Greater Portland residents have access to a unique and fulfilling lifestyle created by the region’s unique culture, year-round outdoor recreation opportunities and affordable living compared to other West Coast metros. Kayak on the Willamette River or hike on Mt. Hood. Dine in renowned restaurants or catch up with friends in quaint coffee shops and cafes.
With so much to do, living in Portland ensures that every day is a little different. Exciting big-city amenities, like world-class educational institutions, a future-proof job market and a vibrant food scene, are just the cherry on top.
It's not surprising that the Greater Portland area is such an attractive location for both businesses and talent.
Living in Portland Oregon - by the Numbers
The Greater Portland Vibe
Surrounded by Experiences
The Greater Portland region extends beyond the Portland metro area and is made up of seven counties, crossing the Oregon state line and extending into southern Washington. With such a large geographic area, there are many different ways to enjoy living here. From laid-back main-street small towns like St. Johns to walkable major cities like Tualatin, each Greater Portland neighborhood has unique characteristics to enjoy.
Extending beyond, and including, the Greater Portland area, the Willamette Valley builds upon Portland’s natural beauty with rolling hills, forests, rivers and the Cascade Range as a majestic backdrop. The valley is renowned for its wine industry, home to more than 700 wineries and dozens of events each year. Its strong farm-to-table culture and thriving artisan markets further enhance the region, creating a multifaceted economic and cultural connection to Greater Portland.
Greater Portland also has a robust public transportation system which makes it easy to navigate and commute throughout the city. The region’s convenient light rail and extensive bike lanes elevate the art of dodging rush hour to a new level. For journeys beyond the Oregon Coast and Pacific Northwest (PNW), Portland International Airport (PDX) provides seamless access to destinations across America and around the globe.
Setting Roots in Portland
When choosing where to call home, our neighborhoods are as diverse as the landscapes that surround them. Modern condos can be found in downtown Portland, while parts of the Columbia River in Vancouver, WA are known for their houseboat communities. Young families can raise children in suburban homes in Beaverton or enjoy the view with waterfront properties in Lake Oswego. Greater Portland’s housing market offers a wide range of real estate to support any lifestyle.
While the median home value of $633.8k is above the national average, moving to Portland, Oregon, is still remarkably more affordable than other major West Coast real estate markets. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average housing cost in Greater Portland is nearly $80k less than Seattle and $417K less than San Francisco.
Living in Greater Portland also empowers immense personal and professional growth. In 2025, the average household income was approximately $131,000, with 47.6% of people surveyed having a job paying over $100,000. These high paying salaries span across the region’s diverse industries, allowing for people to pursue their dream career, or make the switch into a new and exciting field while still living a comfortable life.
Greater Portland also has a robust public transportation system which makes it easy to navigate and commute throughout the city. The region’s convenient light rail and extensive bike lanes elevate the art of dodging rush hour to a new level. For journeys beyond the Oregon Coast and Pacific Northwest (PNW), Portland International Airport (PDX) provides seamless access to destinations across America and around the globe.
Whether you’re looking to level up your business or life, you can do it in Greater Portland.