OPINION: Transplants from Florida find plenty to love about Portland

Published 2:56 pm Wednesday, September 25, 2024

It has been a year since my husband and I landed in PDX, leaving behind the state I called home for over 65 years.

Central Florida has seen a ton of changes over those years, both good and bad, but the climate has remained pretty much the same.

Heat and humidity on steroids. I had had enough, especially after several visits to Portland provided an alternative to smoldering, sweaty summers.

Our son made the move several years ago and every visit has reinforced our love for the Pacific Northwest and this city, in particular. The political climate of Florida also contributed to our decision, obviously, and that old saying, “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen,” applied in more ways than one.

But I digress, this is not meant to trash the Sunshine State, but to show some love for the city we now call home.

Adjusting our minds, and bodies, to this complicated town is still a work in progress but we have not regretted our move for one minute. And here are some reasons why…

The weather, of course, has played a big part in our overall enjoyment. Except for the few days of 100 plus temps in August, our first summer was nirvana.

We found ourselves walking for miles every day, not being overcome with heat stroke and the nights were chilly enough for a sweater.

We learned how to use TriMet, got our HOP card and hit the road on the buses, MAX trains and streetcars. We learned to thank our bus drivers out loud and how to traverse the north and south, east and west sections of the metropolis.

The sight of Mount Hood still takes our breath away when it pops into view. That majestic peak never ceases to amaze us when we walk up the Washington Park steps to the Lewis and Clark Memorial Column.

The stark difference between Hood’s peak and Mount St. Helen’s flattened top reminds us of the horrific volcanic event, over 40 years ago. The locals have their individual stories about how they dealt with and remember it.

Downtown is a doable walk or quick bus ride, traversing the steep hills down to a city rich with architecture and art.

Add the river walks, diverse restaurants and multiple historic bridges crossing the Willamette, and there is never an excuse to pass up an opportunity to get out and explore.

Portland is a big city which comes with big city problems. After a devastating year in 2020, the city is struggling with issues of homelessness and addiction. As in Orlando, there are areas we would avoid after dark but, during the day, we feel free to traverse most areas throughout the metro.

Disparaging Portland with a negative broad brush is usually done by those who do not live here, nor have ever visited.

We have fallen in love with the Rose City, despite its thorns, and will continue to sing its praises, gaze with awe at its mountain views and always remember to thank the bus drivers.

Susan Young, Southwest Portland