Seattle vs. Portland

[Alcon]

Well, if you're living in-city, the bus system is pretty much good in both...are we judging metros, or cities?

Both are good for different reasons and people.

[Alcon]

Am I right in thinking that Portland is a bit more liberal than Seattle?

Economically, probably.  Socially, not really.  Seattle is generally more Democratic too.

Seattle is marginally wealthier, and marginally more liberal.  Portland was 76% Kerry*; Seattle was 80%.  Both are pretty similar, though, politically and culturally.  Portland has more working-class whites, marginally again, any whites in general.  It manages the feat of being even whiter than Seattle for a major American city.

* - Does not include small portions going into other counties, possibly.

[Alcon]

So why is everyone going for Seattle over Portland? 

There isn't a huge difference.

Seattle population change, 2000-2005: +1.9%
Portland population change, 2000-2005: +0.5%

Not a huge difference, although Portland does have more generous incorporation boundaries (I believe it touches some less-than-dense-urban unincorporated areas, which Seattle doesn't).

Portland is more affordable, though, but a lot of people don't realize that Portland is a pretty vibrant city itself (the suburbs, I'm sad to say, mostly suck).

[Alcon]

Really?  In what way? 

With the exception of maybe Beaverton, they're mostly non self-sustaining.  That is, for any restaurants, non-outlet mall shopping, etc., you have to go into Portland.  On the other hand, Bellevue, Redmond, etc., have their own downtowns complete with skyscrapers and the like, as well as entertainment and everything.

That's a big generalization, and I haven't been to many Portland suburbs, but I get the impression that they are more exurb-y.