15 Cities Near Portland, OR to Live in 2024

Portland, Oregon, with its quirky charm, thriving coffee scene, and stunning natural beauty, has captured the hearts of many. But what if you crave the energy of a city while also desiring a taste of small-town life, or easy access to outdoor adventures? Look no further than the ring of suburbs and cities that hug Portland!

This blog dives into the unique character of each community surrounding Portland, venturing beyond average rent prices and commute times. We'll explore the historic streets of Oregon City, discover the family-focused havens like West Linn, and uncover the hidden gems tucked away in suburbs like Milwaukie and Beaverton.

This guide will unveil the perfect place for you to call home near the beloved City of Roses. Get ready to discover the rich tapestry of cities that awaits you just outside Portland's doorstep!

List is ordered by car commute time. All of the rental data included here comes from our internal database of rent estimates, which is available for download. Transit scores come from walkscore.com and census information comes directly from the U.S. Census website.

Cities Near Portland, OR

1. Milwaukie

• Distance from downtown Portland: 6.3 miles
• Commute time to Portland via car: 13 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via public transportation: 30 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via bike: 33 minutes
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,719
• Median household income: $78,676
• Walk score: 53
• Transit score: 41
• Bike score: 70

Nestled in the Tualatin Valley, Milwaukie is the closest city on our list at a 13 minute commute by car and only 6.3 miles from downtown Portland. Milwaukie offers a blend of small-town charm and convenient access to Portland. The Willamette River laps at its eastern border, providing scenic beauty and numerous recreational opportunities.

Downtown Milwaukie boasts a historic Main Street with a mix of local shops, restaurants, and breweries. Just across the river, residents enjoy the many cultural attractions and outdoor adventures that Portland has to offer.

2. Cedar Hills

• Distance from downtown Portland: 7.4 miles
• Commute time to Portland via car: 14 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via public transportation: 56 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via bike: 1 hour 3 minutes
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,435
• Median household income: $103,544

Cedar Hills, an affluent community nestled in the foothills of the West Hills, provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Lush greenery surrounds the area, offering residents a chance to connect with nature.

Cedar Hills Park, with its expansive trails and scenic views, is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and picnicking. Despite its secluded feel, Cedar Hills offers easy access to major highways, making it a convenient location for commuters.

3. Metzger

• Distance from downtown Portland: 8.6 miles
• Commute time to Portland via car: 15 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via public transportation: 52 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via bike: 1 hour 3 minutes
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,503

Metzger sits directly south of Portland, offering a suburban atmosphere with easy access to the city's vibrant offerings. Families flock to Metzger for its peaceful neighborhoods, excellent schools, and abundance of parks.

While Metzger itself offers a limited selection of shops and restaurants, residents enjoy the convenience of having several shopping centers and restaurants lining nearby streets. The Portland city limits border Metzger to the north, allowing residents to quickly explore all that the city has to offer.

4. Beaverton

• Distance from downtown Portland: 8.2 miles
• Commute time to Portland via car: 16 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via public transportation: 20 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via bike: 1 hour 7 minutes
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,302
• Median household income: $88,899
• Walk score: 52
• Transit score: 35
• Bike score: 67

Beaverton, the second-largest city in Oregon's Portland metropolitan area, offers a dynamic blend of urban amenities and suburban comfort. Residents enjoy a variety of housing options, from modern apartments to single-family homes, catering to diverse lifestyles.

The heart of Beaverton bustles with activity, offering a wide selection of shops, restaurants, breweries, and entertainment venues. Nature enthusiasts can explore the extensive network of trails that wind through the city's parks and green spaces. While Beaverton offers a wealth within its borders, it also provides convenient access to downtown Portland via major highways and public transportation.

5. Vancouver, WA

• Distance from downtown Portland: 9.4 miles
• Commute time to Portland via car: 16 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via bike: 58 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via public transportation: 25 minutes
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,911
• Median household income: $73,626
• Walk score: 41
• Transit score: 35
• Bike score: 59

Across the Columbia River from Portland lies Vancouver, Washington, a charming city that offers a unique perspective of the Pacific Northwest.

Vancouver's historic downtown boasts brick buildings lining the streets, housing a delightful mix of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The waterfront area beckons with its scenic beauty, providing opportunities for strolls along the riverwalk, kayaking, or catching stunning sunsets. Despite being a separate state, Vancouver remains closely linked to Portland, offering easy access to the city's major employers and cultural attractions.

6. Lake Oswego

• Distance from downtown Portland: 7.7 miles
• Commute time to Portland via car: 17 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via public transportation: 29 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via bike: 1 hour 1 minute
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,610
• Median household income: $127,252
• Walk score: 37
• Transit score: 23
• Bike score: 47

Amid rolling hills and pristine lakes, Lake Oswego exudes an air of affluence and tranquility. This upscale community boasts top-rated schools, making it a haven for families.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find themselves at home with access to miles of scenic trails that weave through the city's parks and nature preserves. While Lake Oswego offers a plethora of upscale shops and restaurants within its borders, residents are just a short drive from the diverse offerings of downtown Portland.

7. Oak Grove

• Distance from downtown Portland: 8.7 miles
• Commute time to Portland via car: 17 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via public transportation: 56 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via bike: 44 minutes
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,550
• Median household income: $79,066
• Walk score: 48
• Transit score: 36
• Bike score: 65

Oak Grove offers a suburban feel with a strong sense of community, nestled within the Portland metropolitan area. The Willamette River forms a picturesque border, providing opportunities for water activities and scenic walks.

Residents enjoy convenient access to everyday necessities with local shops and restaurants lining McLoughlin Boulevard, the main artery through Oak Grove. Despite its relaxed atmosphere, Oak Grove boasts proximity to downtown Portland, just a short drive away via I-205.

8. Tigard

• Distance from downtown Portland: 9.5 miles
• Commute time to Portland via car: 18 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via public transportation: 29 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via bike: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,167
• Median household income: $101,354
• Walk score: 43
• Transit score: 30
• Bike score: 62

Tigard strikes a balance between urban excitement and suburban comfort. Residents enjoy a variety of housing options, from modern apartments to established neighborhoods, catering to diverse lifestyles.

For outdoor enthusiasts, a network of parks and trails winds throughout the city, providing opportunities for recreation and connecting with nature. While Tigard offers a wealth within its borders, it also boasts convenient access to Portland via major highways and public transportation.

9. Tualatin

• Distance from downtown Portland: 12.2 miles
• Commute time to Portland via car: 19 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via public transportation: 1 hour 24 minutes
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,685
• Median household income: $105,542
• Walk score: 29
• Transit score: 28
• Bike score: 52

Tualatin offers a peaceful residential atmosphere with convenient access to urban excitement. Families appreciate Tualatin's top-rated schools and numerous parks that provide ample space for outdoor recreation.

While Tualatin itself features a charming historic downtown with local shops and restaurants, residents enjoy the close proximity of larger shopping centers and a wider variety of dining options in surrounding areas. Major highways connect Tualatin to downtown Portland, making it a breeze for commuters to access the city's vibrant offerings.

10. Gladstone

• Distance from downtown Portland: 11.6 miles
• Commute time to Portland via car: 22 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via public transportation: 1 hour 1 minute
• Commute time to Portland via bike: 1 hour 1 minute
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,550
• Median household income: $88,043

Steeped in history and brimming with small-town charm, Gladstone offers a friendly atmosphere just south of Portland. The historic downtown district boasts beautifully preserved buildings housing a delightful mix of shops, restaurants, and cafes.

The Clackamas River forms a natural border, providing scenic beauty and opportunities for kayaking, fishing, or relaxing strolls along the riverbank. While Gladstone offers a slower pace of life, residents enjoy easy access to the excitement of Portland and the surrounding area via Interstate 205.

11. Aloha

• Distance from downtown Portland: 12 miles
• Commute time to Portland via car: 22 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via public transportation: 50 minutes
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,823
• Median household income: $90,533
• Walk score: 43
• Transit score: 35
• Bike score: 63

Despite its relaxed suburban feel, Aloha boasts a surprisingly large population and a strong sense of community. While Aloha offers convenient shopping centers and restaurants, residents also enjoy easy access to the diverse offerings of nearby towns like Beaverton and Hillsboro, and of course, the excitement of Portland. Major employers like Intel and Nike are within reach, making Aloha an attractive option for those seeking a comfortable commute.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of parks and trails, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle and connecting with the Pacific Northwest beauty.

12. Gresham

• Distance from downtown Portland: 16.1 miles
• Commute time to Portland via car: 24 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via public transportation: 57 minutes
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,746
• Median household income: $69,437
• Walk score:
• Transit score:
• Bike score:

Gresham, the fourth-largest city in the Portland metropolitan area, offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities. The historic downtown district, lined with brick buildings, boasts a delightful mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Families appreciate Gresham's excellent schools and numerous parks that provide ample space for outdoor recreation. While Gresham offers a wealth within its borders, it also boasts convenient access to downtown Portland via MAX Light Rail and major highways, making it a great choice for commuters seeking an urban connection.

13. Oregon City

• Distance from downtown Portland: 12.9 miles
• Commute time to Portland via car: 26 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via public transportation: 59 minutes
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,187
• Median household income: $90,174
• Walk score: 47
• Transit score: 39
• Bike score: 64

Oregon City rests picturesquely on the banks of the Willamette River. Its historic Main Street, a testament to the city's role on the Oregon Trail, boasts beautifully restored buildings housing a delightful mix of shops, restaurants, and breweries. History buffs can delve deeper at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, learning about the trials and triumphs of early pioneers.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find ample opportunities for recreation, with Willamette Falls offering a spectacle of cascading water and hiking trails along the scenic Willamette River, all with convenient access to Portland via I-205.

14. West Linn

• Distance from downtown Portland: 12.1 miles
• Commute time to Portland via car: 27 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via public transportation: 46 minutes
• Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,650
• Median household income: $134,116
• Walk score: 34
• Transit score: 21
• Bike score: 41

Across the Willamette River from Oregon City lies West Linn, a vibrant community with a modern feel and a strong focus on family life. While newer developments line the outskirts, West Linn retains a charming core with local shops and restaurants. Families appreciate West Linn's excellent schools and abundance of parks, offering ample space for outdoor recreation.

Willamette Falls, a natural wonder shared with Oregon City, provides a stunning backdrop and opportunities for exploration. West Linn fosters a welcoming atmosphere and offers a range of housing options, all with convenient access to Portland via I-205.

15. Hillsboro

• Distance from downtown Portland: 20 miles
• Commute time to Portland via car: 31 minutes
• Commute time to Portland via public transportation: 58 minutes
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,347
• Median household income: $98,891
• Walk score: 44
• Transit score: 37
• Bike score: 72

Hillsboro, located in Washington County, offers a blend of technological innovation and small-town charm. As home to Intel's world headquarters, Hillsboro pulsates with a high-tech vibe, attracting young professionals and families alike. Despite its modern edge, Hillsboro retains a welcoming atmosphere with a historic downtown and a calendar packed with community events.

There are ample opportunities for outdoor recreation in the nearby Tuality Forest Park and Shute Park. Hillsboro offers a diverse range of housing options and easy access to Portland via public transportation and major highways.

Looking for an Apartment Near Portland?

Whether you’re looking for proximity to the big city, outdoor adventuring, a cozy small town, or quiet suburb or vibrant city, you can bet you’ll find the perfect rental in Oregon.

Ready to make the move to Oregon and find towns near Portland? Spend 5 minutes and save 5 hours searching by taking our quiz to narrow down the best places to live, or simply start browsing Portland listings. Use the map to zoom out and see even more options!

Cities Near Portland FAQs

Which city is close to Portland?

Milwaukie, Oregon is the closest city to Portland by commute time and distance. Cedar Hills, Oregon is a close second, followed by Metzger.

What cities are two hours from Portland?

Cities two hours from Portland could encompass cities like Eugene, OR or Olympia, WA depending on traffic and route.

What cities border Portland, Oregon?

Portland, Oregon doesn't have incorporated cities directly bordering it, but Vancouver, WA is just across the Columbia River.

How close are Seattle and Portland?

Seattle, WA and Portland, OR are roughly 190 miles (300 km) apart.

What cities are within 20 minutes of Portland?

Several suburbs including Milwaukie, Cedar Hills, Metzger, and even Beaverton could offer a 20-minute commute depending on type of transportation and traffic.

Is Portland close to Chicago or Boston?

Portland, OR is not close to Chicago or Boston. Chicago is about 1,700 miles (2,700 km) away, and Boston is around 2,900 miles (4,700 km) distant.