The Portland metropolitan area enjoys a strong diversified economy. Due to model land use laws, growth in Portland and Oregon is rational and controlled. Because of excellent planning and the TriMet public transportation system, which includes a modern light rail line, traffic congestion is modest compared to other cities. The cost of living is below that of most other West Coast cities, as shown below. Use this web site for Comparing Cost of Living to other city's.
Excellent opportunities exist in all urban, suburban, and rural areas of Oregon and Washington.
Seattle 113.5 Los Angeles 119.7 San Francisco 164.3 San Diego 120.4 Portland Weather Portland is situated about 80 miles inland from the Pacific Coast and midway between the northerly oriented low coast range on the west and the higher Cascade range on the east, each about 30 miles distant. Portland has a very definite winter-wet, summer dry climate. Precipitation is mostly rain. On average, there are only five days each year with measurable snow. Snowfall seldom measures more than a couple of inches, and it generally lasts only a few days.