Why does nobody talk about how the street names in Portland are a total mess for new residents

I walked through the Alphabet District last week and noticed half the street signs are missing or faded, but some locals say the quirky naming system (like NW Johnson and NW 23rd intersecting weird) adds character, while others argue it makes deliveries and emergency services a nightmare - which side are you on?

2 comments

2 Comments

carter.hugo20h ago

I read a local historian claimed the city deliberately faded signs to cut costs.

barbara_kim13h ago

Jumping off what carter.hugo said, I bet the city figured faded signs are cheaper than actually fixing the confusing layout. It makes sense if you think about how much money they probably save by just letting old signs wear out. But honestly, it feels like a lazy fix for a bigger problem when the actual street grids are all twisty and don't line up (like how NW 23rd and NW Johnson suddenly turn into each other). It's a mess for delivery drivers for sure, plus visitors end up circling blocks forever.