July 2021 Newsletter: What Makes Portland So Special

Hi,

We hope you had an amazing Fourth of July and were able to celebrate with family and loved ones!

This month we'd like to share a short feature article about what makes Portland so special. For anyone who's looking for a city that's steeped in culture, history, and diversity, we've got some great reasons to call Portland home. If you're thinking about moving to a different neighborhood, or have family or friends who are considering relocating to Portland, give us a call and we'd be happy to show them all the corners of our fine city.

We’ve also highlighted two amazing organizations: Growing Gardens and Comfort Solutions. Growing Gardens is a local non-profit that focuses on making healthy foods accessible to everyone by teaching new skills, and providing education about cultivating and harvesting food.

Comfort Solutions is a great HVAC company to work with, and is currently providing special offers on their services to all Paris Group Realty, LLC clients!

Have a wonderful summer, and as always, reach out to us with all your real estate needs,

Paris Group Realty, LLC

What Makes Portland So Special

Here are some of the unique, fun, and quirky reasons why we love our city:

There is no sales tax in Portland. This means there’s no frantic math at the register, unless you find yourself shopping in neighboring Vancouver, WA.
Oregonians do not pump their own gas. Instead, a gas attendant pumps your gas for you. Oregon is one of two states where it is illegal to pump your own gas. These laws were first put in place back in 1951 and have remained the same to this day.
Our city is huge about buying local. With many local farms, artists, unique bars, and retail shops, Portland strongly embraces the weird and the unique. With street fairs that go on for miles, there is never a lack of anything to do, particularly things that are unique to Portland itself.
Unlike many other major cities, Portland exists within a rainforest. As such, it is deeply connected to nature, and Portland’s culture is beloved by people who love walking, biking, hiking, and generally being in nature. With gardens, parks, urban forests and more, living in Portland often feels like it is an urban area in a rural environment.
We're also close to amazing natural spots, such as the Pacific Ocean, the Gorge, and of course, Mt. Hood. This means watersports, such as surfing and windsailing, are approximately the same distance as snow sports, like snowboarding, innertubing, and more. Portland isn’t just a city known for embracing its weirdness, it’s also known as a city where adventure abounds.
Residents heavily embrace their bicycle culture and Portland is acknowledged as one of the best cities for cyclists with its many bike paths and general bike riding culture. With the Nike sponsored program called Biketown, getting a bike is as easy as ordering an Uber or Lyft!
Portland is well-known for a number of small things, including coffee. Starbucks may have been created next door in Seattle, but Portland is proud to host many of its own unique and indie coffee makers and roasters. This strong coffee culture has also moved to embrace other drinks as well, including tea, indie beers, and ales.
The city is known for being hipster friendly and environmentally friendly. As a green city, it is focused on recycling and sustainability. If you are new to Portland, be prepared to learn all the ways you can go green!

Learn more about our great city at Travel Portland

Growing Gardens

What started in 1984 as a home gardening project, has grown into the incredible non-profit it is today. Growing Gardens has a mission: Use "the experience of growing food in schools, backyards and correctional facilities to cultivate healthy, equitable communities." By sharing resources, education, and the teaching of new skills, Growing Gardens hopes to build on their vision that everyone should have equal access to healthy food, and with the current pandemic, their organization is more important than ever.

The programs Growing Gardens offer the community include Home Grow, Youth Grow, and Lettuce Grow. These programs are essential in providing hands-on experience, promoting sustainability and health, and being a steward of the environment.

Do you want to get started growing your own garden but don’t know where to start? Check out their virtual garden consulting, and learn all about what to plant, when, and how! In addition, there are multiple seasonal volunteer opportunities, and a variety of ways to support to their organization.

Are you a foodie? Then their Chef In Your Garden series is a great opportunity to experience some delicious flavors, and a unique dinner prepared by one of 12 local Portland chefs. Each 3-5 course dinner for 2 includes dessert and a beer, wine, or local spirit pairing. Amazing dinner in the comfort of your own garden, while also supporting a local non-profit? Yes, please!

Give their website a look and take some time to learn about the important work they are doing in our community: www.growing-gardens.org

Comfort Solutions

It’s July, and that means the hot weather is here, so let us tell you about a local, family-owned business that can help you stay cool this summer. Celebrating their 20-year anniversary, Comfort Solutions is one of the trusted HVAC companies we have the pleasure of working with, and this powerhouse of a team can take care of all your heating and cooling needs.

From new installations, to maintenance, repairs and free in-home consultations, Comfort Solutions will handle it all! Products include A/C units, furnaces, thermostats, fan coils, heat pumps, ductless systems, and even air purification options.

Considering Buying or Selling a Home?

We know how challenging it can be to find inventory in this hot market, especially in Portland. Our agents tour over 20 houses a week all over the Metro area and know what's available, and are here to smoothly guide you through the entire home buying process.

On the flipside, if you're considering selling your home, we understand the importance of listing it at the right time based on buyer demand. We'll provide important details about comparable homes that have sold in your area, and an accurate estimate of your home's value based on its features, condition, location, and the local market. Our personalized approach and expertise will help get you top dollar when it comes time to sell.

Reach out to us at (503) 926-5213 or info@parisgrouprealty.com and let's get started today!