Milwaukie, OR

Settled in 1847 and named for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Milwaukie combines art, history, and nature with a fun and funky attitude. This terrific city sits on the southeast side of Portland and it offers a friendly atmosphere with a strong sense of community. The first settlers to arrive to the Milwaukie area, brothers by the name of Luelling, were orchardists who later developed the Bing cherry. In addition to this sweet claim to fame, Milwaukie is known as the Dogwood City of the West. For those who want to explore the town’s fascinating past, the Milwaukie Museum highlights the town’s history and is a historic building in its own right, a farmhouse built in 1865.

Living in Milwaukie, you’ll enjoy a variety of shops, wine bars and tap rooms, and outdoor adventures. The city is very walkable and bicycle-friendly, and several parks dot the Willamette River along the city’s west side. Visit Elk Rock Island to do some fishing or Spring Park Natural Area to enjoy the walking trails and playground. Milwaukie does promise you a rose garden – just visit the Sara Hite Memorial Rose Garden to surround yourself in its 400-plus rose bushes.

Located about six miles from downtown Portland, commuters can easily reach the city. For those who prefer mass transit, the TriMet’s light rail service connects Milwaukie with Portland. If you want to bike to the station you’ll find 36 rack spaces and 12 lockers.