Cities Near Portland Oregon 🎯 | Cities & Towns Near Portland Oregon to Explore

Thinking about moving to Portland in the near future? Located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, the city has a reputation for its eclectic vibe and progressive culture. Known for its scenic city parks, mountain views, excellent restaurants, and unique attractions, Portland also makes a wonderful place to relocate. 

Want to explore what’s beyond the city center? Because of its convenient, highly-desirable location, there are numerous other cities within a 30-mile radius of Portland. Check out our complete guide to the closest cities near Portland, OR — including key attractions and amenities, distances between cities, and community populations!

Largest Cities Near Portland

Within less than 30 miles of the city center, there are ample cities and towns that are absolutely worth exploring. Check out the closest cities to Portland with the highest populations.

Vancouver, WA – 9 miles from Portland

• Population: 192,169 
• County: Clark County

Situated just over the Washington-Oregon border is the bustling city of Vancouver, WA. Located only nine miles away from Portland, Vancouver is a must-see city. It is the fourth-largest city in Washington state and sits across the Columbia River from Portland. It is also connected to Portland via Interstate 205 and Interstate 5, making travel between cities a breeze.

Lauded for its historic waterfront, top-rated dining, 45 local breweries, and outdoor attractions, there’s no shortage of things to do and see in Vancouver. Not sure where to start exploring the city? Not-to-miss destinations include Vancouver Waterfront, Royal Oaks Country Club, Burnt Bridge Creek Trail, and Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park.

Gresham, OR – 16.7 miles from Portland

• Population: 113,103
• County: Multnomah County

Nestled just under 17 miles east of Portland, Gresham is a suburban oasis. Surrounded by breathtaking natural spaces — including the Columbia River, Dabney State Recreation Area, Blue Lake Regional Park, and numerous other parks — this is a wonderful place for outdoor enthusiasts to live and visit. Getting outside and enjoying the fresh Pacific Northwest air is always possible for locals, no matter the time of year.

Gresham is home to peaceful, wooded residential areas with homes and lots of varying sizes. The area is safe and tranquil and ideal for families. In town, there is ample shopping, dining, and entertainment. Some of the best parks in Gresham include Nadaka Nature Park & Garden (spanning 10 acres), Hogan Butte Nature Park (which offers stunning mountain vistas), and Gradin Community Sports Park.

Beaverton, OR – 7.5 miles from Portland

• Population: 98,216
• County: Washington County

On the western border of Portland, just minutes from downtown, discover the charm and all-encompassing features that are unique to Beaverton. Located only 7.5 miles from Portland’s city center, Beaverton is close enough to enjoy the area’s most popular attractions while retaining a sense of seclusion and individuality. It is one of the primary cities that is included as part of the Portland metro.

Beaverton comprises quiet, suburban residential neighborhoods, scenic community parks with great amenities, convenient commercial complexes, and spaces for outdoor recreation. Looking for a place to spend the day in nature? Beaverton locals can be found relaxing and playing at Beaverton City Park, Fir Grove Park, and Brookhaven Park. Beaverton also borders the 230-acre Cooper Mountain Nature Park, which is a sprawling outdoor space known for its trails, nature programs, and wildlife viewing areas. This park is located across the road from Cooper Mountain Vineyards, which boasts a myriad of quality varietals and vintages.

For those who are wanting to stay active, the best places to check out include RedTail Golf Center, Conestoga Recreation and Aquatic Center, and the Beaverton Creek Wetlands Natural Area. Need to run some weekly errands? In Beaverton, you’ll live minutes from retailers such as The Home Depot, Target, WinCo Foods, Safeway, and Kohl’s.

Lake Oswego, OR  – 7.9 miles from Portland

• Population: 40,411
• County: Clackamas County

Centered around the lake that shares its namesake, Lake Oswego is a breathtaking city that is encompassed by Clackamas County. Arguably one of the most enchanting communities surrounding Portland, Lake Oswego is brimming with upscale residential neighborhoods, golf courses, beautifully maintained parks, and every other amenity one could desire. With a median household income of $120,585, this city is also one of the wealthiest communities in the metro area.

As a highly sought-after place to reside, Lake Oswego genuinely has it all. Those who prefer to spend their leisure time on the golf course or at a country club can do so at one of two locations. Locals can select between either the Oswego Lake Country Club or the Lake Oswego Public Golf Course. Each establishment boasts a myriad of perks and amenities, including top-rated dining and a stunning clubhouse. Families moving to Lake Oswego have highly-rated schooling options minutes from home, including Lake Oswego Senior High School and Westridge Elementary School — both awarded a perfect 10/10 rating on GreatSchools.org. 

Other area highlights include Lake Grove Swim Park (located directly on Lake Oswego), Lake Oswego Swim Park, and Tryon Creek State Natural Area (a 658-acre state park).

West Linn, OR – 12.4 miles from Portland

• Population: 27,103
• County: Clackamas County

Situated on the southern edge of the Portland metro area, West Linn is an idyllic suburb nestled along the Willamette River. Almost exclusively comprising parks and residential neighborhoods, the area is inherently quiet and tranquil, making it an amazing place to reside for those who seek a calm, laid-back pace of life. Nearby roads and residential communities are draped in towering evergreens, giving the city a wooded, outdoorsy feel. Select locales even have somewhat of a rural vibe.

One of the biggest attractions in West Linn is Mary S. Young Park. Sitting on the banks of the Willamette River, this scenic park features 128 acres of sports fields, trails, river views, walking paths, and more. The park also has an off-leash dog park. Residents also have access to other scenic outdoor spaces — including the Wilderness Park Trail Head, Tanner Creek Park, and Marylhurst Heights Park.

Minutes away from West Linn, there are even more hotspots for residents to enjoy in their free time. Consider yourself a wine enthusiast? Make plans to visit wineries such as Tumwater Vineyard, Pete’s Mountain Vineyard and Winery, and Campbell Lane Winery. Nearby, you can also delight in the scenic setup of The Oregon Golf Club — a lovely golf course situated on the banks of the Willamette River.

Happy Valley, OR – 15 miles from Portland

• Population: 25,679
• County: Clackamas County

Boasting a fun name, a convenient locale, and a myriad of amenities, Happy Valley is another one of the best cities near Portland. This picturesque city is located on the southeastern side of the Portland metro and borders Milwaukie and Interstate 205.

Many of the neighborhoods in Happy Valley are upscale, featuring spacious homes with sprawling acreage. Tree-lined, peaceful, and regarded as one of the safest communities in the entire area (with a total crime rate that is 47% below the national average), this is a popular place to live among those with families. It is also home to top-ranking public schools, including Clackamas Middle College, Happy Valley Elementary School, and Happy Valley Middle School. Noteworthy places to spend your free time in Happy Valley include Happy Valley Park, Scouters Mountain Nature Park, and Mount Talbert Nature Park.

Other Cities Near Portland

Curious about what other cities are located near the City of Portland? No matter the experience you’re seeking, there are ample options from which you can choose. Here is our list of additional cities near Portland with a population of at least 400. All these cities are within 30 miles of Portland and can be traveled to within a half hour (or less).

Map of Cities Near Portland and Surrounding Area

Small Cities & Towns Near Portland

Want to know where you can find the smallest cities and towns near Portland? You’ll find locales that are an excellent choice for those who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger population cities. Each boasts their own merits, including top shopping and dining establishments, outdoor recreation spaces, close proximity to the interstate, and an overall friendly vibe.

In order of population, here is a list of the smallest cities closest to Portland.

Major Cities Near Portland

Portland is the largest city in Multnomah County. It’s part of northern Oregon and is located directly south of the Washington state border. Portland is also the largest city in Oregon by population.

There are many other large cities located close to Portland within 30 miles. Here are some of the biggest cities close to Portland.

Portland Area Cities FAQs

What are the closest cities to Portland?

The closest cities to Portland are Milwaukie, Beaverton, and Lake Oswego. Each is located under eight miles away.

What cities (or towns) are 1 hour from Portland?

All of the smallest and largest cities close to Portland — including Gresham, Vancouver, and Durham — are well under a one hour drive from Portland.

What cities (or towns) are 30 minutes from Portland?

Many of the smallest and largest cities close to Portland — including West Linn, Beaverton, and Fairview — are within 30 minutes of Portland.

Ready to make your journey to Portland or one of its idyllic nearby cities? When you’ve decided where to relocate near Portland, be sure to set up professional Portland moving services with our trustworthy and reliable team at PDX Movers. Offering top-rated local moving, long distance moving, and related services, our fully trained staff knows what it takes to provide top-notch customer service. Each year, we perform 3,000+ relocation services and maintain a 4.8/5 online review rating. Contact us today at 503-746-8795 to learn more!