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Portland, Oregon is one of the most up-and-coming cities in the United States, and for good reason! Singles, families and retirees are flocking to Portland in droves and here are a few of the reasons why:
Food: Portland is world renowned for its food scene and increasing attention to locavore chefs. With hundreds of great restaurants to choose from and James Beard recognized artists, Portland is the city to watch when it comes to new food trends. Especially great if you love organic food or farmers markets.
Safety: Portland is one of the safest medium-sized metropolitan areas in the country, so it’s a great place to raise a family. Even in town where security is tighter, homeowners can buy an alarm system for a reasonable cost and neighborhood patrols are also in effect. (more…)

Portland is one of the most beautiful cities in Oregon that has endless recreational activities for its near two-and-a-half million residents, especially at its many parks. Portland’s parks are great places to do anything from sight-seeing to sports.

Mount Tabor Park is named after the volcano that resides nearby and is a great place to spend an afternoon. This park offers many recreational activities with its basketball court, tennis court, volleyball court, and horseshoe pit. (more…)

Portland, Oregon is still a place to come and call home. The cost of living is reasonable and most people will be pleased with how far their dollar goes. Public transit is available and many people enjoy using it to get around the city. Driving is also possible and although the traffic can be slow in the evening hours, traveling across town is easy.

Housing reflects the economy, but for the buyer it still offers some excellent opportunities.
Foreclosures and (more…)

Are you sick of those blistering hot summer days and the bitter cold winters? What about having to worry about crime? Now imagine a place where these things don’t exist. There is a place, and it’s closer than you think. Portland is known as the Rose City. It’s abundant city gardens filled with nearly every species of flower is sure to please your family gardener. If gardening isn’t your thing, take a short trip into the mountains. You will find some of the world’s most beautiful, lush scenery. Endless Evergreen trees and (more…)

It’s going to be an awesome weekend in Portland with highs in the mid-60s and lows in the 40′s under partly cloudy to sunny skies so what’s the best use of that kind of weather? Heading outside, of course! And if you have not yet explored and experienced the five gardens at the Japanese Gardens, there’s probably not going to be a better weekend to do it than this one. The beauty of the five gardens is that each one is designed to deliver a desired effect to the senses while affording the continuity of nature’s singular beauty. Inspired by Shinto, Buddhist, and Taoist philosophies, each garden offers its own delights. The Sand and Stone Garden pays homage to (more…)

Portland is a city with more than half a million people, and like any large metropolitan area, it has crime. The city’s residents are still safer than those who live in areas with higher crime rates, and most of the residents have no fear for their safety when they are home or when they are on the streets. It still pays to be cautious though no matter where you might be.Those who are thinking about moving to Portland will want to make sure that they research the area in which they are interested in moving. You will be able to find crime statistics online that can detail various types of crime in different parts of the city. When you speak with realtors, ask them about the safest areas of the city. Because they are so familiar with the various neighborhoods, they should be able to give you an honest answer about the safety and crime rates in each area. (more…)

There are few cities you could have chosen with more of a focus on community and helping one another than Portland, Oregon. The residents of this city have recognized the needs set on by a national recession and have joined together to help each other get through this tough economic time together. The Portland is Better Together campaign unites local citizens for community projects and volunteer work. Last year the Corporation for National and Community Service ranked Portland 2^nd among large cities for the most volunteerism. This year they’re stepping up their efforts with a goal of being number one in 2010.Portland has started a variety of programs to aid citizens of all interests and circumstances. The Storefront Improvement Program is aimed at refurbishing and restoring local businesses and neighborhoods. These projects improve the safety and value of these buildings as well as attract new customers and potential buyers with new updated looks. The Portland Farmers Market is well into its 19^th season and is a great way to support local farmers. The Evergreen campaign was launched this year focusing on recycling and a creating a more eco-friendly market experience. (more…)

Nike, headquartered in nearby Beaverton, OR, may have put Portland on the map as far as athletics go, but Portland has proudly boasted a storied NBA franchise since 1970. The Trailblazers, who call the Rose Garden Arena their home, enjoy one of the most loyal and dedicated fan bases in the National Basketball Association. Portland’s court has been graced by legends, including current television personality Bill Walton and fellow Hall of Famers Clyde “the glide” Drexler, Lenny Wilkins, Drazen Petrovic and Scottie Pippen. Currently, the Blazers are enjoying a successful upswing in their fortunes. Since drawing the 1 pick in the NBA Draft lottery in 2007, with which they selected Ohio State big man Greg Oden, Portland has reached the playoffs in both the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 season. The year 2007 also saw shooting guard Brandon Roy take home NBA Rookie of the Year honors.In addition to the Trailblazers, the city is soon to add its second professional sports team, the Portland Timbers. The Timbers will join Major League Soccer in the 2011 season as an expansion team, taking their name from the city’s long time minor league soccer club. The team will continue to take the field at Portland General Electric Park, commonly referred to as PGE Park by residents, when they upgrade to the larger MLS stage. (more…)

Portland is a thriving city with more than half a million people, and it has much to offer those who are thinking about relocating. The city is beautiful, doing its best to become green and control energy costs, and it is a shining example of life in Oregon. It is a fast growing city with an economy that is growing right along with it. You will find many types of employment in the area, and if you are the owner of a small business, the growing population can be great for your business.The largest employer in the area is Intel, the computer components manufacturer. The company employs more than 14,000 of the locals. Technology is very important to the city with more than 1200 tech companies in the area. Because there are so many tech companies in Portland, some have taken to calling it the Silicon Forest in reference to the famous Silicon Valley. As technology continues to grow, it is likely that even more jobs will begin to crop up in the area. (more…)

If you are traveling to Portland, or if you plan to make the city your home, you will find many different activities and sights in the area. Everyone in the family will be able to discover something to enjoy.The city is also a center for the arts. In 2006, Portland was named the country’s tenth best Big City Arts Destination by American Style magazine. You will be able to visit the Portland Art Museum, which houses the largest art collection in the city. Many small art galleries are scattered through the downtown area and in the Alberta Arts District. (more…)