Discover Why Locals Love Living in Portland, Oregon

Are you interested in relocating to Portland? Looking for a city with diversity and excitement with so many unique neighborhoods?

Then Portland might be the city for you. “The City of Roses” attracts people of all ages from millennials to families and retirees looking for a reasonably priced place to call home.

Locals love Portland for all it has to offer from beautiful dog-friendly parks to eateries, culture and much more.

Here’s why the locals love living in Portland, Oregon.

Portland is home to over 11 thousand acres of parks. Forest Park is the largest city park in America at over 5,000 acres. This well-visited park features 70 miles of trails for hikers and nature lovers. Great for mountain biking.

Other Portland parks feature swimming pools, golf courses, designated picnic areas and areas where dogs can run free without leashes.

Come summer, float in a boat on the Willamette River or bring the kids to play in splash pads and fountains to keep cool on the hottest afternoons.

And some parks come with beaches. Yes, you can find beaches in this city like Tom McCall Bowl Beach that’s right downtown.

During the rainy season is the best time to throw on a raincoat and visit some cool indoor venues. There is plenty to do to keep you occupied any time of year.

It’s a myth that electronic books have put all bookstores out of business. Just walk into Powell’s Books, the world’s biggest independent bookstore. Taking up a whole city block, Powell’s houses 1 million books and magazines.

Spend an hour flipping through pages of great stories and articles, or spend the weekend! If you’re strapped for cash, you can sell your old books or get store credit.

Whether it’s misty or sunny, shopping is a fun activity when living in Portland, Oregon. Head downtown to shop in Pioneer Courthouse Square.

It’s the place to visit! Make sure to stop into Columbia’s Sportswear, the Square’s signature store.

Have kids? Well, then living in Portland can be so much fun for the family! Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). It’s one of the most kid-friendly places in the city.

During the day, your children will be educated and engage with the tours and attractions. But when the sun sets, OMSI After Dark attractions draw science-loving adults. Enjoy the spirits served at the museum.

Another kid favorite is, of course, the zoo. Opening in 1888, the Oregon Zoo was the first North American Zoo west of the Mississippi River.

Make a day trip and visit the Portland Museum next to the zoo. Or go to Oaks Park that kids love, featuring rollerskating, an amusement park with rides and miniature golf.

Art lovers living in Portland, Oregon can feast on art all around the city. Locals enjoy viewing murals and street art. The city created Original Art Mural permits to inspire the creation of original art murals.

Looking for fine art? Then visit dozens of fine art galleries around town. You’ll discover many in the Pearl District downtown.

View the most recent pieces from local artists at three monthly art walks.

Start on First Thursdays held in downtown Pearl District hosted by Portland Art Dealers Association. Then on Friday, enjoy First Fridays put on by Central Eastside galleries.

Exclusively held during summertime, people living in Portland, Oregon and visitors can head to Northeast Alberta Street for an arts showcase the last Thursdays in June, July, and August.

Other artsy faves include the Portland Art Museum. But art doesn’t end in Portland with the visual arts.

Locals can enjoy classic and popular music at the Oregon Symphony or watch contemporary and classical theater at the Portland Center Stage.

Did you know that Oregon has the most brewers in America per capita? That’s right from the Craft Beer Guild.

In fact, the greater Portland area is home to 105 breweries at last count. The locals aren’t joking when it comes to quality beer. Each watering hole serves at least one local beer.

McMenamins, a local brewpub chain that owns and manages watering holes, hotels and movie houses has made it their mission to turn historical buildings into pubs and restaurants.

In their venues, you’ll find wineries, distilled liquor, and coffee beans roasted. And you’ll love the atmosphere.

Portland’s transportation is convenient. You can live in the city without having a car. It’s easy to get around. Take the Trimet. Their bus system runs every 20 minutes during peak times.

Or take a streetcar in the downtown area. You’ll only need one ticket for the bus, streetcar or the light rail. If you like to bike, you’ll love it in “Biketown USA.”

If you want a car for a road trip, consider renting Car2go or Zipcar, two car-sharing companies that locals use. So ditch the keys and save on the expense.

Want to get out of the city for some nature? There are many places to travel a short drive away.

Do you fancy Pinot Noir? Then take a car to the Willamette Valley that houses world-class wineries. The climate and soil compare with the Burgundy winemaking region in France.

Head east from Portland and experience the steep walls of Columbia River Gorge. Here, you’ll find numerous hiking trails and 77 waterfalls to explore. Take in the awe-inspiring views at every turn.

Just 90 minutes west of Portland, you’ll discover the breathtaking Oregon Coast. It’s the perfect spot for a short summer road trip. Lounge on a beach. Take in the surf, visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory and have some libations at a local brewpub.

Living in Portland, Oregon gives you access to skiing and snowboarding fun come winter.

Head east and explore the Cascade Mountains, featuring Mount Hood. Stay at Mount Hood Meadows or Timberline Lodge just 90 minutes away from Portland.

Now you know what locals love about living in Portland, Oregon! From nature’s beauty to arts and culture to venues for all ages, there is so much to enjoy and explore.

Thinking of making the move to Portland? Talk to us. We can help you find the right property.