To Portland's east sits the province of Gresham.
With a population of almost 108,000 locals, the scenic Oregon sector is where so many settle for a successful suburban lifestyle in the Portland metropolitan area. Between schools and business, Gresham is considered a great place to live. When you add the fun that can be had in and directly out-of-town, it is easy to see why so many love their Pacific coast addresses here.
According to the city, the fourth largest sector in the state is a vast mix of families and young professionals. Touting its parks and education system, the town makes no bones about being one of the best places to live in Oregon. So take a moment to consider all the opportunities in Gresham and go for a getaway. Who knows, you may just be changing your address to the locale because you wind up loving it so much.
Gresham Climate
There are 144 days of sunshine each year with locals taking advantage of the Gresham climate that never gets too hot or too cold. The sector sees a bit of rain, averaging 45 inches a year with 149 days of measurable precipitation. The city only sees five inches of snow annually, with locals never worrying about winter whiteouts getting in their way. Winters average a low of 34 degrees and summers are typically nice with a high of 82 degrees, with residents looking forward to lots of suntan lotion and snow boots during the seasons.
Gresham Neighborhoods
The 23 square miles that make up the municipality of Gresham are not only scenically gorgeous, they are safe and sound. The 16 neighborhood associations in the area work hard to collectively keep the community involved in crime prevention, subdivision improvement projects and volunteering in an effort to both enhance the vital issues and create a sense of camaraderie among regional residents. Some sections of the city feature school sites while other areas flaunt affluent homes. If you're looking for up-scale living in Gresham, you will want to check out the homes on or near Powell Valley, City Center and NE 181st Avenue. If you have young children, you may want to consider living close to the many elementary, middle and high school campuses in the community located on or near W Powell Boulevard, S Troutdale Road and SW Towle Avenue.
Though Gresham does not have a high crime rate, some parts of the province are a bit more secure than others on or near NE Halsey Street, NE 201st Avenue and SW Towle Avenue.
Registering Your Car
Registering your car and getting an Oregon license is easily done through the Oregon Division of Motor Vehicles. The state law says you must obtain an Oregon license when you become a resident of the region. Some documentation needed to get the needed permits are a Social Security Card, proof of address and citizenship and documents providing a resident's new Oregon address. If you transfer your former license from any other state, it is likely you will not have to take a writing or driving test. As for registration, new residents must also provide proper identification for their vehicle and pay the mandated fees.
Gresham Schools
Served by three school districts, Centennial, Gresham-Barlow and Reynolds, thousands of area youth are schooled in dozens of sites throughout town. As for post-secondary schooling in the city, Mount Hood Community College is a fine two-year campus offering an array of associate's degree programs. As for four-year sites, some of the finest state schools are located just outside of Gresham and include Lewis & Clark, Linfield and George Fox Colleges and Corban and Concordia Universities.
If interested in a private education rather than public schooling, there are a plethora of schools on both the secondary and post-secondary levels. One of the more popular Roman Catholic campuses is Portland College, located 13 miles from Gresham.
Gresham Employment
The town's 7.6 unemployment rate is very reasonable, considering it comes in lower than the national average. After graduating school, many students choose to begin their careers right in the community. Some of the top employers in town are Boeing of Portland Aircraft with almost 2,000 employees, US Bank Processing Services with about 1,500 laborers and ON Semiconductor with approximately 500 staff members. Other top manufacturers in the area produce refrigeration units, eyeglass lenses, metal frames and windows, flat bread and pizza crusts and candy!
When on the other side of commerce employing locals, area merchants maintain a strong connection with the Gresham Chamber of Commerce, a local organization dedicated to keeping the district's finances strong. Though the sector is seemingly small, the area produces thousands of nationwide products weekly right in town including Netflix envelopes, Opti-Craft eyeglasses and Kinco's gloves.
Living Costs in the City
Though the local cost of living is 13.1 percent higher than the national average, it must be noted again that it is easier to find a job in town than most North American cities, which are suffering hard from the economic downturn. By working hard and spending wisely, thousands of local Gresham families live quite comfortably in the Multnomah County community. As of 2011, a newly-constructed single-family home in the area cost residents around $215,000. If not purchasing their own property in the province, regional residents rent area apartments that cost an average of $750 a month for a one-bedroom. Utility costs vary depending on family size and usage.
Gresham Moving Resources
Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to Gresham, whether you’re moving from out of state or from another county in Oregon. Make sure you get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit to hiring any (at least three estimates). Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:
Gresham Transportation
The Portland International Airport is the way in and out town if you are flying. When keeping things on the ground, major roadways that run through the region make it convenient for locals to get around. Interstate 84 and U.S. Route 26 are the two most popular roadways in the region. As for public transportation in town, TriMet bus system and MAX Light Rail Line gets locals where they need to go. When residents feel like going for a nice bike ride or even choose to commute to exercise their way to work, Gresham offers the 40 Mile Loop at Gresham-Fairview Trail and Springwater Corridor, two popular scenic routes.
Culture & Contemporary Life
As for what to do in the area, well there is everything. With Portland less than 30 minutes from the municipality of Gresham, locals not only commute to the metropolis for work, they travel there for fun as well. With so much to do in the city, museums, music venues, restaurants, clubs and more, residents rarely complain about having a boring time in or near town. When staying within the borders, residents rest and relax in one of the area's many parks and recreational sites including Gradin Community Sports Park. Between parks, major outlet retailers and specialty boutiques, residents are always moving their legs in the locale either exercising or shopping!
Gresham Relocation Tips
- Getting to Gresham will involve stamina, organization and hopefully the help of some family and friends, especially in the case that it is a long-distance move
- Always remember, while moving anxiety may seem to choke you while you perform many moving tasks simultaneously, take a deep breath and bring yourself back to the moment instead of getting caught up in the future you are so fervently planning in your new province.
- You are not the only one who has to adjust to your new digs. Helping your plants transition to your new environment is vital for the survival of the Plantae species that will make your new place look as good as your old home sweet home.