Archives for July 2008
A Portlander in Elko observes Basque dancing
My brother Steve grew up and spent most of his life in Portland before moving to Elko, Nevada a few years ago. He and his family are enjoying their new home town, and Steve is blogging about it and keepin’ it rural here:
Recently he and the family took in the 45th annual National Basque Festival. The festival takes place over the 4th of July weekend. He blogged about it and filmed some of the proceedings. Steve is funnier than I am. Watch and enjoy!
Elko Basque Festival 2008 from Elko Steve on Vimeo.
The awesome musical choice is Planet Rock by Afrika Bambaataa & the Soulsonic Force.
Portland: a renter’s paradise
During the Housing Bubble I was tempted to buy a few times. Real estate agents, banks, and friends high on the euphoria all told me it was the time, but I baulked at the absurdly high monthly payments. Plus I enjoy not having to pay for major appliances and their repair, and I also enjoy the freedom of being able to move when and where my whim takes me. But I still wondered whether the psychological permanence of renting money from a bank (i.e. paying a mortgage on a house), rather than paying rent to a landlord, would be comforting. But every permutation of possibilities I plugged into this told me I was better off renting. And every once in a while I’d see something like this, or read an article like this.
Now Forbes has compiled a list of the Best And Worst Cities To Rent A Home, and I’m a very happy Portland renter.
They take into acount three metrics: “the annual change in monthly rent, the percent increase of new rental construction in 2008, and the percent difference between the area’s average monthly rental payment and the average monthly mortgage payment”.
Given these criteria Portland comes in at #6 out of 40. Rents average $772 a month, whereas the average monthly mortgage payment is $1,588.
Annual Change in Rent: 4%
New Construction: 143%Rainy day lovers might appreciate Portland, but so will those who appreciate a bargain. Not only is rent far cheaper than buying–by more than half–there’s a 143% increase in new construction for 2008, which means prices may go even lower.
Avoid vehicle rage: Walk There!
Maybe there’s something about being in or on a vehicle that diminishes a person’s sense of proportion when it comes to perceived slights or criticisms.
Just last week we had the bicyclist who went crazy on a motorist for telling him he ought to follow traffic laws.
Today we learn of a motorist trying to run over a cyclist who asked him to slow down.
To be fair, the former variety of road rage is a far rarer occurrence than the latter, and both cases are in the “alleged” stage, but nevertheless I’m glad I commute by foot.
Felicitously, Metro has just published a Portland-Vancouver area walking guide: Walk There!
The book will lead you on 50 explorations of newly acquired urban natural areas, scenic parks, historic neighborhoods and fascinating main streets. Detailed maps and route descriptions will help you discover the region’s rich history and varied landscapes while you enjoy the benefits of walking.
It might just save you from a vicious assault!
Mississippi Avenue Street Fair 2008
I make a point of attending as many street fairs and festivals as I can and the Mississippi Avenue Street Fair is always one of the best. This year’s was no exception. [Read more…]