About Portland

Neighborhoods

Portland neighborhoods are distinctive from their counterparts in other cities of similar size. The city’s strong, active neighborhood associations are concerned with livability and community. Portland neighborhoods are also unique in offering great amenities within walking distance. Even at the outermost reaches of the city, you’ll find charming districts such as Multnomah Village, which is filled with shops, restaurants and neighborhood hangouts. Though densely populated the city’s neighborhoods offer tranquil, tree-lined streets that are safe for kids. Orientation >>

Schools

Whether you’re seeking a Japanese immersion primary school, a high school for the performing arts or a great neighborhood school within walking distance of your home, Portland schools will fit your needs. Portland Connected contains extensive information about local schools that will help you choose the right educational institution for your children.

Ratings | By Grade | By Type | Suburbs | Resources

Leisure

Portland is home to the largest urban park in the nation, ever-increasing bike trails and lanes, two rivers, hundreds of parks, an active Parks and Recreation Department offering every activity imaginable, and a host of attractions, sports, indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities, fairs and festivals, and community-driven activities.  Within a short drive from the city one can enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities amid the rugged splendor of the Cascades, which include majestic Mt. Hood; Pinot Noir rivaling that of California and France in the gently rolling hills of Oregon’s wine country; or the breathtaking romance of the Oregon Coast.

Attractions | Fairs & Festivals | Parks | Recreation | Sports

Arts & Culture

Livability is not based solely on the quality of neighborhoods, schools and amenities. It is also important to consider arts and culture. Our Arts & Culture directory will give you the information you need to explore Portland’s thriving visual and performing arts, film and literary, and live music scene. With our events calendar, which features live music listings, festival information and much more, we do the work of finding all the fun things Portland has to offer. Just check the calendar and you’re sure to have a great time!

Galleries & Art Walks | Live Music listings | Movies | Museums | Performing Arts

Food & Drink

From swank bars to daring, youthful restaurants, the Portland food & drink scene is one of the city’s most exciting features. Chefs are fastidious in their use of fresh local and organic ingredients, often direct from farms and farmers markets. Oregon’s cornucopia includes porcini and chanterelle mushrooms, salmon, oysters, and sweet Dungeness crab, fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, wild berries, artisan cheeses and charcuterie, and free-range beef, pork and poultry. As Mt. Hood serves as a frequent reminder of Portland’s proximity to lush wilderness so do its restaurants and bars remind one of its closeness to the region’s wild and domestic bounty.

Best Of | Restaurants | Coffeeshops | Bar listings | Farmers Markets