5 neighborhoods to discover

Gresham

City Snapshot

Metro population

2.5M Portland metro (2024) · ~110K city

Average commute

28 min (2023)

Climate

Mild wet winters · Warm dry summers · ~44 in rain/yr · ~155 rainy days

Cost of living (NYC = 100)

Top industries

Healthcare · Manufacturing & distribution · Retail & services · Education · Construction

Currency

USD

Time zone

PT (UTC−8 / −7 DST)

Languages

English · ~25% speak another language at home (Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Chinese)

Best move season

Jun–Sep (dry season, easier moves)

Sources

Portland State University Population Research Center 2024 estimates (Gresham ~110K city; Portland metro ~2.5M)
RentCafe Gresham market trends March 2026 (1BR avg ~$1,373; 2BR avg ~$1,618)
Zumper Gresham rent report May 2026 (citywide average ~$1,508, up ~3.8% YoY)
Rentometer Gresham averages Jan 2026 (1BR ~$1,430; 2BR ~$1,712)
Numbeo Cost of Living index May 2026 (Portland-area ~24% below NYC excluding rent)
NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals (Portland/Gresham area)
US Census ACS 2023 mean travel time to work (Gresham ~28 min)

Pacific Relocation's take

East county value at the foot of the mountain.

Gresham is metro Portland's most affordable full-service city, with MAX access and Mt. Hood weekends as the lifestyle case. Historic Southeast and the Central City have the walkable bones; Powell Valley and Gresham Butte add space and views. We're frank with clients: it's a value-first choice, and the right pockets reward it.