Oregon, nicknamed “The Beaver State,” with an overall population of nearly 4 million, boasts 55 major cities. But mention Oregon, and the one city that will invariably pop into most people’s minds is its most noted – Portland. It’s also the one most people flock to, from California to the south, and from Wyoming and Montana to the west. This beautiful, enticing city, nestled between the mountains and the sea, is lauded as a national example of outstanding urban planning and burgeoning business since it was officially founded in 1845.
Somewhat ironically, this metropolitan Mecca of the Pacific Northwest was founded by two native Easterners: one, Francis W. Pettygrove, hailed from Portland, Maine. He and a fellow explorer first arrived in Oregon in 1842, and in 1844, Pettygrove, the successful Maine merchant, built the city’s first log house on what is today’s Portland’s popular waterfront.
Portland is aptly named “The City of Roses” due to the city’s International Rose Test Garden, which features more than 500 varieties of roses that have been continuously cultivated since 1917. The city’s well-known “misty” climate, with its average yearly rainfall measuring in at approximately 35 inches, is ideal for growing the world’s most beautiful and abundant roses.
With its excellent access to two mountain ranges, the Pacific coast, and a plethora of cultural attractions, Portland certainly has plenty of offer working professionals, retirees, and “children of all ages.” This city of 2 million is constantly growing – and always diversifying its already well-heeled, stable economy.
With the forest and high-tech industries lording over this city, and sales, manufacturing, health care and financial services not far behind, it also employs workers for Adidas and Nike, with Nike conducting much of its wholesale trade from Portland.
And with the plentiful nightlife, recreation, leisure, and dining establishments firmly rooted in the city’s five “sections,” divided into five sectors, from North to South, there’s plenty of work to be found in the hospitality and tourism industry.
For those coming to Portland for more than just a visit, the cost of living in the metro area is attractive compared to many desirable cities of similar size. Coming in at an average of $218,700 as of the last quarter of 2004, the median home price in Portland is well within reasonable rates for most urban professionals. Housing costs are lower than most comparable urban areas in California and Washington, and residents enjoy many benefits of a more compact urban area, including efficient public transportation and less traffic than similarly sized cities. With a median household income at $40,146, and a median family income at $50,271, this is a city that continues to beckon both college-educated, blue-collar, and manufacturing professionals with ease.
Intel leads the city as the largest employer, with approximately 15,000 workers – and growing. Health care workers, particularly nurses, are always in high demand in Portland. Financial service companies have been actively recruiting financial analysts and loan processors, and national grocers Safeway and Albertsons rank among the Top 10 employers in the area, with more than 5,000 workers each.
The Portland Public School District consists of about 100 public schools with grades K through 12, as well as 50 special needs schools. Nearly 54,000 students attend Portland’s schools – and that’s not counting the sprawling numbers in suburbia.
Portland’s private schools number at least 10, and there are also several major colleges and universities gracing the area. Portland State University enrolls nearly 21,000 yearly (graduate and undergraduate), while the University of Portland, Concordia University, Lewis & Clark College, Reed College, Cascade College, and Pacific University, among many others, bring a wealth of higher education to the area.
A major medical school, Oregon Health & Science University, is here, as well as the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, the Art Institute of Portland, and Multnomah Bible College.
Portland is also a relatively “young” city, with the median age at only 35. And, for every 100 females, there are 97.8 males, making for a near-perfect “dating scene.” While recent trends, such as the city’s largest industries, have brought more younger people moving to the downtown area, older, more established families with children are happily opting for the suburbs.
From the hottest nightclub to a down-home neighborhood pub or family-style restaurant, you certainly won’t have to look far to find your favorites. Portland is known for its hip dance spots and excellent array of cocktails and elegant but trendy dining spots. You’ll never run out of things to do in this city, which offers attractions aplenty that run the gamut – from the Oregon Jewish Museum to the The Memorial Coliseum, home to Portland's hockey team, the Winterhawks, among many other events in the off-season.
For avid sports aficionados, Portland has one major league, professional sports team, as well as several minor league teams. The Portland Trail Blazers, the city’s basketball team, is just one of Portland’s proudest.
And surrounded by the beckoning mountain slopes, what would Portland be without skiing? The area is served by many resorts on nearby Mt. Hood: Timberline, Mt. Hood Meadows, Ski Bowl, Ski Bunny, and Cooper Spur. Timberline is one of only two resorts in all of North America to feature year-round skiing.
Southeast Portland features Mt. Tabor, an extinct volcano. Volcanic cinders were discovered in 1912 in what is now the city park. Mt. Tabor has become an exhibit of its own making, featuring a permanent display of the volcanic cone from which the original cinders were obtained.
And for nature lovers, the City of Portland most definitely hasn’t forgotten its “roots” – both literally and figuratively. Forest Park is one of the largest wilderness parks within city limits in the United States, with more than 5,000 acres to wander.
Portland is also home to Mill Ends Park, which is actually the world's smallest park! This circular “park” is only 2 feet in diameter, and a much-beloved city “landmark.” Washington Park, just west of downtown, is home to the Oregon Zoo and a lovely Japanese Garden.
Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park runs the length of downtown, along the banks of the Willamette river. The 37-acre park plays host to several large events throughout the year, including the Waterfront Blues Festival, Oregon Brewers Festival, Bite of Oregon, and several Rose Festival events. One thing is certain: No matter where you go in Portland, you’ll never be far from the natural lush, bucolic landscape that Portlanders have always worked hard to preserve.
Portland is often referred to quite fondly as the home of the “microbrew revolution.” Some illustrate Portlanders' interest in beer by this well-known tale: In 1888, a local brewer made an offer to pump beer from his brewery into the pipes of a city fountain! Though that plan may have fallen by the wayside, today, the city has more craft brewers than any other city in North America – and more breweries than any other city in the world.
Portland hosts a number of festivals throughout the year in celebration of beer. One of them, the Oregon Brewers Festival, is the largest gathering of independent craft brewers in North America.
While dining, you’ll notice that beer is by far not the only favored beverage in this city. The phrase “wining and dining” could have well been created here, for this city has no shortage of understated elegance as part of its scintillating nightlife. Wine lists are extensive at most of Portland’s restaurants, such as the Veritable Quandary, Higgins Restaurant and Bar, and Carafe, which is frequented by thespians, theater-goers, and politicians alike. Tabla is known for its inexpensive, fun, “neighborhood feel” and market-fresh foods to suit every palate. And wine bars stand alone in their own sophistication.
In addition, you’ll surely have enough to eat with all that very quaffable liquid – from African food to Austrian; from Chilean to Caribbean; from Korean to Kosher – and everything in between – this is also the place to find your fill of your favorite, always freshly prepared foods.
For music lovers, The Oregon Symphony, the Portland Youth Philharmonic, and the veritable buffet of live music, from piano jazz to “indie” clubs catering to the younger set, this city offers a variety of its very best.
What was once known as “Stumptown” back in the Oregon Wagon Trail days, today’s Portland has risen head and shoulders above most American cities, consistently ranking in the annual Top 20 “Best Cities in America” lists.