Portland Perfect… Pretty Darn Close

I’m a local gal so many might say that makes me bias but time and time again “outsiders” have supported my theory that Portland is perfect… or at least pretty darn close.

I just came across an article in the December 2009 issue of Runner’s World which named Portland, Oregon the BEST, as in numero uno, running city in America.  Specifically for our “sweet trails” in Washington Park and along the Willamette River.  Also mentioned in this article, the Hood to Coast relay, as the best “other distance” race.

This made me think, I come across articles all the time that mention Portland as the BEST so do we live in the BEST city in America?  My personal opinion, yes!

Portland has been named amongst America’s Top Ten Green Cities, North America’s Most Bike-Friendly Cities, Top 10 Dog-Friendly Cities for 2009, America’s Best Cities 2009 and America’s Favorite Cities. My favorite article was America’s Favorite Cities by Travel + Leisure.  Portland ranked #1 for public parks and access to the outdoors… our “worst feature”, luxury stores (and even with that we were ranked 29).  As you look down the list of ranked features, Portland ranked #2 for athletic/active people and #4 for intelligence.  We ranked #2 for farmer’s markets, #3 for cafes/coffee bars and #6 for neighborhood joints; however, we ranked 29 again for big-name restaurants.

For this Portland native, Portland is perfect; however, if big name stores and national restaurants are more your style Portland is probably just a little too “small town” for you.  Having lived in New York City as well, I know it’s simply a matter of preference but this tree hugging, Dansko wearing, dog loving gal is perfectly happy in Portland, OR.

~Kori