Greater Portland is an ideal place to do business. Here, economic development resources span seven counties across Oregon and Washington, providing local businesses with unmatched advantages.
Both large corporations and small business owners in Portland benefit from affordable energy rates, competitive real estate costs and an attractive tax climate. World-class infrastructure, including America’s Best Airport, facilitates seamless global connections. A steady pipeline of educated talent attracted to Portland’s Pacific Northwest lifestyle ensures open jobs are swiftly filled.
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Discover Your Portland Advantage
Top West Coast Market for Young Professionals
Attractive Tax Climate & Competitive Real Estate
Top West Coast Market for Young Professionals
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Greater Portland is one of the fastest-growing labor markets in the U.S. Within 100 miles of this metro area, you’ll find 66 universities, colleges, satellite campuses and community colleges, fulfilling a steady influx of highly educated and engaged young talent. In fact, 53% of Portlanders have at least a bachelor’s degree, nearly double the national average.
Specialized programming, such as Oregon State University’s two federally designated tech hubs and Portland Community College’s Career Pathways, ensure the region's workforce is well equipped with in-demand skills and Portland's business owners have their pick for staffing.
Learn more about Portland’s workforce and demographics.
62 Colleges, Universities & Satellite Campuses with 100 Miles
Attractive Tax Climate & Competitive Real Estate
New businesses, entrepreneurs and established companies can extend the power of their dollar in the Portland metro area. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Greater Portland as the most affordable West Coast metro area for commercial real estate, with office space up to 43% cheaper per square foot compared to other major West Coast cities, such as Los Angeles, San Jose and San Francisco. Greater Portland communities, such as Beaverton and Tualatin, also offer more affordable housing alternatives than Portland’s Central City.
And it’s not just real estate. Doing business in Oregon also means affordable electricity. Rates for commercial real estate are around $0.09 per kilowatt hour, compared to $0.20 in California.
Visit our research center for more information on doing business in Greater Portland.
#1 West Coast Metro Area for Affordable Commercial Real Estate
*GPI Research
Affordable & Reliable
Utilities
Future-Focused Key Industries
As one of the most future-ready cities in the nation in the U.S, Greater Portland’s key industries are driven by the community’s forward-thinking culture. Here, major employers, such as Nike, Intel and ZoomInfo, are developing the next generation of products.
More than just outdoor apparel and tech, Greater Portland is also a hub for renewable energy and clean technology, food products and beverage manufacturing and metals and machinery manufacturing.
The region’s diverse spread of industry clusters ensures that expanding companies and startups alike can strategically position themselves. Explore Greater Portlan's Major Industries
- Computers & Electronics
- Apparel & Outdoors
- Climate Tech
- Food & Beverage
- Software
- Metals & Machinery
- Design & Media
- Bioscience
Globally Connected
Shipping and exporting can be major hurdles, but Greater Portland is well-connected for global success. Oregon and Washington have been accredited with the “nation’s top-ranked infrastructure,” according to the U.S. News & World Report. Easily access major highways like Interstate 5, 205 and 84. Transporting goods via railway is a breeze with the Union Pacific and BSNF Railroad. Shipping by sea is possible through the Port of Portland and the Port of Vancouver.
Access to global shipping solutions is easy, but what about connecting people? Portland International Airport is consistently ranked one of the best airports in the country. PDX has 18 airlines serving 60+ non-stop destinations and about 500 daily arrivals and departures, so you can always get where you need to go. Plus, PDX’s new terminal is garnering worldwide acclaim for its awe-inspiring design and use of locally sourced mass timber in its construction.
PDX Voted one of America’s Best Airports
Easy Transportation Via Major Highways & Railways
2 Major Ports for Overseas Shipping
Unmatched Livability
Doing business in Oregon ensures that you live and work in a place with an exceptional quality of life. Portland residents are spoiled for choice when it comes to amenities. With over 37,000 acres of parks and green spaces, outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for recreation, all within easy reach of downtown. And let's not forget the allure of the Pacific Coast and Cascade Mountains, just a short drive away.
But it's not just the great outdoors that makes Portland special. The city has been hailed as the #4 destination for food lovers and coffee aficionados alike. With an abundance of awarded restaurants and coffee shops in and around downtown Portland, the challenge is not finding a good one; it is picking your favorite.
Despite its many attractions, Portland remains surprisingly affordable compared to other metropolitan areas. And, of course, no vibrant community is complete without excellent healthcare. The City of Portland boasts top-tier healthcare providers and is a hub for cutting-edge medical research, thanks to institutions like the Oregon Health and Science University.
Learn More About Living in Greater Portland
37,000 Acres of Parks and Green Spaces
More Affordable than Peer Regions
Let's Start the Conversation
Is your company interested in relocating or expanding to Greater Portland? Reach out to Nick Triska in our Business Development department to start a conversation and access free and confidential resources.
Email: nick.triska@greaterportlandinc.com
Phone: 1-971-339-2009