There are many unique cities within an hour's drive from Portland.

Portland itself is located at the border of Oregon and Washington, which means that various living areas span across both states. This time, I have briefly organized the cities around Portland by direction.

First, to the north, crossing the Columbia River into Washington, you will find Vancouver (Vancouver, WA). It is so close that it can essentially be considered part of the same living area as Portland, and due to relatively lower housing costs and the absence of state income tax in Washington, many Portland workers live in Vancouver.

The population is about 190,000, making it the fourth largest city in Washington. A little further north from Vancouver, there are small towns like Battle Ground and Ridgefield, and the previously mentioned Ilani Casino is also in this direction.

Heading south about 50 miles, you will reach Salem (Salem), the capital of Oregon. It is a medium-sized city with a population of about 170,000, where many state government agencies are concentrated, and the economy is strongly based on agriculture. Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, it is also known as a wine region. The cost of living is lower than in Portland, so some people choose Salem when they first immigrate, and there are Korean churches and small Korean communities established there. Further south from Salem are Corvallis and Eugene, with Eugene being a college town that houses the University of Oregon, with about 170,000 residents. It takes about two hours by car from Portland, slightly beyond 50 miles, but it is often mentioned for educational or travel purposes.

To the east, following the Columbia River Gorge, you will find Hood River. It is about 60 miles from Portland and is famous as a mecca for windsurfing and kiteboarding, with many apple and pear orchards in the rural area.

In spring, when the flowers bloom, it becomes a very popular driving route. To the west, cities like Forest Grove, Hillsboro, and Beaverton are included in the Portland metro area. Hillsboro is home to Intel's headquarters, attracting many tech industry workers, and Beaverton is also home to Nike's headquarters and Adidas North America's headquarters, making it a hub for sports brand employees.

Astoria is often mentioned as a city to the west along the coast. It is about 95 miles from Portland, just outside the 50-mile radius, but it is a historic port city where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean and is one of the oldest cities in Oregon. It is known as the filming location for movies like The Goonies and Short Circuit, and the Astoria Column is a popular attraction for visitors. It is quite popular as a day trip destination from Portland.

Among the cities near Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, and Lake Oswego are where many Koreans reside. Lake Oswego is directly adjacent to Portland to the south and is known for its good school districts, making it a popular choice for Korean families who prioritize their children's education. Clackamas, Milwaukie, and Oregon City are also classified as part of the southeastern living area of Portland. Portland itself is suitable for those who prefer urban living, while those seeking a quiet and safe residential environment tend to choose the surrounding suburban cities.