WHAT READERS SAY ABOUT DOWNTOWN PORTLAND

We asked Portlanders to describe their neighborhoods, and these are the words they used.

My neighborhood is a diverse place that's probably best known for crime. The people who live here are on welfare and drugs. Our favorite neighborhood business is Otto's and when we have spare time we like to visit the Eastern Prom for fun. Our neighborhood's best-kept secret is syringes everywhere. Andrew
My neighborhood is a busy place that's probably best known for its restaurants and the arts. The people who live here are diverse. Our favorite neighborhood business is the Public Market and when we have spare time we like to visit the Public Library for fun. Our neighborhood's best-kept secret is probably the Portland Museum of Art. Bart
My neighborhood is a sad place that's probably best known for beggars. The people who live here are clueless. Our favorite neighborhood business is begging and when we have spare time we like to visit the Public Library for fun. Our neighborhood's best-kept secret is probably the homeless. Billy
My neighborhood is an energetic/eclectic place that's probably best known for the Arts District. The people who live here are Creative/young professional types. Our favorite neighborhood business is Matrial Objects and when we have spare time we like to visit the Farmer's Market for fun. Our neighborhood's best-kept secret is probably Reny's. Sam
My neighborhood is a loud place that's probably best known for bad parking. The people who live here are annoying. Our favorite neighborhood business is Standard Baking and when we have spare time we like to visit Anywhere out of Portland for fun. Our neighborhood's best-kept secret is probably No Secrets. Ay
My neighborhood is an incredible place that's probably best known for the food and culture. The people who live here are wonderfully diverse. Our favorite neighborhood business is any local one and when we have spare time we like to visit anywhere (they're all fun) for fun. Our neighborhood's best-kept secret is probably Yes Books. Aidan
My neighborhood is a turbulent place that's probably best known for bars. The people who live here are different. Our favorite neighborhood business is Joe's Smoke Shop and when we have spare time we like to visit Tommy's Park for fun. Our neighborhood's best-kept secret is probably the Secret Pier. Adam
My neighborhood is a lively place that's probably best known for shops and restaurants. The people who live here are diverse. Our favorite neighborhood business is Bard and when we have spare time we like to visit the Nick for fun. Our neighborhood's best-kept secret is probably Maps. Jill