I have lived here for most of my adult life, which is a long, long time. We have a really great BF community as well as others. Portland is very crip/fat/Trans friendly. What we are not is very racially diverse.
My google-fu is failing me right now because the last statistics I was able to find are from 2000, which indicates a caucasian population of about 75%. I doubt it's too much lower, but it can be kind of shocking to move here if you are used to a more diverse population.
I have lived in all areas of Portland, N, NW, SE, SW, NE, and have found things to love about all areas. N, NE and SE are definitely less expensive.
Yeah, it rains here, but not as much as in Seattle. We have fewer overcast days than the Bay area and we enjoy moderate temperatures most of the year in that it's unusual for us to have extended days below 30 or over 90. Our humidity is low. Portland is one hour-ish from the mountains or coast and we have two large rivers nearby as well as several smaller ones if you're into rafting, fishing, etc.
We have, as others have mentioned, Powells City of Books, as well as In Other Words, one of the oldest and last Independent Feminist book stores left. Oh, and we have Dirty Queer, a once a month event where people can share their writing and performance stuff.
I have traveled all over the country and abroad, and save for Paris, this is the only city I want to live in.
