Are You Curious About Living in Portland, OR? We Share the Good, the Bad, and the Weird
People refer to Portland as one of the top places to live on the West Coast. Entrepreneurs, young professionals, families, and tourists are all attracted to this city. It is clearly a hot spot, so it might be worth checking out!
When looking for …
- Natural beauty
- A thriving economy
- Vibrant culture
… Portland ticks all the boxes.
We have compiled the pros and the cons to give you an idea of what life in the Portland area is like. Then you can decide if this city suits your needs. Perhaps you’ll soon call Portland, Oregon ‘home.’
Table of Contents
- Is Portland, Oregon, a Good Place To Live?
- The Top 6 Reasons People Choose Portland
- Are There Any Downsides to Living In Portland, OR?
- Have You Considered Living in Portland, Oregon? PEGGY HOAG REAL ESTATE Can Help
Is Portland, Oregon a Good Place To Live?
We love Portland, Oregon — and you will, too.
Portland Is the city known for its unique culture, Scenic beauty, and Progressive attitudes. located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United states, Portland has a reputation for being one of the most livable cities in the country.
With a mild climate, a strong economy, and a vibrant arts and food scene, it’s no wonder that many people are drawn to Portland as a place to call home.
If you wish to visit Portland to learn more about the real estate options in the area, PEGGY HOAG REAL ESTATE can show you the available properties that suit the lifestyle you’re after. Call 503.906.1370 today to set up an appointment.
The Top 6 Reasons People Choose Portland
Portland has long been considered a dynamic and welcoming city. Below, we discuss six reasons why people in all stages and walks of life are choosing to relocate to this vibrant city in the Pacific Northwest.
#1: It’s Great for Families
On top of the city getting high marks for investing in preschool education, Portland offers families a wide array of things to do, including:
- Museums
- An amusement park
- Children’s theater
- The Zoo
- Tons of outdoor activities
You name it, Portland’s got it.
Many families are choosing to settle down in the smaller towns just outside the city to enjoy the extra space, added character, and a slower pace of life.
#2: There’s Culture Galore
Portland is a city that prides itself on its diversity and inclusivity. The city is home to a wide variety of cultural communities.
Each of these communities brings its own unique traditions, language, and art to the city, making Portland a vibrant and multicultural place to live. Visitors and residents can explore the city’s cultural offerings at museums and galleries, as well as through music, dance, and food.
The city hosts several festivals and cultural events throughout the year that celebrate different cultures, including the:
- Portland Rose Festival
- Japanese Obon Festival
- Feast Portland food festival
With so much diversity, there’s always something new to discover in Portland.
#3: It’s Known for Being (And Staying) Weird
Portland is known for its “weird” and wonderful things. Portland attracts all kinds of people. The city even has its own slogan,”Keep Portland Weird.”
Portland cultivates a culture of acceptance and freedom. It is a place you can be yourself and not worry about judgment. In this city, being weird is considered a positive personality trait and is welcomed.
Even the neighborhoods in Portland are quirky and unique. If you’re searching for a fun and unique neighborhood to live in, consider the following areas:
- Downtown Portland
- The Hawthorne District
- Laurelhurst
- The Pearl District
Whether you want to “stay weird” in Portland’s fashion scene, choose to live in a luxurious neighborhood near Lake Oswego, or if you’re looking for a neighborhood that offers a more traditional family-friendly feel, PEGGY HOAG REAL ESTATE is happy to set up a showing so you can see what is available in the different neighborhoods.
#4: Sports Fans Can Get Involved
Fans of sports leagues may wonder if they’ll be left in the dust where sporting events are concerned, but Portland actually has a lot of live sporting events and teams, such as:
- Portland Timbers (soccer)
- Portland Sea Dogs (baseball)
- Portland Trail Blazers (basketball)
- Portland International Raceway (motorsports track)
Adidas, Columbia Sportswear, Keen, Under Armour, and Nike’s global headquarters are here also! People working in the sporting industry have job opportunities galore!
#5: It’s a Nighthawk’s Paradise
Portland comes alive at night. There’s no shortage of activities and entertainment for nighthawks in this city.
For those looking for a lively bar scene, Portland’s neighborhoods offer a range of options from dive bars to upscale cocktail lounges.
The city is also known for its craft beer scene, with over 70 breweries within city limits. Visitors and locals alike can take part in brewery tours, tasting rooms, and beer festivals.
Wine is your thing? Wine tasting rooms dot the city and vineyards and tasting rooms are within 30 minutes of downtown, making a perfect Saturday morning adventure.
Music lovers can catch a show at one of the city’s many venues, including the iconic Crystal Ballroom and the intimate Doug Fir Lounge. Portland is home to a thriving food scene, with many restaurants staying open late to serve up innovative and delicious dishes.
Looking for more “out-of-the-box” entertainment? Portland doesn’t fall short on putting a unique spin on your night out. From karaoke, burlesque shows, and drag performances, there’s a little something for everyone.
#6: Nature-Lovers Are Never Bored
Portland is a city that offers a wealth of natural beauty for nature-lovers to explore.
The city is surrounded by lush forests, mountains, and rivers, and the pacific ocean providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and stunning beauty, all within about an hour from town!
One popular attraction literally right in town is Forest Park, which covers over 5,000 acres and is one of the largest urban parks in the country. Here, visitors can hike or run on over 80 miles of trails, and take in stunning views of the city and the Columbia River Gorge.
The Columbia River Gorge is also a popular destination for hiking, boating, windsurfing, kiteboarding and exploring the many waterfalls, including the iconic Multnomah Falls.
The city is also known for its parks, including Washington Park, which features the iconic International Rose Test Garden, outdoor tennis courts, archery range, the Oregon Zoo, and the Portland Japanese Gardens.
For those looking to escape the city, the nearby Mount Hood National Forest offers a range of activities, including:
- Skiing
- Snowshoeing, and
- Hiking
- Inner Tubing
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll, bird watching or a challenging hike, Portland’s natural beauty will surely delight any nature lover.
Are There Any Downsides To Living In Portland, OR?
#1: The Cost of Living Is Rising
Life in Portland is relatively expensive compared to other cities of similar size. High demand for housing in Portland means the cost of living in the city isn’t as accessible.
However, Portland has an outstanding job market with lots of opportunities for professionals seeking the job of their dreams. With the added bonus of no sales tax, Oregon is keeping money in the pockets of its residents.
For those who desire to live and work in Portland, you’re sure to find the kind of properties available for rent or purchase to meet your circumstances, needs, lifestyle, and budget.
#2: The Rainy Season Can Make You S.A.D.
The Pacific Northwest has distinct weather patterns that can leave the skies pretty gray and glum for several months of the year and may contribute to S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder).
Investing in light boxes or S.A.D. lamps can help battle the winter blues or a vacation to Hawaii works also! Plus, there are tons of great outdoor activities to help you get through those rainy months.
The rain turns to snow when you take a ski trip up to Mount Hood Meadows or, the best kept secret is; the Oregon Coast is often sunny with no wind when Portland is in clouds. “This secret comes from me! A 5 generation Oregonian. My father’s favorite time of year to take us kids to the coast was in the winter.”
Summertime and our long fall season are glorious and offer much to look forward to. You can always plan your vacation breaks during the rainy times to break up the season for you. It is always about making your location work for you; that’s what Peggy Hoag does, a long time Oregonian and lover of the Portland area.
Take advantage of your time indoors, buckle down, and get productive. It can be a time to get down to business and work hard so you can lighten your workload when the weather improves.
If you like the diversity of the 4 seasons, you will LOVE Portland.
#3: Choosing Where To Eat Out Is Hard
An odd problem, but Portland’s food and drink scene is second to none, making it really difficult to decide where to grab a bite to eat on any given day.
From …
- Breweries
- Wine Tasting
- Bakeries
- Cafes
- Street food
- 5-Star Dining
… Portland has it all.
Great restaurants and tasting rooms are the norm in Portland – a city considered to be the Pacific Northwest’s foodie capital. Your taste buds will love you after spending time in this city, but you better polish up on your decision-making skills because the options are truly endless.
Have You Considered Living in Portland, Oregon? PEGGY HOAG REAL ESTATE Can Show You the Way
Peggy Hoag’s family has been in this area for five generations. Even though Peggy traveled and lived abroad for eight years, she returned to Portland because she loves the region.
With over 32 years of real estate experience in the greater Portland area, her premier team of real estate brokers are enthused to find you exactly what you’re looking for – whether you want to be smack dab in the middle of the action or enjoy one of the smaller, ‘full-of-character’ towns surrounding the city.
If you think Portland, Oregon is the place for you to settle, look no further than PEGGY HOAG REAL ESTATE to show you the best properties available today.