Portland, Oregon, is a vibrant, hip city located in the Pacific Northwest. With a population of over 650,000, it is the largest city in Oregon and the 26th largest city in the United States. Portland is known for its eclectic mix of people and its many unique neighborhoods, each with its own character and flavor. The city is also home to a thriving art and music scene, as well as several excellent restaurants and breweries.
There’s no question that many love living in Portland. But what if you’re looking for something a bit more low-key while still remaining close enough to the city to take advantage of all it offers from time to time? Thankfully, there are lots of great cities near Portland that you may want to buy a home or rent an apartment in instead. Redfin has collected 6 of those cities near Portland so you can decide what is right for you.
#1: Beaverton, OR,
Miles from Portland: 8
Population: 99,000
Median home sale price: $55,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,762
Walk Score: 52
Bike Score: 35
Transit Score: 67
Beaverton is home to the Nike World Headquarters. (the city’s largest employer) and is situated in the Tualatin River Valley. The city is known for its scenic beauty, proximity to outdoor recreation, and friendly and welcoming community.
There are many great things to do for those living in Beaverton. For outdoors enthusiasts, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails in the area. The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to see some of the local wildlife. The Oregon Zoo is also located in Beaverton and is a great place to learn about the animals of the Pacific Northwest. For those interested in the arts, the Beaverton Arts Commission offers a variety of public art displays and events throughout the year. Additionally, the city is home to a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
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#2: Vancouver, WA
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Miles from Portland: 10
Population: 183,000
Median home sale price: $482,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,940
Walk Score: 41
Bike Score: 34
Transit Score: 59
Vancouver, WA, is a mid-sized city and is known for its rainy weather and proximity to mountains. Originally established in 1825 around Fort Vancouver, a fur-trading outpost, the city is located on the Washington/Oregon border along the Columbia River, directly north of Portland. A fun fact that makes the city special is that city officials have suggested changing the city’s name to Vancouver USA, Fort Vancouver, or Old Vancouver to eliminate confusion between Vancouver and BC.
In the summer, residents living in Vancouver can enjoy hiking and biking trails along the Columbia River Gorge, boating and windsurfing on the river, and golfing at one of the many area courses. The city is also home to several museums and art galleries. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, some of the top restaurants in Vancouver, Washington include The Rockwood, The Painted Table, and Cascadia Public House.
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#3: Tigard, OR
Miles from Portland: 10
Population: 54,000
Median home sale price: $650,000
Average 2-bed rent: $1,397
Walk Score: 43
Bike Score: 30
Transit Score: 62
Tigard, OR, is a great place to live if you’re looking for a small-city feel with an art-devoted community. With a population of around 54, 000, Tigard is home to the only professional musical theater company in the area, as well as the Festival of Balloons which celebrates the summer season each June.
There are plenty of things to do if you decide to move to Tigard, Oregon. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore. The city also has its own farmers market, where you can buy fresh produce and other goods from local vendors. If you’re looking for a more cultural experience, Tigard is home to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.
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#4: Gresham, OR
Miles from Portland: 16
Population: 110,500
Median home sale price: $501,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,450
Walk Score: 47
Bike Score: 39
Transit Score: 64
Gresham is a beautiful city with many nature parks and a great view of Mount Hood. Gresham’s historic downtown, dedication to community, and 17 acres of multi-use community parks add to its appeal.
There are many things to do for those living in Gresham. You can go hiking or biking in the Columbia River Gorge, visit the Gresham Butte, or go shopping at the Gresham Town Fair. There are also several great restaurants and bars in the area.
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#5: Hillsboro, OR
Miles from Portland: 20
Population: 108,000
Median home sale price: $520,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,438
Walk Score: 44
Bike Score: 37
Transit Score: 72
Hillsboro, Oregon, is a city located west of Portland that is known for its outdoor recreation, galleries, and museums.
Hillsboro has a lot to offer its residents. The Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, for example, attracts hundreds of birds and bird watchers annually. In addition, there are unique museums that showcase a variety of exhibits from yesteryear and today, such as the Five Oaks Museum and Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals. There’s something for everyone living in Hillsboro.
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#6: Salem, OR
Miles from Portland: 46
Population: 172,000
Median home sale price: $446,660
Average 1-bed rent: $1,312
Walk Score: 42
Bike Score: 32
Transit Score: 60
Salem is the capital city of Oregon and is located in the northwestern part of the state, in the retile region of Willamette Valley. The valley is home to many of Oregon’s major industries, including agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing. Salem is also a center of government and politics, with the state legislature and governor’s office located in the city. The city has a diverse economy, with a strong healthcare, education, and technology base.
Willamette University and Corban University are both located in Salem, providing opportunities for higher education. There are also several museums in the city, including the Oregon State Police Museum, the Oregon State Penitentiary Museum, and the Hallie Ford Museum of Art. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Salem’s many parks, including Riverfront Park, Minto-Brown Island Park, and Bush’s Pasture Park. Salem is also home to the Oregon Zoo and the A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village.
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Methodology: All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Portland. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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