Reed College
- Local Atmosphere

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Portland is an anomaly for modern-day cosmopolitan cities; it possesses both a big-city and a small-city feel. Despite having less than one million people who call Portland home, the city has the look, resources, amenities, and feel of a much larger metropolis. However, the close-knit nature of the city’s community allows Portland a friendly atmosphere usually only afforded to smaller villages and towns. Students from cities larger than Portland, while finding the city on the small side, appreciate Portland’s fusion of a big- and small-town feel. Moreover, most students believe that Portland, while being small in comparison to nearby Seattle and San Fransisco, does not lack for entertaining endeavors and fun distractions for their trips away from Reed.

Away from Reed, students generally enjoy either visiting Portland’s multiple commercial districts, seeing a film at one of the numerous theaters, or perhaps seeing the sights around Portland. Although almost every student raves about Powell’s City of Books, the lush and varied gardens (Japanese, Chinese, rose, and rhododendron in variety), and Saturday Market, almost every student has a different opinion on which activities around Portland are their favorites. With the many different sorts of escapes offered by the Portland area, the best way to determine which suit you best is to get out there and try them all; any person who comes to Portland will not be disappointed. Here is a suggested series of activities that usually ends up making everyone happy: a day trip downtown to visit the commercial districts and Powell’s, followed by a romp in the Japanese Garden, and then a quick journey down to the Willamette to look at the water. Finish with a dinner at a good restaurant listed in the Off-Campus Dining section.

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Local Atmosphere at Reed College

gevorest

Physics '15

4.6

A

Great for a Low Key or Alternative Taste

Portland is a great, if somewhat low key, city. It's full of little bars and pubs (especially if you are over 21) and has a decent theater scene, especially for cult classics or indie productions. There is a concert every weekend, though you shouldn't expect any pop icons. The natives are friendly, and there is relatively low crime rate (especially if you stay in the more affluent areas). Shopping is decent, with most shops being downtown, including one of the largest bookstores in the world! Great city to bike through, and public transportation is pretty good. Lots of good restaurants and little cafes to sneak into. Overall, if you are not looking for a buzzing party life, Portland is a very good city to live in.

Apr 29, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at Reed College

reedie2013

Psychology '13

4.6

A

Love Portland

Portland is a perfect size for a city and is only about 20 minutes away by direct bus line from Reed. It's large enough that it doesn't get boring, but is small enough to feel safe and not be overwhelming. The food scene (especially the pods of food carts/trucks) is overwhelmingly great.

The neighborhoods right around Reed are varied. East Moreland is upper middle class and is very beautiful. Woodstock is funky and has a bit of a hippie vibe. There are a few decent (and inexpensive!) restaurants and supermarkets within easy walking distance of Reed.

Feb 27, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at Reed College

Justin2226

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology '15

4.2

A-

The Reed Bubble Isn't Really a Bad Thing

Whether or not you will enjoy Reed's atmosphere depends on what you want in a college. Reedies generally stay on campus more often than is typical of college students. I think we have good reasons for that. Reed campus has everything that is necessary, and I think most Reedies regard learning as their primary goal. Our library is excellent. The people are excellent. The parties are not, but they are sufficient for what we need.

Dec 28, 2011

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