Moving to West Coast, Portland, Seattle, Boise?.....Best place to live?

Question

So I just asked a question a few minutes ago about moving to seattle, orlando, or arizona. I think I am set on moving to the west coast, it will be a good move for me. I've narrowed it down to: Seattle,WA, Portland,OR, Boise, ID, or Nevada. I have no college degree, given up on that, but I am a certified personal trainer now. Where will I do best as far as cost of living and job-market? I'm giving up my car and would use public transportation or ride my bike everywhere. Also this will be a move on my own, I like meeting people but its not all that necessary. I would just need a roommate.

Answer 1

It sounds like Portland might be a good choice for you (but I'm biased, I live here). Portland has a good public transit system and is also very bike friendly, so you shouldn't have any problem getting around without a car. Portland is also home to a zip car system where you can rent cars when you need them - its a membership basis, I'm not sure on all the details, but I'll include a link.

The cost of living in Portland is less than Seattle, but probably more than Boise and Nevada. Check out craigslist for a roommate - Portland is one of the most active cities on Craigslist. There is a lot to do in Portland and lots of great ways to meet people. We're a friendly bunch out here!

North East Portland is home to the largest African American population in Portland, but the area is quickly becoming a hot spot for younger white families as well. Portland is not a very diverse city, but from my limited experience, it seems to be pretty accepting of diversity. Portland overall is a very laid back city.

Good luck with your move!

Answer 2

If it's public transportation that you need then Portland will be the best. There are lots of bikers there as well. Seattle is very spread out.

Answer 3

Portland. Seattle is a technology city. Portland is an industrial city. Boise is not on the west coast, yet. Nevada is not a city.  

Answer 4

Portland is a cool place. Check out wweek,com to get a cultural idea on portland. I live on the west coast about 75 miles away from portland so I only get there a few times a year. Be prepared for rain. That is something the northwest does not lack.

Answer 5

Portland is the best. You have to move here!

Answer 6

Portland is one of my all-time favourite cities (and I'm a world traveller). It is very classy and, in my opinion, the cleanest in the world. There is so much to do and loads of places to go! It's in a great location, too. Only an hour from the beach, Mt. Hood (skiiing in winter, hiking/camping in summer), two hours from the Deschutes for whitewater rafting, four hours from Seattle (if for some reason you have to go there), an hour from the capital, and minutes from the suburbs. Downtown is really nice year round. Yes, it rains, but not nearly as much as people complain it does. And not NEARLY what Seattle gets in precipitation. Sometimes it snows, but rarely more than 2 inches which goes away in about a day if not hours. In the summer it stays on average in the mid to upper 80s and often in the 90s or 100s for a couple weeks. We do have four seasons here and they are quite noticeably different. It's a pretty safe environment and community (though North Portland, for all the strides it has made in the last decade is still not a place I'd go unless forced). Housing is pretty high in Portland, which is why many have moved to the 'burbs. All of the surrounding cities (with the possible exception of Milwaukie) are really nice and well cared for. I've lived in the area for the past 8 years and just love it, though I choose the "smaller town" approach and live in the suburb of Wilsonville which is just south of Portland.

Portlanders are also fiercely loyal and have a great sense of individuality. We are super avid recyclers and were keen on being green before that was popular. We boast many parks, green areas, and offer loads of programmes for children. With 5 universities/colleges in the area, there's plenty of nightlife, too.

In "short", it's a really wonderful place to live.

Answer 7

I think Portland is your best bet. No sales tax there. But for jobs I think Seattle might be better in terms of finding one. Good luck !!