It's all in the neighbourhood

Portland is a very liveable kind of town. Praised in case studies when I was at uni for its integrated transport developments and walkability. The tourist borchure I picked up at the airport advertised "beer, books and bikes" as the essence of the city on the first page. This was clearly a town that was meant for me!
My friend Sarah, a transport planner, picked me up from the airport and gave me the run down on all things geeky and planning related on the way back to the cute little purple wooden duplex house she and her husband shre with Canyon the tail-less cat. Leafy green backyard with veggies and herbs it was a pleasant shock tot he system to sit outside drinking wine and eating organic local cheese til late at night after the brisk Sydney nights of late. Dinner supplies were obtained only a short walk away, down tree shaded streets lined with pretty, colourful wooden houses with residents of all ages ebjoying their evening on the front porch. no fences or walls closed everyone off into their own little worlds and many journeys were broek to stop and chat.
The "grocery store" was a marvel - predominantly organic, locally sourced and as unprocessed as possible, the choice was extensive, the staff present, cheereful and helpful and only recycled brown paper carrier bags were on offer.
The whole area has a relaxed suburban feel to it, but was able to support frequent low key clusters of cafes, wine bars, bakeries and restaurants. free wi-fi everywhere and not a chain store in sight.