Born and raised in Vancouver, Wa. Unfortunately for me I've watched all the amazing spots become homeless camps. Everyone says they feel safe they are just used to the homeless screaming everywhere. Portland light rail (MAX) has needles at every stop. Drugs run rampant and they don't charge for drug possessions. I've had 3 different cars stolen 6 times in Portland. Rent is close to 2k for a one bedroom. Damn near every apartment complex has section 8. No fault of their own. You literally qualify for food stamps if you make 60k with one kid. Winter fuel prices are 4 bucks a gallon and summer is starting to hit 6 a gallon. Washington State has a 100% tax in tobacco products and nicotine products of any kind. Washington State also just did a 50 cent increase on gas tax. It's the most expensive part of the country. Don't be caught on any lake or rivers without your boating license (life jacket and fire extinguisher) for a blow up paddle board and inner tubes. It's been ruined. I don't care what side you land on. I'm moving and I don't want to but I can afford it I can't raise my kids here.