Whether for work, school, or even just wanting a life change, Portland, Oregon remains one of the most popular cities on the West Coast to live. With an emphasis on green living, an excellent food scene, a bustling nightlife full of arts and entertainment, and preserving and respecting the natural beauty of the state, Portland continues to provide plenty of good reasons to visit – and to stay. Read on to find out why moving to Portland might be your next adventure.
Vibrant Food Scene
There’s a reason why Portland was named the country’s best city for foodies. From multicultural classics to unique twists of longtime American favorites, Portland has something for everyone. Not only does Portland have access to fresh, local seafood by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, but many of its restaurants also emphasize fresh, local ingredients found in the city itself or from nearby communities within Oregon. Many up-and-coming restauranteurs, as well as many superstar chefs, have established themselves in Portland, bringing both vibrant communities and delicious food together. You can feel good about what you eat knowing that it supports local businesses at every step of the process, from farm to table.
If you’re looking for a place to sit and eat, Portland has plenty of options to choose from, like Lovely’s Fifty Fifty, which uses local produce to create its unique and delicious pizzas. Enjoy a piece of Italy in Portland by visiting Campana, where you can sip on espresso and dig into fresh, homemade pasta. If looking for something lighter, stop by Mama Dút’s street food and snack shop for a vegan twist on several Vietnamese favorites, like bahn mi and ube-dyed woopie pies.
Access to Nature and Walkability
Due to the region’s overall moderate climate, the weather allows you to partake in outdoor activities or simply just take a walk through the city year-round. Whether you want to hike some intense nature trails or want to take a walk through one of the city’s many parks, Portland has something for every nature lover.
Portland’s distance to the nearby state of Washington makes it easy for travelers and residents alike to explore the beauty the West Coast has to offer. Walk on parts of the Historic Oregon National Trail that spans six states, starting in Missouri and ending in a loop between Portland and Vancouver, Washington.
If you prefer the hustle and bustle of the city, Portland makes it easy to get around. With multiple bike paths and over 300 miles of trails, Portland provides access to its many amenities in a reasonable distance. With plenty of foliage throughout the city as well as its abundance of streams and rivers, you never have to go far to enjoy nature.
Arts and Entertainment
Portland’s walkability makes it easy to access its incredible arts and entertainment scene. The city boasts several music and theater venues, such as the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the Crystal Ballroom, and the cleverly named The Big Legrowlski. The famous Portland’5 Center for the Arts acts as a main hub for finding and hosting events throughout Portland. Performances, lectures, and concerts constantly pop in and out of the city, so every week presents a chance to experience something new and exciting. Be sure to keep an eye out on Portland’5’s site as well as the various posters and advertisements to find the most up-to-date calendar of events.
Portland is also home to various art institutions that display eye-catching and thought-provoking exhibitions throughout the year. The Portland Institute of Contemporary Art hosts several art events that seek to empower and embolden members of the community, such as the Institute’s recent Uwu & Friends event. The Alberta Arts District neighborhood in Northeast Portland also hosts a variety of events, especially in the summertime, such as the Alberta Street Fair. Portland also hosts monthly art walks, several film festivals, live storytelling events, and even an annual Book Festival every November. From crafts to music to poetry, Portland’s art scene remains unrivaled in its variety.
An Eco-Friendly Culture
Portland has a unique culture that emphasizes a progressive, environmentally-conscious way of life that attracts people worldwide. This culture expresses itself in the way Portland conducts and manages its affairs, meaning that the city tries to reduce, reuse, and recycle as much as it can. Plastic bag bans, bottle deposits, and taxes on big retailers that help contribute to Portland’s still-new Clean Energy Fund all emphasize how seriously Portland takes tackling today’s climate challenges.
The city also contains many businesses, from restaurants to clothing stores, that place the planet at the forefront of their practices. Stop by Pie Footwear to pick up a new pair of shoes made of eco-friendly materials while recycling your old shoes. Take a close look up at many of the apartment and commercial buildings and you will see ecoroofs, or rooftops created to contain grass and other plants to prevent flooding from rainwater. Every day, everywhere, Portland strives to set a national example for going green.
Ready to Go? Let Portland Move Help
Whether you’re planning on moving to the heart of the city or one of Portland’s many beautiful suburbs, Portland Move can go the distance and bring you, too. From just down the street to a long-distance haul into many of Portland’s surrounding areas, like Beaverton, Happy Valley, and Tigard, we’ve got you covered. Locally owned and operated, Portland Move’s experienced and licensed movers provide 5-star service, in-house walkthroughs and estimates, and specialized customer service without any hidden fees, guaranteed.
Portland Move offers everything you need to prepare for moving to Portland. Need help packing valuable items? Ask us about how our packing services can reduce your stress on moving day. We can even move large, bulky furniture, like pianos or antiques. Own a business? No problem – Portland Move will get your belongings to your new office space when you’re ready to make that transition. No matter the type of move, Portland Move will get you there. Contact us today to schedule a free quote!
