The List

(By Robert) At this point, friends and family may be growing tired of hearing about how great Portland is. The fact of the matter is every city has its pros and cons. It just so happens that (in my opinion) Portland seems to have a lot more pros. I have decided to begin a “living list” of reasons I like Portland. Perhaps this list will help those on the east coast relate to life here in the Pacific Northwest. So, here goes (in no particular order):

1) The summer weather is unbelievably gorgeous. Average high of 80ish, lows in the high 50s, and low humidity.
2) The place is vibrant! People value their leisure time and they make it a point to get out and about.
3) Portlanders have pride in their city.
4) A trip to the Portland Nursery (garden center, nothing to do with kids) is an experience in awe and over-stimulation.
5) No other city has more microbreweries.
6) The terrain is somewhat hilly, offering a wide variety of vistas.
7) You can see Mt. Hood 3 blocks from our house, and it is snow-covered all year.
8) Without question, the people in Portland have more tattoos than people anywhere I have ever been.
9) The food. There are an endless number of selections, including a wide ethnic variety.
10) The Hollywood Farmers Market. I make a trip to the market every Saturday to buy vegetables and scones. It’s only a 5 minute ride from our house, and it helps support the local businesses.
11) The coffee / espresso. It is everywhere! When possible I try to avoid Starbucks to support the local shops.
12) Portlanders have no shortage of individuality.
13) Not much about Portland is cookie-cutter.
14) There are endless neighborhoods through which to stroll. The scenery always includes interesting and unique architecture and amazing and eclectic yards.
15) Home Depot is not too far away.
16) Trader Joes.
17) The people are nice.
18) The business community is not small, but it is also not too big.
19) Most homeowners take pride in their house’s appearance.
20) Crime is relatively low.
21) The Columbia River Gorge with its phenomenal scenery, hiking, and waterfalls is less than an hour drive.
22) The coast is only a 1.5 hour drive.
23) There are a few barbecue restaurants.
24) Gas station attendants often clean your windows.
25) There are many different neighborhoods, with different looks, feels, and amenities.
26) Everything is green (more so in the winter).
27) It rarely snows and temperatures rarely dip into the 20s.
28) Downtown is safe.
29) There is a light rail.
30) There are many cool / scenic bridges.
31) Craiglist has 60K items (2nd only to San Francisco is daily hits).
32) Dania Furniture is less than 3 miles away.
33) Christmas lights downtown.
34) Views from the NW and SW Hills.
35) Sunrise views from OHSU