The Portland Power Commute: Top Neighborhoods for Renters Near the City’s Major Job Hubs

Let me introduce myself as your ApartmentHomeLiving Local Expert for Portland, Oregon. I’m Chad, and I can attest firsthand to the vibrant and funky nature of this one-of-a-kind city. A resident of Portland for more than 20 years, I have seen it evolve in many exciting ways. Because I have lived in many different neighborhoods, I have also experienced many different sides of Portland living.

I’ve lived on both the West and East sides of Portland, and any Portlander can tell you that these two sides of town are divided by more than just the Willamette River. From the West Side’s emphasis on tradition and established institutions to the East Side’s spirit of innovation and grassroots energy, each offers a unique facet of Portland life.

While most people consider lifestyle compatibly when comparing different Portland neighborhoods, practical demands, such as proximity to work, are often more important. Portland benefits from many major local employers, and there is no shortage of attractive neighborhoods near each of them.

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Read on to learn about just a handful of the major employers that are supporting this thriving city as well as the neighborhoods that many of their workers call home.

Nike

The company behind the Nike, Jordan, and Converse brands, Nike is well-known around the world. The highest-grossing and most recognized athletic apparel manufacturer in the global marketplace, this company stresses a “culture of innovation and team-first mentality” in its efforts to “create a future of continual progress for athletes, sport and our world.” Nike’s grandiose mission is reflected in its massive headquarters in the Portland-adjacent suburb of Beaverton. This 400-acre campus bustles with more than 11,000 employees moving among 75 buildings, including the LeBron James Innovation Center (a hub for innovative sports technology research and development) and the Serena Williams Building (a LEED Platinum-certified structure with green innovations such as a closed-loop greywater system and a large photovoltaic power system). The campus also contains an abundance of on-site sports fields, courts, running tracks, and bike paths.

Multnomah

Multnomah is one of the closest Portland neighborhoods to the Nike corporate campus. At its center is Multnomah Village, a historic area that features a range of charming restaurants, microbrew pubs, retail stores, and art galleries. The neighborhood is also home to Gabriel Park (a large park with picnic areas, a skate park, and multiple sports fields) and the Multnomah Arts Center (a community arts education program managed by Portland Parks and Recreation). My friends in this neighborhood love that they can generally complete most of their daily errands and tasks on foot.

Pearl District

Located near my grad school alma mater Portland State University, the Pearl District is another attractive option for Nike employees. Formerly an industrial zone, this neighborhood is widely known as a trendy enclave of shops, galleries, and other amenities with an upscale urban feel. Its notable features include Tanner Springs Park with its decorative fountain and public art installations. The Pearl District is also home to Powell's City of Books, often cited as the biggest independent bookstore in the world. Residential properties in the Pearl are predominately condos and townhouses.

 Hillside-Northwest District

Having lived in the Hillside neighborhood for seven years, the greater Hillside-Northwest District will always have a place in my heart. Like many Hillside homes, mine had limited front yard space due to the neighborhood’s narrow and windy roads. However, I had a sizable backyard that abutted a large natural area. Connections to nature abound in the Hillside-Northwest District thanks to the steep, forested slopes of Portland’s west hills. While single-family homes dot these hills, larger apartment complexes rent to tenants closer to the shopping, dining, and entertainment hubs of NW 21st Avenue and NW 23rd Avenue.

Oregon Health & Science University

Oregon’s only public academic health center, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) supports a mission of healing, teaching, and innovation to improve the health and quality of life for people throughout the state. Its comprehensive system includes multiple campuses, hospitals, clinics, and research facilities, but its massive headquarters are located on Marquam Hill just south of Portland’s downtown area. Connected to the South Waterfront neighborhood by the Portland Aerial Tram, the Marquam Hill campus is home to 37 large buildings, including those that house flagship facilities such as OHSU Hospital, the Kohler Pavilion, and Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

South Waterfront

Beyond providing convenient transportation to the OHSU Marquam Hill campus, the Portland Aerial Tram is one of Portland’s biggest local attractions and the crowning jewel of the South Waterfront neighborhood. While rising roughly 500 vertical feet to the top of Marquam Hill, tram passengers can enjoy 360-degree views of Portland and surrounding features, including the Willamette River Valley, Mount Hood, and Mount Saint Helens. Other features of South Waterfront include the artfully constructed Elizabeth Caruthers Park and the unique pedestrian, mass transit, and emergency vehicle Tillikum Crossing Bridge.

Brooklyn

I lived in Brooklyn for roughly three years and couldn’t have enjoyed the neighborhood more. It offers convenient access to downtown Portland via the Ross Island Bridge. Brooklyn is home to many attractions. The historic Aladdin Theater stands out as a beloved venue, hosting a wide range of major touring musicians. Nearby, the Original Hotcake House is a local favorite. This classic “greasy spoon” diner is known for its generous portions of delicious food at affordable prices. I say this from experience, as I used to visit often. For those seeking hidden gems, Edelweiss Sausage and Deli is a must-visit, offering the city’s finest selection of authentic German cuisine and specialty products.

St. Johns

The second-largest neighborhood in Portland according to square mileage, St. Johns boasts numerous historic landmarks, including a charming turn-of-the-century post office and a neo-Georgian city hall that now serves as a police precinct. The neighborhood’s National Cash Register Building is home to a pub and theater operated by McMenamins, a family-owned chain renowned for revitalizing historic spaces throughout greater Portland. The namesake of the neighborhood is the iconic St. Johns Bridge. In a city so full of bridges that it earned the nickname “Bridgetown,” the St. Johns Bridge is by far the most photographed and admired. On a personal note, I had the honor of officiating a beautiful wedding beneath its soaring arches in a nearby Cathedral Park.

Precision Castparts Corp.

While Precision Castparts Corp. (PCC) has facilities in several locations within the greater Portland area, both its Large Parts Campus and Deer Creek Campus are in Milwaukie. While technically a suburb, Milwaukee is so close to Portland’s city center that it functions more as a neighborhood. PCC plays a vital role in regional manufacturing, as its complex, precision-engineered metal components are in high demand around the world. The company produces industrial gas turbines for power plants and supports key industries such as aerospace and defense. It is a key driver of economic growth in Portland and beyond.

Historic Milwaukie

Just over five miles from Portland, Historic Milwaukie dates back to 1847, when it was settled by commercial entrepreneur Lot Whitcomb to establish a water-powered sawmill. In subsequent years, Milwaukie grew into a major industrial center with shipping operations that once rivaled those of Portland. Beyond the well-maintained buildings of Milwaukie’s downtown area with its many restaurants and shops, Historic Milwaukie is quite spacious and suburban. Its large and beautiful Milwaukie Bay Park is nestled among Kellogg Creek, Johnson Creek, and the Willamette River.

Lents-Powellhurst-Gilbert

Closer to downtown Portland than the Historic Milwaukie neighborhood, Lents-Powellhurst-Gilbert also features some outstanding natural spaces. Over the years, I have made many trips to the Powellhurst-Gilbert’s Kelly Butte Natural Area for exceptional hiking with striking views. The area is also home to Earl Boyles Park, Ed Benedict Park, Gilbert Heights Park, and many community gardens that foster local engagement. The neighborhood is also home to the Kelly Butte Natural Area, offering natural beauty and educational opportunities. Powellhurst-Gilbert is often grouped with the large adjacent neighborhood of Lents. Predominantly residential, Lents offers easy access to roadways and public transportation. It also contains Walker Stadium, home of the Wild Wild West League (WWWL) Portland Pickles baseball team.

South Tabor

When I lived just off the main Portland thoroughfare of Hawthorne, I was just a few blocks away from the adjacent neighborhood of South Tabor. Just 25 blocks long, this neighborhood is one of the smallest in the city. Because it is slightly more affordable than many of the neighborhoods that surround it, South Tabor has become quite popular with young professionals and families. It is home to Atkinson Elementary School, Franklin High School, a farmers’ market, and many public gardens. Residents also benefit from a City Repair community gathering place at 61st and Clinton. South Tabor is located at the foot of Mount Tabor, an extinct volcano that serves as one of Portland's largest and most popular parks.

Daimler Trucks North America

A subsidiary of the German multinational company Daimler Truck AG, Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) is headquartered in Portland’s industrial Swan Island area. DTNA manufactures a broad spectrum of medium and heavy-duty trucks for well-known brands such as Freightliner and Western Star. Currently producing multiple electric models, DTNA has expressed a firm commitment to environmental sustainability and is progressing toward a goal of zero CO2 emissions for its manufacturing facilities. DTNA has been a major employer for Portland residents since 1941.

Portsmouth

Despite its name, Swan Island is actually a peninsula, which provides easy commuter access to DTNA workers who live in various nearby neighborhoods. Portsmouth is one of these neighborhoods that has a lot to offer its residents. An up-and-coming community, it is attractive to many young professionals and families who are moving to the Portland area. It boasts many peaceful parks and community gardens as well as access to the Peninsula Crossing Trail. If you are a book-lover like me, you’ll want to visit Portsmouth’s Windows Booksellers. I can spend hours leafing through its extensive collection of used and collectible books.

Overlook

Extending into the industrial Swan Island area, Overlook ranks among Portland’s largest neighborhoods in terms of both population and size. Situated along the east bank of the Willamette River, it contains a diverse combination of single-family homes, condos, and apartments. Overlook residents can enjoy a variety of excellent restaurants and shops, as well as riverfront trails and other outdoor recreation opportunities. Its namesake Overlook Park contains multiple ecological environments, including forest understory, high desert, and wildflower meadow.

University Park

Centered around the University of Portland, University Park contains a range of cozy houses and affordable apartments. Although it is one of the smallest neighborhoods in Portland, it is remarkably diverse. Beyond its large student population, it welcomes young professionals, families, and retirees alike. Though it isn’t a bustling hub of major attractions, University Park offers a charming mix of restaurants and shops within walking distance of most homes. The neighborhood spans just 11.5 acres but includes two spacious public parks as well as the expansive green spaces of the University of Portland. In short, University Park residents have plenty of room to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Finding the Right Work/Life Balance in Portland

Finding the right work/life balance in Portland is made easier by the city’s diverse neighborhoods and convenient access to major employers. Whether you prefer the hip, urban feel of the Pearl District or the family-friendly vibe of neighborhoods like Overlook, Portland offers residential options to suit every lifestyle. Many neighborhoods are thoughtfully designed to keep commutes short, allowing residents to spend less time in traffic and more time enjoying all that the city has to offer.

Major employers like Nike, OHSU, Precision Castparts Corp., and Daimler Trucks North America are all within easy reach, thanks to Portland’s well-connected roads and transit options. This means professionals can enjoy a fulfilling career while reserving precious free time to explore the city’s parks, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Ultimately, Portland’s unique blend of diverse communities and proximity to key workplaces helps residents reach that ever-elusive ideal work-life balance.