The campus-adjacent core, walkable and well served by transit, ideal for students who want to be in the middle of the city.
A polished, walkable neighborhood just north of downtown with apartments, shops, and the streetcar at its doorstep.
A leafy, residential area across the river that draws students who want quieter streets and good bike and transit access.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Portland.
Portland is known for strong public transit, and students rely on it heavily. TriMet runs the region's buses along with the MAX light rail and the Portland Streetcar, which together connect downtown, the campus areas, and the surrounding neighborhoods. A transit pass usually makes reaching class and the city core easy without a car.
Downtown Portland and the close-in neighborhoods are walkable, so students living near campus can handle most daily errands on foot. Portland is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, with extensive bike lanes and flat terrain in the core. Walking and biking cover most short trips comfortably.
A car is useful for grocery runs and trips beyond the city, but parking downtown can be limited and costly. Many students who live near campus and transit skip a vehicle. If you bring one, plan around tight parking in the denser neighborhoods.
Browse student housing near each Portland-area university.