Living in Portland

The Portland area has a lot to offer.  We’re an hour from the beach and an hour from the mountains for hiking and skiing with lots of variety in between.

Downtown Portland offers a wide verity of shopping.  Pioneer Place is the downtown mall with some upper-end shops there and nearby.  The Pearl District has many high-end unique shopping options.  There are also local artists and designers in the area.  The NW 23rd District is a fun area to shop with more affordable unique shops and eateries.  A FUN way to spend a day.

Portland is full of parks and areas to hike. There are also many sponsored runs and races throughout the year available to everyone.  The Columbia Gorge has some of the world’s best windsurfing and has visitors from all over the world.  Multnomah Falls is located in the Gorge and is absolutely beautiful.  There are many hikes in the area as well as a picturesque drive with great views from above the gorge.

Portland has a strong arts community.  There are several galleries throughout Portland and surrounding areas.  Portland also has its’ own Symphony Orchestra, Opera and Portland Center for the Performing Arts.  There’s always a great play or musical to attend.  The Portland theater arena also offers many children’s acting classes and performances.  These tend to be plays geared to the kids and a GREAT introduction to the arts.

Transportation in Portland is abundant. The MAX (light rail system) is growing all the time and is an inexpensive way to get around from Hillsboro to the airport to Beaverton and beyond. Where the MAX stops the bus system picks up and covers a lot of ground.  Portland has also provided many bikes trails and bike lanes for those opting to bike around town.

In addition to the outdoor activities, shopping and the arts, Portland offers some of the more typical familiy oriented activities.  We have a great zoo at Washington Park (the MAX goes here as well). There’s also the Children’s Museum, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, several gardens and the Waterfront with the fountain and free concerts.

Whatever your taste, there’s something in Portland for you!  Take a look!