It just dawned on me – I have a problem. Every month I write an update on the city of Portland. But I'm just one of the 1.8 million people that inhabit this great city! And I only represent one perspective.

So this month I decided to do something different. I let other Portlanders have a say. I took to the street, pen and paper in hand, accosting people at random and asking them all the same question:

"What is your favorite thing about Portland?"

Here is what they said...

"What I really like about Portland is the water. I like how close the Willamette River is and I enjoy boating in the summer months. I'm a water bug." – Roy

"It's the biggest little city I know." – Elaine

"I like Portland because when you're downtown, you're so close to everything." – Janet

"I like living in Portland because it's close to the Columbia Gorge. I go out there whenever I can. I love to hike and camp, and Portland is the best city for an outdoor person like me." – Derek

"Tons of trees. Clean air." – Daran

"The shopping is good. I always hang out at the malls." – Doug

"The parks, definitely. All the trees and the Waterfront too." – Nathanael

"I'd have to say the trees and the flowers. Portland is full of flowers." – Dedee

"In Portland it's so easy to get around on foot. The city is very walkable, and that's important to me." – Emily

"I'm living on the streets right now. What I like about Portland is that you can be a homeless person and have a full belly. Nice people will take care of you." – Richard

"I know this sounds kind of cheesy, but Portland has lots of culture. Just look at all the concerts and things that happen in town." – Darren

"I like Portland's weather. I like the rain." – Terry

"I like that Portland has a university campus right in town. It's convenient for me, a good place to hang out." – Vanessa

"Fun, green and clean." – James

14 down, 1,799,986 to go.

Questions?
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