Oregon Portland
Moving to Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon, is a dynamic city blending urban culture with stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by the Cascade Range and Willamette River, Portland offers abundant outdoor adventures, from hiking in Forest Park to exploring the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood. The city’s many parks, including Washington Park and Tom McCall Waterfront Park, provide space for recreation and relaxation.
Portland is known for its innovative spirit, thriving tech scene, and vibrant culinary culture with a focus on local food, craft beverages, and famous food trucks. The city’s arts scene is just as lively, featuring galleries, live music, and independent theaters.
With a mix of historic neighborhoods, green spaces, and a strong commitment to sustainability, Portland strikes a perfect balance between city living and outdoor exploration. Whether visiting or considering a move, Portland offers an exciting blend of culture, nature, and innovation.
Portland by the numbers
City population
City Rank of Cost of living vs. national average
Median home price
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Discover Portland: Top Attractions and Things to Do
Local Experiences
Local Experiences
Portland, Oregon offers a vibrant mix of local experiences that showcase the city’s artistic spirit, natural beauty, and unique culture. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, delicious eats, or an art-filled stroll, Portland has something to delight every kind of explorer.
Washington Park
A local favorite, Washington Park is one of Portland’s most iconic green spaces. Home to beautiful gardens, including the famous Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden, this park offers scenic trails, picnicking spots, and stunning views of the city. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, enjoy nature, or visit one of the city’s top cultural institutions, like the Oregon Zoo and the Portland Children's Museum.
The Pearl District
Portland’s Pearl District is a must-visit for those who enjoy art galleries, chic boutiques, and delicious dining options. This former warehouse district has been transformed into a trendy neighborhood filled with upscale restaurants, craft breweries, and stylish stores. It’s also home to Powell’s Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore, which is an essential stop for book lovers.
Portland Saturday Market
For a taste of local craftsmanship and culture, the Portland Saturday Market is a go-to spot. Located along the waterfront, this open-air market features handmade goods, local art, live music, and delicious food from vendors offering everything from hotcakes to Ethiopian cuisine. It’s a great place to spend a Saturday afternoon and soak up the city’s creative atmosphere.
Food Cart Scene
Portland is famous for its food cart culture, where you’ll find a diverse range of street food vendors offering everything from gourmet donuts and fusion tacos to Thai food and Vietnamese banh mi. These carts are scattered throughout the city, with notable clusters in the Pod areas like Cartopia and the 3rd Avenue Food Truck Pods, offering a culinary adventure that reflects Portland’s multicultural flair.
Sports and Recreation
Sport and Recreation
Portland, Oregon, is a city that embraces an active lifestyle, offering a wealth of opportunities for sports, fitness, and outdoor activities. With its lush green parks, riverside trails, and proximity to both mountains and coastlines, Portland provides a vibrant setting for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and families.
Youth & Community Sports
Portland's Parks & Recreation department offers a wide array of youth and adult sports leagues, including soccer, basketball, softball, and baseball. These programs take place at community centers and sports complexes throughout the city, such as St. Johns Community Center and Sellwood Community Center, where both kids and adults can participate in organized leagues, fitness classes, and recreational activities. Portland also has a strong commitment to youth development through sports, offering programs that emphasize teamwork, skill-building, and active living.
Proximity to Major League Sports
Portland is home to several professional sports teams, making it an exciting city for sports fans. The Portland Timbers (MLS) and Portland Thorns (NWSL) are beloved by locals, and you can catch their thrilling games at Providence Park. Basketball fans can cheer for the Portland Trail Blazers (NBA) at Moda Center, where high-energy games draw fans from across the region. Additionally, Portland Pickles (Baseball) and Portland State Vikings (College Sports) offer opportunities to enjoy minor league and collegiate action.
Outdoor Recreation
Portland is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering easy access to rivers, forests, and mountains. Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the country, offers over 70 miles of trails for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking, all just minutes from downtown. The Willamette River is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and rowing, with rental shops and guided tours available throughout the city. For something a little more challenging, head to Mount Hood for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking, all within a short drive from Portland.
Adventures
Adventures
Portland, Oregon, is a gateway to unforgettable adventures, offering outdoor escapes that range from lush forests to rugged mountain peaks, scenic river paths, and the vibrant urban outdoors. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or simply looking to explore the city’s natural beauty, Portland is a perfect base for your next adventure.
Forest Trails & Urban Hikes
Portland is surrounded by striking forests and green spaces, with countless trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the U.S., offers over 70 miles of trails, including the popular Wildwood Trail, ideal for both leisurely walks and more challenging hikes. The Washington Park area is another local favorite, home to lush gardens, the Oregon Zoo, and panoramic views of the city from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
For a more scenic, riverside experience, the Springwater Corridor Trail runs along the Willamette River, offering miles of paved paths for jogging, cycling, or walking while enjoying beautiful river views.
Mountain & Water Adventures
Located just an hour’s drive away, Mount Hood offers year-round adventure, from skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking, mountain biking, and alpine lakes in the warmer months. The iconic Timberline Lodge provides stunning views of the snow-capped peak and is a perfect spot to start your mountain adventure.
Closer to home, the Willamette River offers plenty of water activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and river tours. The river is particularly scenic around Tom McCall Waterfront Park, which also features walking paths and places to relax by the water. For those seeking a unique experience, you can rent kayaks or canoes from several rental companies in the city, including Portland Kayak Company.
Seasonal Events
Seasonal Events
Portland, Oregon, offers a diverse range of seasonal events that showcase the city’s creative spirit, community vibrancy, and love for the outdoors. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, there’s always something happening in this city, from music and arts festivals to local markets and outdoor celebrations.
Portland Rose Festival - Spring
Each spring, Portland blooms with the iconic Portland Rose Festival, a celebration of the city’s nickname, “The City of Roses.” Held in late May and early June, the festival features parades, carnival rides, live music, food vendors, and the famed Starlight Parade, where the city lights up in a spectacular display. The festival’s events take place throughout the city, including at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, and draw thousands of visitors and locals alike.
Movies in the Park – Summer
In the summer, Portland’s parks come alive with the popular Movies in the Park series. Families and friends gather to enjoy free outdoor screenings of classic and contemporary films at locations like Colonel Summers Park and Holladay Park. With blankets and lawn chairs in tow, this community event offers a laid-back, cinematic experience under the stars, often with food vendors and live music before the movie begins.
Oregon Brewers Festival - Summer
For craft beer enthusiasts, the Oregon Brewers Festival, typically held in late July, is a must-attend event. This festival celebrates Portland’s thriving craft beer scene, bringing together over 80 breweries from across the state. Held at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, it’s the perfect opportunity to taste some of the best craft beers in the region while enjoying live music, local food vendors, and a lively atmosphere.
Community Resources
Portland, Oregon, offers a robust healthcare system designed to meet the needs of its diverse population. With a combination of full-service hospitals, specialized clinics, urgent care centers, and a focus on holistic care, residents and visitors can access high-quality medical services for everything from routine checkups to advanced treatments. Portland’s healthcare infrastructure is continuously expanding to accommodate the city’s growing population, ensuring reliable and accessible care for all.
Major Hospitals and Medical Centers:
OHSU Hospital (Oregon Health & Science University)
OHSU is one of the premier healthcare institutions in the Pacific Northwest. As Portland’s largest academic medical center, OHSU provides comprehensive services including emergency care, specialized treatments, surgery, and advanced diagnostic imaging. Known for its cutting-edge research and medical education, OHSU offers patients access to the latest treatments and innovations in healthcare. It also features a renowned cancer center and a transplant program, making it a key resource for critical care.
OHSU Hospital
VA Portland Health Care System
Portland’s VA Medical Center provides specialized healthcare services to veterans, including primary care, mental health services, and specialized treatments. As part of the VA Portland Health Care System, this center offers outpatient care, rehabilitation, and support for veterans and their families. It’s a vital resource for those who have served in the military, ensuring they receive the care they deserve.
VA Portland Health Care
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center
Legacy Emanuel is a comprehensive medical facility offering specialized care in trauma, neurology, cardiology, and more. It is home to one of the region’s busiest trauma centers and provides critical care services, as well as advanced treatment options for conditions such as stroke, heart disease, and cancer. The hospital’s commitment to patient care is underscored by its dedication to both medical excellence and patient-centered care.
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center
Portland, Oregon, offers a rich educational landscape that caters to the diverse needs of students at every level. From public schools that emphasize academic excellence to private institutions with specialized curricula, and a strong selection of higher education options, Portland is dedicated to fostering lifelong learning and helping students succeed in an ever-changing world.
Public Schools
Portland is served by Portland Public Schools (PPS), the largest school district in Oregon, known for its strong commitment to academic achievement, equity, and community involvement. The district features a wide variety of educational programs, including specialized options for students interested in STEM, arts, and international studies. Notable public schools in Portland include:
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Lincoln High School – Known for its rigorous academics, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and strong arts programs, Lincoln provides students with opportunities to excel in a variety of fields.
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Portland Evening and Online High School – Offering flexible learning options, this school is designed for students who need a non-traditional approach to their high school education.
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West Sylvan Middle School – A top-rated middle school with a focus on preparing students for success in high school and beyond, including arts and music programs.
Portland’s public schools also offer a variety of magnet and honors programs, as well as strong support for students with diverse learning needs.
Private Schools
Portland is home to a range of private schools that provide families with alternatives to the public school system. These schools often feature smaller class sizes, specialized academic programs, and a focus on individualized instruction:
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Catlin Gabel School – An independent, co-educational school known for its strong academics, environmental stewardship, and commitment to community engagement.
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Oregon Episcopal School – A private school offering a rigorous liberal arts curriculum with a focus on character development, community service, and leadership.
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Portland Waldorf School – A Waldorf education institution emphasizing creative arts, hands-on learning, and a focus on social responsibility.
These private schools offer unique educational experiences that cater to various academic interests and values, contributing to Portland's diverse education landscape.
Colleges
Portland is home to a wealth of higher education opportunities, with institutions that offer everything from vocational programs to advanced degrees. Some of the top schools in Portland include:
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Portland State University (PSU) – PSU is a public research university offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, engineering, education, and the arts. PSU is committed to sustainability and community service.
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Lewis & Clark College – A private liberal arts college known for its strong programs in law, humanities, and social sciences. The college also offers a renowned environmental studies program.
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University of Portland – A Catholic university offering rigorous academic programs in business, engineering, and liberal arts. The university emphasizes service, leadership, and social justice.
Portland's higher education institutions provide students with diverse opportunities for academic growth, career development, and personal enrichment.
Portland, Oregon, offers reliable utilities and efficient government services that contribute to the city’s vibrant, sustainable lifestyle. Whether you're relocating, setting up a business, or simply enjoying life in this dynamic city, Portland provides essential services like water, power, waste management, and helpful public agencies that ensure a smooth, eco-friendly experience for residents and businesses alike.
Utilities:
Water and Sewer Services
Water and wastewater services in Portland are managed by the Portland Water Bureau, which provides high-quality water sourced from protected mountain reservoirs. The city places a strong emphasis on conservation, with programs that encourage sustainable landscaping, rainwater harvesting, and water-efficient appliances. The city’s wastewater treatment services aim to meet environmental standards while minimizing the impact on the environment. Portland residents are encouraged to participate in water-saving programs and take advantage of resources that help reduce usage and save on utility bills.
Water
Electricity and Gas
Portland General Electric (PGE) is the primary provider of electricity to the city, offering reliable service, renewable energy options, and programs to help residents and businesses reduce their environmental footprint. PGE offers rebates for energy-efficient home upgrades, energy-saving programs, and incentives for solar energy systems.
Portland General Electric (PGE)
Natural gas is supplied by NW Natural, which offers safety programs, billing assistance, and energy-saving tips for residents and businesses. Both PGE and NW Natural are committed to sustainability and providing Portlanders with the tools to manage energy consumption and lower costs.
NW Natural
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) – Oregon
For new residents in Portland, updating your driver’s license and vehicle registration with the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is required within 30 days of moving. The nearest DMV offices are conveniently located throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Key Steps:
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Driver’s License: Bring proof of identity, residency, and your current license.
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Vehicle Registration: Submit proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and complete any necessary emissions tests.
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Title & Plates: Apply for Oregon plates during the registration process.
Oregon DMV
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This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.