The New York Times gave some love this weekend to Portland, Oregon. First, a story about the growth of the city focuses on how maintaining a small-town big city designed for people, connected to the environment, and with options for transportation, has resulted in a population boom in younger people, as well as older people and retirees. From “A small-town feel in an urban locale:”
“Last year, there were twice as many people in the 25-to-39 age group moving into the city as leaving, according to Charles Rynerson, a demographer with the Population Research Center at Portland State University.
In all, 23,454 young adults moved in, while only 12,125 moved away, giving the city the fourth highest net migration in the country, after Las Vegas, Charlotte and Atlanta, Mr. Rynerson said. And in the over-55 age group around 12,000 individuals moved to the city.
Part of the draw is that Portland has maintained a small-town feel in an urban atmosphere. There is a vibrant restaurant and cultural scene, accessible public transportation — light rail, street cars and buses — and a population enthusiastic about the outdoors and the environment. “
It’s no accident that young people who are increasingly valuing places with a committment to walkability, viable neighborhoods, shops, restaurants, and things to do a short walk or bike away have been moving to Portland. For years, the city has committed itself to planning, design, and transportation investments that capitalize and improve on these assets.
It’s no mystery why biking is so popular in Portland — the city embraced it as a useful means of transportation, and spent city resources in such a way to nurture what has become a lucrative industry for the city. (and selling point to potential residents)
Read “In Portland, cultivating a culture of two wheels,” and be sure to watch the accompanying video, “The business of biking”
video not embedded. Click to open the NYT video page