Portland Oregon is a beautiful city, with plenty of interesting attractions, great nightlife, and plenty of job opportunities. However, it may not be the best city for everyone to move to. Here are 19 reasons why you may not want to move to Portland Oregon.
1. Cost of Living
The cost of living in Portland is higher than the national average. The median home price is $414,000, and the average rent is over $1,500 per month. It is also one of the most expensive cities in the United States when it comes to groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
2. Traffic
Portland is known for its traffic problems. The city is notorious for its long commutes and frequent traffic jams. The streets are often congested, and parking can be difficult to find.
3. Weather
Portland has a reputation for being a rainy city, and while it does get its fair share of rain, the city is also known for its long stretches of cloudy days. The city is also known for its hot summers and cold winters.
4. Crime
Portland has a higher than average crime rate, and violent crime has been on the rise in recent years. The city is also known for its drug problems and homeless population.
5. Lack of Diversity
Portland is not a very diverse city. The majority of the population is white, and there is not much racial or ethnic diversity in the city. The city also has a large LGBT population.
6. Lack of Affordable Housing
The cost of living in Portland is high, and it can be difficult to find affordable housing. The city has a low vacancy rate, and many people are forced to live in substandard housing.
7. Limited Job Opportunities
Portland has a booming tech industry, but many other industries have struggled in recent years. The city has a high unemployment rate, and it can be difficult to find a job.
8. High Taxes
Portland has some of the highest taxes in the country. The state income tax rate is 9.9%, and the sales tax rate is 7.5%. Property taxes are also very high.
9. Bad Air Quality
Portland has some of the worst air quality in the country. The city is known for its poor air quality, and it can be difficult to breathe on days when the air quality is particularly bad.
10. Low Educational Attainment
Portland has a lower than average educational attainment rate. The city has one of the lowest high school graduation rates in the country, and many students do not pursue higher education.
11. Poor Public Transportation
Portland’s public transportation system is unreliable and inefficient. The city does not have a subway system, and the bus system is limited. It can be difficult to get around the city without a car.
12. High Cost of Healthcare
The cost of healthcare in Portland is higher than the national average. Many people are unable to afford the cost of medical care, and the city has one of the highest uninsured rates in the country.
13. Limited Outdoor Recreation
Portland does not have many outdoor recreational opportunities. The city is surrounded by mountains, but many of them are off-limits to the public due to private ownership.
14. Not Family Friendly
Portland is not the most family-friendly city. The city has a high cost of living, limited job opportunities, and a lack of affordable housing. It can be difficult to raise a family in Portland.
15. Political Divisiveness
Portland is a very politically divided city. The city is divided between conservatives and liberals, and there is a lot of political tension in the city.
16. Poor Quality of Life
Portland is not known for its quality of life. The city has a high cost of living, limited job opportunities, poor air quality, and limited outdoor recreation.
17. Limited Culture and Entertainment
Portland does not have a lot of cultural attractions or entertainment. The city has a few museums and theaters, but it lacks a vibrant nightlife or cultural scene.
18. Unfriendly Locals
Portland has a reputation for being an unfriendly city. The locals can be standoffish and unwelcoming, and it can be difficult to make friends in the city.
19. No International Airport
Portland does not have an international airport. The closest airport is located in Seattle, which is over two hours away.
In conclusion, Portland Oregon is a beautiful city, but it may not be the best choice for everyone. There are many reasons why you may not want to move to Portland Oregon, including the high cost of living, traffic, weather, crime, lack of diversity, lack of affordable housing, limited job opportunities, high taxes, bad air quality, low educational attainment, poor public transportation, high cost of healthcare, limited outdoor recreation, not family friendly, political divisiveness, poor quality of life, limited culture and entertainment, unfriendly locals, and no international airport.