The Skinny on the Portland Metropolitan Area

Posted on: October 08, 2007

Photograph by Portland Oregon Visitors Association

The Portland metropolitan area spans three counties and many neighboring cities, including Clackamas, Oregon City, Lake Oswego, and Milwaukie. Some of the state’s most impressive recreation can be found in this area. Within two hours of this thriving metropolis, you can be skiing on Mt. Hood or walking along the scenic Oregon Coast. The area also includes the scenic Willamette, Clackamas, and Columbia rivers. With 40 miles of interconnected dedicated cycling paths, and a massive network of bike lanes along metro roadways, many Portland area residents have embraced cycling for recreation and transportation. The breathtaking beauty, clean/green environment, and friendly people are just a few of the reasons to live in this peaceful setting.

Photograph by Sarah Harmon of Hood Photography

By combining an incredible landscape, a superior educational system, a sophisticated public transportation network, and a diverse artistic and cultural community, Portland has earned many esteemed titles. To name a few, in 2005, Reader’s Digest rated Portland “America’s Cleanest City.” Money Magazine and Monster.com consider Portland one of the top ten best places to live. Runner’s World named it America’s best running town; and American Style Magazine rated Portland as one of the “Top 25 Arts Destinations.” Portland has something for everyone.

Photograph by Sarah Harmon of Hood Photography

Prices for homes in the Portland metropolitan area vary greatly depending on size, location, and structure. Online Insider rated Portland in its Top 10 Least Expensive Cities. The average home sale in Metro Portland during 2006 sold for $323,000. Condominiums and townhouses range in price from $102,000 to over $2 million depending on location and amenities such as community swimming pools, fireplaces and detached parking; although, the average sales price for a condo or townhouse is $336,000. Buyers of a typical three-bedroom, two-bath home in the Metro area will pay between $175,000 to $500,000 depending on location, size, and features. The average three-bedroom home sold for $313,000 in 2006. Large estates, many with spectacular views, multiple fireplaces, hardwood floors and ample acreage are priced from $500,000 to over $1 million and more.

Photograph by Sarah Harmon of Hood Photography

You can learn more about Portland’s employment trends, architecture, restaurants, and more on the Portland Real Estate blog.

Written by Heidi Aspinwall, Realtor for PortlandRealEstate.com.