What Makes Portland a Desirable Place to Live?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the various aspects that make Portland, Oregon, a desirable place to live. Participants share personal experiences and opinions regarding the city's environment, culture, infrastructure, and attractions. The conversation includes both positive reflections and critiques, touching on themes such as urban planning, local amenities, and community events.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express appreciation for Portland's weather, scenery, and air quality compared to other cities like Los Angeles.
  • There are claims about Portland's urban planning, particularly its growth management and the decision not to annex new property, which some argue helps maintain city center resources.
  • Concerns are raised about the city's road systems, with some participants noting difficulties in navigation due to geographical features like rivers and hills.
  • Participants discuss Powell's City of Books, with differing opinions on its status as the largest bookstore in the country, with some expressing skepticism.
  • Several participants highlight the cultural aspects of Portland, such as local artisans, public events, and the city's liberal atmosphere.
  • There are mentions of the revitalization of Long Beach, California, and comparisons to Portland's development and real estate market.
  • Some participants share anecdotes about their experiences in Portland, including visits and personal connections to the city.
  • Concerns are raised about potential new developments, such as a baseball team, and the implications for public funding and education in the city.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding various aspects of Portland. While many appreciate the city's environment and culture, there are contested views on the effectiveness of its urban planning and infrastructure. The discussion remains unresolved on several points, particularly regarding Powell's bookstore and the potential new baseball team.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the size of Powell's bookstore and the navigational challenges in Portland depend on personal experiences and perceptions, which may vary widely among individuals. Additionally, the discussion reflects differing opinions on urban development and public funding priorities.

  • #31
Chi Meson said:
The longest ski season in the world is on Mount Hood; about 300 days of skiing a year, isn't it?

Not to cast a damper on this whole Portland thing, but is Mount Hood one of those volcanoes that is thought to still have eruption potential? Every now and then I hear that parts of the northwest are in jeopardy for lahars and such. Can't remember if Portland is one of them. Probably Portland is far enough away to be pretty safe...
 
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  • #32
Nah, she's going to blow towards the east.

http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/volc_images/north_america/mt_hood.html

http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/Hood/framework.html

Seattle is doomed by Mount Rainier though. In fact we have active or dormant volcanoes all along the western US. Mount Shasta and Mt Lassen in Northern Ca are also seismically active.

Here is an interestsing little tid bit that I picked up in a "History of the Biology of Oregon" class [an easy and fun 3 credits :biggrin:]

I think it was about 100,000 years ago that a volcano in North Eastern Oregon erupted and covered two thirds of the state with a six foot wall of lava, on the average, in two hours.

Oh, and we had three and four toed horses, and camels in Oregon at one time.
 
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  • #33
washington, oregon and california all have volcanoes, with mt rainier most likely to erupt-only a mere 60 miles to seattle...there is a lot of monitoring on all of these "active" ones to give enough warning of not to be near by...mt st helens gave a lot warning before it's huge eruption in 1980...
 
  • #34
Camels ?? :eek: Oh yeah, and Salem Lights too ! :biggrin:
 
  • #35
Speaking of Salem, :biggrin:

A funny comment on State politics: I was in the State Capitol complex on Wednesday. A fairly large group of people waiting for a delayed elevator started to talk a bit. It came to our attention that no one could remember the last Governers name!
 
  • #36
My most significant memory of Living in Portland was experiencing the '93 earthquake. It woke us up, and it was funny: I knew it was an earthquake before the ground started to shake because first there is the sound which was exactly like it is in the movies!

The only significant damage was to the state capital building. Apparently the land was trying to shake the damned thing off its back!
 
  • #37
Sure we have a few volcanos... but we don't hurricanes, or tornados... Well, perhaps an occasional Pacific Typhoon. The fact is every place has its hazards. I would suggest that if volcano's or the possibility of a Richter 8 earthquake bother you that you not live in Oregon, If rain bothers you, don't live in Oregon...
There are getting to be way to many people that think this is a pretty good place to live... I would like to see most of them move back to California or Boston or where ever they came from. (present company excepted of course :)

Don't pay any attention to me.. I am just a grumpy old native!
 
  • #38
Integral said:
I would like to see most of them move back to California or Boston or where ever they came from. (present company excepted of course :)

Don't pay any attention to me.. I am just a grumpy old native!

Nah, I would have voted to close the borders the day I arrived. :biggrin: Besides I have marital rights. Tsu's family here goes back to the settlers.
 
  • #39
Integral said:
There are getting to be way to many people that think this is a pretty good place to live... I would like to see most of them move back to California or Boston or where ever they came from. (present company excepted of course :)

Don't pay any attention to me.. I am just a grumpy old native!

amen to that! i moved here in 1978, way before the california migration and hike in housing costs, so i like to consider myself somewhat of an oregonian (i was 5 years old)...i did hear that some of those who migrated here turned back because the cloudy days compared to california really had an affect on them, or maybe just wishful thinking... :biggrin:

my fiance moved here from the philly area 2-1/2 years ago, and raves about what a wonderful place it is here...i feel sorry for those who have roots in Bend unless they are selling property, apparently it has topped Portland housing costs!
 

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