Portland
Portland sits where the Willamette and Columbia rivers meet, tucked between mountain ranges with more than 10,000 acres of protected parkland woven into the city's fabric. Washington Park alone offers 15 miles of hiking paths, the Oregon Zoo, and the Portland Japanese Garden. The city's MAX light rail, Portland Streetcar, and extensive bike lane network make getting around effortless, and Powell's City of Books on Burnside has anchored the local literary scene for decades. Renters here have no shortage of options, from sleek high-rise apartments in South Waterfront to Craftsman-style townhomes in Irvington and industrial lofts throughout Central Eastside. Neighborhoods like the Pearl District, Hawthorne, and Sellwood-Moreland each carry their own personality — from converted warehouse lofts and gallery rows to vintage shops and riverfront trails. Portland State University keeps the city energized, bringing a creative pulse to the downtown area. The city earned its nickname "the Rose City" through the International Rose Test Garden, which has been blooming in Washington Park since 1917 and remains one of the oldest operating public rose test gardens in the country.
Seattle
Nestled on the shores of Puget Sound, Seattle is home to glorious mountain views in the distance, making it one of the most scenic metropolitan areas in the nation. Skyscrapers like the Columbia Center and Space Needle grace the city’s skyline, adding to Seattle’s allure. Starbucks, Amazon, and Nordstrom have headquarters in Seattle, so there are plenty of job opportunities in the city. Interstates 5 and 405 and the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are major benefits for frequent travelers. Residents enjoy exploring the waterfront neighborhoods of Pioneer Square and the famous Pike Place Market for shopping, trendy bars, and restaurants. Seattle’s art scene is very vibrant, flanked with art galleries, theaters, and sculptures. The city is home to more than 80 music halls and 15 symphony orchestras. Bumbershoot Musical Festival, held every Labor Day Weekend, is one of the world’s largest international music and arts festivals—so don’t miss it this upcoming year! Seattle is the ideal metropolis for residents with an active lifestyle and an interest in parks, hiking, and biking. Check out the trails at Cougar Mountain Wildland Park and Tiger Mountain State Forest after you find your luxury apartment in the city.
Denver
Established in the mid-1800s as a mining town during the Gold Rush, Denver embraces its Western heritage along with a forward-thinking mindset. Larimer Square is a testament to Denver’s balance of old and new, boasting rows of creative restaurants, independent shops, and vibrant nightlife spots in Victorian-era buildings downtown. Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is renowned for its great outdoor adventures. Residents enjoy more than 5,000 acres of parks, trails, golf courses, and playgrounds as well as convenience to Red Rocks Park and Cherry Creek State Park. Denver is proximate to world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities just outside the city too. City center skyrises provide incredible views of the mountains to the west, while spacious suburbs with single-family rentals make for the perfect place to set down roots. Cultural amenities abound in Denver, including the Denver Botanic Gardens, Union Station, Ogden Theatre, Denver Zoo, Denver Art Museum, and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Denver is also home to five major sports teams—the NFL’s Denver Broncos, MLB’s Colorado Rockies, NBA’s Denver Nuggets, NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, and MLS’s Colorado Rapids.
