Cost of Living in Portland

Guys, no joke, you all talk like Portland is the only place In The World where cost of living outstrips living wage. Where I live, a few thousand miles across the ocean, it's exactly the same. People flock to where I live because it's by the sea, beautiful, good schools etc. They don't see the other side of it because they come here for vacations to the gorgeous beaches and countryside, look around at the scenery and think it's paradise without understanding how it is for those who live here all the time (does that sound familiar!). Unfortunately we have all suffered in the recession, everyone in Europe. High streets and formerly busy centres are like ghost towns in some locations. Businesses have closed dramatically, jobs are hard to find, we also have terrible public transport here so you must drive if you want to do anything reliable. Yet, rent still increases. Cost of living is crazy. My house is €2000 a month (4 bed 2 bath and I have 2 kids), I earn €8.50 p/h but my partner €16 in his employment. So you see it's not so different around the world. Nowhere is perfect! I loved Portland very much when I visited in April, and last year in the early autumn, all of Oregon in fact. But I know what it's like to have people view your home through rose coloured glasses.

As it always has been, adaptability is the key to survival. The same goes for Portland. Adapt and survive, or go somewhere else. Can't stand the heat, get the hell out of the kitchen. Seems basic to me.

The population of Portland has more than doubled in 8 years. Too fast for the city to handle. They can't build condos and apartments fast enough. Rent and Home values also have more than doubled in that time but income hasn't risen at all. Unfortunately most people that have to move out are those that grew up here. I was lucky enough to get into the housing market before the explosion. Bought my first house in 2013 for $150,000. Its worth over $350,000 now 5 years later.