TOP 5 Things I Love About Living in Portland Oregon [WEATHER or NATURE]

If you’re thinking about moving to Portland, Oregon, you’re probably wondering what it’s really like to live here. As someone who made the move myself and now helps other families do the same I can honestly say Portland offers an incredible lifestyle you don’t find in many cities.

In my latest YouTube video, I break down the top 5 reasons I love living in Portland. Here’s a sneak peek of what makes this place special.

1. The Weather 

Some might think it’s strange to say, but I absolutely love Portland’s weather.
We get all four seasons, and they truly shape life here:

• Rainy mornings that turn into sunny afternoons

• Bright blue skies in the summer

• Crisp fall days with colorful leaves

• Winters that stay cool but rarely drop below freezing

Rain doesn’t pour constantly  it’s usually light, spread out, and leaves everything fresh, clean, and green. That’s one of the first things you’ll notice when you move here, the air feels amazing.

2. The Natural Beauty

You don’t have to travel to experience nature it’s literally outside your front door.

In neighborhoods like Lake Oswego, tree-lined streets, evergreen forests, walking trails, and year-round greenery make even a quick walk a scenic break. Spring brings blooming flowers, fall brings changing colors, and even in winter, the evergreens keep everything vibrant.

Whether you love hiking, afternoon walks, or simply opening your windows for fresh air, Portland delivers.

3. The Location: Beaches, Mountains & Even the Desert

Portland is uniquely positioned near some of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest:

• Beaches: Cannon Beach, Manzanita & more
  (Only 1.5–2 hours away and a gorgeous drive through forests and mountains.)

• Mountains: Mount Hood & surrounding peaks
  (Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, climbing all close by.)

• High desert getaway: Just 3–4 hours east for warm, dry weather

If you love road trips, outdoor activities, or exploring charming coastal towns and coffee shops you’ll never run out of weekend adventures.

4. Top-Rated Schools

For families, this is huge. Portland offers several of the highest-rated school districts in Oregon, including Lake Oswego, ranked #1 in the entire state.

There are also great private school options, but the fact that the public schools are so strong is a major advantage for homeowners and parents planning for the future.

If schools are a priority for your family, I can help you understand which neighborhoods line up with the districts you’re targeting they vary area by area.

5. Cost of Living & Housing Options

Compared to bigger cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or New York, the Portland area offers significantly more affordable housing without sacrificing lifestyle, nature, safety, or community.

For many people moving here (including me and my family), Portland makes homeownership achievable in a way that simply isn’t possible in other major metro areas.

Combine that with great schools, mild weather, and incredible outdoor access, and it’s easy to see why so many families are making Portland home.

Thinking About Moving to Portland?

These are the top five reasons I love living here but there’s so much more to the city, and every neighborhood has its own vibe, lifestyle, and personality.

Watch the Full Video on My YouTube Channel
Want a deeper look at each point and a visual tour of the area?

Considering a move? Let’s talk!
Whether you're relocating from out of state or just moving across town, I’d love to help. Reach out anytime with questions about neighborhoods, homes, or the buying process.