Population: 537,081 (2006 estimate)
Percentage of retirees: 10.5% in 2006
Cost of living index: Above average
Public libraries: 19
Public transportation: MAX light rail system, Portland Streetcar system, local buses.
Access to airports: Portland International Airport is served by the MAX light rail system.
Tax breaks: In Oregon, taxpayers 62 and over may claim a credit for pension income from public or qualified private pension benefit plans in the amount of the lesser of 9 percent of the individual's net pension income or the individual's Oregon personal income tax liability.
Number of museums: 21
Number of cinemas: 38
Cultural Highlights: Rich in museums, galleries, and performance venues.
Access to Healthcare: Good, with several teaching hospitals.
Climate: Rainy or overcast days common throughout the fall, winter, and spring, but temperatures are moderate; summers are pleasant.
Annual precipitation: 40.1 inches
Nearby Attractions: Pacific Coast, Willamette Valley wine country, Mount Hood, and the Columbia River Gorge all roughly within an hour's drive.
In the know: "I've lived here now about 15 months, and I'm still being surprised by the depth and breadth of the area's cultural amenities. One aspect stands out-world-class chamber music. I've also become a regular attendee of a great series of international piano recitalists. Jazz, pop music, and theater design are very hot in Portland."
-Dr. George L. Vogt, Executive Director, Oregon Historical Society
Portland's reputation as one of the country's progressive hubs is due in part to its aim of being a well-planned, "green" city. Environmentalism is a credo here, obvious in the sustainable restaurants, eco-friendly buildings, good public transportation and undeveloped green spaces surrounding the city-including the largest "urban wilderness" in the U.S., the 5,000-acre Forest Park. At the same time, the cultural offerings are strong, the handcrafted beers notable, and the atmosphere energetic and open.
Portland's location has a lot to recommend it. The downtown is cut by the Willamette River, while on the eastern skyline, the white pyramids of Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens are visible on clear days. The city's downtown and its old, close-in neighborhoods are easily navigable and mostly within walking distance of each other. But public transportation, including a light rail system, a streetcar, and a newly installed aerial tramway, also make it easy to get from one end of this small city to the other.
The art scene in Portland is vibrant and sophisticated. The city has its own ballet and opera company, several respected theater venues, and the Portland Art Museum. One of the West Coast's most significant venues for major national and international traveling exhibits, it's located in the heart of downtown, fronting the South Park greensward, along with a concert hall and the Oregon Historical Society.
Another strong arts area, the Pearl District, lies at the north edge of downtown. Its old warehouses now house restaurants and cafés, galleries and theaters, including the Gerding Theater, home to the respected Portland Center Stage. A beloved landmark in this area is Powell's City of Books, an independent and labyrinthine old bookstore that somehow embodies the spirit of Portland.
Of course, another great Portland hallmark, the city's rose garden, enjoys the distinction of having been the nation's first test garden.
Several universities, including Portland State, Oregon Health & Science University (a state leader in healthcare and medical research), and Reed College contribute to the city's vibrancy.
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Comments (10)
Surprising that the article does not mention the lack of a sales tax which benefits retirees immensely and which has brought many retirees from California to avoid the near 10$ sales tax there. Also housing prices are the lowest on the West Coast of any major city and there is very little snowfall here ( a few days a year at most) and the city shuts down until it melts. It is also a city of civic engagement with more volunteerism than any city in the country. Lots of opportunities for engaged retirees. Nearly all major shows and performers pass through Portland on their way to and from Seattle and San Francisco but it is much easier and cheaper to get tickets to performances than in those cities because of the smaller populations. No needing to call Ticketmaster at 10 am on Saturday when the tickets start selling as in those cities.
I speak as a 30 year resident of the SF Bay Area who saw the quality of life declining there and happily moved to Portland nearly 10 years ago. It has the vitality and creative energy of the SF area of 40-50 years ago. Also, in general, the average person working in the post office, DMV, or restaurant seems much happier here with a smile on their face instead of a frown. Quality of life does make a difference.
Posted by Christine Wynne on October 3,2011 | 12:36 PM
I love this place.
Seattle is nice too,I went to an outside function there but it was all elbows and knees, there are just too many people.
We can still enjoy the parks downtown but I don't expect it will stay that way (sigh). Please come hang out with us, but it wouldn't hurt anyones feelings if you don't move here.
Posted by Rex Rickard on December 22,2010 | 05:45 PM
I've read articles about Portland that say the people are mean....with all the "Don't move here" comments...I'm starting to believe them.... geeesh!
Posted by Mary on December 8,2010 | 10:17 AM
I certainly appreciate the Smithsonian magazine and living in Oregon and knowing Portland I compliment you on your excellent article, but how in the world could you not mention Portland University, taught by the same Order which directs Notre Dame .
Posted by robert russell on April 14,2010 | 06:09 PM
Tax situation is much more advantageous for retirees in Washington State…Or in Nevada.
Posted by runpatrick1 on March 31,2010 | 09:03 PM
Come visit! Enjoy our town, but don't move here. We have become the victim of our own success. The word has gotten out about how great the town is, and it's getting crowded. The article doesn't mention the traffic jams, despite the high availability of public transportation. When there's too many people in one place, it is a problem for any town. Instead, return home, imitate our plan and start your own great place to live!
Posted by Bob Thomas on December 31,2009 | 12:15 PM
My wife and I plan on retiring in Portland so I would strongly suggest that you DONT MOVE THERE! We don't want the city to change and grow too fast! It's a great place to be.
Posted by Stephen White on June 3,2008 | 06:10 PM
We've lived in a suburb of Portland for 20 years now. In retirement we might consider the Oregon Coast, but Portland is home. Please come visit, but don't stay!
Posted by Berniece M. Owen on April 4,2008 | 06:05 PM
Like Portland as I grew up and went to school there. Also think Seattle, WA is also a great city.
Posted by Jim Metcalf on April 3,2008 | 03:51 PM