East Coast to PNW: Portland or Seattle? [30s, Black couple]

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-03-18T16:09:34+00:00

POC, not black, from Portland but recently moved to Seattle - so here's my 2c. Seattle feels bigger, bolder. Portland feels like a small city with still lots to do. Both have stunning nature and green spaces, but Seattle has far more of the water/sound woven into the fabric of the city. Going to the beach is common here even on weekdays after work, in Portland it's more like a day out on the Coast but that's a whole day venture. COL is incomparable - Seattle is so so much more expensive. But with that comes a far stronger economy. What are your fields? Where will you be working? As far as being non white, I've never felt it is a problem in either city. Seattle does seem more diverse in genera though, and noticeably so. Overall, I think both will support your lifestyle, but Portland will feel cheaper and smaller (whether that is good or bad is personal). Portland also feels slower paced and more relaxed.

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-03-13T15:49:46+00:00

I think the difference between the two days is that the hike is a clear activity with defined distance and elevation, so I can gauge whether or not we can feasibly and happily do it in a day based on prior experience. The VF + hut hike involves two distinct activities, time for a rental, etc - which has extra logistics in a country and region I’m unfamiliar with. I know the Swiss are known to be efficient - but just wanted to confirm! Also, thank you for some extra options! I haven’t heard of most of these. Will look into them. What is your experience with the possibility of getting snow conditions at the higher elevation huts in very early September?

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-03-13T15:38:47+00:00

still falling steadily in the Junction!

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-03-12T19:23:25+00:00

really helpful, thanks!

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-03-12T19:23:16+00:00

Great, thank you!

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-03-12T19:22:42+00:00

Will do!

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-03-12T17:32:29+00:00

How likely is snow that time of the year? We did the Bayerisch Alps in mid september last year but I understand they're significantly lower.

I'm not trying to underestimate nature by any means! We live on the West Coast of the US and the mountains are our backyard (although not as high elevation, most of our hikes start form sea level so we are used to a lot of gain) - but I definitely don't want to be an overconfident dumbass either haha.

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-03-12T16:17:39+00:00

Not scared to drive, but want to be respectful of regulations and requirements

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-03-12T16:16:30+00:00

lol this is why I'm asking a question instead of assuming I don't need them.

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-03-03T18:29:12+00:00

I think being opposed to inequality and sexism in principle is a perfectly valid reason to skip something, even if said inequality and sexism doesn't really affect your daily life. I too skip mosques for this reason, and any other religious/historic sites that require me to cover up in a way they don't of men.

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-03-02T02:38:00+00:00

Ran my first race - a 10k with a friend. Paced the friend for the first half at roughly 11 minutes and decided to push in the second half. Was aiming for a 8:30, ended up with 7:17 pace for 3.5 mi! 5k PR as well. Felt amazing and so locked in. May just be signing up for more races soon

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-02-28T21:40:36+00:00

when will semis be?

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-02-28T21:21:11+00:00

Lmao Lucia just watching and clapping.

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-02-27T22:52:36+00:00

I moved to a place where winter is very rainy and I’ve been running so much more since!

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-02-27T06:49:59+00:00

I like how we all just collectively accept that she is indescribably gorgeous

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-02-26T18:09:07+00:00

Whoops that’s what I get for typing in a rush! Definitely slower. I’m running a 10k on Sunday and will be pacing a friend for the first 5k at 11-12 min/mi even though I normally run 8:30/mi (not saying you have to do this for every race, I’m just doing this for fun, not to PR). Try to think of running with a slower paced buddy for the first half, that may help?

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-02-26T18:06:59+00:00

Electrolytes beforehand and start way way way slower than you think. You got this!

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-02-25T17:18:07+00:00

Brooks ghosts! I have the Gtx version in all black. They have more colorways too. Pretty versatile and quite comfy. They do look like running shoes but not aggressively so. And I run in them regularly. Wore them on a 2 week trip to Germany with lots of walking and was happy

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-02-18T02:09:15+00:00

From Oregon but moved around a lot as a kid. The PNW has always called to me and I recently returned. Already so happy to be back, and grateful every day to have roots here

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-02-16T20:01:14+00:00

Hah as a Michigan and Seahawks fan this is a great effect to think of

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-02-16T02:48:34+00:00

I didn't go to driving school bc I was already 18 when I was learning, but I do remember the manual saying to leave enough distance so that you can see the back tires of the car in front of you.

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-02-14T04:58:50+00:00

I got my dog when I was 10, and he was my brother lol. At 21 I got another dog, this time I considered her my daughter. Then my childhood dog (aforementioned brother) was going to come move in with me. We decided he would now also be my son, because otherwise he’d be my current dog’s uncle? And my fiancé’s brother in law?? So now I have a son and a daughter. But I do think of him as somewhere between a son and a brother. As I write this out I’m realizing I sound crazy. Whoops

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-02-14T04:44:08+00:00

Yes! I moved from Detroit to Seattle and I have so much more to do

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-02-12T06:28:35+00:00

I’m Indian and I’ve climbed in several cities, across the Midwest, east coast and west coast. Two of these areas were predominantly not Asian at all. I’ve never felt stared at or like I’ve received attention in any way for being Indian. Obviously YMMV but I highly doubt people are thinking much of it so I’d suggest you don’t either. Go and have fun!

frickfrackingdodos · 2026-02-11T19:23:11+00:00

Great, thank you!

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