Thinking of Moving to Portland

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Permalink Reply by Angela Higgins on August 20, 2009 at 10:17pm

Hi Adam,

1 All depends on you and what is 'normal'. I moved here from Iowa a million years ago and definitely experienced fish-out-of-water culture shock because the people and area are so different. Different in a really good way. I think most people have a hard time adjusting to change and moving cross country is definitely an impactful experience.
3) Seems that everyone here is from a different part of the country or world. I would say its not an issue at all. You just need to get out and into places where you'll meet people.
2) The job market is rough right now. A paper I saw a few days ago said that 1 in 4 people in Oregon can't find a fulltime job. I hear reports of this pretty frequently as well. The good news is that web designers can remote 'virtual' and many do-- there are a ton of entrepreneurs here, too. If you can't the job, you create the job.

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Permalink Reply by Lorri E. on August 28, 2009 at 6:57am

This is one of the friendliest cities in the whole country, as far as I am concerned...so I would say it is not hard to feel at home when you get here. I would say "ditto that" to making new friends, although certainly it is up to you and depends on how social you are and how willing you are to go out and try to engage--there are TONS of activities and plenty of people to meet and find common interests, especially if outdoors is one of them because the Pacific Northwest abounds with natural beauty, trails, and sports.

The job market kind of sucks...unfortunately. Still, IT-ers have some advantages, as Angela said, web folks can often work anywhere, including remotely in the virtual online world. I don't know if you consider being self employed, but that is another option. I would weigh the job thing very carefully, because you would not want to move here and then find your whole life turns upside down because you can't find work. Keep an open mind, try to make some contacts or even come out for some time here and job interviews before you make the move. I think you would love Portland's lifestyle...but you need to be able to pay your rent or mortgage, too...

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Permalink Reply by DeBorah Beatty on August 29, 2009 at 9:35am

Hi, Adam - I"m sure there are a lot of people far more qualified than I to answer you, but as a person who moved into the area just 3 weeks ago, I'd like to comment.

Question 1 - I have never, and I mean never, felt as at home as I feel here in Portland. I've lived all over the world and have totally found a new home town!

Question 3 - One of the coolest things I have found is how easy it is to meet folks. The acceptance of all people, lifestyles and attitudes is unbelievable. I was raised overseas and have lived the last 10 years in Washington State on the East Side which may as well be another planet, and have found arms open and welcoming everywhere I go. I think a lot depends on YOUR attitude though, if you're looking for a welcome, you'll get it.

Question 2 - Not sure. Not my market, but I see a lot of 'em. Check out craigslist for an idea of who's looking for what.

Best of luck to you. Another bit of advice - what I did when I made up my mind I was moving here was to join a bunch of Portland-based groups on Meetup.com, LinkedIn, Facebook and Biznik that mirrored my interests and career. That way, I built my network before I ever even got here.

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Permalink Reply by Nancy Cueva on August 29, 2009 at 11:05am

Hey Adam
I'm a fellow New Yorker (Staten Island), but came to Portland last month after raising a family in CA. for 25 years. I too am alone here, but I know I'm going to love it here. I'm confident I'll find work here (massage therapy) once I get licensed and then can go home hunting. The prices are half of those in CA. and have lots of charm and character, just like the people I've met. It is so beautiful here and I'm sure it'll be a great choice for you. Good luck! I also have a wonderful realtor if you need someone.
All the best,
Nancy

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