Housely
Overall, the United States has seen sweeping changes in the last two decades, but nowhere is that more evident than in its major cities. NYC, San Diego, New Orleans, Houston, Miami, and the like are totally different than what they were just 20 years ago. However, much of the changes in those places hasn’t necessarily been for the better. While we’ve seen advances in tech, environmental concerns, and others, we’ve also seen a rise in crime, racism, and corruption. However if there’s one U.S. city we have to pick that has enjoyed plenty of positive change, it’s Portland, Oregon.
The Population Boom
Portland has seriously grown in the last 20 years, so much so that some wonder whether growth will take away from its vibe and character. Fortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case and the city is scaling right along with its surge in residents. In fact, this one U.S. city is an excellent example of how to experience large population growth in a short period of time. City services haven’t suffered, there’s still plenty of housing to go around, and the public schools haven’t taken a dive. Instead, Portland has become more walkable, more sustainable, and better for all of its growth.
A Boosted Economy
Portland is not only known for its tech jobs today, but for its many entrepreneurs and the high percentage of college educated individuals living in its metro area. In just 12 years between 2000 and 2012, the number of university and college graduates age 25 to 34 grew by a whopping 36 percent. Portland is now the fifth most popular city in the U.S. for college graduates who are looking to relocate, and because it’s attracting so many of America’s best and brightest Portland’s economy has become stronger.
Millennials have flocked there in the past several years, and employers in different sectors are finding Portland more attractive as well. For instance, Portland’s film scene is developing at a lightening fast pace and many major films and programs are being filmed there including NBC’s Grimm and IFC’s Portlandia. Having crews and film productions frequently in and around town means even more jobs and a stronger economy.
The employment rate in the city’s center is growing while unemployment is falling, and that’s a big change from 20 years ago. Back then Portland was growing and jobs were coming to the area, but nowhere near the pace that it is now. In 2002, there were 187,714 jobs in the city’s metro area. By 2011, that number rose to 201,915 jobs in metro Portland alone..
Changes in Housing
With all of the changes happening in Portland including the growing economy, real estate prices in Portland have gone up. This has been a good thing for those who were already home and property owners, but those who want to buy or rent are finding it less affordable to live in the city proper. Nowhere is this more true than in downtown Portland. Whereas a decade ago one could easily find a two bedroom apartment for rent for around $800, these days many apartments in downtown Portland go for $1,200 or more.
The silver lining in all of this, however, is that though the city has become quite trendy and is one of the most sought after in the U.S., it hasn’t experienced a huge rise in rents like in other popular cities such as Austin, San Francisco, and New York. Housing costs have gone up in Portland, but unlike the aforementioned cities the middle and working classes aren’t priced out of living there. Another plus is that though downtown rents and real estate prices may be significantly higher, it’s still relatively affordable to live in other areas of Portland. When you consider the many amenities, good schools, decent commute, and safety one can find there, this is one U.S. city that’s a bargain.
Most Livable City
The advantages that Portland offers over so many other major cities in the U.S. earned it the title of “Most Livable City” by Monocle Magazine in 2015. After conducting a quality of life survey, the London based publication ranked Portland has having the 25th best quality of life on the entire planet. It beat out all other cities in the U.S. Interestingly, the survey found that though more populous cities such as New York City and San Francisco have more entertainment and dining options than Portland, people value its local food scene, closer knit community, eco-friendliness, and greater sense of peace much more.
Portland is surely a hot spot for people that fall in different demographics, not just millennials and college grads. Though this has caused prices to go up in some areas, people are finding that there are more benefits than drawbacks to living there and most don’t mind paying a bit more to be in an area with so many interesting sights and a fun, artsy atmosphere. It truly is a unique U.S. city that holds its own and stands out among a sea of metropolitan areas that all seem rather similar.
A Model of Sustainability
One area where Portland, Oregon truly shines is its efforts towards sustainability and being green. The U.S. city has one of the best air qualities in the country and it’s also frequently ranked as being one of the most environmentally conscious cities. Local officials encourage carpooling and bicycling, ensure the public transit system is efficient and well funded, work hard to maintain the city’s air and water quality, and they’ve given the green light to the development of over 250 miles of bike paths, lanes, and trails across the area. More importantly, the citizens of Portland work together to ensure their city stays a clean, truly lovely place to live and visit. It has more aggressive emissions reductions goals than just about any other U.S. city, and Portland derives less than 25 percent of its energy from coal whereas the national average is 44 percent.
In addition, Portland was one of the first areas in the nation to institute a plastic bag ban, and its recycling program is top notch and serves as a model of how to get it right. With so many changes in all areas that Portland, Oregon has experienced in the last 20 years, it’s a sure thing that it will only get better and more desirable in the years to come — the people of Portland would have it no other way.
References
http://www.golocalpdx.com/news/how-portland-has-changed-in-10-years
https://monocle.com/film/affairs/the-monocle-quality-of-life-survey-2015/
http://www.businessinsider.com/portland-green-city-infographic-2013-3
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