Portland
Known for its natural beauty, the city of Portland is extremely eco-friendly in the best way possible. This green city, both literally and figuratively, boasts thousands of acres of lush public parks with extensive biking and hiking trails. Portland is Oregon’s largest city on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. This thriving area is home to the iconic Washington Park, which offers residents and visitors alike 15 miles of trails, the Oregon Zoo, and the Portland Japanese Garden. Portland has its own public railway service, so getting around the city is easier than ever. This major metropolis is known for its art, theater, and music scene. Check out popular attractions like the Portland Art Museum, OMSI, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, and Roseland Theater. Portland’s culinary scene is one of the best, offering up chef-inspired restaurants and lively local businesses like Tasty n Alder, Pok Pok, Deschutes Brewery, Voodoo Doughnut, and Salt & Straw. Portland is bordered by Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mount Hood National Forest, and Clatsop National Forest, offering residents scenic views in every direction from their luxury apartments and cozy homes.
Chattanooga
Positioned along the Tennessee River just minutes north of the Georgia state line, Chattanooga is a city of rich history, gorgeous scenery, and heaps of southern hospitality. Downtown and the neighboring Southside district form the urban core of the community, with many of the city’s best venues for dining, nightlife, and entertainment found within a couple of blocks of Market Street in this area. The local museum scene is expansive, and ranges from traditional institutions like the Hunter Museum of American Art to more unique and peculiar attractions like the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum. The Tennessee Aquarium is a local favorite as well, featuring huge exhibits of freshwater and marine animals. The city is surrounded by thousands of acres of Tennessee’s unspoiled natural beauty, offering endless opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, camping, and mountain biking, or just exploring and sightseeing in general. Rock City is an especially popular area, offering panoramic views of up to seven states on a clear day.
Milwaukie
Settled in 1847 and named for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Milwaukie combines art, history, and nature with a fun and funky attitude. This terrific city sits on the southeast side of Portland and it offers a friendly atmosphere with a strong sense of community. The first settlers to arrive to the Milwaukie area, brothers by the name of Luelling, were orchardists who later developed the Bing cherry. In addition to this sweet claim to fame, Milwaukie is known as the Dogwood City of the West. For those who want to explore the town’s fascinating past, the Milwaukie Museum highlights the town’s history and is a historic building in its own right, a farmhouse built in 1865. Living in Milwaukie, you’ll enjoy a variety of shops, wine bars and tap rooms, and outdoor adventures. The city is very walkable and bicycle-friendly, and several parks dot the Willamette River along the city’s west side. Visit Elk Rock Island to do some fishing or Spring Park Natural Area to enjoy the walking trails and playground. Milwaukie does promise you a rose garden – just visit the Sara Hite Memorial Rose Garden to surround yourself in its 400-plus rose bushes. Located about six miles from downtown Portland, commuters can easily reach the city. For those who prefer mass transit, the TriMet’s light rail service connects Milwaukie with Portland. If you want to bike to the station you’ll find 36 rack spaces and 12 lockers.
