Portland is a major city in the Pacific Northwest. With a large population of over three million spread across the metropolitan area, it is one of the bigger cities on the West Coast. Portland is known for microbreweries and cafes, an eclectic art scene within the city, and its many parks and trails. There is a significant appeal to life in this fast-paced but environmentally-friendly metropolis.
While many choose to live in Portland for its status as an emerging hub and easy access to employment opportunities, life in a big, busy city isn’t for everyone. Many Portland suburbs offer easy access to the city and a great quality of life. Let’s look at some of the top options.
Lake Oswego
Just a 15-minute drive south from Portland sits a scenic city home to roughly 40,000 residents. Lake Oswego is named for the 400-acre lake that the town surrounds, and one of the many appealing aspects of this city is the waterfront real estate options. It is a city with many outdoor recreation options, including swimming and boating on the lake, and a thriving art scene, with numerous galleries and performance centers.
Lake Oswego is also highly regarded for its safety, excellent real estate, and delicious restaurants. It is a top option for those seeking a suburban feel just outside the city.
Yamhill
Some people want access to the big city but want to live in a place far enough removed that you still get the quiet town feel. Yamhill is an excellent option in this case. Yamhill is a tiny town roughly a 50-minute drive away from Portland, home to a population of just over 1,000. While this community is very small, it offers more affordable real estate and a small-town appeal.
The biggest aspect of Yamhill’s charm is its numerous vineyards. It is the heart of Oregon’s wine country, with fresh farm-to-table dining options and abundant natural beauty.
Gresham
Gresham is a large suburb to the east of Portland that is home to over 110,000 residents. It is a busy city that is less than a half-hour drive outside of Portland and is recognized for its thriving music scene. Gresham hosts the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival every year, which is one of Oregon’s biggest jazz events. It is also known for its scenic natural attractions and blends city and small-town feel.
Gresham is located between the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood, offering excellent outdoor recreation options. It also has more than 17 acres of public parks, making it a nature lover’s paradise.
Newberg
Newberg is another Portland suburb that feels far removed from the city. While technically in the metropolitan area, Newberg has a small-town vibe and is home to only 25,000 residents. It is a 40-minute drive from Portland. Like Yamhill, Newberg is renowned for its location in the heart of Oregon wine country. There are wineries outside the town that are perfect for tours and tastings.
Newberg has a historic downtown area with boutique shops and renowned restaurants. This city’s food scene is well-known as the wine country location makes it a big draw for chefs.
Milwaukie
Just 15 minutes south of Portland, you’ll find the pleasant small city of Milwaukie. This city has a suburban feel with picturesque natural settings and is home to roughly 20,000 residents. Milwaukie is along the eastern side of the Willamette River and has many parks and trails along the water. It also has an interesting history as a 19th-century mill town.
Milwaukie is known for its excellent food and drink industries, with tasteful restaurants, breweries, and wine bars. It also has an excellent public parks system.
