Hmm...Yeah, I guess it's pretty gray - during the rainy seasons. So end of fall, winter and then early spring (although ... I really don't remember the grey in early spring. Rain yes, but I see white clouds and sun breaks in my mind's eye, so I really think it's just end of fall, winter and then random days after that). We get a decent summer in my opinion, and when it's sunny - everyone enjoys it all the more because of the rain
I like the clouds because I have really sensitive eyes - so it helps me a LOT to have clouds. There are plenty of white clouds, lol - they're not always grey. It can get depressing I suppose ... But looking at the beauty around usually fixes that for me. But I don't really think it's depressing, but that's just me
The commute from Vancouver to Portland (and back again) is 100% dependent on when, where - and what bridge you need to use. You'd learn which freeways to use - and which to avoid (and if you can't avoid them...then for sure, it can be slow going for a while). You'd learn when it was the worst time to drive, and when things speed up a little more. If he works later into the evening for example, then it will be a LOT easier. And using 205 bridge will be a LOT better than the I5 bridge (THOUGH! There is talk, and has been talk for a while now, of a new I5 bridge being built. I don't know how it's coming along, but it's been in the works for a few years now. I know they're trying to fix the I5 commute problem, it just takes time).
I'm pretty sure you'll find conflicting reports no matter where you look to move to. It's so dependent on what you like and don't like. Where the job(s) are located. How much you wanna spend on daily living. What kind of surroundings you prefer. I'm sure you understand
You'd never convince me to live in Portland, lol. But that doesn't mean it wouldn't be beyond perfect for you! Kinda like people that live in NYC can't imagine not living there - but a country girl would think NYC lacks everything that makes a home a home (ie: yards, lol)
