Portland has been making headlines lately, but the narrative often misses what those of us who live and work here know to be true: this city is vibrant, creative, supportive, and full of heart. At VIDA, we want to take a moment to celebrate what makes Portland truly special – from its natural beauty to its thriving small business community to the people who show up for each other every single day.

Yes, Portland is known nationally for its incredible food scene, stunning natural surroundings, and Powell’s Books. But there’s so much more to love about the city we call home. Here are VIDA’s Top 10 reasons we’re proud to be Portlanders.

1. Forest Park: Urban Wilderness at Our Doorstep

5,200 acres of forest right in the middle of the city – where else can you claim that? Within 20 minutes from downtown Portland, we can access countless hiking trails, bike paths, and opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. At VIDA, our own CEO, Melanie Marconi, hikes Forest Park trails weekly, returning refreshed and ready to tackle whatever the week brings. 

Multiple trailheads throughout Northwest Portland make Forest Park accessible from anywhere in the city, but some of our favorite hikes include:

There’s something powerful about having wilderness so accessible – it reminds us that balance between work and nature isn’t just possible, it’s part of Portland’s DNA. And much gratitude to the Forest Park Conservancy for protecting and restoring our special urban forest!

2. Ice Cream Culture: A Year-Round Love Affair

Portland takes its ice cream seriously, and locals enjoy it all year long – rain or shine! It’s not uncommon for families to make ice cream outings a weekly tradition (or more!).

Our rotating favorites:

What a delicious problem to have – too many amazing options!

3. Small Business Ecosystem: Support That Actually Exists

Portland’s small business support system is special: behind every entrepreneur is a network of organizations, resources, and funding designed to help businesses launch and thrive. In Portland, some of these organizations include:

These organizations – and so many more! – receive crucial funding from the City of Portland through Prosper Portland and the State of Oregon through Business Oregon. As a business that tapped into multiple of these resources, we can tell you they’re not just helpful – they’re critical to the continuation and success of small businesses in Portland.

And here at VIDA, we house dozens of small businesses across our locations, creating a micro-ecosystem of mutual support, collaboration, and growth.

4. Rest & Renewal: A City That Values Wellness

Portland believes deeply in the importance of rest, recovery, and self-care. Our city offers some of the best water-based relaxation spots where you can cold plunge, sauna, steam, and soak, including:

Plus countless options for meditation, sound baths, yoga, bodywork and facials. Portland understands that taking care of yourself isn’t indulgent – it’s essential, especially in stressful times. Namaste!

5. Secondhand Shopping: Sustainable Style

Why buy new when you can find treasures secondhand? Portland is a mecca for gently used everything – a reflection of our values around sustainability and conscious consumption.

Standout shops:

  • REI Used Gear – Quality outdoor equipment at a fraction of the cost
  • Raylee – Consignment boutique with lots of luxury pieces on Division
  • Modo Boutique – Curated designer resale on Alberta
  • Goodwill Stores – Located across the city, with great finds throughout

Shopping secondhand in Portland isn’t just about saving money – it’s a lifestyle choice that honors sustainability and creativity.

6. The Helpers: A City That Shows Up

As Mr. Rogers wisely said, “Look for the helpers.” In Portland, we have helpers everywhere. In the City of Portland alone, we have 15,000 registered nonprofit organizations – from housing and food security to arts and environmental conservation. Within our community, VIDA serves as the HQ for several outstanding nonprofits, including:

  • Greater Than – Supporting and empowering students from poverty-impacted communities to thrive in school, college and career
  • Momentum Alliance – Youth-of-color-led nonprofit inspiring young people to realize their power and mentoring future social justice leaders
  • Minds Matter Portland – Connecting driven students from low-income families with mentoring, tutoring, and enrichment opportunities
  • Coalition of Community Health Clinics – Strengthening community clinics, promoting health equity, and fostering collaboration
  • Alliance for Global Water Adaptation – International NGO that works to find solutions for resilient water resources management

Volunteerism also runs high in our city, with a recent study showing that 58% of us volunteer our time and talents, with the state of Oregon ranking in the top 25% of all states. Charitable giving is impressive too, with local foundations – Oregon Community Foundation, Knight Foundation, the MJ Murdock Charitable Trust and Meyer Memorial Trust – distributing more than $525 million last year.

When challenges arise, Portlanders consistently show up for one another – whether through organized efforts or spontaneous acts of kindness. This culture of helping isn’t just nice to have – it’s woven into the fabric of who we are as a city.

7. Creative Arts: Where Innovation Takes Shape

Portland has always been a city of makers and creatives. Some of the most creative global businesses and agencies launched here – from Nike to Wieden+Kennedy – and that creative energy continues to thrive at every level, from hobbyist to professionals.

Places to create:

Tools and materials:

Access to creative spaces and materials keeps our imaginations active and our hands busy making beautiful things.

8. Theaters: Stories on Every Screen

At VIDA, we love a good movie, and we’re proud supporters of the Hollywood Theatre – one of Portland’s treasured independent cinemas. But we’re blessed with so many more options for immersing ourselves in stories, including:

Whether you want first-run blockbusters, local indies, classic revivals, or budget-friendly second runs, Portland’s theater scene offers ways to experience stories from every perspective.

9. Farms, Markets & CSAs: Farm-to-Table Living

Portland’s connection to local agriculture runs deep. We’re blessed with access to incredible farms, vibrant farmers markets, and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs that bring fresh, seasonal produce right to our neighborhoods.

Some of our favorites across the board include:

  • Topaz Farms – Perfect for seasonal celebrations, pumpkin patches, and family outings on Sauvie Island
  • Lee Farms – A fun tradition for holiday events and u-pick experiences in Tualatin
  • Hollywood Farmers Market – Year-round market in NE Portland (Saturdays)
  • Beaverton Farmers Market – Celebrating local growers and makers in our own backyard (Saturdays, May-October)
  • Double F Farms – Central Oregon farm offering CSA boxes and annual Stock Up Days

Portland’s farms, markets and CSAs are more than just places to eat and shop – they’re community gathering spaces where you can connect with the people who grow your food and steward the land, reducing our environmental impact, and strengthening our local food system.

10. Good Humor & Appropriate Outrage

Portland has recently been at the center of national attention, particularly around federal overreach and ICE practices. But here’s what the headlines often miss: Portlanders are responding with both fierce advocacy and good humor that keeps us grounded.

How we’re showing up:

  • Peaceful protests with creativity and wit
  • Thousands of first-person social media posts showing the real Portland – safe, peaceful, and thriving
  • Community organizing that brings neighbors together
  • Art, music, and performance as forms of resistance and joy

From viral “Portland reality check” videos to community gatherings that center connection over conflict, we’re demonstrating that our city remains what it’s always been: a place where people show up for their values while maintaining perspective and humanity.

The Portland We Know and Love

Yes, Portland faces challenges – what city doesn’t? But the narrative that our city is unsafe or in decline simply doesn’t match the reality of those of us who live, work, and build community here every day.

We see a city of:

  • Small businesses supporting each other
  • Neighbors looking out for neighbors
  • Creativity and innovation at every turn
  • Natural beauty accessible to everyone
  • Commitment to sustainability and justice
  • Good food, good coffee, and good conversations

At VIDA, we’re grateful to be part of Portland’s vibrant coworking and small business community. We see firsthand how this city nurtures entrepreneurs, supports creative work, and builds connections that matter.

Portland isn’t perfect – no place is. But it’s ours, and it’s full of people doing remarkable things every single day. That’s the Portland story worth telling.

We Want to Hear From You!

What do you love about Portland? Share your favorite local businesses, hidden gems, and reasons you’re proud to call this city home in the comments below. Let’s celebrate Portland together! 🧡

VIDA is Portland’s locally-owned coworking community with locations in NE Portland and Beaverton. We’re proud to support the small businesses, creatives, and changemakers who make this city special. Learn more about our community.