Thinking of moving to Portland? Here's what you need to know.

Portland's notoriety as a hipster enclave has defined the city over the last several years, but the largest city in Oregon has a lot more to offer transplants than handlebar mustaches and gluten-free dining. Quality of life is a high priority for the more than 600,000 residents of this mid-sized city. The proximity to both the Pacific Ocean and the peaks of the Cascade Range has long enticed nature-lovers, and the coffee and food cultures live up to their reputations, as do the art and music scenes. It's an ideal home for those who like their food and entertainment locally sourced.

Who's there?

The population of Portland is mostly young and middle-class. Low housing costs have created a haven for artists, as well as Californians and Washingtonians looking for cheaper rents. Though Seattle and Silicon Valley have become synonymous with the technology boom, Portland has also shared in the rise of tech jobs. The area's low cost of business, job growth and educational rates earned it the number three spot on Forbes' 2015 list of Best Places for Business and Careers.

What's around Portland?

The bridges that cross the Willamette River, which flows through the middle of the city, are highlights of the skyline and have given it the moniker, "Bridgetown." The river also helps outline the five quadrants of the city: North Portland, Northwest, Northeast, Southwest and Southeast. The west side of the river boasts many of the upscale art galleries, boutiques and housing areas, though the eastside has many of the "old Portland" style homes and bungalows, and has experienced a growth in development. The regions are further segmented into nearly 100 neighborhoods, all with their own distinctions and selling points. Portland has consistently been ranked as one of the most walkable metropolitan areas in the country due to ambitious public transportation planning before the Great Recession. The numerous bike lanes, combined with 63 bus lines, eight light rail lines and two streetcar routes make it easy to navigate.

What is there to do In Portland?

The calendar of events is permanently full in Portland, from food and beverage festivals like the Great American Distillers Festival to the Portland Marathon in the fall, Portland Beer Week and the three-week long Portland Rose Festival that spans the end of May into June. There is always something for everyone. Day trips to Oregon City (the fabled end of the Oregon Trail), the quiet bays of St. Helens and the bike trails of Mt. Hood National Forest make exploring the neighboring areas of Portland as much fun as the city itself.

Thinking of moving to Portland? Here's what you need to know.

Who's there?

What's around Portland?

What is there to do In Portland?

What are the Safest Neighborhoods to live in Portland, OR?

Amara

The Albert

Grand Belmont

1377-01PP Stacey Lee Apartments

1640 SE 162nd Ave

KADO NW

Vancouver Townhouses

Galaxie at Sellwood

Annex at Bridgeton

Songbird

Windsor Buckman

Savier Street Flats

Crescent Court

1825 N Rosa Parks Way

The Mason Williams

Boathouse

311 Graham

Multnomah Village Apartments

Burnside 26

Memoir Buckman

The Lower Burnside Lofts

Velo Apartments

Hoyt Manor

The Louisa Apartments

The Magnolia Apartments

Commons at Sylvan Canyon Apartments

30k

Multnomah Station

3951 N Williams

6640 NE MLK Blvd