what you MUST KNOW before moving to Portland, Oregon! people, weather, getting a job, and more...

Hi! I have gotten a lot of questions about Portland, why I am leaving, what I love about, and truly what living here is like so I wanted to sum it all up in a video for you.
Timestamps are below:
2:30 WEATHER (how it really is)
6:03 JOB MARKET (be prepared!)
9:00 NO SALES TAX
10:14 NATURAL BEAUTY IN OREGON
11:52 ALCOHOL CULTURE
12:38 WEED (lol)
13:00 SMALL BUSINESS + ENTREPRENEURSHIP
14:12 THE PEOPLE (stereotypes, the truth, etc.)
17:27 DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION, RACIST HISTORY, and more
20:20 THE LBGTQ+ SCENE IN PORTLAND
21:53 THE FOOD SCENE (yum)
23:23 POPULATION GROWTH, OREGONIAN ATTITUDE TOWARD PEOPLE MOVING HERE (especially to Portland)
26:32 OUTRO
I know A LOT of people are interested in Portland and Oregon at large so I hope this video was helpful if you're considering moving here. It's a city well-known for the quirky people of Portlandia and bad weather, but not much else nationally. I hope this video gives you the information you need to decide about a move (but try to visit first!) or simply better enjoy your Oregon vacation. I didn't touch on cost-of-living in this video because it is so subjective and Portland may be way more expensive or way cheaper than where you are moving from. I like using websites like www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living... and Smart Asset to compare cost of living between cities.
If this helps you, please give the video a like and feel free to subscribe to the channel for other videos :) love ya!
Kenzie

[@aayanguren]

My wife and I love the grey weather. The rain is usually not a downpour, and the weather is changing throughout the day, clouds coming and going.. We came from a hot state with little to no rain, and when it did rain it was pouring. I like nothing more than stepping out of our place, on our way to the park with our son, and having the light rain kick up the aroma of earth.

[@nicolea8205]

@Edward Muller V I’m the opposite of you, born and raised in AZ and can’t wait to move to the PNW and enjoy summers for the first time in my life. AZ is just so depressing in the summer.

[@kbanghart]

@@nicolea8205 same here, I love the rain.

[@kbanghart]

I'm looking to move to Oregon from CA maybe soon, can someone advise what smaller towns I should look at where I can find a real small home, like 1000 SQ ft or even smaller, for maybe 250K or under? Willing to look almost anywhere.

[@nicolea8205]

@@kbanghart rain is the bees knees

[@ddixon1378]

@@kbanghart I have lived in Oregon my whole life. If you are looking for a home 250k or less you want southern or far eastern Oregon.

[@yougetbetter7118]

I realllyyyyy wish every city overview video was exactly like this 😭 So informative, overlooked details that, as a trans woman myself, are so essential to day to day life and don’t get talked about/discussed. Thank you ❤️❤️

[@kenziephillips3412]

I'm so so glad this was helpful! Navigating cities as a queer person myself is such a different experience; sending you all the love.

[@sarahjones3508]

Oooo another transwoman

[@ericlewis6075]

Yeh… she was really on point…

[@kenziephillips3412]

Timestamps: 2:30 WEATHER (how it really is) 6:03 JOB MARKET (be prepared!) 9:00 NO SALES TAX 10:14 NATURAL BEAUTY IN OREGON 11:52 ALCOHOL CULTURE 12:38 WEED (lol) 13:00 SMALL BUSINESS + ENTREPRENEURSHIP 14:12 THE PEOPLE (stereotypes, the truth, etc.) 17:27 DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION, RACIST HISTORY, and more 20:20 THE LBGTQ+ SCENE IN PORTLAND 21:53 THE FOOD SCENE (yum) 23:23 POPULATION GROWTH, OREGONIAN ATTITUDE TOWARD PEOPLE MOVING HERE (especially to Portland) 26:32 OUTRO thanks for watching and please like and subscribe if this was helpful for you :)

[@cfcalle]

It was quite nice to hear your opinion in a conversation type of manner. Thank you for spending your time to share with us your experiences in the area :)

[@kenziephillips3412]

My pleasure! I appreciate that comment. Glad you enjoyed.

[@alexjohnson111]

From Florida. Never been to the west coast. Oregon speaks to me for some reason.

[@Peachsnowcone]

Same!!! astrocartography might be something you want to look into

[@santigusman7359]

No it doesn’t

[@spaz-o-matic8899]

Spoke to me too. Went on a six day motorcycle ride around the western and mid state. The place is amazing. go there and you won't want to go back home.

[@santigusman7359]

@@miimimia I speak for my land. That is why.

[@iknownot3336]

No woman. If you go there. That Will be the worst decision you make

[@acivilright]

Really enjoyed this video, very informative and comprehensive. I always wanted to move to Portland, but at this point I am older and not particularly interested. I will have to settle for a trip to the PNW. If I ever move there, I'd probably skip Oregon and just move to Seattle. Diversity is very important to me so I really appreciated the care you took in describing the scene in Portland.

[@kenziephillips3412]

Glad it was helpful! I tried to convey the nuance in the city. It's SO worth a visit, but for many folks I don't think Portland is the right choice to live in. I do personally love Seattle a lot more (though I have not lived there).

[@oldfogey4679]

Electric I'm older too I'm leaving Oregon due to the changeable barometric pressure changes the dampness and because I want an easier job market to reenter! And Oregon economy isn't great! Plus the legalization of small arts of hard drugs is endangering citizens!

[@oldfogey4679]

Electric Seattle is a physically cold city!

[@oldfogey4679]

@@kenziephillips3412 I livedin Olympia and this area plus Seattle is physically much colder than Portland! Plus u failed to mention that Oregon barometric pressure is very changeable! Oregon job market is very poor because ore is highly educated! Meaning uve got lots of masters degrees working entry level jobs! Most workers are overly qualified for what they do! Portland also has a bad form of city gov! No city council! Portland is ruled via dept heads, very inefficient and unusual form of governing! One ore plus is the referendum system! Anyone who gathers enough signatures can get laws onto the ballot! Special interest groups don't rule here! Recent drug legalization has endangered the whole state! Not enough state economic diversity! Spring ore and other small communities the farther from Portland u get are turning into dangerous drug communities! Portland, Salem, eug have always had bad, corrupt police forces adding to problems! Ore has a problem with political correctness and cancel cultural! Eastern ore are politically conservative! Ores constitution prohibited non whites! Ore generally is not progressive racially! The Klang was very big in ore at one time! Lgtq isn't liked in Springfield ore! Springfield ore still has a redneck meth backwards culture! Right next to uof o with political correctness so the areas not a good mix! It's been my experience that most natives migrate elsewhere! But true, we don't like California's moving in gentrifying areas increasing prices! Plus California's are a bit rude! I don't like small town mentalities! And Portland is good about not having this attitude ! However, places like eug are so small minded that transferring drs is a big problem! Eug drs are generally of poor quality! I've never seen a town have such bad drs including bad specialists!

[@anahitacann6323]

Thank you so much for posting this video. This was extremely eye opening for me and my boyfriend from CA and we have realized a lot about Portland from you that we may have not before. We really appreciate it and good luck on your next endeavors. Looking forward to your next video!!!

[@BOOGiNS]

Stay in your own state

[@kenziephillips3412]

You are so welcome! I am glad it was helpful. Thank you.

[@kbanghart]

@@BOOGiNS no

[@breannapimentel3216]

This is a realllly well thought out video and thank you for the list with timing. I live on the Bay Area right now and was tempted to move to Portland and after seeing this I feel like it’s probably not the best idea.

[@natalieturton9289]

Thank u so much for sharing! I’d heard some of this stuff before but having someone like me explain it is really helpful!

[@kenziephillips3412]

Aw I'm glad I could help!

[@Lauraworline]

Super informational video, thanks! I have been kind of e-browsing cities to check out after graduation and Portland is maybe on my list. I appreciate you and send hearts to you!!

[@kenziephillips3412]

Aw thanks lovely! sending hearts back

[@rs916]

Kenzie, I am liberal/progressive as well so it was nice to hear someone address that aspect of Portland. Also, thumbs up to you for mentioning some of the racial makeup and history of Portland! Thx!!

[@kenziephillips3412]

Thank you! I could only cover a small amount of a deep history, but it's important to be aware of.

[@SloppyLarry]

Race is everything ever where all the time. Progress is a constant reminder that superficial genetic differences are all that moves this flat or round earth because all opinions of nature are equal. There is definitely no emperor who wears no clothes mentality in the modern left. We just won't be able to get over tribal politics (race) if we don't constantly remind ourselves that races are different and white people do not suffer or feel pain. As is the famous quote from the Bible. A source that is both bullocks and all that matters depending on the day of the week you ask a modern liberal. Humor and symbolic acts hurt and are more offensive then the acts themselves (both right and left fall for that one) . To be fair and I personally love liberals. I consider myself to be one, but the young folks have some growing up to do!

[@sarah-kj2mc]

I'm a senior living in Eugene rn, and looking to move to portland for cc when I graduate. Thank you sooo much for this video. It definitely is a very scary step but I'm looking forward to doing it. This video was so helpful and helped with a lot of my worries. Thank you! ❤️

[@KennethLane90]

I read senior as in senior citizen🤣🤣🤣

[@laurenandseth]

Helpful video, thanks for all the info! Looking into moving to Portland!

[@byronburkhalter2950]

Helpful. I'm in a much different situation and still the intelligence and honesty ring true. Thank you.

[@kenziephillips3412]

I'm so glad the video helped you! I will always be honest.

[@PHL1213]

Great video and thoroughly enjoyed your genuine honesty. Great job young lady! Please don't change who you are! I've considered moving to pacific NW because of the beautiful landscape and what i thought were an abundance of job opportunities. as a moderate progressive/moderate conservative AA male and wanted to get away from the toxic and poorly run Philly area when finished school; your video was a breath of fresh air. its really sad that we are going through racial strife in america. i will settle for a few days visit to Portland and other parts of PNW- Arlington Va seems like a great place or a place within the DC metro area that is very diverse which is highly important to me. really disappointing hearing about Portland.

[@kenziephillips3412]

Thank you so much! The PNW is beautiful, but Portland is very different from, say, Seattle re: diversity and job market for sure. I have lived in the DC area and would highly recommend Arlington! It's expensive, but it has a lot going for it.

[@sondabrown7373]

I appreciate this video. Thank you for the insight and honesty!

[@Peachsnowcone]

I love how detailed this is, Thank you!!

[@yovogo]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Pretty spot on I would have to say on all points. I’ve lived here a long time and have traveled quite a bit. I honestly would not want to live anywhere else...well maybe NZ. I have to admit, the property taxes within the city limits, are insane.

[@TaliaLea]

such an interesting perspective!! thanks for this! im moving to Portland next weekend for about 3 months :)

[@kenziephillips3412]

Happy to help!! & enjoy Portland this summer :) that is BY FAR the nicest time of year here and I'm sure you'll find fun stuff to do even with everything going on :)

[@LongLeggedOne]

Good, check it out if u have to, then leave. It sucks trust me.

[@BOOGiNS]

Get ready to be harassed by homeless people blm protesters. This chicks ignorant to the real Portland.

[@LongLeggedOne]

@@BOOGiNS This one will like a lot of people learn the hard way

[@kbanghart]

@@BOOGiNS lol you sound biased

[@anobelkhoushabeh3831]

This was very helpful!!! Visiting Portland next month and maybe moving there... but... coming from San Diego, the lack of diversity will be VERY hard to adjust to. I value California's diversity more than anything else this state has to offer, and it has A LOT to offer. But I do love gloomy weather and a beautiful green landscape. Ahhh, can't wait to check it out!

[@kenziephillips3412]

I hope you had a good visit! I love visiting Portland :)

[@thomasschellberg4235]

Portland has a very low African American population, but a lot of ethnic diversity. There are large Chinese, Mexican, Russian and Middle eastern populations, and ethnic neighborhoods. So the author's statement about ethnic diversity is very misleading.

[@jessicapartida6239]

@@thomasschellberg4235 really? I visited Portland and my tour guide told me the same thing. that the majority of the population was white. ever since I visited its been a dream to live there but being Mexican it would be a little uncomfortable for me.

[@atiing578]

Same I’m from SD we want to move to Oregon

[@maxichazmaxi]

The sweetest way to dive on my possible move from Wisconsin to Oregon,... thank you.

[@leeballard3463]

This was a very great video. Very informative and you have a great personality. I was thinking about moving to Portland but I’m not sure anymore. Thank you for your perspective.

[@kenziephillips3412]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful :)

[@generationx9294]

Kenzie, thank you so much for taking the time to share this informative video. I too, am liberal and progressive and love diversity. I appreciate all the points you highlighted. I'm a California native and love the stunning beauty of the PNW. As you said, do your research and perhaps.. most definitely just visit if some things as you mentioned - aren't going to suit your lifestyle Hope you're doing well wherever you moved to! ❤✌🏽

[@urmanascrewed]

Fair evaluation, I moved away over 2 years ago. BTW Portlandia is like 10 years old, so the city isn't the same as then.

[@kenziemaund5134]

This has been the best video I’ve watched about moving to Portland!!

[@kenziephillips3412]

Yay! So happy to hear it.

[@maureensorrell3729]

I really enjoyed watching this as I am originally from Portland, and was considering a move back home after 30 years. It is a lot to think about...I am curious to know where you are headed....

[@moncerat305]

Wow thank you love the video very informative. I always wanted to move there since a teen. I was thinking about it this week. But living is expensive an now I’m really thing bout it. An do more research for sure. Thank you. GREAT JOB 🎉🎊🙌🏾🎊🎉

[@30flirtyandfinance]

Kenzie, I love your video and think you made some really honest points, that said I think I'd love to hear how you think that any of the things you disliked about Portland (mostly social political issues) can be addressed, if people aren't willing to stay and change?

[@DL-hu9yw]

Thanks for your candid review!

[@kenziephillips3412]

Any time! Thanks for watching.

[@tyiijack]

I’m leaving Chicago next year and I do have plans moving to Portland or any area in Oregon that’s affordable to move too. I’m happy to hear you mention all the information I need to hear about Portland. About the job topic you just point out, if I’m already working at a company here in Chicago, they can always relocate me to the one out there in Portland. I love Chicago (been born and raised) but the fact the taxes are high, getting depressed and anxiety, haven’t ready achieve any of my goals here and the crime is just bad everyday during daylight to midnight. I realize this, if it doesn’t feel like home than move to a place that does and that’s what my heart been showing me for the longest. If any of you who live in Portland, hope we meet and become friends soon when I do move out there.😊

[@curtismoroni6228]

I will be friends with you :) insta is curtis.moroni

[@tyiijack]

@@curtismoroni6228 Thanks Curtis :) I’m taking a break from IG but when I get back on it, I will give you a follow

[@Johnny-ov7qe]

My gf and I are moving from Chicago (Humboldt Park) to Portland next month! There are actually a good amount of chicagoans in Portland I hear. I think it will be a nice change of pace for us all. Can’t beat the natural beauty and laid back vibe

[@tyiijack]

@@Johnny-ov7qe That’s so wonderful to hear and to here you mention that there are a good amount of chicagoans in Portland. Now that I know which I never seen that coming haha. That’s exactly why I wanted to move to the west coast because of nature and a laid back peaceful vibes. I wish you both blessings in your new home in Portland😊

[@arminelk7279]

Hello! I’m from Chicago and thinking of moving to Portland too. Maybe next year! If you do get to move let us know how it is. It would also be nice to have a Chicago group over there. Good Luck! =)

[@penapple05]

Your video is very informative and really organized. Thank for you for all the information!

[@kenziephillips3412]

Thank you so much; glad it was helpful!

[@BeyondParadise808]

Thank you so much for this video. I really appreciate it.

[@FireAwayProductions]

Also thank you for such a detailed review

[@seanh2198]

Thank you, for helping me make a decision..I may only visit

[@paultidwell8799]

I get it honestly because I've found myself suffering from seasonal effective and live here, the winters are particularly acute.

[@kasforai]

I moved here 3 years ago from cali and will move to Seattle when I'm rich!

[@elizabethtaskinen209]

It actually doesnt rain as much as you would think here but we do get a good amount

[@noel7111]

I have lived in Portland or near by town all my life and was just wondering what someone else thought of it and I would like to say I think pretty much everything you said is very true. There is a ton of great things to see and do but jobs aren’t great like you said aren’t much. Lots of small businesses but a lot had to close due to COVID. Rent can be pretty high. If you see cheap rent then it may not be a very good area. Very true some people don’t like people moving here from other states because rent has gone up as well as house prices. Crime has gone up a lot in the last 2 years. Police officers have been quitting in the last year so it’s common for you to have to make a police report online or over the phone in Portland. Since January 2021 a lot more shootings. Good video though!

[@oldfogey4679]

Noel one thing she needs to mention is that ores barometric pressure system can change daily! I'm a native ore leaving for this reason! As a changeable barometric system produces migraines for me! So ores climate can be more than just a rain drain! It can be downright unhealthy!

[@In20xx]

This helps with my research for creative writing. Thanks for making!

[@luanaschmid2009]

You seem so genuinely wholesome, thanks for that video :)

[@kenziephillips3412]

Aw thank you! :')

[@exastrisscientia0]

This is a great video & really helped me actually! 🤗

[@ThisEveinEvening]

👍Now this is a quality pros & cons video. DETAILS on variety of important things. 🙏 Thank you Kenzie!

[@rpgbx]

I love your conversational style! I am a fan. Subscribing!

[@kenziephillips3412]

Thanks Regina! :') I hope to make more videos soon.

[@nicholeruggiano7144]

lmao “please don’t come for me” 😂 you’re amazing.

[@kenziephillips3412]

Haha thank you :)

[@naseemakthar4401]

Thank you for this video . It really informative

[@mooorecou]

Thank you Kenzie! Where are you planning on moving Now?

[@christinamanuel5067]

This was a really informative video, thank you! I'm sad to hear that Portland is not the liberal haven it is portrayed to be. You also have an interesting take on DC. I'm from Northern Virginia and I've always viewed DC as super white, preppy, conservative and stiff. I've always lived in different cities without thinking about DC, but that is a new perspective to think about.

[@kenziephillips3412]

Yeah, DC life compared to living in NoVa is a very different reality. Both cool - but I can understand how you don't get much of a sense of DC life day in and day out. I relate as I grew up just outside of San Francisco and like the city, but don't REALLY know how it operates. I truly love DC, despite how pricey it is. I'm glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@kirupa2997]

Oh.. DC is extremely diverse. I also moved here from D.C and i totally agree with Kenzies views on everything except it took me 4 years to realize that..

[@BennyMedicinaLAC]

Valuable info here. Thank you so much.

[@kenziephillips3412]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lilythegem5788]

LOVE this!!! Thank you!

[@MidwestKorky]

Subscribed! 🤟 great video! Super informative. Portland is pretty sweet!

[@alexcantu331]

It's such a trip to hear you drop the f-bomb so casually. I had to keep hitting the rewind on my screen to make sure I was hearing you right. F-ing hilarious. 😂

[@paultidwell8799]

Honestly I live here and my only horror story as a small business owner is that learning how to drive became totally necessary to get what I was trying to do done and as an autistic person its taking longer than even my biggest supporters really anticipated and it's been frustrating for me because I don't really want to disappoint anyone but it's taking a lot more from me than it does other people. "Responsible driving " effectively means if I'm in a mood or my thoughts are wandering in one direction I have to just sit here and wait for my head to stop spinning etc... the commitment to getting behind the wheel requires quite a bit of actually stilling my mind to actually do it and not be torn in like 5 or 6 directions simultaneously with tends to be what the noise inside my head actually looks like... but of the market itself I don't do artisanry I actually work in the Arbitrage space and Oregon is unique in that other states will have a Garage sale Culture but it's nothing like Oregon's we've lived here now as a family for multiple decades and elsewhere and I can tell you from what we can tell Oregon is the Garage Sale capital and king of the whole world- I don't know anywhere else the trend is more established and while it has been shaken up by Craiglist whereas it used to use the papers it remains a huge part of the Oregon economy and since my operations just depend on buying peoples shit at a low price and reselling them online at a higher one: Buy local sell nationally. And Rely on Amazon since they're one of the only providers that will bus some of my goods into rural America which I never really expected to cater to given my dislike of their politics but I mean I will dispense with my partisan loyalites if you pay me well enough to do it.

[@nfactor13]

thanks this really helped!

[@Whatsername868]

Hey! I hope this isn't an intrusive question - you actually remind me a lot of me, I was sort of wondering what job you've been working + what career you're going into? You strike me as a gentler more introverted person who loves peace and calm, just a guess. I'm in a bit of a wild place right now and have literally just been looking for people who seem to match my own personality and just asking them what they do lol! Hope to hear back and have a great 4th!

[@jesusu.bettawork5462]

If you don’t mind sharing: 1. How long before you secured employment once you were in Portland? 2. How much savings do recommend one have when moving to Portland without a job?

[@kenziephillips3412]

Hi! Sorry I am just now seeing this. It took me about 2 months to find, interview and start a job last year (but this was before all COVID happened and the economy took a turn). If you are single and don't have to provide for anyone else, I would recommend savings 3-5 months of expenses. That will very a lot depending on where you live/how nice a place you want to rent. But if you are moving without a job, I would say at least $5,000 to be safe. Finances are very personal though so please don't take this as gospel.

[@jesusu.bettawork5462]

Kenzie Phillips Thanks so much! This helps a lot.

[@gobofraggel7383]

I moved to south east asia and I work remote. I have monkeys and parrots outside my window. I still return to NYC a few times a year to visit family and friends. BTW, I hear NYC rents are dropping and businesses are leaving. As a life long New Yorker I am hoping this change will mean more families returning to Manhattan and less traffic. good luck

[@brinelleriddle8064]

You are so SWEET AND HELPFUL

[@brinelleriddle8064]

@Not Equariuz lol

[@lauren389]

thanks for the informative vido, Kenzie! i am looking at going to a college in portland and am from WA... i really like the school but am concerned about PDX these days with regard to safety and stability. any advice?? thx:)

[@ericlewis6075]

Thanks for your very diverse and objective pov… it was very helpful…

[@_Jai_]

How is walking/public transportation in Portland? I know you mentioned you had a car, but I was wondering if you spoke to someone or observed public transportation at some point in your year of living in Portland...? Asking because I’m seriously considering moving to Portland next year and selling my car beforehand (I’m from Florida, but reside in Richmond atm). Great vid and thank you so much for the information. It’s incredibly helpful 💜

[@kenziephillips3412]

I'm so glad it helped you! The public transit in Portland is VERY good for U.S. standards. I mostly felt forced to get a car because my office was out of the way and the buses/rail lines only run to certain areas. So there is a lot of public transit, but it only runs in certain areas which is sort of limiting. Compared to DC, NYC, or Chicago where you can get most anywhere on the train.

[@_Jai_]

Kenzie Phillips thanks so much for responding! That helps!

[@anthonyfox477]

Well done! Nuanced and accurate picture - I've been here much longer than I ever anticipated (15 years - left twice and ended up coming back both times) and the things I struggle with most are the weather and lack of diversity.

[@kenziephillips3412]

Totally feel you there!

[@craig265]

I just moved here. And I have been stressing... I bought my first home. It seems like I'll be alone here. I like the ladies but some really don't care about anything.

[@kenziewells1304]

It has been my dream to live in Oregon for a long time... and this video just really made me scared of it...

[@angelc4794]

If you move somewhere and don't like it you can always move back where you came from. ♡ maybe not Oregon but take a risk and see more of the world even if it's just the usa. I just moved here as a mixed 30 yr old female from Cleveland, OH to Beaverton, OR and so far so good. Ohio was pretty awful though xD hahahaha

[@kennip24]

@@angelc4794 didn’t think I’d leave this kind of comment but I happened to see it and had to relate. Lol. I’m a biracial woman moving to Portland-area at the end of the summer. Beaverton and Gresham are where I’m looking. How has your experience been? This video kind of weirded me out too, I’ve been wanting to be in the PNW for so long. But I think I definitely need to experience it myself

[@angelc4794]

@@kennip24 so far so good. Been here about 30 days. I don't go out enough to get a great feel though. No one stares at me or makes me feel out of place. There is a very mixed population here of what I believe is Mexican, Indian, and Middle Eastern. You can see people of every shade walking down the sidewalk very carefree with their kids on scooters. Also, Beaverton has a small town friendliness feel to it where strangers will just start talking to you. It's nice.

[@dlankton3242]

As a lifelong Oregonian I found your video to be very fair. There were two points that I'd like to make suggestions. 1 the problem that oregonians have with people from other parts of the country has nothing to do with economics. thing that made Portland great attitude of people from Oregon. The problem with the that place that some people came from was them. You obviously are not one of these problems. 2 you are so right about Portland being gloomy but remember the high desert he is just past Hood River or just over Mt Hood to the city of Bend. One of these places is where you go on the weekend if it's getting to you. My suggestion to anyone thinking of moving to Portland leave the negative attitude the place you came from. Make a couple of close friends from Portland they'll help you find somewhere cheap to live hook you up with a friend who get you a good job and teach you how to manage the Gloom. You are a beautiful person good luck in all of your endeavors.

[@kennip24]

@@angelc4794 Thank you for that! I'm coming from Phoenix, so it's not like it's overly diverse here either. But I'm a social person and make friends with everyone, and I would hate to be rejected and solo because no one mingles with each other. I'm doing all the research I can, but I also want it to surprise me too. Sometimes you don't need to be prepared for everything and you should just let it flow. If you want a friend, I'll be there in August! (:

[@John-ps6ce]

I'm seeing your video a a year after it was posted. I'm from away and I'm thinking seriously about moving to Bend because my nineteen year old son just left home and I miss him and he would like for me to come join him which I'm most likely going to do because he's my boy and could use his old dad's continuing help- even though he's with a good, old friend from school and his family and doing what he loves with them, namely fishing, shooting, hunting... AND... I lived in the high desert of Northern New Mexico before moving here, and though I've made a life in Portland over the past 25 years, I've always missed the desert and I'm totally happy to move to Bend which is still in Oregon so even though it ain't the desert southwest it's still beautiful and a direct three hour drive over the pass passing Mt. Hood. I arrived in 1997 when Portland still had the kind of grittiness and real, city with a seedy underbelly, vibe that was somehow more obvious than Seattle and other cities around the Pacific Northwest. I'm from New Jersey. I'm glad I came then. After everything- all the changes especially over the past couple of years when I've been actually spooked by the screaming and loud voices especially around my kid's and museum's front floor window- in the Pearl which was the warehouse district ( though not officially ). I lived in a big PSU housing apt just up from there and visited a friend who was a dispatcher at a trucking company there and which has been torn down and is now a big condo building. Gus Van Zant bought an apartment in the big, actually very nice, building across the street. The LGBTQ neighborhood - "Vaseline Alley" downtown where our I think only - gay strip club here, at least at the time, I don't know. ...until what ? around 2000. I agree with you- with a lot of your opinions which are yours and obviously valid especially if you've been hurt or threatened. Your feelings are always valid and I'm sure you know they won't kill you. The history of racism in Oregon is appalling. I arrived during the time of the Tom Metzger trial - Berhanu vs. Metzger at which the Southern Poverty Law Center with Morris Dees successfully sued Tom Metzger in a civil lawsuit for being the instigator in the murder of an innocent man- an immigrant from Ethiopia- on behalf of Mr. Berhanu's young son. Mr. Harangue was mudered by in Portland by skinheads who had thrived in Portland but we're on their way out. You are so right: racism in Portland and Oregon especially was written into the state constitution. It's absolutely heartbreaking and disgusting.

[@Roosturd]

I love rain, so I’m already on board

[@lvega5606]

Yeah, I love Oregon and want to move back someday, but the salaries are much lower compared to the east coast while cost of living is through the roof. I feel like the only way you can live there is if you have a remote job that is based in a higher-salary area or you bought a house before the prices became insane. State income tax rate is between 9 and 11%. May be worth living just across state lines in WA to avoid state tax. OTOH, the high sales tax helps make OR the wonderful state that it is from the revenue.

[@naeyemislam964]

You said so many beautiful things you fell in love with your words

[@princestephendo]

all you said were so truth. i study in troutdale orego from 2014-2017 and i witnessed all the worst facts about portland. i leff the US when i felt very desvastated. when i have my son, i let him move to develop state like california or Minesota. tax might be high but my son will be surrounded by successed and educated people

[@jcfox16]

Would you say that New Mexico or Colorado is a better place to live? I've done some research but they seem to have crazy weathers buts is not as gloomy as seattle or portland

[@JosieGoyangi]

I was born and raised here in Portland and I think you summed it up nicely for only being here a year! Gentrification is a huge issue, largely due to affluent white people moving into historically black communities. Most of our diversity is in Southeast Portland because of this. That is one thing I would research prior to moving here.

[@kbanghart]

Maybe you can help, I'm looking to move to Oregon from CA maybe soon, can you advise what smaller towns I should look at where I can find a real small home, like 1000 SQ ft or even smaller, for maybe 250K or under? Willing to look almost anywhere. Would love to stay within an hour of an airport, if possible.

[@adaywithaleks6556]

It's so funny my Russian family from WA has me buy them expensive things to bring back to them if I'm already visiting like liquor and stuff lol very good point. The car thing I didn't know but think you need a license yes.

[@craigcambridge2484]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@scissors656]

so, where are you going to move ?

[@ashleyjordan863]

I came to PDX by myself in October for a week & HOLY FUCKING SHIT THE FOOD is absolutely accurate. I live in Brooklyn,NY and have been in Brooklyn my entire life. I love Portland and the food. I was look forward to moving in February 2022 but now I’m reconsidering.

[@MoJones9919]

After watching this video, I think I’m going to visit for a month; not to live. Do tourist things and leave. It’s disappointing that it isn’t very diverse or liberal. As a New Yorker, I’m attracted to the grey weather, but I’ll just visit

[@ericaalyssa1244]

Where are you moving to?

[@Hermescove]

Just curious if anyone will answer what type of good hiking boots should I take over there plus if they are for walking in. I'm between Timberlake and Lugz. Moving soon in Or for work sooo yah in my end plus never been in a new state before since Cali born and raised.

[@iamkingsolomon]

Damn, that's how I feel about Nevada. i moved here in September and was ready to move out as quickly as I moved in. Now I have no idea where to go to, but I am out of here!

[@carisma.144]

@Kenzie what areas are you looking to relocate to?

[@sarahayala7155]

I know I’m commenting like a year later but if you by any chance see this. I’m a Hispanic woman from Texas thinking about moving to Portland, is there anything I should be worried about?

[@MashabaZA]

How is it going now. And where did you settle? Hope you are well and safe with a good job!

[@vikm1341]

Thank you. Its nice to get someone elses point of view. I currently live In Texas but am looking to move to a more progressive state. I wish more state reviews were like this.

[@bonniemclean6969]

It’s taking some time for new transplants to assimilate so that has affected culture and it hasn’t been raining as much because of glob warming. But it used to.

[@sophia-dc7dm]

where did you move to?

[@ethanmena8532]

Growing up in Florida, I think it’s just a Difference in what geography you were raised in, and what you like, and dislike. Since all i’ve ever known is heat, sunlight, cold to medium temp waters, beaches, and tropics. Then moving to Texas, Southeast Texas, A dirty gulf, Even hotter, Kind of boring geography, but, It has it’s ups, decent economy, Real estates booming, A lot of Laws That are both helpful and not. It’s just a matter of opinion i suppose, growing up in the south sucked for me, And when i traveled to states like California, Los Angeles, I felt close to home, but with a completely different change of pace, when i traveled to Denver, Colorado, Completely snow covered, Change of pace, mountains, Many Healthy, and unique folks. I much more enjoy, The west coast, then i ever will the south, But again yk it’s just a matter of outlook, perspective, we’ve all got our reasons. So, if things turn out right, I’ll be out there for sure, hell i love the rain, and i love that gloomy look 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@dreams7091]

What type of jobs were you and your partner looking for?

[@emmaslayden7439]

There is a desert in Oregon, the high desert is in eastern Oregon

[@gregbors8364]

About 2/3 of the state is desert

[@djkenny1202]

I usually take a trip in November or March. I get pretty serious SAD. During Covid I could not, it wrecked me. Its not the rain, it’s lack of ☀️

[@alexandermiller5919]

Hi Kenzie, where did you move next? Thanks for this video soooo helpful 🙏🙏🙏

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

I'm just curious what you meant by Vancouver is not the nicest place? I know it's cheaper there than Portland but if you could be more specific that would help for myself and others considering it as an option to move to.

[@curtismoroni6228]

Vancouver is nice i live right across the bridge

[@santigusman7359]

Don’t fucken come here bitch

[@marklentz1095]

Clark county (Vancouver) is more conservative than Portland. That's all that discussion is really about here.

[@lgonz720]

Just a typical suburb: more conservative, less original character, less wealthy than the city, many strip malls...not necessarily "bad."

[@ariamembreno6119]

I want to move to Oregon! I live in a snowy state and the cold weather is not good for my chronic pain!!! I was trying to get an idea of the job market for social work jobs or health care administration jobs, it is my concern if there is a lot of job competition and not a lot of jobs .... uh oh!!!

[@santigusman7359]

Go to Arizona. Not here.

[@Arp477]

Probably not good for your health condition. Cold and wet - bone-chilling!!!!! 😞 Hope you can find a good place! I'd also recommended the SW (Arizona, Cali). God bless.

[@xcwoodsonman136]

How would you compare portland to dc? Which one do you prefer and why? Just curious. Thanks

[@kenziephillips3412]

They are truly apples and oranges. DC is a much larger city/metro area feel with more resources, despite similar population sizes. It is much more densely populated than Portland and has great public transportation so few people drive cars. The job market is drastically better and more stable, but many people make low wages. There are many free amenities in DC as it is the nation's capital which is fun! Overall, I love DC way more but both cities are very different and for different people. DC has plenty of cons as well, like the brutal summer humidity and insane rent prices. But I still love it.

[@santigusman7359]

Do me a favor, please move away from here.

[@Tomipeace13]

i moved from texas to escape the heat and weed but the constant rain and just lack of indoor activities is NOT it

[@MsGraciie13]

looking moving to portland in the future from new york

[@BOOGiNS]

Stay away.

[@thelifeofvivi4008]

@Kidd vid stop trying to rain on people’s parade. I’m moving to oregon

[@BOOGiNS]

@@thelifeofvivi4008 move to Portland. Stay away from the rural cities.

[@MsGraciie13]

KiDD ViDD why? :(

[@kenziephillips3412]

Good luck with your move! It's very different than NYC, but certainly cheaper. I hope it's what you are looking for.

[@emmaslayden7439]

I live and hour away so that's cool😄

[@GodandSkye]

Currently in Arizona and I want to get out of here. I feel called to Oregon

[@keensteezetv6848]

Really wanting to make this move. Just became a Residential Home Inspector in Cali maybe I’ll transfer over to Portland Also I love Rain!

[@kenziephillips3412]

Haha the rain is great! The grey skies though....that's a personal preference lol!

[@keensteezetv6848]

Kenzie Phillips I think I can get used to it ! Only 1 way to find out though lol

[@Arp477]

@@keensteezetv6848 It's not "rain," like in some places. It's more like thick grey skies, that sometimes open in patches to let sun through, but when overcast (often!), it - as my Mom used to say - "spits rain," or has a slight range of very light drizzle. So, it's not always "raining-raining," but for 9 months, its so often WET outside - while also being 45 - 50 degrees F. It makes the landscape green, though!

[@fuccckckkkkckkck]

What about the other regions in Portland like Eugene? Also I am Mexican american so I was wondering if people care about that stuff over there or not cause I don’t want to have to deal with any unnecessary BS

[@santigusman7359]

I give a lot of bullying.

[@Darling_Decay]

I’m considering moving to Portland once I graduate, it’ll be such a long way to drive from where I’m at since I have two babies, a frog and a gecko

[@nickyCage94]

Thanks for the video! All I can find are videos about the riots when I search for what Portland is like! It’s ridiculous! I was wondering, do you know if there is a Filipino community in Portland??

[@803sunday5]

Trying to find out the same thing!