Wasn't sure if I would get much of a response in OPINIONS...

I'm applying to a semiconductor company (Maxim Integrated) that has manufacturing in Portland, OR and would love to hear more about the state of Oregon and city of Portland. It's a big move for us (wife and I) since we presently live in Rhode Island.

Some points that I'm interested in:

1) Weather: all the web sites that I've visited say Portland gets ~150 days per year with at least some precipitation "as much as Atlanta, Georgia", mostly in the winter months. Is it overcast all the time during these months? Is it that bad/depressing?

2) Neighborhoods: We presently own our own home and would want to buy in a nice neighborhood. The town we live in is rural but "close to everything" and about 15min south of Providence...it's upscale for the fact that there are sections with big expensive homes (not ours) and it's got the best schools in the state. What towns in the Portland area would be comparable?

3) Who here has relocated there from the east coast/north east? Thoughts?

4) How long does it take to get shipments from FCP Groton, UPS Ground? :) It takes 1 day for me here in RI and I can always drive there if necessary. I guess the same holds true in the Portland area for iPD!

I love the fact that there is such a large Volvo-centric community there. I told my wife that's one reason I want to live there, she thought I was kidding...I wasn't. If things work out I'll be bringing my three to add to the population.

Looking forward to your responses.
Dave
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'80 242GT 93k, '94 945T 143k, '89 765T 68k (new '94 B230FT)