Destination Oregon

This section will answer many of your questions regarding the life science industry in Oregon, the state's economy, tax structure and cost of living, education, transportation, climate, recreational opportunities, history and more.

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Industry Overview | Economy/Cost of Living | Education
Recreation & Entertainment | Transportation | Geography & Climate
History | Suggested Reading List

Oregon's fertile Willamette Valley reaches from the mighty Columbia River, where the thriving metropolis of Portland spans the Willamette near the confluence of these two rivers, south beyond the stately Three Sisters peaks near Eugene. This rich corridor is home to 1.7 million people, thriving businesses, and some of nature's grandest scenery.

Industry Snapshot

Long a high-technology hub, the greater Portland area is a fast-growing center for bioscience and medical technology - industries founded on the area's world-class research institutions, a highly educated population, and some of the finest quality of life amenities in North America.

Economy/Cost of Living

With an economic base in high technology, metals manufacturing and professional services, Portland is a manufacturing and commerce hub in the Pacific Northwest. High-technology expansion, which helped offset a decade of decline in the timber industry, is a major reason for the Portland area's recent economic growth. The cost of living is lower than in any other major city along the Pacific Coast - and one of the lowest among all cities in the west. An added advantage is the absence of a retail sales tax in Oregon.

Education

Oregon's support of basic education is reflected in the results - the state's high school students rank among the highest in the nation on the Scholastic Aptitude Test, and were at the top of the SAT in 1993. Seventy-nine percent of Portland's population 25 years old and older graduated from high school, with 42 percent of those attending or graduating from college. The Portland metropolitan area is home to 17 four-year public and private colleges and universities, which serve a wide range of needs. Many are recognized internationally for innovative research. These include the Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University, the city's largest four-year institution.

Entertainment & Recreation

Outdoor recreation reigns supreme in Portland, where residents take full advantage of the array of year-round activities offered by the area's natural setting. Mirroring the natural beauty of this region is the city's dynamic and diverse cultural environment.

Transportation

Few cities in the world are as accessible as Portland and communities along the Willamette Valley-Interstate 5 corridor. Portland is an established transportation center for the Pacific Northwest and Asia.

Geography & Climate

Divided by the Cascade Mountain range, Oregon is a land of contrasts. Western Oregon is characterized by a mild marine climate, while the eastern part of the state is high-desert country. Despite the claim that "Portlanders don't tan, they rust," the average annual total rainfall is only 37 inches (93.98 cm). Most of the rain falls between October and April, heavy rainfall is rare, and the sun really does shine frequently. Average temperatures range from highs of 80 degrees (26.2 c) in mid-summer to lows of 33 degrees (.56 c) in January.

History

Thirty years after the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped along the Columbia River traders, missionaries and settlers began arriving in what is now Oregon. In the 1840s, this trickle became a flood as thousands of immigrants traveled the Oregon Trail. Today Portland enjoys a healthy, diverse economy with a broad base of manufacturing, distribution and international trade, a diversity that creates a stable business environment.

Suggested Reading List

A list of selected guides and reference books about the greater Portland area, the Willamette Valley and the state of Oregon.