Portland Metro-Area Property Management
and Real Estate Services

Welcome to Portland, Oregon
Portland Real Estate Rentals

Known as "the City of Roses", Portland, Oregon offers big city excitement with small town charm.  The area is a popular destination on the West coast, as it is only 70 miles from the Pacific Ocean in a magnificent setting that combines lush greenery with sparkling waterways.  Portland is also close to the popular Multnomah Falls and Columbia Gorge.  The City of Portland is Oregon's most populated city and the third most populated in Northwest.  Parts of Portland real estate reach into Clackamas County to the south and Washington County to the west.

Portland's History
Portland was once known as The Clearing.  William Overton came across the land in 1843 and, with the help of his partner Asa Lovejoy, he purchased 640 acres of the land.  Francis Pettygrove bought Overton's half of the land and named it after his hometown, Portland, Maine.  The City was incorporated in February 1851 with just over 800 residents.  There was also a steam sawmill, a newspaper and a log cabin in the City at time of incorporation.  Portland soon became a major port in the Pacific Northwest until 1890, when Seattle's harbor was connected to the mainland offering a less treacherous route. 

The City got it's nickname "the City of Roses" from visitors of an Episcopal Church convention in 1888.  In 1905 the nickname grew in popularity when Mayor Harry Lane introduced the "festival of roses".  The City still celebrates the festival annually.

Education in Portland
There are six public school districts that serve students residing in Portland.  The largest district is Portland Public School District, with over 100 schools and 50 special education programs.  Other districts include Parkrose School District, David Douglas School District, Centennial School District, Reynolds School District and Riverdale School District.  Each district provides quality education for all students of Portland real estate.  There are also several private schools in the area when in need of an alternative to public education.
 
Portland also has many great public and private colleges and universities.  Portland State University can be found at the southern edge of downtown Portland.  Portland Community College has two campuses in the city and a third in Washington County. OHSU (Oregon Health and Science University) is also in Portland.
 
Portland's private colleges and universities include Linfield College, University of Portland, Concordia University, Reed College, Cascade College, Warner Pacific College, Multnomah Bible College and Biblical Seminary, Walla Walla University and Portland Bible College.
 
There are also schools of alternative medicine that include Western States Chiropractic College, the National College of Naturopathic Medicine and Oregon College of Oriental Medicine.  And for those seeking art schools, there are Northwest Film Center, Pacific Northwest College of Art, Oregon College of Art and Craft and Art Institute of Portland.
 
Getting Around Portland
Portland real estate has a transportation system that is typical of a major US city.  The area's buses are operated by TriMet, while the light rail system is operated by the Metropolitan Area Express; aka, MAX.   Interstates make commuting easy.  I-5 travels from Portland to Northern Washington and to Southern Oregon and California.  I-405 will take you in a complete loop around Downtown Portland.  I-205 forms another loop freeway at the east side of Portland International Airport.  US 26 also helps make the commute easy and travels all the way to the Pacific Ocean.  US 30 is a bypass and business route for the city that extends to Astoria, Oregon.
 
Air travel is served by Portland International Airport, which is located 20 minutes northeast of downtown.  Flights are available for nationwide and international destinations.
 
Portland's Climate
The City of Portland is located in the Marine west coast climate zone.  The area also sees distinct characteristics of Mediterranean climate.  Portland's summers are are mostly dry and warm with average highs of 81 degrees and average lows of 58 degrees.  The winters are moist and chilly with average highs of 46 degrees and average lows of 37 degrees.  Portland gets about 36.6 inches of rainfall per year.  Snowfall occurs just a few times a year but nothing major.

Portland's Recreation and Attractions
The city has an extensive parks system that they are proud of.  There are small parks, big parks and state parks.  The small parks are great for taking the kids on a play date, while the larger parks have ball fields, ball courts and community centers for youth and adults alike.  The state parks are fun for the whole family to enjoy hiking, picnicking, sightseeing and much more.  Washington Park is a popular spot where you will find the Oregon Zoo.  The area also features water parks, theme parks, botanical gardens, sports centers and plenty of green space to enjoy. 
 
For those who love art and culture, there are tons of great places to visit in Portland.  Around town, you'll find several museums that feature everything from history to science.  The City has many theater companies, such as the Portland Center State, Tears of Joy Theatre, Imago Theater, Oregon Children's Theatre, Theatre Vertigo, Miracle Theatre and many more.  The City's major performing arts institutions include the Portland Opera, Oregon Symphony and the Oregon Ballet Theatre.  There are over 75 other organizations that produce music, theatre, media arts, folk art and dance operating in Portland real estate.
 
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy professional sports by the Trail Blazers and other sports by minor leagues.  Golf is another favorite of Portland residents.  The City has several public and private golf courses and country clubs.  Portland also has sports programs for every age in a variety of sports such as soccer, football, baseball, softball, volleyball, tennis, etc. 
 
Portland has a great shopping district for all shopping lovers.  You'll find everything from antique shops to specialty shops.  There is also a fast growing restaurant scene.  In 2007, Portland was named "Delicious Destination of the Year" by Food Network and was also spotlighted in the New York Times for its great food.  Portland is also the most vegetarian-friendly city you'll find. Portland is also famous for “Voodoo Donuts”.
 
Portland real estate has everything you'll need with many great perks.  You won't find a better place to live or play.