Portland vs. Seattle

This weekend we have friends from DC visiting. They are trying to decide whether to move to Portland or Seattle. Trip Advisor has a few debates on the issue. For me, it's about family friendly livability. Portland has good (if imperiled) schools, is low (violent) crime and it doesn't cost too much to live close into the city. Added bonuses are better access to the beach (half as long to get there). And Powells. And Max.

Puget Sound totally beats the Williamette/Columbia combo I must admit. Boating is much more interesting on big water than on a river. Of course Mt. Hood doesn't threaten the metro with the mudslide of doom like Mt. Rainier does.