www.ugmportland.com

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 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…)

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…)

Most people today are on a budget, and they want to find fun and free things to do with their family. Whether you are a resident or a vacationer in Portland, Oregon, you will be able to explore many places around the city. Best of all, quite a few of the sights are free. The following are a few of the great fun and free things that you can see and do when you visit Portland.Check out Pioneer Courthouse Square, which is located in the center of the downtown area. You can often find free events, such as concerts. The square is always open to the public. (more…)