What is it like to live and work in the Portland Oregon area?|103658

I live in Austin Texas now, which is a place many people even wish to move to...however, as a native Texan, baby boomer, single, wanting to live somewhere else that is nice, I have been thinking maybe Portland. I wish for a place that is very liberal, diverse cultures, but with opportunity for stable employment as an electrical engineer in the architectural design industry. Any firsthand info would be appreciated.

I_m a native Texan and have lived in Portland for the past ~3 years. I lived ~5 years in Austin as well. From a culture standpoint, I think the cities are very similar. They are both liberal, although Portland is bit more extreme than Austin. You_ll see _Keep Portland Weird_ bumper stickers just like the _Keep Austin Weird_ ones (I_m not sure who ripped off who). They both have a lot of outdoor activities. It does rain a lot here, but it_s not the downpours you see in Austin, it_s more of a mist/sprinkle. Summers in Portland are unbeatable - perfect weather _ not much rain from July - Sept. I also like being able to drive an hour to the beach or an hour to the ski slopes. I do miss the food in TX though. There_s some great seafood, Thai, and sushi up here, but I haven_t found any Mexican (definitely no TexMex) that_s worth much. All in all, if you like Austin, you_ll like Portland.

Portland is a wonderful place to live. The city is liberal-minded, very open and hospitable. It is safe, and famous for microbrews.

The rain is a bit of a myth. While their are plenty of rainy days, especially fall-spring, it is mostly a high overcast with very little actual rain.

People here are getting excited about Greg Oden coming to play for the Trail Blazers and the city is very active during the summertime. The Rose Festival includes an airshow, a race, a parade, festival on the waterfront. Live concerts are held on the waterfront all summer long, including the Blues Festival.

Their are wonderful hang out spots within the city, mostly centering around the microbrews. McMenamin_s, McMenamin_s, McMenamin_s. They have it figured out. They own numerous pubs across the area including the Kennedy School, Mission Theater, the Edgefield. The Edgefield which is in Tualitin is a nine hole par 3 golf course, with a 19th century hotel renovated into an Irish style pub, a movie theater for a couple of bucks you can see some classics while you have a beer. Their is a great singles scene in the city as well.

Portland is a very active city. Hiking is popular with the convenience of the Columbia River Gorge thirty minutes away, and skiing on Mt. Hood during the winter is among the best in the country. Portland also has a lot of softball leagues as well as soccer and some world class golf courses.

Culturally, Portland is liberal, open-minded, and a very friendly environment. People here still say hello, hold doors, give directions and are generally pleasant. The city is very low on crime, which is remarkable considering how many different neighborhoods their are and the diverse group of people. The outdoorsman, the hippy, the athlete, the metrosexual, the cowboy, the professional all are at home in Portland. Within the city their is a large Asian community, as well as hispanic community that is growing all the time. In the end Portland is a lot more class oriented than race oriented.

Portland is one of the best places to live in the country!

Does anyone know of anywhere to take engagement pictures in phoenix?|190659

Me and my fiance are planning on taking our engagement pictures next weekend but i have no idea where to go. Does anyone know of anywhere we can go? I want somewhere that has nice scenery.

Sedona is about the most beautiful place in the state. It_s a 2 hour drive but you only get one chance at great engagement pics. It_s worth it.

I have the perfect place for you!!
The Farm at South Mountain

Its beautiful
they have orange trees and pecan trees
they senery is geoorgous
its all outside

there is a little resturaunt but you dont have to eat there!

i went here to take my graduation pictures
they turned out amazing!!

a lot of people get married here!!

hope this place works!

What are some fun things to do in Orlando besides Disney World?|175761

We want to go the beach one day too, so what beach is the best is what, besides swimming and surfing, can we do at the beach, and are there any swim-with-the-dolphin places nearby because I love dolphins!

pine hills is pretty fun. we usually go over there and hangout at the local jmart! you should really check into it!

Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Orlando at a 45 minute car trip. But our favorite beach is Siesta Key. It is located in the city of Sarasota, approximately an hour and 45 minute drive south from the Disney World Resort. It is on the gulf side, so the sand is baby powder soft and the beaches are calm and a beautiful turquoise blue. We also love that they have a great little cafe right there on the beach and a fun small gift shop to buy souvenirs, swimsuits, towels, and ice cream.
Sea World offers a swim with dolphins experience called Discovery Cove. But it can be quite expensive. I_ve listed the link so you can look into it (below).
My husband and I love to drive out to Kennedy Space Center, or take an airboat ride at Boggy Creek. Sea World is also a fantastic park! We are season pass holders there and go as often as we can. Their shows are spectacular! There is so much to do in Orlando. Have a great time!

I think Cocoa Beach is closest, but we didn_t like it as much as Clearwater Beach. It_s just West of Tampa.
They have dolphin cruises. They also have a pirate cruise, if you have kids, they might like that.
Discovery Cove right next to SeaWorld in Orlando has swim with the dolphins.


www.floridasbeach.com


http://www.swimdolphins.com/

Sea World has a great dolphin swimming program.
The beach is far away, east side or west side.
Stick to Orlando. They also have Universal and great dinner shows.

Go to a spring. I seen your question and I just got back form Alexander Springs. It is awesome!