Bluegrass Lass

So, after much soul searching the last few days, we have decided to stay in the US (for the time being). For the niche IT market my OH has gotten into, he has better career prospects here in the US. He was considering taking an IT job in Glasgow, but he realized it really would be a step backwards in terms of his career and his salary. It's possible we would consider a move to the UK if the right job was offered, but for now those jobs seem few and far between so we're focusing more on where do we want to live in the US.

He's found a lot of jobs advertised in Portland OR, Seattle, quite a few down in TX, and I think some in CA, FL and NY. For myself, I'm not very interested in anyplace that gets really, really hot in the summer months. I get ill if I get overheated, and I'd rather not have to live indoors for half the year (or more). So if you had the pick of these areas to move to, where would it be and why? I've never lived further west than Louisville, KY. What little I know of the PNW is what I've read from some of you on here, and I do find it enticing.

Myself, I'm leaning more to Portland or Seattle because of the weather, although the cost of living is going to be higher than our current location. Since he's in the tech market, I'm thinking that Seattle might be the best choice. Thoughts?

AmerLisa

Seattle! The land of the Techie! Or something like that... Anyway, the real estate is a bit high, but the weather is pretty good. As I've said before, my husband feels it's one of the reasons he's acclimatised so well, although I'm sure there are other reasons.

Anyway, I think it's an agreeable place to live.

sir_eccles

If it was a choice between Portland and Seattle, I'd go Seattle. Portland comes across as too young and trying to hard to be hip (see the documentary series "Portlandia"). Seattle did its hip young thing in the 90s and has grown up since, it felt much more mature.

Main reason we didn't go to either was the weather, if you can't stand constant grey drizzle half the year forget it. Also apparently in Seattle your quality of life is highly dependent on your commute (I-5 not fun).

AmerLisa

Yeah the drizzle thing doesn't happen as often as you suggest. However, I'll agree with the commute, but definitely depends on where you live and where you're office is. My husband is working downtown Seattle and thankfully catches the train from where we live, commute is an absolute breeze compared to what he was doing with his previous job.

kimilseung

They both have mountains to the west, big mountains to the east, further east is flat too.

Seattle has Canada to the north, Vancouver is doable for a day trip, Portland is 3.5 hours to the south.

Portland has Seattle to the north and California to the south.

So, do you want to do cold things on your long weekends or hot things?

Seattle has a good soccer team, Portland has a terrible soccer team, this matters to some. Seattle has a bigger metro population and so I assume Seattle gets more stuff. This is almost certainly true with theater. Lots of New York shows preview in Seattle.

Portland has two places to get proper fish and chips. In Seattle you have to got to Portland for fish and chips.

On the point of Seattle being more mature, I think it is true that Portland defines itself as not being Seattle.

sir_eccles: That's funny, Portlandia is a documentary.

naomi

I live in Seattle and love it here. I've visited Portland lots of times, also a fun city, but I do prefer Seattle. Portland probably has a slightly lower cost of living, but you can find okay deals in Seattle these days for both renting or buying.
Naomi.

Beccarose

I have lived very close to both (currently living close to Seattle) and while I can't wait to leave, if I had to pick one or the other, it would be Seattle. But traffic in both is a nightmare, public transport is not great, prices in both are high, and the weather in both is generally terrible 8-9 months of the year. If you don't mind any of those things then I would suggest Seattle over Portland. Both have a strong hippie feel to them (that's neither good nor bad, I just wanted to point that out), both have lots happening and both have their fair share of homeless. Personally I would never live 'in' either city.

burbschook

As a side note, Grimm is set in Portland.

kimilseung

I think reports of bad weather are greatly exaggerated.
I can only speak with good knowledge for Seattle, I have experienced no 'terrible' weather yet, beyond a day or two of snow, when you can still walk about and drive if you have to. Some winters have no snow. The weather is definitely mild. There are few days without rain in the fall, but less rain on average than England over a year.

Bob

What kind of IT work? Considered Boston and the burbs? It's a buzzing tech hub, not quite as mental as NYC...

Beccarose

Since I don't live in Seattle itself I guess I can't say for sure, but where I am I can say reports of bad weather are not exaggerated. Yes, we have had an amazing summer and just about anywhere in Europe has paled in comparison, but from about Oct. to well into June you can count on just about endless rain.

Bluegrass Lass

I couldn't tell you everything he does, as I'm not up on the terminologies. He's in the MySQL DBA and Linux Administration market. Those positions seem to be more plentiful out in Seattle, Portland, and TX. I don't know if he's looked at MA. I'm not sure I want to live in the NorthEast though. It's rather crowded. I'll tell him to take a look up that way though.

AmerLisa

Has he looked at any company in particular in Seattle? Just curious because my husband's company is currently recruiting.

Beaverstate

The Portland area is very nice. However if you want to make a decent living, prospects are better in the Seattle area.

Bluegrass Lass

No, he hasn't looked at any company in particular. There was a startup company that was advertising a position he was interested in; the benefits seemed pretty good. If you want, send me a PM and tell me the company your OH works for and I'll have my OH check out their positions...unless they aren't advertising their positions.