My Aussie family (wife and 4 boys, 11,11, 7 and 5) and I are on the last leg of a working holiday. We want to move up to the Pacific North West and cant decide between Seattle and Portland. I understand Seattle gets most of its rain in the Winter. We'll be moving in mid-June until early Oct. I would appreciate any local knowledge that lets us meet "real" Americans (away from the touristy comfort zones) like we have done thus far in Colorado, North Carolina and Virginia. We love the outdoors which is mutually exclusive I guess if you're comparing Oregon and Washington.

If meeting people is your biggest requirement, I'd choose Portland. It's much smaller than Seattle and easier to talk to people, in my view. Seattle is not so laid back - more big-cityish. Both are neat cities near a lot of beautiful scenery. Portland is not far from the gorgeous Oregon Coast and other stuff.

Andrew

Both cities are fine places, and I don't think you'll have any trouble meeting "real" Americans in either one; the tourist zones are pretty tiny in comparison to the size and diversity of the areas.

A couple of thoughts:

Portland is typically considerably warmer (10-15°F) in the summer than Seattle, owing to its greater distance from salt water. That can be good or bad, obviously.

In terms of access to the outdoors, Seattle wins. Portland has the wonderful Columbia Gorge and Mt. Hood; Seattle has two national parks (Rainier and Olympic) reachable in day trips, plus all of Puget Sound and the Cascades. The Oregon coast is nice, but in summer quite crowded, plus the best parts (IMO) are on the southern coast, a long day's drive each way from Portland. In 3 hours from Seattle you can get out to the Olympic NP coastal areas, wild and rocky but also with the great temperate rain forest valleys.

Out-of-town excursions from Portland include Seattle. From Seattle they include Portland and Vancouver, plus Victoria if you want to use the high speed ferry or floatplanes.

For kids, Portland has the great Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) and some other attractions; Seattle has the Pacific Science Center, Experience Music Project, ferries to ride on, major league baseball games to attend, whale watching from the San Juans, and fresh and salt water beaches to hang on, plus a baby elephant (well, more a juvenile delinquent by now) at the zoo.

Seattle is much more culturally diverse, with a big Asian community adding spice to the area. Portland has a much cozier and attractive downtown, but nothing to match the Pike Place Market or the central waterfront. No sales tax in Oregon, making everything in Washington around 8% more expensive.

If you didn't have the kids with you, I'd recommend Portland because its lifestyle is a bit more relaxed, and its scale is more comfortable, plus less traffic (a big Seattle minus.) But with the boys and the season, I have to think Seattle has more to offer. The good news is that you can easily spend considerable time in the "other" city, and there is so much to see and do in the PNW that boredom isn't an option.

Nice job comparing the two cities, Gardyloo. I live in Portland, but have to agree that for a visitor, Seattle probably has more to offer. Things that might tip scales in favor of Portland, though, are:
- a much smaller feel than Seattle
- Seattle is a more international city
- central Oregon, a mecca for those who enjoy the out of doors.

I live in Seattle and love going to Portland for the weekend but have always said I couldn't live there because for me it's too small. I love Seattle for all the reasons that Gardyloo points out so well but would never want anyone to think that Portland isn't a gem. I would go with Seattle and take advantage of being able to drive to Portland, Vancouver, Port Townsend, the Cascades, etc.

Wendy

You will enjoy either city. Lots of good comments above. I lived in Portland for years, but visited the Seattle area regularly and now live in Seattle.

Here's my two cents worth. The weather is quite similar, actually, as both are moderated by the ocean, with the Cascade Mountains blocking weather to and from the east. October, which appears to be your target time, usually begins lovely, but the end of October marks the beginning of the wet season.

Oregon is a prettier state, overall, because its strict land use regulations protect its natually beautiful agricultural areas.

Seattle is on Puget Sound, a beautiful asset. If you like islands, ferries and the like, Seattle would be a better base.

To the west, the Oregon coast is much more accessible and attractive than the coast of Washington and is famous for its beauty. The Oregon coast offers beautiful driving, hiking and camping, though you can find lovely spots on the Washington coast as well.

Seattle is closer to Mt. Rainier, which I would not miss, were I visiting either city. Mt. Hood, in Oregon, is striking, but Mt. Rainier is far more massive and is truly awesome. Probably most of the ranger programs will be over by October, though, and the snow may have started. Not sure. Portland is an hour closer to Mt. St. Helens, which is a fascinating place to visit.

Portland is near great waterfalls and hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. West of Salem, is the less known, Silver Falls State Park, with equally beautiful falls you can walk behind, lovely hikes, a swimming area and camping (too cold for swimming in Oct, I'm sure).

As for the cities themselves, Portland is smaller, less diverse, more laid back. Seattle is Portland on steroids. Oregon is less populated....

You can't go wrong either way. Have fun!

Thanks everyone for your comments! I guess it's a nice choice to have and we'll do just what most of you suggested - enjoy both cities as best we can.

Another question: A friend suggested living on Bainbridge Island and commuting by ferry to work - my wife will probably working at the Swedish Medical Center adjacent to the Interstate - any dramas? We are hindered by having to live in an apartment (downsizing before our trip home). Any comments regarding nice family neighbourhoods that have apartment complexes? We would prefer an area that's fairly quiet- close to the water and walking trails?

Mick, as to your followup q on Bainbridge, it is lovely but would waste lots of time commuting. 30 minutes for the ferry, and then a steep walk uphill - good exercise but plan on another 15 minutes.

I am familiar with the area near Swedish. There are a number of lovely apt buildings north of the hospital campus - tell the rental agent you want north of Madison street, between Boylston and Boren. From there it's an easy walk downtown for fun or shopping, or a quick busride to Madison Park (access to the lake nearby)

I agree that the ferry adds a long and can be expensive commute.

Rents are really stabalizing in Seattle. You may be able to get a house rental or nice apartment in Capital Hill or Queen Anne, the only tough thing I think will be finding someone to rent for only 4 mos. vs. the normal year. You should also look in Ballard and Magnolia.

Thanks everyone
Mick