The major problem with Oregon as a whole but especially Portland is the economic crunch. Still double digit unemployment, there are many jobs just none that pay enough to afford to live here. Schools are good though, and the colleges are very good. Rains from late October to mid May pretty much non-stop it seems. Winters are warm and summers very cool compared to Las Vegas. I was a truck driver for a few years and been all over the states, and this is by far one of the prettiest and nicest areas I was ever in, so I moved here. If you work in the health field there is good jobs yet, other than that, not much to choose from at the moment. There are lots of people who are disabled here therefore there are a lot of disability services so that would be good for your mother. http://oregon.jobs.com/http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index��Personally I would stay in Clackamas rather than Multnomah, both for security and schools. I know my wife and I are moving to Nevada this spring but it is not due to anything against Oregon, we like the people here very much and the area is great for a lot of outdoor activities. She would prefer to stay here, but I have to leave for personal reasons.
You are asking about sinus conditions in Portland. All the surrounding forest and fields make Portland one of the highest pollen areas in the country. If you have allergies, you are moving to the wrong town.Other than that, it is beautiful, and lots to do if you have the money.Be sure to get a job promise before you come to Oregon. Oregon has the second highest unemployment in the nation. Some counties in Oregon have over 25% unemployment.
Oscar has given you a great first-hand account of Portland.You are doing the right thing, researching the area you would like to move to.I have found you some relevant websites that might help you too:City-data is a great site - full of statistics on cities.It also has a forum you can post questions in:http://www.city-data.com/city/Portland-O��http://www.portland.com/http://www.portland-oregon-magazine.com/http://www.el.com/to/portland/Personally, of the two places, I d rather bring up a family anywhere in Oregon than Las Vegas. Vegas just doesn t have the family atmosphere.
If you have sinus troubles due to low humidity or dust, then Portland��all of western Oregon��will be a blessing. It has moderate humidity year round 360 days of the year. If the sinus trouble is due to pollen, molds, etc. (allergies) then it would be best to avoid the area. If you don t know, then consider a week long visit to see how you fare.
I second what was said about the sinus issue. The Willamette River Valley is dubbed the Valley of Illness. It s always damp and there is a ton of pollen and mold spores in the air. I got sick 5 times the first year I was here. I would figure in Vegas drier climate your problems would be less severe, unless it s the dryness that hurts you.I think Portland offers a great place to raise a family. That s really the only reason I m here. A lot of parks and a family-centered community in most places. The schools are mostly awful, but there are charters and alternatives to deal with that.