It has been a few years since I started living in Portland, and at first, I was worried about the heavy rainfall.

However, living here, I found that there are many things more important than the rain, and I gradually discovered the reasons why Portland is a suitable place for Koreans to live. I have honestly organized some helpful insights for those considering moving or who have just arrived.

First and foremost, I can mention the Korean community formed around Beaverton and Hillsboro. Oregon HMart is located in Beaverton, and there are Korean restaurants, bakeries, hair salons, traditional medicine clinics, and churches nearby. While the scale is not comparable to LA or New Jersey, there are enough Korean services available for basic living needs. The community itself is not very large, which actually makes it easier to get to know people quickly. There is an active network centered around Korean churches, and there are also various groups such as alumni associations, golf clubs, and hiking clubs.

Oregon has a state income tax, but there is no sales tax. The absence of sales tax is more noticeable than I expected when shopping frequently or buying large items. You do not have to pay sales tax on retail purchases of electronics, clothing, groceries, and more.

Just across the border in Washington, Vancouver (WA) has no state income tax, and since Oregon has no sales tax, some people maximize their tax benefits between the two states. The border between Portland and Vancouver WA is very close, so it is common for residents to live in Vancouver and shop in Portland.

The natural environment is one of Portland's greatest assets. Within 30 minutes of downtown, you can reach hiking trails in the Cascade Mountains, including Mt. Hood, and in about an hour, you can arrive at the Oregon Coast.

Within the city of Portland, there is also Forest Park, a 5,200-acre urban forest park, allowing residents to enjoy nature without needing to leave the city every weekend. This is one of the reasons parents who want their children to grow up in a nature-friendly environment choose Portland.

Housing costs are relatively reasonable compared to San Francisco or Seattle. Of course, over the past few years, home prices and rents have risen significantly across Oregon, and Portland is no exception.

However, compared to other metro cities, the costs are still manageable, and areas around Portland like Lake Oswego, Tigard, and Beaverton have good school districts and are relatively safe, making them suitable for families. Even when considering home purchases rather than renting, the Portland metro area still has a relatively low barrier to entry compared to other cities.

Overall, Portland has a strong culture that values progressiveness and diversity. There is a social atmosphere that reacts sensitively to racial discrimination and hate speech, and as an Asian immigrant, it is relatively rare to experience overt discrimination in daily life.

Of course, no city is completely free of unpleasant experiences, but I feel that Portland has a well-established atmosphere where people from diverse backgrounds coexist. I often hear from Korean parents that their children adapt to school relatively easily compared to other areas.