With a population of more than 1.7 million in the greater metropolitan area, Portland is a major cultural center in the Pacific Northwest. Portlanders enjoy the Oregon Symphony, Portland Opera, Portland Ballet, Portland Art Museum, numerous art galleries and live theater.

Famous for its addiction to books, Portland has numerous excellent bookstores, including the legendary Powell’s Bookstore. Portland's culinary scene is exceptional, not only for its quality and diversity but also for its affordability. The Northwest was home to the rebirth of the microbrew industry and Portland was the epicenter. Oregon has numerous wineries located close to Portland. In addition, Portland features its own professional basketball, soccer and ice hockey teams.

Portland contains 7,500 acres of parkland in 160 locations, including Forest Park, the largest urban wilderness area within any U.S. city. The Pacific Ocean is 80 miles to the west and the Columbia Gorge, Mount Hood, the Cascade Mountains and millions of acres of national forest are within one to two hours drive from the city. Recreational opportunities are limitless year-round, especially with our mild weather patterns. Portland weather has a very definite winter-wet, summer dry climate. Summers are warm and dry while 80 percent of the annual total rainfall occurs from November through May.

Portland has excellent public transportation (Tri-Met), including modern light rail and streetcar systems. As an added benefit, the OHSU offers all employees a substantially subsidized yearly transportation pass that can be used at any time on the bus, light rail, and streetcar systems. OHSU also offers reduced parking rates for those residents who choose to drive to campus. Portland is also recognized nationally as a bicycle friendly city, and many faculty and housestaff bike to work on a regular basis.