Portland has so much to offer, but unfortunately, it can be expensive and commuting can be inconvenient depending on the areas you frequent. However, if you're searching for a new place to live that's more affordable or closer to some of Oregon's largest employers, the nearby suburbs can offer the best of both worlds.
Regardless of why you're looking in the area, here are the 10 cities near Portland, Oregon to live in 2022.
- Milwaukie, OR
- Beaverton, OR
- Lake Oswego, OR
- Vancouver, WA
- Tigard, OR
- West Linn, OR
- Happy Valley, OR
- Clackamas, OR
- Tualatin, OR
- Hillsboro, OR
Milwaukie, OR
- Distance from downtown Portland: 6.6 miles
- One-bedroom average rent: $975 (down 5.69 percent since last year)
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,220 (down 8.55 percent since last year)
The riverside small town of Milwaukie is only minutes south of Portland with a smooth commute via route 99E, by bike on the Springwater Corridor Trail or by the easily accessible public transit options. Rents are typically lower in this mill-town-turned-suburb, but there are still plenty of fun things to do.
The small but charming downtown area is great for window shopping or enjoying a cup of coffee, you can grab a beer at the award-winning Breakside brewery or spend a day on the water at Milwaukie Bay Park, the choice is yours!
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Beaverton, OR
- Distance from downtown Portland: 7.5 miles
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,708 (up 5.23 percent since last year)
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,713 (down 6.9 percent since last year)
Located less than 10 miles southwest of Portland, Beaverton offers the best of suburbia with close proximity to the draws of city life. Beaverton is home to large companies like Nike, HP, Intel, Apple and Netflix, making it an ideal location for employees seeking a short commute. The Beaverton Transit Center is also a convenient hub that can get you anywhere in the Portland metro area via public transit.
When you're not at work, you can take advantage of Beaverton's surging food scene, including a wide array of ethnic foods driven by the city's large immigrant population and popular food cart pod BG's Cartel. Grab a drink at some of Portland's favorite breweries that have expanded to the area like Ex Novo or Great Notion, buy local at the farmer's market or shop 'til you drop at Cedar Hills Crossing.
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Lake Oswego, OR
- Distance from downtown Portland: 8.6 miles
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,596 (up 3.49 percent since last year)
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,754 (up 3.2 percent since last year)
If you're looking to live an upscale lifestyle complete with fine dining, glorious golf courses and a close-knit community, Lake Oswego may be the place for you. Named after a beautiful body of water surrounded by lavish homes and tall fir trees, this small city feels hundreds of miles away from the urban core of Portland, but you're actually only a few exits south on Interstate 5.
The Lake Oswego School District consistently ranks as one of the best in the state and it's also located near Lewis & Clark College, making it an ideal setting for students both young and old. Unwind by visiting the city's charming downtown and explore the plentiful dining options before taking in a movie at the historic Lake Theater.
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Vancouver, WA
- Distance from downtown Portland: 9.3 miles
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,551 (up 0.84 percent since last year)
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,729 (up 3.4 percent since last year)
Although Vancouver is located in another state, it's still one of the best cities near Portland, Oregon. Located just across the Columbia River, Vancouver provides easy access to all that Rip City has to offer, along with the small-town feel that you just won't find in the city.
You don't have to leave town for entertainment, either. Vancouver's downtown area boasts its own collection of quaint coffee shops, brunch spots, theaters and bars. You can also stretch your legs in one of its beautiful parks or enjoy the serenity of the waterfront.
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Tigard, OR
- Distance from downtown Portland: 9.9 miles
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,694 (up 8.05 percent since last year)
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,816 (up 4.91 percent since last year)
One of Portland's most popular suburbs, Tigard boasts plenty of small-town charm. With a population of just over 55,000 people, you won't be expected to know everyone's name, but living here does feel like being part of a community.
You also have access to world-class entertainment like indoor skydiving and the annual Tigard Festival of Hot Air Balloons, as well as beautifully maintained city parks.
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West Linn, OR
- Distance from downtown Portland: 10.1 miles
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,413 (down 0.92 percent since last year)
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,629 (down 1.96 percent since last year)
West Linn is another small mill town along the Willamette River that has blossomed into a desirable community. With some of the lowest crime rates in the state and some great schools, this is a very quiet and safe area for families, but rents can reflect this.
Mary S. Young Park and Willamette Falls provide awesome outdoor adventures right in your backyard and there's a small but high-quality selection of local restaurants to choose from. Wine lovers will also be pleased to know that there are also some great vineyards and wineries in town, as well.
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Happy Valley, OR
- Distance from downtown Portland: 10.8 miles
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,696 (up 11.92 percent since last year)
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,963 (up 5.92 percent since last year)
Just over 10 miles southeast of Portland, Happy Valley is nestled along the Clackamas River and Mount Scott with views of Mt. St Helens and Mt. Hood looming in the distance. The area is more sparsely populated than some neighboring cities, so if you value your space, this might be the place for you.
Happy Valley is also a great place for hikers with easy access to scenic parks. As a bonus, residents of Happy Valley enjoy convenient access to one of Oregon's best annual music festivals, Pickathon, every summer, as well as a long list of great restaurants and food carts.
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Clackamas, OR
- Distance from downtown Portland: 11.4 miles
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,460 (up 7.7 percent since last year)
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,660 (up 8.83 percent since last year)
City luxuries with the peaceful atmosphere of suburbia? Look no further than Clackamas to the southeast of Portland. Enjoy the area's natural beauty with a hike at 3-Creeks Natural Area or Mt. Talbert Nature Park, or spend a day fishing at Riverside Park.
If nature's not your thing, a day of shopping, dining and enjoying a movie at Clackamas Town Center is a great alternative. There are plenty of options for entertainment without leaving town.
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Tualatin, OR
- Distance from downtown Portland: 12.8 miles
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,473
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,818 (down 23.12 percent since last year)
Tualatin is a small community that's a bit further southwest from downtown than most of this list, but its attractions make it one of the best cities near Portland, Oregon. Bridgeport Village offers some of the best shopping in the area and for those who love the outdoors, the 100,000-square-foot Cabela's draws crowds from miles around.
Speaking of the great outdoors, there's no shortage of it here. Explore the beautiful Tualatin River Greenway Trail, visit a you-pick farm for your favorite seasonal fruits or spend a day wine tasting at some of Oregon's best vineyards.
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Hillsboro, OR
- Distance from downtown Portland: 15.8 miles
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,746 (down 3.01 percent since last year)
- Two-bedroom average rent: $2,081 (down 2.55 percent since last year)
Hillsboro is known as The Hub City and is at the heart of The Silicon Forest due to the city's industrious focus, particularly in the tech industry. Its quaint, tree-lined streets and peaceful atmosphere make this a low-key place to call home for those who work in the area or are just seeking a nearby reprieve from city life.
After hours, enjoy one of the 20 scenic parks in town, check out an art gallery downtown or take in a Hops game — the minor league baseball team that calls Hillsboro home. Speaking of hops, there are also three great breweries to choose from in Vertigo, Three Mugs and Ambacht brewing for a happy hour close to home.
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Expand your search to include these great cities near Portland, Oregon
If you're craving a little peace and tranquility, or maybe a shorter commute, these 10 cities near Portland, Oregon could be the perfect fit. Wherever you choose to call home, make your assimilation to the area a little smoother by reading up on living in Portland.
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