live

Here is what I posted (cross-post):

Looking down (I guess up) from my inner SE area of Laurelhurst/Sunnyside/Buckman, it would seem that if the Pearl is a community, it is in some lower stage of one–not quite as evolved.

To be fair, the current district does not have nearly the history of neighborhood organization that this area has.

Amy (and others) are definitely working on creating a vibrant community; so if it isn’t there–it’s on its way. And nothing says community like Cherry Garcia :)

Of course it's a community... anybody living there knows this. My mother lives in the Pearl and everytime I visit her we walk about say hello to familiar people such as shopkeepers, neighbors, restaurant employees and owners, people visiting to enjoy Jameson Square or Tanner Springs. I used to live in up in NW off of 21st and would often stroll down to The Pearl and enjoy what I always found to be one of Portland's most vibrant communities.

One thing I never understood or appreciated about Portland was the general attitude echoed in D.K. Row comment... I didn't much see that attitude in the Pearl or NW really, but it does seem to be a prevalent attitude that sounds from other parts of the city and I never did quite understand it. It comes across as juvenile and provincial... at least from my perspective.

Funny, I don't much recall hearing people in the Pearl or NW questioning the validity of the Alberta Arts District, Mississippi, Beaumont, Hawthorne, or East Burnside just to name a few... hmmm?

It may take years for the Pearl District to be considered a community. Just off the top of my head, it's lacking longtime residents, a senior center, a school and churches.
It's heavy on businesses and dogs that will mix in nicely once the other elements come along.

Be the change you want to see in others - don't find the Pearl friendly....be friendlier when you are here. Don't find the Pearl a community...spend more time with us and you will find a diverse community as dynamic as your own, with added conveniences. I have never felt so at home – a sense of place would be accurate. If you think the Pearl is for affluent snobs…yes, we let them live here too – much like many other areas across the State – I’m working on reducing their fears and helping them to engage one at a time.

My experience has been great. I have many warm, friendly neighbors. I love the fact I don’t have to drive my car and I walk everywhere. Yes, things are more expensive – but I don’t spend as much on gas. The cost of my home is no more than the house I had in the suburbs.

As with any situation, it is never what it appears to be at first glance....and by the way - there are never enough spas or restaurants - as long as they stay open, there must be a demand - I know all my suburban compadres love driving in for a relaxing and fun day.

You would also be surprised it is as affordable as many of the suburban areas in the greater Portland area – unless of course, square footage is part of your happiness equation. If you need lots of space – this is probably not the right community for you, but we love it when you come to visit.

More money might get you bigger, but it doesn’t get you cooler, or closer to a diverse population, music, art, and yes the dogs – lots of dogs.