portlanders, posts by tag: portland love - LiveJournal

Hello everyone!

I recently joined this community because I'm thinking of moving to Portland! Unfortunately, I have a slight predicament... I'm somewhat poor (;_;) I was wondering if anyone could tell me if Portland is the kind of place someone could move to on only a few thousand dollars. I live in Connecticut at the moment (it's hell here... please help me!) and have about $4,000 saved up. I also don't have a bachelor's degree or know anyone that lives in Portland who could help me out. Is it at all feasible-I know it's not practical-to make an expedited cross-country trip, find a job and an apartment on such a small budget? Has anyone here recently moved to Portland, and if so, about how much did it take ($) to get yourself set up? Note: I don't mind living in somewhat sub-standard conditions and I am very good at living on a budget.

Sorry to bother you but this seems to be my best chance for getting out of Connecticut (and I'd really, really like to...) - and from all I hear about it, Portland is a really great place.

Thanks for the help!

Dear Portland,
I am leaving you tomorrow in search of a better (read more money) life. You have been so many things to me. The birth place of my son. My home for the last 5 years. A meeting place. An ending place. A sometimes maybe place. A good coffee place. My first well paying job. You were my first and dearly loved farmers markets, vinyards, pumpkin and berry patches. Your parks and slew of outdoor fun places are just overwhelming. When I first moved here, to the only "real" city I have ever been to, I was overwhelmed. A friend took me on a tour of downtown and all I could do was stare wide eyed at the tall buildings and all of the super friendly people. I remember telling my friend, "I love this place! Everyone is so nice here and its so progressive!". Ill miss your amazing medical doctors. The best hospital Ive ever been to. I know portland, Ill only be 2 hours away, but I cant help but feel like this is goodbye.
Yes you have your bad side, everyone does, but it seems like the good outweighs the bad in you. Heres hoping I keep in touch.
Love, Me
PS. Not x-posted, cause fuck that other community.

Yesterday I had a phone conversation with a friend from law school, who moved to NYC after she graduated. This girl grew up in rural Iowa, yet completely fits the New York lifestyle, to such an extent that likes to ask me "what exactly is it about Portland that you love so much?"

It made me think. I'm not one of those people who carries around ready answers to a question like this in my head, the same as I really don't think too much about why I like chocolate chip cookies.

For me the answer is more of a combination of things: familiarity with the state, the cleanliness of the city, its size, its emphasis on greenspace and public art and gardens, its central location to an incredible variety of outdoor activities, etc.

Anyway, I'm curious.

Why are you here? What exactly is it about Portland that you love so much?

Happy Monday. :)