[BinaryPie]

The problem with Portland, OR is that the tech sector is kind of weak in comparison to other cities. I spent two and half years in portland working full time and spent 6 months looking for a new job. I ended up moving.

Portland has decent public transit, its cheap to live there, and you can find decent jobs. Although you may not find a wide variety of jobs that aren't corporate. On that note I will say there are a couple startup incubators in town but those jobs fill up quick.

I ended up moving to San Francisco. Great city. Expensive, but fantastic public transit and tons of jobs.

Here are my list of cities in no real order: San Francisco, CA Portland, OR Seattle, WA Boston, MA New York City, NY

Check them out. If you like a few, spend at least a week exploring and getting to know the city a little bit. Also try and go during the worst weather period so you really know you can live there.

[gcheong]

I found the weather even at its worst is bearable, but I grew up in Astoria on the coast. Winters are not very cold, snow is somewhat rare, but rain is a given. And besides there's so much to do there: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJ4wAPL3saU ;^).

[quellhorst]

Great advice about checking out at the worst weather period.