Portland is as safe as any place can be now. We occassionally have some issues arise, but the First Divison of LMPD are on it very quickly. I have raised 5 children in Portland and they have had more safety concerns in their schools than in the neighborhood. As far as I know no one has had any problems with safety at tarc stops--just that they do not run very often. My 15 year old son has been wandering around the neighborhood day and night and has not complained of feeling unsafe. We do have many liquor stores in the area as well as grocery stores that sell beer. But I do not think too much of a problem has come from that. The First Divison of LMPD is located in the neighborhood, so Police presence is very strong. They do stop kids if they are out too late. Most of this results in a trip to the substation and a call for parents to come and get them. We have seen an increase in use of Crack in the neighborhood--but the police are taking them down pretty quickly also. I will say in the 70's and 80's I did not have a problem walking around the neighborhood any time night or day--but in the last ten years I have some concerns about this. We have had many new people move in from the projects that have closed and in some cases they have brought the problems from there. Usually, the Police stop things really quickly. The Police work closely with the Neighbohood Association and reports are passed between the two--which means people feel a little better by reporting it to a Portland NOW member who then passes it on to the Major or Liaison officer.
Portland NOW is doing a lot of things to improve the neighborhood and there are rumors that this neighborhood will be in demand before long. So, we have a lot of city departments and private people working to make Portland a neighborhood that is welcoming and wanted. I think this is the only place where you can have a coop full of birds and not get into trouble. Gardening also is popular. Truthfully, my thoughts on Portland is that it is a neighborhood of people who enjoy a rural setting--they like their privacy and their space but also are there when someone is in need--without being in the country.
I have lived in other areas and have always returned to Portland. Housing is much more affordable than in other neighborhoods and we may not have a lot of shopping opportunities but there are plenty of grocery stores and most of the necessities are met in the neighborhood.
