About this video

• Video Title: 20 Things About Portland That Will Make You Move Somewhere Else
• Channel: World According To Briggs
• Speakers: Briggs (implied narrator/host)
• Duration: 00:25:46

Overview

This video discusses 20 negative aspects of Portland, Oregon, that have contributed to its population decline since its peak popularity. The host details issues ranging from environmental nuisances and infrastructure problems to social and economic challenges, aiming to provide a realistic perspective on living in the city.

Key takeaways

• Allergies: High pollen counts due to the region's flora can be a significant issue for residents.
• Infrastructure & Commuting: Drawbridge schedules causing gridlock, difficult street parking, and an unreliable public transit system make getting around challenging.
• Bureaucracy & Cost of Living: Slow permitting processes, high taxes (despite no sales tax), rising rents, and a cost of living significantly above the national average are major concerns.
• Social Issues: Visible drug use, a persistent homelessness crisis, property crime, and frequent political activism contribute to a challenging urban environment.
• Environmental Factors: Wildfire smoke during summer months can severely impact air quality for extended periods.
• Economic Challenges: The job market is specialized, with declining manufacturing and struggling retail/hospitality sectors, and salaries often don't match the high cost of living.
• Urban Decay: Graffiti, trash, and boarded-up businesses, particularly in downtown areas, detract from the city's appeal.
• Natural Disasters: The looming threat of a major earthquake from the Cascadia Subduction Zone is a background concern for residents.

The video states that Oregon's state income tax goes up to 9.9%. It does not provide a comparison to the national average for state income tax.

Additional local taxes mentioned in the video include:

• A supportive housing tax (also referred to as the homeless tax)
• Property taxes (described as moderate)
• Utilities
• Gas taxes
• Recycling charges
• A clean energy service charge
• Local income tax