Known as a haven for the quirky, artsy and outdoorsy, Portland shines with its emphasis on green living with over 300 parks, community gardens and natural areas to keep everyone active and healthy. The bustling Pacific Northwest hub also offers a coffee culture that energizes every living soul.
Attracted by all the city has to offer, professionals, creatives and environmentally conscious individuals are moving to Portland, Oregon, and no wonder. It’s one of the most educated cities in the U.S., very friendly with pets, and with diverse, accessible and high-quality food that leaves everyone wanting another bite.
As if that wasn’t enough, people in Portland truly care about their neighbors and community, often doing them favors, volunteering and actively working in community and social services.
Weather in Portland
Cool, rainy winters and dry, warm summers deem Portland’s climate as temperate oceanic. Never too hot or freezing, the city and its surroundings are great for outdoor activities. This also encourages gardening, adding to the city’s green reputation.
Since it’s only slightly less rainy than Seattle here, Portlanders often keep a light, waterproof jacket handy year-round, especially since summer evenings can get cool enough to require an extra layer. While the city itself only sees a dusting of snow now and then, locals and tourists enjoy wintertime skiing on the nearby Mt. Hood.
Portland Oregon Real Estate
A little more than half of Portlanders own their homes, compared to nearly 65% throughout the U.S., and the secret might just be in Portland’s housing costs. The median house price here is nearly double the national median value while renting costs only 20% more.
The housing market is competitive, driven by ongoing population growth and urban development, and housing options range from historic homes in the Old Town to modern condos in the Pearl District, Downtown Portland or South Waterfront.
A recommendation for everyone interested in living in Portland, regardless of neighborhood, is to secure self-storage. Renting a unit is extremely useful whether one needs to renovate a new home, downsize or just take some time before putting everything into place.
Note: Most people moving to Portland, Oregon, come from Seattle, followed by San Francisco and Los Angeles residents.
Portland Neighborhoods
A quadrant may be each of the four quarters of a circle, but Portlanders sure like to call their six city sections “quadrants” — North, Northeast and Southeast lay east of the Willamette River, while South, Southwest and Northwest are to the west of it. These six “quadrants” are further divided into over 90 neighborhoods. Of these, four take the podium as among the best neighborhoods in Portland:
- Pearl District in the Northwest, for its chic urban living with art galleries, boutiques and plenty of entertainment options for the young crowd.
- Sellwood-Moreland, for its family-friendly vibe, with access to many parks, antique shops and the historic Oaks Amusement Park.
- Nob Hill, for its mix of outdoor access to an urban forest and historic homes that keep the Old Portland charm alive.
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Cathedral Park, located under the iconic St. Johns Bridge, offers a serene riverside setting with sweeping views, a peaceful green space for picnics and gatherings, and a rich history tied to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The park’s namesake arches create a cathedral-like atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for both quiet reflection and community events.
Portland Utilities
Depending on the quadrant they live in, Portlanders get their electricity from either Pacific Power or Portland General Electric (PGE). Gas is supplied via NW Natural, and the City of Portland Water Bureau is in charge of, you guessed it, water. This comes from either the Bull Run Watershed in Mount Hood National Forest or from the high-tech groundwater system Columbia South Shore Well Field.
With a strong focus on sustainability, the city has comprehensive recycling and renewable energy initiatives, as well as various home improvement offers and incentives to help save money. These include but are not limited to discounts on smart thermostats, energy-efficient heat pump water heaters or electric vehicle home chargers.
Note: While the cost of living in Portland is about 20% higher than the national average, utilities here cost slightly less, with energy bills under $200.
Schools in Portland, OR
Home to Portland Public Schools, which is known for its strong arts and music programs, the city established back in 2012 an Arts Education and Access Fund (AEAF), more commonly known as the “Arts Tax”. This tax enables all elementary schools in Portland to have at least one art, music or dance teacher on staff.
Those living in Portland who would rather opt for private schools have plenty of great and diverse options, the most notable being Caitlin Gabel, the Oregon Episcopal School and Valley Catholic School.
Higher education institutions like Portland State University and Reed College enhance the local job market and cultural scene. The former is a public research university with tuition around $12,000 for Oregon residents and over $32,000 for nonresidents, while the latter is a private liberal arts college with tuition just under $70,000, and additional costs for housing, books and supplies, meal plans, and transportation adding up to around $20,000.
Hospitals in Portland Oregon
Advanced medical research and comprehensive healthcare services are the city’s hallmarks. The main medical facilities here include Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Providence Portland Medical Center and Portland VA Medical Center.
- OHSU is the state’s only academic health center, offering services that range from primary care to specialized treatments in areas such as oncology, cardiology and neurology.
- Providence Portland Medical Center is part of the larger Providence Health & Services, a network running several Oregonian hospitals. Services include specialized cancer treatment, heart and vascular care, as well as 24-hour on-call teams in their Stroke Center.
- Portland VA Medical Center is adjacent to OHSU and serves veterans in the region who either need specialty care, mental health services or long-term care options.
Portland Economy
Often referred to as the “Silicon Forest,” the greater Portland area is home to many tech companies, ranging from established firms like Intel and Siemens to startups that focus on software and hardware development, mobile technology, and green tech innovations.
Education and healthcare are major industries here and are currently growing, employing more people every year. They are followed closely by manufacturing, especially footwear, with big names like Nike, Adidas and Columbia Sportswear calling Portland home and a new “Made in Old Town” project underway, aiming to revitalize the old manufacturing district of the city with a green manufacturing campus for shoes and apparel.
Note: The city’s creative scene attracts and supports a thriving ecosystem of small businesses and independent contractors in marketing, design, publishing, as well as film and video production.
Transportation in Portland
Portland, Oregon, stands out for its accessible transport that caters to the environmentally conscious community by offering a very walkable, bikeable and transit-friendly environment — maybe the greatest on the entire West Coast.
TriMet takes pride of place by providing city-wide coverage with bus and MAX Light Rail services for efficient travel around the metropolitan area, while the Portland Streetcar contributes three lines across the central area to enhance inner-city connection.
Most neighborhoods in Portland are self-sufficient, with food carts, grocery stores and entertainment options within walking or biking distance. In fact, having a personal car is somewhat redundant throughout the city, especially since it doesn’t perform too well in the Traffic Index.
Popular Portland Attractions
Most people moving to Portland, Oregon, choose it for the ton of natural attractions that act like a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, and for its many urban parks and gardens that offer a peaceful retreat from the urban environment.
The truth is the city is a gateway to the scenic wonders of the Pacific Northwest, including the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood and the Oregon Coast, all of which are popular for hiking, biking and photography. Within the city itself, the Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park are celebrated for their exquisite design and tranquil beauty.
Portland is also famous for its craft beer culture. In fact, its over 70 breweries and the many beer festivals throughout the year have earned it the nickname “Beervana” among locals. Another thing that residents try to make stick is the city’s motto, “Keep Portland Weird” — a nod to its celebration of individuality and eccentricity, much like Austin.
Self-Storage in Portland, OR
In a city like Portland, where every inch of space is as prized as a seat at a popular brunch spot, finding enough room for all of one’s belongings can often feel like trying to park downtown on a busy Saturday.
Whether it’s a collection of outdoor gear for exploring the Cascades or just extra stuff that won’t fit in a charming but compact Pearl District loft, snagging a self-storage unit in Portland might just be the smartest storage strategy.
Note: When sifting through Portland self-storage options to choose the ideal spot, consider all the essentials — location convenience, robust security features, generous access hours and glowing user reviews. Don’t forget to accurately match the unit size to your stash to avoid paying for air.
