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See The Parks In Portland For A Fun Time

admin — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

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. Mount Tabor Park also has a playground for children as well as scenic walking paths.

Forest Park is located in the Tualatin Mountains, just to the west of Portland’s downtown area and, at eight miles long, is one of the largest urban forest reserves in the United States. This expansive park features guided tours as well as a variety of paths on which to walk, hike, bike, and ride horses.

Washington Park, like Forest Park, is just west of downtown Portland and features over 15 miles of trails. Washington Park is also home to Oregon Zoo, which houses more than a thousand different animals. The International Rose Test Garden is located in the park, too, and features over 7,000 rose plants of over 500 varieties.

Cost Of Living Is Nice In Portland

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

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 short sales have continued to keep the prices down.I found some more information here. Condominiums and town homes are popular with renters. Finding something in a nice area is doable for under a thousand dollars.

Job opportunities continue to be available as the economy stabilizes. There are several big corporations that call the Portland area their home. Wages are comparable with other places in the Country and higher then some in the Pacific Northwest.

Most people enjoy a relaxed life style in the environmentally conscience area. No need to dress up, the dress is casual. Restaurants, clubs and night life are readily available. This is still a city to come and enjoy without spending everything you have. You can live here and still build your savings account. It is worth checking out.

Why Relocating To Portland Area Is Good

admin — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

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 towering mountains consume the landscape around Portland.Get more information here. http://scissorskick.wordpress.com/2011/05/17/a-pacific-passion-play/ Just a short drive away are the pristine, white sand beaches of the Oregon coastline.

You can watch the sun disappear beyond the horizon of the Pacific, and even watch the whales as they majestically migrate to their seasonal home. If the ocean isn’t your thing, a quick drive East will be sure to satisfy you. The rolling sand dunes of the high desert provide with ideal hiking and camping as well as off roading. Portland boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the country. Its residents are provided with only the best living situations and amenities. If a laid back and safe lifestyle is what you’re looking for, search no farther than Portland. The heart of the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

So What’s So Great About Portland?

mgeedey — Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

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.Exercise: One of the more active cities in the country, Portlandians ride their bikes more than residents of any other US city. Not only is cycling huge here but only miles from the city are dozens of hiking trails, mountain climbing opportunities and even swimming holes.
Portland’s got it all and the only thing it needs now is you!

Portland Japanese Garden

www.ugmportland.com — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:01:04 +0000

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 dry landscaping (often referred to as Zen gardening). The Natural Garden is the most contemporary in style of the five, but it stands spectacular with its dense trees and shrubs, and since it focuses primarily on deciduous plants, you can bet it’ll be in full transition. The Flat garden is known to provide distinctively beautiful seasonal display, so right there is a reason to enjoy it as autumn sets in. The Strolling Pond Garden provides visual enticement while viewing the Upper Pond and Lower Ponds from their respective bridges. And the fifth garden, the Tea Garden, really requires no further commentary since it speaks directly to all that a Japanese garden should be. So head on out and find your Zen there’s probably no better time to do it than now.

Keep Yourself and Your Property Safe in Portland

admin — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:07:57 +0000

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.Even though Portland, Oregon is a safe place to live and raise your family, it does not mean that you can neglect common sense home security measures. You should always make sure that you lock your doors and windows at night, and you need to make sure that you are aware of your surroundings. Never open your door for people that you do not know, and make sure that you do not hide keys on your property. A simple way to increase your security is with an alarm system such as the ones from ADT Security or another similar company. These systems are a wonderful deterrent to thieves and intruders.Do not live in fear no matter where you reside. Stay vigilant and learn how to make your home and yourself safer.

Sticking Together in Tough Times

admin — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:19:59 +0000

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. The farmer’s market is also a great place to volunteer by helping at an information booth, being a festival assistant or working with the Evergreen Campaign. HomePlate Meals with Youth is another way to give back to the Portland community. This is a once a week program that provides a hot meal and a shower for homeless youth in the area. Second Saturday School Beautification is a great way for students and their parents to be a part of improving the community through aesthetic projects at Jason Lee Elementary School.Find comfort in the fact that your new home has an unwavering commitment to helping one another.

Portland: Stepping up to the Big Leagues

admin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:11:05 +0000

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.Sporting options do not end there, as several lower level teams call Portland home as well. The Portland Beavers, a minor league baseball team, are 9 time champions of the Pacific Coast League and have a long history with the city dating back to 1901. For hockey enthusiasts, Portland offers the Winterhawks who play in the Western Hockey League boast 2 league championships of their own.At the collegiate level, the Portland Pilots provide an NCAA Division I program, competing in the West Coast Conference.

The Job Market in Portland is Looking Bright

admin — Tue, 25 May 2010 14:26:28 +0000

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.Steel is also an important industry in the area, and for many years steel was the top industry for employment. Schnitzer Steel Industries is still a major part of the city’s economy. Sports corporations, such as Adidas, Nike, and Columbia Sportswear have offices in the area as well.You will be able to find many other industries in the area as well. If you are thinking of moving to Portland, you should take the time to peruse the Internet and see what types of jobs are currently available. Through many of the online sites, you will be able to send your resume. It will be far easier on your savings if you are able to have a job lined up before you choose to move to the city.

Stay Busy When in Portland

admin — Tue, 25 May 2010 14:21:17 +0000

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.The city has more to offer than just the arts though. One of the most popular places to visit is the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, which has many hands on exhibits that children and adults alike will enjoy.If you are in the city in June, you will be able to attend the Portland Rose Festival, which includes two parades as well as carnival rides. You might want to visit Washington Park, which has many places that the whole family will be able to enjoy, including the Oregon Zoo and the World Forestry Center.One of the most popular events of the year is the Oregon Brewers Festival, which is held on the last full weekend of July. It is the largest outdoor craft beer festival the nation offers. In April, you can enjoy the Spring Beer and Wine Festival, and in December, you can sample beer at the Holiday Ale Festival.Portland, OR has a number of great restaurants and places to shop as well, such as the Vancouver Mall, Pioneer Place, and the downtown area. If you are looking for a bit of nightlife, whether you want to have a drink, relax at the bar and watch the game on satellite TV, or go dancing, the city offers plenty for everyone.