When Peter and I made the decision last fall that we would move to Portland and started spreading the word, we got various reactions. One I did not expect was “I’m moving to Portland too!”

Not that we heard this a lot, but I was surprised to learn some of my friends had been thinking of Portland as a destination too. It’s not really that surprising when you think about it – it’s a popular city for many reasons and to the chagrin of some of its residents, I think, it is growing very fast. According to our tour guide the city is anticipated to triple in population in the next 25 years. The people of Portland resenting this growth aren’t without good reason. Many of the unique defining characteristics of the city are possible and fostered because of its size and careful city planning. Fast sprawl and growth can be to its detriment.

Two of my friends from Chicago were a couple planning to move to Portland later this year. They visited last week, so excited to scope out the city they had been reading about. They didn’t like it. They have decided to stay in Chicago. Portland did not amount to what they had in their minds.

I am, of course, selfishly disappointed. But I want them to find their place, and if Portland isn’t it, they shouldn’t be there. What didn’t they like about it? Sluggish, smug, not diverse enough. And, I think those are fair  remarks. I mean it’s a first impression, and it’s honest.

Going from Chicago (population 3 million) to Portland (population 1/2 million), it’s not surprising it’s less bustling. The smug factor? It’s a west coast liberal city, I too got the impression that there are homogeneous values and ideals, moreso than my Midwest swing state background. Lack of diversity was something Peter and I noticed right away when we got to Portland.  Portland is 18% non-white. By comparison, Saint Louis is 56% non-white and Memphis is 67% non-white. And those are the two cities I grew up in. I know diversity comes in many flavors beyond ethnicity, but it does make a difference.

My friends not loving Portland reminded me that what’s best for me is not best for everyone. When I was in college I loved my college so much, I raved about it. Based in part on my accolades not one but two of my friends from high school, unhappy at their current colleges, decided to transfer to my college. Both of them hated it and left within a year. I know it wasn’t totally my fault but I felt responsible. Ever since then I’ve always been a little wary of recommending something that might impact a big decision for someone. “But check it out yourself! Don’t take my word for it!” I warn. And it’s true.

I believe: You get out of a place (and life) what you put into it. You create the life you want to live.

The Broadway Street Steel Bridge © Jan Tik

Portland Downtown at Dawn © jikido-san

Japanese Garden © ahp_ibanez