Portland, Oregon, known as the City of Roses, is a clean, friendly, progressive and diverse metropolitan city. It has held on to its individuality even as it has grown into a regional hub for culture, commerce and cuisine. Portland has a thriving cultural arts scene and an eclectic mix of people. The city's careful urban planning, temperate climate and equidistance to the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains has earned the city a high ranking on the lists of ""best places to live"". It is a great base for exploring the best of what the Northwest has to offer. Within an hour's drive you can see majestic waterfalls as well as windsurfing in the Columbia Gorge, sampling world-class wine in the lush wine country of the Willamette Valley, or snow-skiing on beautiful snow-capped Mt. Hood. Although Portland is known for rainfall much of the year, this ""emerald green city has long, beautifully sunny days from June through September when locals and visitors alike make the most of outdoor activities. Within the city limits alone there are over 100 public parks and up to 70 miles of hiking/walking trails. Portland ranks as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States. Bicycle lanes are on most major streets, and many designated bike trails crisscross the metropolitan area. The wealth of fresh produce harvested in the Willamette Valley and the proximity of fresh seafood has drawn many world-class chefs to the Portland area. While seafood is often featured on many menus, Portland boasts more than 40 different types of cuisine. The city is also known as the nation's microbrew capital as well as for producing some of the world's most exquisite wines. Portland is home to an array of diverse and unique neighborhoods. The metropolitan area actually has 94 formally recognized neighborhoods but for this site they will be designated as Downtown, Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast.

Downtown Portland
The undisputed heart of downtown Portland is Pioneer Courthouse Square. It is often host to musical and cultural events. Nearby, statues of Teddy Roosevelt and Abe Lincoln watch over the South Park Blocks, a twelve-block, tree-lined greenbelt. Parents loll on the grass and watch their children run through the Salmon Street Fountain during the sunny days of summer. Within walking distance are theaters, museums, and shopping at the many department stores and local shops.

Nob Hill
Nob Hill is one of Portland's most dynamic communities. More than 250 thriving brew pubs, restaurants, art galleries and boutiques are featured in many of the restored Victorian and Georgian mansions that grace the tree-lined streets.

Northeast Portland
Many of the older homes have been restored to their former glory in the primarily residential sections of Northeast Portland. This area is also home to The Portland International Airport which is located along the Columbia River.

Northwest Portland
Portland's best-know art district is the Pearl District. Once an old industrial zone, this chic and much loved area vibrates with creative energy in the midst of upscale loft-style apartments, lovely cafes, art galleries and cobblestone streets.

Southeast Portland
A combination of high-density housing and retail activity create one the city's more interesting shopping areas along Hawthorne Boulevard and Belmont Street. The pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with gift and vintage clothing shops as well as an eclectic mix of cafes and coffee shops.

Southwest Portland
The John's Landing area is currently converting from heavy industry to residential with excellent restaurants and upscale condos and shops along the waterfront. Nearby is the Lair's Hill neighborhood, the first protected historical district in Portland.