I think most of those who are "unhappy" in Portland, are those who aren't from here originally (or moved to Portland as a teenager from a different climate). It's not perfect, but there isn't any city/region that is. This last year has been a dry year, and to be honest, it seems so unlike Portland's fall and winter, that it's bothering me. I like our winters. I like our falls, I like our springs and I like our summers. Once I get sick of each season, the next one rolls around. But hell, if this makes 1 person less likely to move to the area, I'm for everyone out there thinking we're sad and depressed.
I am originally from Portland and lived there for 40 years. I recently moved to a suburb of Houston Texas and I would like to disagree with you. I was really unhappy in Portland because of the gray. The rain and clouds suck. 222 cloudy days is depressing period. Although summer in Portland is awesome. Now as for beauty, Portland is awesome. The mountains, rivers and lush landscape is hard to duplicate. As for not a perfect city or climate, you are absolutely correct. (although San Diego is damn close) Houston sucks ass in the summer time because of the humidity. However the extra 60 some odd days of sunshine more than make up for it.
It appears that the presence of depression was a large contributing factor to Portland's ranking. This is most likely due to all of the anti-depressants that liberals take here.
Oregon has a high incidence of terminally-ill people who euthanize themselves, and often they move here from other states to do so. I assume this would skewer the suicide rate.
Do you honestly believe it was a miracle... Jesus Christ look who I'm talking too... Of course you do.
The 'burbs are fucking garbage. Boring as hell and places like the Cheesecake factory are considered classy joints. The city is where it's at.
Sunshine burns. Rain and clouds is where it is at and it should always be like that! Nothing more relaxing than an open window with the smell of wet grass and trees while it is pouring down rain outside - a wonderful thing to listen to while falling asleep.
cheesecake is pretty clutch too. Miso salmon = rocks! (although the washington square is the shittiest one I've been to).
