Portland Metropolitan Area
Gresham, Oregon
City
East metro hub at the foot of the Columbia River Gorge
Gresham is the fourth-largest city in Oregon and the second-largest in Multnomah County, spreading east from Portland toward the Sandy River and the mouth of the Columbia River Gorge.
History & Local Character
Gresham began as a farming crossroads named for Postmaster General Walter Q. Gresham and incorporated in 1905. Suburban growth after World War II and the arrival of MAX light rail in 1986 reshaped it into a full-service city.
Housing & Real Estate
Gresham offers more affordable single-family homes and apartments than Portland, with established neighborhoods near downtown and newer subdivisions on the east side. It is a common first-home market for the metro area.
Restaurants & Shopping
Historic downtown Gresham holds bakeries, taquerias, pubs and family restaurants, while the Rockwood and Division corridors reflect the city's diverse Latino, Slavic and Asian communities.
Schools & Education
Gresham is served by the Gresham-Barlow School District and, in some neighborhoods, the Centennial and Reynolds districts. Mount Hood Community College sits on the city's east side.
Parks & Recreation
Main City Park follows Johnson Creek through downtown, and the Springwater Corridor trail connects Gresham to Portland. Blue Lake Regional Park and Oxbow Regional Park are a short drive north and east.
Transportation & Accessibility
MAX Blue Line terminates at Gresham, and TriMet buses link the city to Portland and Mount Hood Community College. I-84 runs along the northern edge, and US 26 crosses the south.
Local Businesses
Family taquerias and panaderíasIndependent auto repair shopsGarden centers and nurseriesLocal bakeries and delis
No businesses are listed in Gresham yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- Columbia River Gorge
- Blue Lake Regional Park
- Oxbow Regional Park
- Mount Hood Community College
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Lower housing costs than inner Portland
- MAX light rail and good freeway access
- Quick drive to the Columbia River Gorge
Considerations
- Long commutes to west-side jobs
- Uneven commercial corridors along 82nd and Division
- Fewer walkable neighborhood centers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gresham part of Portland?
No. Gresham is a separate incorporated city in Multnomah County, with its own government, police and school districts.