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I like that "moving north" idea, but why not Portland or Seattle?

The West Coast itself still has a great appeal to many, and Portland is still affordable, quirky, and frenetic.

Housing in Portland (particularly rental housing) is getting less affordable by the day, and the city is very aggressive about land use planning. This is, of course, one reason why the city is so nice... but it also means that there is a very fixed amount of buildable space, literally all of which is already taken. Infill is certainly happening, but the city really can't absorb any larger of a population increase than it already has over the last couple of years.

Beaverton is just over the hill, and it's a short MAX ride to downtown.

Very good point.

Weather is nicer in Oakland, assuming you like sunshine.

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