Portland , General info:
9/10

Portland is a city located near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is Oregon's most populous city, and the third most populous city in the Pacific Northwest, after Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia. Approximately two million people live in Portland metropolitan area, the 23rd most populous in the United States as of July 2006.

Portland , Cheap stuff:
10/10

Most things are pretty affordable in Portland! Apartments are pretty cheap for a city, public transit is very cheap and dining out is just as affordable!

Portland , Different stuff:
10/10

Portland's climate is ideal for growing roses, and for more than a century Portland has been known as "The City of Roses," with many rose gardens – most prominently the International Rose Test Garden.

Portland , Don't miss:
10/10

Pedalpalooza, an annual month long bike centered festival involving many group bike rides, including some like the burrito ride or the midnight mystery ride. POWELLS BOOKS is the LARGEST book store in north america. Yup, thats right the biggest one! Its in downtown on Burnside st. Set aside a few hours, if you come with friends make a meeting place cause this multi-floor 'city of books' is amazing for all! Queer folk come to Portland as there is a thriving queer community and really its a great place for people of all walks of life to come find a community of some kind.

Portland , Food:
10/10

During most months of spring summer and fall there is plentiful berry and fruits to be picked on Sauvie Island a short drive or healthy bike ride from downtown. Take your basket and go out to pick (and eat) as many blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, peaches, plums etc as you can. Also, Portland has famously delicious micro-brewed beer. Check out the Portland based brewery/restaurant/theatre spots of McMenimans. Youll find them around the city and nestled in historic buildings and old saloons. Most offer great food and delicious beers while a few of McMenimans even offer a heated pool, movies and live music. But really, any bar will have a local brew, just ask whats on tap. Portland is also voted the country's most "Vegan Friendly Town". Most restaurants have vegan and certainly vegetarian options in this town.

Portland , Hotels:
8/10

Check out the Jupiter Hotel for a wild take on hospitality, its adjoining restaurant the Doug Fir has fabulous food day and night, a fully stocked bar and great live music in the evening. Downtown offers many of the same hotels found in most cities around the country and world.

Portland , Safety:
9/10

Portland is a city, like any other but people are generally quite friendly and crime is not quite that high. Downtown is safe and the east side of town is mostly neighborhood based shopping areas, with no threat of crime apparent at all. This town is also BIKE FRIENDLY. But please be advised that helmets and proper front and back lights are suggested to make this safe. Bike lanes can be found all around the city and you can make it from one end of town to the other in just over an hour.

Seattle , General info:
5/10

Seattle is one of the best places to visit and live in the world. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges.

Seattle , Cheap stuff:
7/10

All museums in Seattle are free on the first Thursday of every month.

The Pike Place Market or Fisherman's Market as it is sometimes called keeps you busy for hours and is free.

The beaches in Seattle are not crowed and very clean.

Seattle , Different stuff:
10/10

Seattle has a very large Asian population with lots of foods and clothing that you will not find elsewhere.

You can take trips to Underground Seattle. Where the city was located before the big Seattle fire.

The locks in Ballard are not only interesting, but free. You can see boats go from fresh to salt water. At certain times of the year you can see salmon returning from the ocean to spawn in the fresh water. The fish ladder as well as the locks are free.

Seattle , Don't miss:
5/10

Pike Place Market.,

Chinatown.

Alki Beach.

University of Washington campus with its libraries.

The many live theater in Seattle. (You can get half price tickets at the Pike Place Market at Ticket, Ticket)

Seattle , Food:
5/10

Between Salty's Brunch on Alki beach to dinner watching the sun go down at Ray's Boathouse on the salt water you cannot beat the seafood Seattle has to offer.

The Dim Sum at "House of Hong" in Chinatown is not only reasonably priced but internationally known as some of the best you can get. (One woman comes all the way from Poland just for their Dim Sum)

Seattle , Hotels:
10/10

If you are loaded there is the Sorento Hotel or the Fairmount Olympic. If you are looking for a mid priced place to stay, Silver Cloud on Lake Union is a great find. Or if you want there are many great Bed and Breakfast for a reasonable price.

Seattle , Safety:
7/10

There is very little crime in Seattle. Outside of a few drunk University students around the campus doing what I did many years ago, you will be very happy in all of the city.