Saying Portland has a lot going for it is an understatement. People have flocked here from the far reaches of the country because it is so great. Here are 21 reasons why Portland rules and should not be underrated.
- The Pho
Jessica Spengler / Flickr We have amazing Pho. It is everywhere and it tastes great. End of story.
- Breweries
Doug Kerr / Flickr As far as breweries go, we have that covered too. Stores barely have to sell national brands - we have so much local beer it can easily fill the shelves.
- Portland Timbers
Chris Yunker / Flickr Our Timber pride is strong and our Timbers deserve every bit of it, leading the team to the MLS Cup Championship in 2015.
- Mt. Hood
Peter Roome / Flickr We get to look at this amazing mountain all the time (when it is clear out) and can travel there just as easily.
- Powell’s
Josh Koonce / Flickr Powell’s shows other bookstores how it is done.
- Little Big Burger
Mike Krzeszak / Flickr Serving up little burgers made to order, Little Big Burger sets the fast food bar high.
- Portland Rose Festival
Rose Festival / Flickr The Rose Festival is our giant city party that makes great use of the waterfront and shows it off in spectacular fashion.
- Portland Parks & Recreation
Daniel Cukier / Flickr We have some of the best parks in the country, and also some pretty amazing recreations centers, pools, and community gardens.
- Portland Thorns
Matthew Costa / Flickr We have one of the best professional women’s soccer teams in the country.
- St. John’s Bridge
brx0 / Flickr It’s hard to drive over the St. John’s iconic bridge and not feel moved by the beauty.
- Donuts!
Andrew / Flickr We can also show the country a thing or two about donuts starting with Voodoo, Blue Star, and Pip’s.
- Distilleries
Kenn Wilson / Flickr At first it was just one or two, but now we have distilleries all around too. You can tour these just like the breweries too, making them a fun place to spend an afternoon.
- Sauvie Island
pencrush / Flickr We are a urban city, yet still have so much farmland. Sauvie Island is proof of this.
- Portland Trailblazers
Amy Meredith / Flickr We are always enthusiastically proud of our Blazers.
- Portland Pirate Festival
Ocean Yamaha / Flickr Pirates come out in droves for this annual festival celebrating the pirate.
- Portland Arts Scene
Stacy Kizer / Flickr The art scene is Portland is robust. Along with the art museum, we have countless galleries, as well as a huge crafting community that is visible at markets and events throughout the city.
- Food Carts
Dave Shea / Flickr Portland is the go to spot for food cart eating. We have so many food cart pods that you could eat for weeks and never have the same thing twice.
- Portland WinterHawks
Schnik78 / Flickr Our hockey team is also pretty great, winning multiple championships in its 60+ year run.
- Summer Festivals
Tom Borton / Flickr Portland shows how to throw a great festival with its picturesque waterfront and rocking crowds.
- Swimming Galore
Bureau of Land Management / Flickr While we do have plenty of great pools, there are also a ton of great swimming spots all around that are just waiting to be explored.
- Our Skyline Rules
Thomas Hawk / Flickr You really can’t beat this view. Portland’s skyline is one of the best and we could look at it forever.
What are other reasons Portland is underrated? Share down below!
Jessica Spengler / Flickr
We have amazing Pho. It is everywhere and it tastes great. End of story.
Doug Kerr / Flickr
As far as breweries go, we have that covered too. Stores barely have to sell national brands - we have so much local beer it can easily fill the shelves.
Chris Yunker / Flickr
Our Timber pride is strong and our Timbers deserve every bit of it, leading the team to the MLS Cup Championship in 2015.
Peter Roome / Flickr
We get to look at this amazing mountain all the time (when it is clear out) and can travel there just as easily.
Josh Koonce / Flickr
Powell’s shows other bookstores how it is done.
Mike Krzeszak / Flickr
Serving up little burgers made to order, Little Big Burger sets the fast food bar high.
Rose Festival / Flickr
The Rose Festival is our giant city party that makes great use of the waterfront and shows it off in spectacular fashion.
Daniel Cukier / Flickr
We have some of the best parks in the country, and also some pretty amazing recreations centers, pools, and community gardens.
Matthew Costa / Flickr
We have one of the best professional women’s soccer teams in the country.
brx0 / Flickr
It’s hard to drive over the St. John’s iconic bridge and not feel moved by the beauty.
Andrew / Flickr
We can also show the country a thing or two about donuts starting with Voodoo, Blue Star, and Pip’s.
Kenn Wilson / Flickr
At first it was just one or two, but now we have distilleries all around too. You can tour these just like the breweries too, making them a fun place to spend an afternoon.
pencrush / Flickr
We are a urban city, yet still have so much farmland. Sauvie Island is proof of this.
Amy Meredith / Flickr
We are always enthusiastically proud of our Blazers.
Ocean Yamaha / Flickr
Pirates come out in droves for this annual festival celebrating the pirate.
Stacy Kizer / Flickr
The art scene is Portland is robust. Along with the art museum, we have countless galleries, as well as a huge crafting community that is visible at markets and events throughout the city.
Dave Shea / Flickr
Portland is the go to spot for food cart eating. We have so many food cart pods that you could eat for weeks and never have the same thing twice.
Schnik78 / Flickr
Our hockey team is also pretty great, winning multiple championships in its 60+ year run.
Tom Borton / Flickr
Portland shows how to throw a great festival with its picturesque waterfront and rocking crowds.
Bureau of Land Management / Flickr
While we do have plenty of great pools, there are also a ton of great swimming spots all around that are just waiting to be explored.
Thomas Hawk / Flickr
You really can’t beat this view. Portland’s skyline is one of the best and we could look at it forever.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
