Gresham OR

Gresham – Nestled between the scenic Columbia River Gorge and the bustling city of Portland, Gresham offers a charming mix of small-town warmth and outdoor adventure. Whether you're strolling through historic downtown, hiking forested trails, or enjoying local festivals, Gresham brings the beauty of Oregon right to your doorstep.

• Population: ~114,000
• Weather: Mild with wet winters and warm, dry summers (35-85°F).
• Places To Visit: Main City Park, Gresham Japanese Garden, Springwater Corridor Trail, Mount Hood Community College Planetarium, Downtown Gresham Arts Plaza.
• Top Activities: Biking along scenic trails, attending farmers markets, exploring nearby Mount Hood, enjoying live music events, visiting artisan coffee shops.
• Famous Food: Farm-to-table dishes at The Local Cow, classic American breakfast at Sweet Betty’s Bistro, handcrafted ice cream at Baskin-Robbins, and bold coffee from Black Rock Coffee Bar.

Gresham, Oregon is a growing suburban city just east of Portland, known for its blend of urban and natural surroundings. With a diverse economy, Gresham offers a range of career opportunities across industries such as healthcare, education, construction, and public service. Below are five of the most sought-after jobs in Gresham today.

Gresham, OR is a hidden gem for students looking for places to unwind, relax, and enjoy some downtime. Nestled close to Portland, Gresham offers unique spots for chilling out after a long study session.

Main City Park – This park is perfect for a sunny day out. With large green spaces, picnic areas, and walking trails, students can enjoy a bit of nature close to home. It's also a great spot for a study group or just to take a breather.

Gresham Japanese Garden – A serene escape where students can appreciate the peaceful beauty of Japanese landscaping. It’s ideal for a quiet afternoon of relaxation and reflection.

Mt. Hood Lanes – Whether you’re a bowling pro or just there for fun, this bowling alley offers a lively atmosphere. It's perfect for hanging out with friends on weekends or evenings.

Neighbor's Taproom – If you're of age and want to experience local craft beer, Neighbor's Taproom is the place to be. Here, students find a laid-back vibe with occasional live music to enjoy.

Regal Gresham Station – A wonderful spot to catch the latest blockbuster or indie film. Its comfortable seating and modern screens make movie nights something to look forward to.

Historic Downtown Gresham – Filled with quaint little shops, cozy cafes, and local eateries, this area is perfect for exploring. It’s a nice spot to grab a coffee, do some window shopping, or just wander around.

Gresham, OR, located near Portland's educational and cultural hub, offers students access to a range of excellent public and private colleges and universities. These institutions provide strong academic programs, skilled faculty, and opportunities for career advancement in fields such as healthcare, technology, liberal arts, and business.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Gresham, OR

Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) – Located in Gresham, MHCC is one of Oregon’s top community colleges. It offers associate degree programs in healthcare, business, computer science, and the arts, as well as technical training and workforce development. The college is known for its affordable tuition and strong transfer pathways to four-year universities.

Portland State University (PSU) – Just a short drive from Gresham, PSU is a major public university offering over 200 degree programs. It is nationally recognized for urban planning, engineering, and sustainability studies. PSU's campus is located in downtown Portland, making it accessible for Gresham residents.

Clackamas Community College – Although located in nearby Oregon City, Clackamas CC serves many students from Gresham. It provides strong programs in business, industrial technology, and health sciences. It’s also known for its supportive academic environment and career-focused education.

Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) – Portland-Metro Campus – This satellite campus located in Wilsonville offers hands-on applied sciences and technology degrees. Students from Gresham can access high-demand programs in engineering, medical imaging, and cybersecurity.

Eastern Oregon University – Gresham Regional Center – Providing access to bachelor’s degree programs in business, education, and liberal studies, EOU’s regional center in Gresham serves both traditional and adult learners with flexible class schedules and online options.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Gresham, OR

Multnomah University – Situated just west of Gresham in Portland, Multnomah is a private Christian university known for its programs in theology, education, psychology, and business leadership. It combines academic rigor with faith-based values to develop thoughtful, ethical leaders.

Warner Pacific University – Located near Gresham, this private liberal arts university is rooted in community engagement and affordable education. Warner Pacific offers degree programs in nursing, education, and business, and is committed to serving diverse urban populations.

University of Portland – Though based farther west in Portland, UP is a respected private Catholic institution offering professional and liberal arts degrees. Its nursing and engineering schools are especially recognized, with many students commuting from East Portland and Gresham.

Reed College – A nationally renowned liberal arts college located in Southeast Portland, Reed is known for its academic intensity and a strong focus on critical thinking. With high-quality programs in the humanities and sciences, it attracts talented students from Gresham and across the country.

Concordia University – Portland (closed in 2020) – While no longer operating, Concordia had a longstanding impact on higher education in the Gresham area. It was known for its education, nursing, and business programs and served many students from East Portland and Gresham before its closure.

Gresham, OR, offers a variety of excellent high schools, both public and private. These schools are known for their dedicated teachers, strong academics, and supportive communities. Students in Gresham can find programs that help them prepare for college, careers, and life beyond graduation.

Top Public High Schools in Gresham, OR

• Sam Barlow High School – A well-respected school with Advanced Placement (AP) courses and strong athletic programs. It emphasizes student achievement and community involvement.
• Gresham High School – One of the oldest schools in the area, Gresham High offers a wide range of clubs, honors classes, and career-technical programs to prepare students for success.
• Springwater Trail High School – A smaller public high school that focuses on personalized learning and project-based education. It supports students who thrive in a less traditional setting.
• Center for Advanced Learning – Though not a standard public high school, this charter school partners with local districts to provide specialized training in fields such as health science, business, and IT.
• Reynolds High School – Located nearby in Troutdale, Reynolds serves many Gresham students. It features modern facilities and a diverse range of academic and extracurricular options.

Top Private High Schools in Gresham, OR

• Portland Adventist Academy – A faith-based high school offering a strong academic curriculum along with spiritual development. Students benefit from small class sizes and caring staff.
• Corbett Prep Academy – Located near Gresham, this private school serves high school students with personalized, college-prep programs, including AP courses and hands-on learning.
• Open Door Christian Academy – A private Christian school focusing on biblical values, strong academics, and character development. It fosters close-knit community relationships and individual growth.
• Eastside Christian School – Though smaller in size, this school offers a supportive environment for students seeking both spiritual and academic growth.
• Western Christian School – A private high school option within commuting distance of Gresham. Known for its strong moral foundation and solid academic instruction.

While Gresham, Oregon, does not host any professional sports teams of its own, it is part of the greater Portland metropolitan area. Sports fans in Gresham can easily access and support many exciting professional teams based in nearby Portland. These teams compete across various major and minor leagues, attracting loyal fans from across the region.

🏀 Basketball – Portland Trail Blazers (NBA)

• Portland Trail Blazers – The Trail Blazers are Oregon’s only NBA team and have a passionate fan base. They won their sole NBA championship in 1977 and have made numerous playoff appearances. Legends such as Clyde Drexler and modern stars like Damian Lillard have made the Blazers one of the league’s most respected franchises.

⚽ Soccer – Portland Timbers & Portland Thorns FC (MLS & NWSL)

• Portland Timbers – Playing in Major League Soccer, the Timbers have a strong tradition and some of the most enthusiastic fans in the league. They have won the MLS Cup in 2015 and were runners-up in 2018 and 2021. The team is known for its dedicated supporter group, the Timbers Army.
• Portland Thorns FC – One of the most successful teams in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the Thorns have won three league championships (2013, 2017, 2022). With star players like Christine Sinclair and Sophia Smith, they have helped grow women's soccer in the Northwest.

🏒 Hockey – Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

• Portland Winterhawks – Although not part of the NHL, the Winterhawks play in the major junior Western Hockey League (WHL) and have a rich history of success. Over the years, they have developed NHL talents like Cam Neely and Seth Jones, and have won two Memorial Cups.

⚾ Baseball – Portland Pickles (West Coast League)

• Portland Pickles – A fun and community-focused team in the West Coast League, the Pickles consist of college players looking to sharpen their skills during the summer. Known for their lighthearted promotions and loyal fanbase, they provide exciting, family-friendly entertainment in the Portland area.

Gresham may not have teams within its city limits, but it is closely connected to the thriving sports culture of Portland. Residents have easy access to top-tier basketball, soccer, hockey, and baseball experiences, making it a great place for sports fans to live and visit.

Gresham, Oregon is more than just a suburb of Portland; it’s a unique city with its own charm, history, and culture. Nestled between the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood, this city offers both urban fun and outdoor adventures. Here are 10 fun facts that highlight what makes Gresham special:

1. Historic Roots – Gresham was officially incorporated in 1905, but settlers began arriving as early as the mid-1800s.
2. Name Origin – The city is named after Walter Q. Gresham, a U.S. Postmaster General who never visited Oregon!
3. Festival Fun – Each year, locals and visitors gather for the Gresham Art Walk, a celebration of local artists and craftspeople.
4. Gateway to Adventure – Gresham is located near the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood, making it a perfect base for hiking, skiing, and kayaking.
5. Biking Community – The city is part of the Springwater Corridor, a 21-mile trail perfect for cycling, running, or walking.
6. Rich Diversity – Gresham is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Oregon, with over 20% of residents speaking a language other than English at home.
7. Nature in the City – The city boasts over 300 acres of parks including the stunning Gresham Main City Park and Butler Creek Greenway.
8. Old-School Eats – Gresham Station is home to many classic diners and cafes that have been serving locals for decades.
9. Music in the Air – Every summer, the SummerFest packs downtown Gresham with live music, local food, and family fun.
10. Public Art Scene – Gresham’s city center is adorned with colorful murals and sculptures, showing off the area's love for creativity and community spirit.