As a real estate agent in Portland I work with buyers from all over the country looking in all price points. Pop culture tends to portray Portland as either the foodie-obsessed Northeast or the “3-chickens-and-a-goat for every home” (haha) of Southeast so today’s blog is on lesser-known metro areas around town that each offer their own distinct vibe that buyers may want to consider. From the luxe living of Lake Oswego to the outdoor adventuring of Gresham, here are a few popular Portland Metro buyer destinations of late. (And don’t worry, they all have room for your three chickens!)
Lake Oswego
Nestled around Oswego Lake and bordered by the Willamette River, Lake Oswego boasts scenic beauty and a focus on preserving natural spaces to the south of downtown/ South Portland. With open spaces and hiking trails, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The town’s urban design prioritizes concentrated shopping & dining areas while maintaining extensive greenery. Notable spots include Lake View Village, Windward Village and the Lake Theater for movies. Lake Oswego offers that vacation-in-a small-affluent-town feel with one-stop shopping at Whole Foods and boating on the lake. And absolutely stunning views of our majestic PNW mountains and 4th of July fireworks.
Cedar Mill
If you live in Cedar Mill, your address is actually a Portland address! Located just west of Downtown Portland in Washington County, Cedar Mill combines suburban tranquility with easy access to urban amenities. Home to approximately 18,000 residents, it’s renowned for its parks like Cedar Mill Park and proximity to Forest Park, a sprawling urban wilderness ideal for hiking, running and birding. The area has seen a growth in boutiques and dining options and now has a tiny Target in Milltowner Center. Prime locale for employees of Nike, Intel, Columbia Sportswear, etc.
Gresham
As Oregon’s fourth largest city, Gresham blends tradition with modern opportunities. Situated near Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge, it offers a scenic backdrop and convenient access to Portland and Portland International Airport. Known for its welcoming community and strong work ethic, Gresham is a prime location for families and businesses alike. An affordable option for those looking for their piece of the PNW pie while being super-close to daily nature hikes and all of the myriad outdoor pursuits offered by the Gorge.
North Portland – Mississippi
North Portland’s Mississippi Avenue has evolved into a dining, shopping & nightlife destination. The street is adorned with colorful murals and buzzes with pedestrians. Popular hotspots include the annual Mississippi Street Fair, eclectic comedy & concerts at Mississippi Studios, jazz at The 1905 and home fixes at the ReBuilding Center (a nonprofit offering reclaimed goods). My current obsession is the pizza from Tartuca! Close to the beautiful roses at Peninsula Park plus Blazer Games at Moda Center.
Each of these neighborhoods contributes uniquely to Portland’s rich tapestry of communities. Whether you’re drawn to the serene lakeside life of Lake Oswego, the family-friendly atmosphere of Cedar Mill, Gresham’s proximity to the Columbia River Gorge for the outdoorsy set, or the cultural vibrancy of North Portland’s Mississippi Avenue, there’s a neighborhood to suit every lifestyle.
Want to know more? Shoot me a call/text/email and I’ll match you with your perfect piece of Portland!
Susie Knows PDX 
