but it seems to sometimes be turning into a real manure pit where I live. I can understand now why my sister moved out of state (MissourI) and is looking to move even further away (Florida).

[jalan48]

1. I like it.

The biggest complaints are about the weather, at least in the areas you visited. It rains a lot-I think Astoria can get 70 inches a year. It is a more progressive state compared to other parts of the country though east of the Cascades is more conservative. I think it's easier to fit in here as a progressive-I was in Texas once and felt like I was in another country.

[Maedhros]

2. I was born in Oregon, studied in-state and abroad in Edmonton AB for a while,

then returned to the Portland area in 1995.

Pros:

A plethora of craft beers.
Good restaurants, vibrant food-cart scene
Mild weather (if you like rainy winters - coming from Edmonton, I'll take a little rain in exchange for sub-Arctic conditions)
Deeply Blue political area (not so on the east side of the Cascades)
Powell's Book Store
Within 3 hours of Portland you can find ocean beaches, old growth forest, hot springs, volcanoes, high desert, wind surfing and skiing.

Cons:
High cost of living, though not anywhere near as pricey as Seattle or San Francisco
Seriously under-funded schools

[SheilaT]

3. I have a son living in Portland, and I've

threatened to move there.

As for rainfall, according to the Google, Portland gets some 40 inches a year. Miami, FL, about 61 inches. So I honestly don't quite get the complaint about rain in Oregon.

I've visited there any number of times, and experienced very little rain. Obviously the rain gods avoid me.

Anyway, climate aside, let me tell you what I like best about Portland (other than my wonderful son). Brew Pubs. Lots of brew pubs. Lots of really good beer. Fantastic food. Real french fries, cut that day from real potatoes. Some of the best burgers and New England Clam chowder I've ever had. Very long happy hours. Excellent public transportation. Did I mention the beer?

But I digress. Gorgeous scenery. Mountains. Easy access to the ocean and beaches. If you like to climb and hike it's a paradise. My son plays Ultimate Frisbee and there are LOTS of teams. Oh, and don't forget the beer. A brew pub pretty much on every corner and the food is quite good also. I think I said that.

Anyway, I live in Santa Fe, NM, which I quite like. But if I ever relocate it's likely to be to that general part of the Pacific Northwest.

[tapermaker]

4. Its the best!

As a 60yr old male I have traveled the world .first in the navy I was on 3 med cruises. visiting Italy spain , Greece,and Egypt. and later the middle east during the hostage crisis. later I was working with a co. that had me traveling to 70% of the country. I have vacationed in china and Australia. While all these places are special in their own way, none of them compare to my home state of Oregon.The politics where I live now (McMinnville ,OR. )are the sanest and most progressive I have experienced .Weather wise ,I totally love it here.It may rain now and then .But I always liked the green that brought to the landscape. It rarely gets humid here during the summer with highs in the 90s and winters bring rare snow and temps in the 40s.I have found no climate I like better in my lifetime.People for the most part are kind and thoughtful. The beaches are publicly owned so are for all to enjoy .Homes and rentals are lower here than in Portland . My mobile home lies in a court with private lawns and carport / shop standard . I own my home outright and pay just 385.00 for the site payment. My combined water /and electric bill runs right at 100.00 a month.

[Gumboot]

5. And if you love 'the beautiful game'...

... don't forget to take in a match at Providence Park if you're in Portland. Home to The Thorns and The Timbers.

All kinds of craziness to be had there. You'll get to meet The Riveters and Timber Joey...