Something Portland can brag about? Having all four seasons. Sometimes in one day. Whether you love a vibrant fall, a chilled out winter, a relaxed spring, or a spirited summer, Portland gaurantees the season will be mild. The summers are never too hot to bike around or go hiking and the winters are never too cold to explore or run errands. Portland is a city surrounded by forest and all roads provide a convenient bike lane, inspiring anyone who lives here to get outdoors. Nevermind that expensive $129/month gym membership with the opportunities to get out in this beautiful city.
5 Reasons to Love Living in Portland
Meg Riley-Romero • March 26, 2026
Thinking about moving to Portland? Great choice. Portland ranked #6 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. It earned that spot for the high quality of living, walkability, and accessibility to the outdoors. (Read: FREE exercise). While there are many reasons to love living in Portland, here's the quick top five.
Access to the outdoors
Portland is for foodies
You don't have to be a foodie to truly appreciate the food in Portland. The city boasts some of the best restaurants in the country, creative and delicious food trucks, and healthy, colorful choices at the farmers market. It's best known for covering global tastes. Whether you like seafood, Thai, a regular burger and fries, or Indian food, the odds are high that you can find all of those on one block. And you know they'll be good - because Portland has ranked in nearly every "best restaurants to eat _" article of a food-based periodical. Portland is a city that prides itself on great food.
Affordable living in the city
For those of us who love urban living, but have a normal family budget, it can be hard to find the right place. San Fransisco, LA, and Seattle are still too expensive for most families. Portland is still (thankfully) affordable. There are lots of options for affordable living in apartment communities, right in downtown Portland. The Yards, Pearl Court, and Hamilton West apartments all reside in the heart of the city. Take a look at Portland's most popular neighborhoods, like the Pearl, the River District, Gateway, or St. Johns to find the perfect fit. Pinehurst communities have availability in whichever area you choose.
Get a weekly dose of recreation
Portland is known for being home to the Trail Blazers, as well as its arts and culture scene. Whether you're a sports fan or a museum patron, Portland has something for you year-round. During fall and winter, stay out of the rain by going to a Blazer game, visiting the Portland Art Museum, or getting in touch with our history at the Oregon Historical Society. During the nicer months in spring and summer, don't waste an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Portland has beautiful Japanese gardens, the rose garden, and several parks and hiking trails. If you bike the waterfront trail, prepare to make some friends along the way.
A great place to raise kids
Picture it: the sun is shining, glistening like diamonds on the wilamette river; the air smells of spring and earth; and you're enjoying a walk in the park on a breezy weekday afternoon. A group of about six to eight kids walks past you, holding hands to form a chain of innoncence and safety, led by their teacher instructing them on the different types of clouds in the sky. This is a typical scene for someone living at The Yards, our apartment community not far from the Portland waterfront park. Portland has terrific schools, community centers, and after-school programs for kids to learn and grow happily and healthfully. Enjoy the serenity of living in a great place to raise children.
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Touring apartments in Portland? Here are 5 important questions to ask before you sign – from move-in costs to safety measures and everything in between.
