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I live in PDX, and across this time-frame we've seen an explosion in homelessness, significant increase in crime/vandalism, closed/abandoned businesses, and soaring real estate prices.

I would not be shocked if much of this increase has been necessary to retain and attract people during a difficult time for the region.

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Curious what you see in the near future for the city. I've visited friends in PDX annually for years, but last year I didn't feel safe and this year am avoiding it altogether. Even going so far as to avoid freeway routes where I might risk a carjacking or rock throwers.

Your fears about carjacking/rock throwers are probably unwarranted. Passing through the city is really a non-issue. I think that recovery will be a mixed bag. The restaurant/food/beer/wine scene will likely recover pretty quickly, but we'll see what happens to downtown commercial areas where businesses may decide they just don't need all the space they previously occupied - leaving unoccupied buildings that are less likely to be properly maintained. The homelessness problem will likely continue to be a thorny one for years to come.

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