Moving to Portland, Oregon: Complete Relocation Guide

Known for its vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and friendly residents, Portland regularly ranks among the top cities to live in the United States.

Whatever you seek when moving home, Portland probably has it.

Here’s what we think makes Portland an amazing place to call home.

Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation

Portland is a blend of urban living and being in nature, which few cities can equal. Nestled between the Willamette and Columbia Rivers and just a short drive from both the coast and the mountains, Portland is a haven for outdoor lovers.

Within the city, you can explore Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the country, with over 80 miles of hiking and biking trails.

Mount Tabor Park, built on an extinct volcano, offers gorgeous city views, and Washington Park houses the Oregon Zoo, Portland Japanese Garden, and miles of trails.

Step outside the city, and residents have easy access to Mount Hood for skiing and snowboarding, the Columbia River Gorge for stunning waterfalls and hikes, and Oregon’s Coast for weekend beach escapes.

Whether it’s kayaking, rock climbing, trail running, or just a stroll among towering pines, Portlanders never lack for adventure.

Discover more recreational opportunities in Portland at www.portland.gov  

You may also like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving to a New City. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration, as well as the pros and cons of moving to a new city.

Best Neighborhoods to Live In

Each Portland neighborhood has its own distinct charm and community vibe. Here are some of the top picks:

• Sellwood-Moreland: A quaint, family-friendly neighborhood with historic homes, great schools, and beautiful parks. It has a small-town feel but is within the city.
• Alberta Arts District: Known for its creative energy, street art, galleries, and diverse restaurants. It’s ideal for artists, creatives, and food lovers.
• Pearl District: A former warehouse area transformed into a sleek, modern neighborhood with upscale condos, boutique shops, and art galleries. Great for professionals who want walkable, downtown living.
• Hawthorne/Belmont: Eclectic and laid-back, with vintage shops, cafes, and music venues. A favorite for young professionals and students.
• Laurelhurst: Classic Portland with tree-lined streets, early 20th-century homes, and the stunning Laurelhurst Park. A balance of quiet living and central location.
• Northwest/Nob Hill: Also known as the Alphabet District, this area combines Victorian homes, trendy bars, and boutique shopping within walking distance of downtown and Forest Park.

Learn more about all the neighborhoods in Portland at www.travelportland.com

You may also like to read: How to Choose the Best Neighborhood to Live In. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing which neighborhood to move to.

Top-Rated Schools

For families, access to quality education is often a top priority. While the Portland Public School (PPS) district is the largest in Oregon and includes many high-performing schools, there are also excellent private and charter options.

Some of the best public schools in the Portland metro include:

• Grant High School: One of Portland’s most well-regarded public high schools with strong academics and extracurricular programs.
• Lincoln High School: Located downtown, Lincoln is known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program and competitive athletics.
• Winterhaven School: A K-8 magnet school focused on math, science, and technology, located in the Brooklyn neighborhood.
• Ainsworth Elementary: Offers a Spanish Immersion program and serves the Southwest Hills neighborhood.

In addition, Portland has several excellent private schools, such as:

• Catlin Gabel School: A nationally recognized independent school serving preschool through high school.
• Oregon Episcopal School (OES): Offers challenging academics, an expansive campus, and a strong international program.

Higher education is well catered for, with Portland State University in downtown and nearby universities such as Reed College, known for its rigorous academics and liberal arts focus.

Discover more about the best schools in Portland at www.niche.com  

You may also like to read: How to Choose a Good School. In this guide, we suggest what to take into consideration when choosing a new school for your kids.

Career Opportunities and Business Culture

Portland is a thriving hub for innovation, whilst its economy is diverse and steadily expanding, especially in the following sectors:

• Technology: Known as the “Silicon Forest,” Portland is home to Intel’s largest global site and hosts many tech startups and midsize companies. Adobe, Airbnb, and HP also have a presence here.
• Green Energy and Sustainability: Portland has a reputation as a green city; it’s a hub for clean energy, environmental engineering, and sustainable urban planning jobs.
• Healthcare: With top hospitals like Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and Legacy Health, healthcare professionals will find many opportunities.
• Craft Industries: The city supports a strong culture of local businesses, from breweries and coffee roasters to designers and artisans.

Remote work is also common, and Portland’s creative, laid-back vibe makes it an attractive base for digital nomads and freelancers.

Discover the top 100 places to work in Oregon at www.oregonbusiness.com

You may also like to read: Relocating for Work. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons and things to consider when moving for work.

Culture, Food, and Lifestyle

From First Thursday art walks in the Pearl District to music festivals like Pickathon and Waterfront Blues Fest, there’s always something happening.

And foodies will love living in Portland. You’ll find everything from high-end farm-to-table restaurants to world-famous food carts. Portland is known for its:

• Artisan coffee (like Stumptown and Coava)
• Craft beer (over 70 breweries in the metro area!)
• Diverse international cuisine
• Vegan and vegetarian-friendly menus

Culture vultures are not forgotten either. Powell’s City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world, is a literary landmark. There are dozens of local theaters, film festivals, and performing arts venues like Portland Center Stage and the Oregon Symphony.

Portland also celebrates its weirdness — the “Keep Portland Weird” motto reflects a community that embraces individuality, innovation, and inclusivity.

Discover the top 50 restaurants in Portland at www.pdxmonthly.com  

You may also like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving After Retirement. With so many activities and things to see and do, Portland seems like a great place to retire to. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving after retirement.

Transportation and Urban Planning

Portland is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S., with over 350 miles of bike lanes and paths.

Its public transportation, managed by TriMet, includes a network of buses, MAX light rail lines, and streetcars, making it easy to get around without a car.

The city’s commitment to walkability, green spaces, and sustainable planning has made it a model for other U.S. cities.

Get some free downloadable maps of Portland at www.travelportland.com  

You may also like to read: How Much Do Movers Cost in Portland? If you are considering a move within Portland, then this guide is invaluable.

Should I Move to Portland?

If you like the idea of drinking world-class coffee in the morning, hiking in the mountains in the afternoon, followed by catching some live music that night, and living in an eco-friendly, tight-knit community, then Portland could just be your ideal location.  

Yes, it rains. Portland is known for gray skies and drizzle, especially from November to March. But all that rain brings greenery, clean air, and cool summers. Plus, the seasons are distinct, with warm, dry summers and colorful autumns.

Good luck deciding where to live next, and be sure to visit our home moving blog, which is packed with city guides and moving tips to make every aspect of your home move easier, cheaper, and safer.