Portland is the largest city in Oregon, and the fourth largest city on the west coast. The Portland Metro Area is home to nearly 2 million people, and sits approximately 78 miles from the ocean and 65 miles from the Cascade Mountains. Recently Portland was ranked #1 in the country in terms of lowest vacancy (US Census Bureau), and #2 in rent growth (Axiometrics, Inc.)

In 2008 Money Magazine named Portland one of the "Top 10 Places to Live". Portland is also well known for its strong land-use planning and investment into public transportation. Some of the larger Portland employers include Nike, Columbia Sportswear, Tektronix, Precision Castparts Corp, and Mentor Graphics Corp.