10 Best Independent Living Communities in Portland, OR
In recent years, Portland, Oregon, has experienced significant population growth due to many factors, like its stunning scenery and magnetic cultural atmosphere. Local governance has also made many thoughtful environmental efforts that, paired with a beautiful and vibrant atmosphere, bring in people of all ages and backgrounds. Additionally, the city boasts outstanding public transportation.
In this guide, you’ll learn what it’s like to live in one of our 27 in-network independent living communities in Portland. We go over the costs of living and how people pay. You’ll also learn about local benefits for veterans and public assistance to help cover the cost of senior living. The regulations section of this guide outlines standards for independent living on the Oregon and Washington sides of Portland. Listings of communities were pulled from a 10-mile radius from downtown Portland, which includes parts of Vancouver, Washington. Learn all about Portland independent living below.
Portland Independent Living Facilities | 2201 Reviews
The communication between administration and family is lacking. Continuity of care is lacking. they are suppose to have a nurse employed and they have been without
Management team is live-in and they are fantastic. They are caring and work so hard for the residents. We would definitely recommend this community to other families. My Dad takes part in lots of activities,...
We are also lucky that The Hampton & Ashley Inn is close to our family homes. Also her area has its own dining area so that is small too which is nice. Mom is in the Assisted living area which is the Ashley...
The Stratford has beautiful facilities, full menu in dining room, lots of activities. Based on the experience we have had, we would recommend this community to other families.
I am so impressed with staff and management at Farmington Square Beaverton, particularly during the last few days while my mother was being transferred into transitional memory care. Mom has lived there for...
Staff friendliness was rated lower due to some staff who sat and on their phones, chewing gum (one of my pet peeves) and not interacting with the residents. I think more supervision by making rounds...
So far so good. The only thing my dad has mentioned that could be a concern is sometimes he chooses to pass on lunch or dinner when they are not making what he likes. If there are options which I think there...
Everyone was friendly and welcoming. The move-in process was very easy and seamless. Most of the meals are well received, but there are a few that he has complained about. However, he is able to make his own...
I'd say it was clean and set up well for its purpose. We chose this community because it's close to us, the prices are decent, they had an immediate opening and they run a memory care facility right next...
It's a great place. I would recommend to others. We picked this community because of the price, and it was the only one available.
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I love it here the residents the staff are fantastic. I would most definitely recommend this place to anyone for the value for the price. Right now we're going to renovations a little tough, but will be...
I would say that it was a lovely place for mom to live but that they are woefully unprepared to deal with anyone with dementia who is uncooperative, in denial, and occasionally loud.
The friendliness of the staff is their strongest area. I can't say enough good things about them. The facility is so bright and cheerful due to the design of the building. The smaller size makes it so...
I want to say that [name removed]does a great job! She is the best I have ever had and I have been in 3 different communities. I would recommend [name removed]to any residents. I would also like to say the...
My loved one was previously a resident at Edgewood Point Assisted Living and Memory Care and the experience there was great for her. My loved one loved it there and they took really good care of her. The...
I gave the cleanliness a 4 only because it is an older building and could stand an update to the walls (paint), floor and carpet as well. And food, sometimes limited options are not to my liking. Not that...
Retrieving medication at the end of my loved one's stay required few returns before we had her correct medication. I also question if she received her daily medication since her acetaminophen was not opened...
I think it's a pleasant place to live overall. This is an independent living facility but most of the people seem to be 1000 years old. It can be kind of depressing in the hallway. It would be a lot nicer if...
This is a small scale facility but in a lot of ways that's what makes it great. You get more personalized attention and get to know whos taking care of you as well as your fellow "house mates". Things are a...
My mother lived at CherryWood Village for three years - first in Independent Living and then in the Royal Anne wing (Assisted Living). We chose CherryWood because my mom used to do visitation there, so she...
We were in a bind and needed to quickly move my loved one we picked this community. Everything has been great for her and she really likes all that is here. The meals, activities, and the garden, just to...
Activities were slow due to covid but are now coming back. It's an adequate community. It's in a good spot of town, handsome on the inside. Sharing a parking lot with a 7-11.
The people at Firwood Gardens are all very friendly and they have done a very good job making my parents feel special and welcome, making sure they knew their names and were a part of the community. It's...
The majority of the staff are caring and friendly at Rose Schnitzer Manor. The housekeeping service is good. The meals are excellent, but the turnover of staff is problematic for standing orders. There's a...
We looked at so many different places,and this place fit my mom best. It was comfortable for my mom and they offered a lot of services at a lower price than other communities. The food was very good and my...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Portland community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Portland community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of independent living in the Portland, Oregon, area
- What families are saying about independent living in Portland
- How people pay for independent living in Portland, Oregon
- Understand Oregon and Washington laws and regulations for independent living communities
- What to expect from independent living in Portland
- Portland independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Portland? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in the Portland, Oregon, area
On average, independent living communities in our Portland partner network cost around $3,982 each month.[01] Note that this number includes associated fees and service add-ons that real residents paid in the past twelve months. Additional fees you might encounter in independent living communities may include one-time admission fees, such as community fees. These one-time community fees averaged $2,500 in 2022-2023.
Communities may also have additional monthly fees for add-on services like the following:
- Lodging upgrades, such as extra bedrooms or detached cottages
- Parking on-site, costing between $20 to $60 monthly
- Pet fees, falling anywhere between $50 to $500 monthly
- A second person moving in, with costs ranging between $585 and $750
Note that some seniors report flexible pricing in reviews among Portland communities.
Is Portland an affordable place to live?
Overall, costs of living in Portland are 24% higher than the national average. While Oregon doesn’t have sales tax and Washington doesn’t tax pension incomes, housing in Portland is 62% higher than the national average.[02]
The U.S. Census Bureau indicates that of the retirees aged 60+ in the Portland metropolitan area:
- 70% are bringing in an annual Social Security income of around $22,000
- 49% are bringing in an annual retirement income at a mean of $36,000[03]
Given that, it helps to go into independent living knowing how your state taxes this income. One benefit for seniors on both sides of the state line is that neither Oregon nor Washington tax Social Security benefits. Many seniors choose to live in the Portland suburb of Vancouver, Washington, which has more independent living facilities, better tax benefits for retirees, and an overall cost of living at only 4% higher than the national average. In fact, Vancouver housing is 2% lower than the national average housing cost.[04]
Here are some differences between senior taxation in Oregon and Washington:
- Withdrawals from retirement accounts. The state of Oregon taxes retirement account withdrawals. However, Washington state does not tax retirement account withdrawals.
- Public and private pension income. Pension incomes are partially taxed in Oregon. As mentioned previously, pension incomes are not taxed in Washington.[05,06]
Baseline costs across the area
The following numbers indicate average baseline costs in the surrounding Portland independent living communities. Please note that add-on expenses aren’t included in the numbers below. The figures are meant to help you compare local area costs.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Portland, OR vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Portland, OR vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Portland vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Portland, OR by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Portland over time
What families are saying about independent living in Portland
Recent reviews for independent living in Portland
Courtyard at Mt. Tabor in Portland, OR
Clearwater Springs Assisted Living in Vancouver, WA
The Heights at Columbia Knoll in Portland, OR
Reviews mention these favorite features of communities
How people pay for independent living in Portland, Oregon
Most seniors pay for independent living through a variety of public and private funding sources, the same way they might pay for monthly rent or mortgages. This section includes private pay tips and information on veterans benefits to help pay for independent living. We also include tips on navigating the Oregon and Washington Medicaid and Medicare programs to help pay for senior health care services.
Private payment methods Portland seniors often use to cover their independent living costs include income like savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. Depending on your resources, the following options may also be available:
A VA pension and other VA benefits can provide monthly income to eligible senior veterans or their surviving spouses. This income can be used toward the costs of independent living and in-home care.
The veterans Aid and Attendance benefit is a generous pension addition you might also be eligible for as a disabled veteran or surviving spouse. This benefit can be used toward anything that improves a veteran’s quality of life, like living in an independent living community.
Navigating veterans benefits with expert help
Applying for veterans benefits can be a long and difficult process. Without advocacy, your claim may be denied. Because of this, many local Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) have veteran service officers available to help you get the benefits you’re entitled to and even appeal denied claims. Because of COVID-19, offices may or may not have walk-in services available. Many offer phone appointments instead.
Nonprofit organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion have service officers available to advocate for veterans filing claims. Other local organizations, such as the National Association for Black Veterans and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) also offer veteran service officers to help Black or disabled veterans access their benefits in Portland.
Residents also have access to numerous veterans helplines for quick, helpful information right over the phone. Below, you’ll find a number of resources to connect you to Portland VSOs, veterans services by county, benefits guides, and more.
Number of veterans who live in Portland
Percentage of Portland veterans who are 55+
Resources for Portland, Oregon, veterans
Multnomah County Veterans Services
Phone: 503-988-8387
Clackamas County
Phone: 503-650-5631
Clark County
Phone: 360-693-7030
Washington County
Phone: 503-846-3060
Portland Regional Office
1505 NE 122nd Ave.
Portland, OR 97230
Phone: 503-688-5361
Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs
Phone: 503-412-4777
TriState Paralyzed Veterans of America
Phone: 503-412-4762
Find a service office
American Legion
Phone: 503-412-4706
Find a post
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Phone: 503-412-4750
Find your local office
National Association for Black Veterans
Phone: 503-412-4159
Oregon chapter
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Phone: 503-412-4757
Find a post
Aging, Disability, and Veteran Services helpline
Phone: 503-988-3646
Transition Projects’ veterans hotline
Phone: 855-425-5544
Veterans crisis line
Phone: 800-273-8255
In Oregon, Medicaid — a state- and federally-funded health insurance program — is offered through the Oregon Health Plan. Meanwhile, seniors on the Washington side receive their Medicaid benefits through Apple Health. While Medicaid doesn’t cover the cost of room and board in independent living communities, both Medicaid programs can help cover in-home health care services if they’re medically necessary for you. Eligibility varies depending on which side of the state line you’re on, but typically requires seniors meet these types of qualifications:
- Be 65+ years old
- Have a disability
- Meet low-income requirements
Oregon Health Plan (OHP)
Through OHP, you may be eligible for the following services:[08]
- Home health care overseen by a registered nurse or health aide
- Therapies, such as physical, occupational, or speech-language pathology
- Respite care for caregivers
- Medically necessary equipment, such as wheelchairs or oxygen equipment
Navigating Medicaid eligibility and enrollment can be a bit confusing. Oregon has Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) that work with OHP as an all-in-one resource for patients. They can help you with your health care questions, appointments, and navigation through the health care systems in Oregon. To help secure your Medicaid benefits or access advocacy, an OHP ombudsman is available for Oregon residents.
Oregon also has the following fantastic services to help guide Portland seniors through the process:
- The Community Services and Supports Unit (CSSU). This is Oregon’s Area Agency on Aging. They can help connect you to the most pertinent services by location.
- The Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC). This organization offers free services, such as OHP navigation, and resources for seniors and people with disabilities.
Home and community based services (HCBS) waivers for Portland seniors
Portland seniors on the Washington side may be eligible for the Community Protection Waiver, if they meet criteria including but not limited to the following:
- Have a disability
- Complete the Medicaid application
- Be a current client of the Washington Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
- Receive income lower than 300% of the Supplemental Security Income benefit standard
This waiver helps Washington residents stay in their home of choice instead of an institutional setting. This helps in the event of needing assistance such as the following:
- Round-the-clock care
- Assistive technology
- Skilled nursing
- Specialized supplies or equipment
- Therapies
Oregon residents over 65 or with a disability may also have access to HCBS waivers. These are distributed through the Oregon Department of Human Services. For more information, contact the department by email.
Apple Health for Washington seniors
Seniors on the Washington side of the Portland suburbs receive Medicaid benefits through Apple Health. If you’re in the Vancouver area, you may be eligible for these Apple Health services:[09]
- In-home care
- Payment support for Medicare premiums and health care costs
- Prescription medications
- Medically necessary lab services
- Transportation to and from medical appointments as needed
For questions about Apple Health and related waivers, here are some additional ways to get answers:
- Connect with the Washington Health Care Authority.
- Explore Helping Elders, the Clark County Area Agency on Aging website.
- See the resources section below for more information and contacts.
Portland resident Medicaid resources
Oregon OHP Ombudsman Program
500 Summer St. NE, E20
Salem, OR 97301
Phone message line: 877-642-0450
Email: oha.ombudsoffice@odhsoha.oregon.gov
Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)
Phone: 503-988-3646
Email: adrc@multco.us
Clark County Area Agency on Aging for Washington residents
201 NE 73rd St., Suite 201
Vancouver, WA 98665
Phone: 360-735-5720
Medicare is the designated federal health insurance program for seniors over age 65. Medicare doesn’t cover costs of independent living, but may cover medically necessary health care services.
Medicare plans include the following parts:
- Medicare Parts A and B, or Original Medicare. This is the basic Medicare plan. Part A covers skilled nursing, hospital stays, and lab tests. Part B covers home health and doctors’ office visits.
- Medicare Advantage or Part C. Medicare Advantage plans are offered through private insurance companies. Fewer health care providers may take these plans, but these plans do typically cover prescription drugs in addition to everything that Original Medicare provides.
- Medicare Part D. This is often added to Original Medicare and offers additional prescription drug coverage.
- Medigap. This is a supplemental insurance plan with extra coverage for those with Medicare A and B. Medigap plans provide assistance with copays and overseas medical coverage, to name a few.
Seniors with AIDS or HIV may be eligible for additional pharmaceutical assistance through either Oregon’s CareAssist program or Washington’s Early Intervention program. Medicare Savings Programs are available to Oregon seniors with Medicare Part A whose income falls within a certain limit. These programs may cover some of a senior’s Medicare premium.
Oregon has three Medicare programs. You can apply for Medicare savings programs online and see which best fits your needs.[10] Oregon and Washington both offer PACE services, which stands for Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly. PACE is a Medicare program with a Medicaid service option. It’s designed to bridge some of the gaps in Medicare Parts A-D. You can explore further details on the state websites in the resources below.
PACE coverage might cover the following health care costs:
- Primary care expenses
- Medically necessary prescription drugs
- Transportation to doctor appointments
- Numerous therapies
To apply for Medicare online, visit the Social Security Administration application website. Contact Portland’s Social Security Administration office or connect with the long-term care ombudsman for your county for assistance with Medicare benefits and Medicare Savings Programs. In addition to Medicare benefits, the local ombudsman can help residents know their rights and serve as a source of further advocacy for seniors.
In Oregon, seniors also have access to Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (also known as SHIBA). Washington residents have access to a similar program called the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (also SHIBA), which serves residents in the same capacity as Oregon’s version. In both states, SHIBA is a network of volunteers, trained and dedicated to educate and advocate for Oregonians and Washingtonians who have or need Medicare.
Portland resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration
Portland Social Security Office
1538 SW Yamhill St.
Portland, OR 97205
Phone: 888-632-6990
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Understand Oregon and Washington laws and regulations for independent living communities
Of the 27 independent living communities in the Portland metro, nine offer assisted living in addition to independent living. Seven offer assisted living and memory care in addition to independent living and 11 offer independent living only.
If an independent living community offers assisted living and/or memory care, they may be subject to regulations for assisted living facilities. Such communities are licensed and regulated by either Oregon’s Community-Based Care team or Washington’s Residential Care Services team, depending on where in the metropolitan area that community is located. Note that the extra regulations may only apply to a facility’s assisted living or memory care wings. If a community offers independent living only, they may only have the local standard apartment regulations.
Regulations in multicare facilities
If an independent living community offers assisted living and memory care services, Community-Based Care and/or Residential Care Services regulate the care that independent living facilities are providing in assisted living or memory care wings. This is to ensure that independent living residents are legally protected from potential mistreatment or neglect.
These rules state that higher-care wings are required to comply with regulations, including but not limited to the following:[11]
- Facility management and caretakers may not neglect, financially exploit, or abuse residents verbally, mentally, sexually, or physically.
- Facility management must provide homelike, safe living environment.
- Facilities must have 24-hour awake staff if residents with dementia are present.
- Care providers must observe residents for and report changes in overall functioning if the facility is providing care services.
Additionally, residents in independent living have the following rights, according to these same regulations:
- Residents in independent living should be informed of available care options by their assigned caretakers, and residents should be given the opportunity to select or refuse service, accepting responsibility for the consequences.
- Residents have freedom from retaliation after exercising their lawful rights.[12]
Regulations in stand-alone independent living facilities
In independent living communities without assisted living, more general regulations might apply, like the following:
- Landlords or owners must provide waterproof and weatherproof facilities.
- Owners must keep residences pest-free.
- Residents must be provided with hot and cold water that’s safe to drink.
- Heating and air conditioning must be available.
- Electrical equipment must be properly installed.
- Appliances provided must be in good working order.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must function properly.[13,14]
Under these regulations, there are also certain rules that tenants have to follow. These include things like keeping your home sanitary and not disturbing the neighbors.
Residential and disability rights in Portland
Under Oregon and Washington law, tenants’ rights protect them against potentially unsafe or unfair conditions. This means that units should meet the following standards, to name a few:
- Landlords cannot discriminate against tenants based on age, gender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, creed, race, disability status, or immigration status.
- Buildings must be kept up to code by the landlord, with needed repairs made in a timely manner.
- Landlords must act in accordance with rent raise limitations. For example, they may not be able to raise the rent within the first year or over 10% of your income.
- Landlords must abide by ADA requirements as needed.
These rights are enforced in Portland by Building and Development Services (BDS); concerns of violations or complaints can be directed to their email address or helpline.
For seniors with disabilities, ADA requirements might include the following:
- Landlords must consider disability income payment dates when crafting a payment schedule.
- Landlords must assign an easy-entry parking spot to the dwelling.
- Landlords must allow reasonable modifications to a residential dwelling, which might include specialized smoke detectors, widened doorways, or wheelchair ramps, to name a few.
- Landlords must allow a service animal to live in the residence, even if there’s a no-pet policy in place.
These rights are protected by the Fair Housing Act, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504.
BDS Property Compliance
Phone: 503-823-2633
Email: codec@portlandoregon.gov
Oregon Department of Health contact information
North Mall Office Building
725 Summer St. NE, Suite B
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 503-986-2000
Email: hcs_housing.info@hcs.oregon.gov
Washington Department of Health contact information
Find an office near you
Phone: 360-236-4501
COVID-19 regulations for Portland independent living communities
In Oregon, long-term care facilities, such as independent living communities, are now required to develop COVID-19 vaccine maintenance programs following completion of statewide vaccine clinics. Additionally, indoor visitation is allowed with some limitations, so long as visitors adhere to the COVID-19 prevention protocols below.[15] Be sure to contact your prospective facility to determine if visitation is allowed.
In Washington, residents or visitors may be required to report suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19.[16] You can find the list of notifiable conditions at the Washington Department of Health website.
Vaccinations. Long-term care facilities must develop a vaccine maintenance program to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Masking. Residents and visitors alike must wear masks when a resident is receiving company from outside of the independent living community.
Social distancing. Residents and visitors must maintain 6 feet of distance during external visitation.
Quarantining. Indoor visitation may be limited if a resident is in quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.
Reporting. In Washington, you must report suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 to your local health jurisdiction and to the Residential Care Services Complaint Resolution Unit (CRU).
What to expect from independent living in Portland
The Portland metropolitan area is buzzing with life, charm, and endless things to do in the city’s lovely, rainforest locale. A common theme throughout our partner network of independent living facilities is the effort to create a tranquil, homelike place to land amid everything there is to do and enjoy in the city.
While some independent living facilities aim for a bright and airy indoor environment, others lean more toward coziness and warmth. Common spaces feature elements of the surrounding area, such as rustic wood detailing and botanic greenery. From outdoor gardens and walking paths to indoor residences and common areas, there’s an eye for the small details that make a house feel like a home.
Interest-centered, active lifestyles
Independent living facilities in the area may create robust activity schedules, with plenty of things for residents to do. Throughout our partner communities in the Portland metro, there’s an undeniable sense of personalization in these efforts. Residents are offered innovative, interest-centered programming and wellness programs. Programs are designed to help seniors explore new or long-enjoyed hobbies, skills, and entertainment.
Of our partner Portland-metro independent living facilities, these were the most common offerings:
- 77% of communities host gardening clubs, and 70% have raised garden beds for residents to cultivate their own gardens.
- 92% offer devotional activities on-site for those wanting to practice their faith.
- 85% of facilities offer educational speakers and life-long learning opportunities for those wanting to exercise their minds.
- 92% of independent living communities offer art classes and creative enrichment opportunities, while 66% feature a dedicated arts and crafts center.
- 85% of communities host regular live music, dance, or theater performances.
- 74% of partner communities offer happy hours, and 63% feature wine tastings for the sommelier at heart.
Practical and convenient lodgings
Residents in Portland independent living communities love the standard amenities that come in their personal lodgings. Many love the full kitchens present in 70% of independent living communities. Among our partnering facilities, 85% also feature air conditioning in addition to heating elements, readying any abode for cold snaps or heat waves.
For those needing additional accessibility measures, most facilities have accessible showers and ground floor units for easy navigation. Of course, independent living communities are required to make needed modifications according to ADA guidelines. However, in 85% of Portland communities, they’ve anticipated the need and delivered accessible accommodations in advance.
Thoughtful care
The independent living lifestyle in Portland offers a higher quality of life with lower maintenance and hassle. As such, you’ll find thoughtful details in everything from the care offered to the meal planning and the services available to residents.
For on-site care, most facilities employ 24-hour staff that are available in case of emergencies. Everything from massage therapy to on-site nursing is offered in some facilities, though these care types vary greatly, and it’s always a good idea to check with prospective communities to see if they offer the specific services you’re seeking.
Facility menus prioritize healthy, seasonal favorites for residents, based on local availability and time-tested resident favorites. Of the food options available, these options were most common:
- Around 78% of independent living facilities have a professional chef.
- About 63% of communities offer vegetarian fare, while 44% offer vegan options.
- Approximately 48% of Portland facilities provide gluten-free options.
For those who prefer to stay in or cook from the comfort of their own apartments, 78% offer room service and 63% of facilities provide grocery shopping and errands services.
Portland independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Portland independent living
Availability of select dining options in Portland independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in Portland independent living
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Unfamiliar with Portland? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Portland
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Portland population
Mean annual earnings for Portland seniors 60 and older
Health care for seniors in Portland
In Portland, seniors benefit from a wealth of excellent health care options. You’ll find some of the top rated hospital systems in the Portland metro area below.
Oregon Health and Science University (OSHU) Hospital
Nationally ranked in six specialties, OHSU hospital is ranked No. 1 in Portland. The hospital is especially high performing in senior health procedures, such as heart conditions, orthopedics, and pulmonology.
Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
Ranked second in Portland, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center earns high ranks in neurology and cancer procedures.
Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center
Third in Portland, Kaiser Permanente ranks highly in gastroenterology procedures and diabetes care.
Transportation for seniors in Portland
In Portland, 92% of independent living facilities offer complimentary transportation options, while 48% offer transportation at cost. Meanwhile, 81% of independent living communities are strategically located near Portland’s plentiful public transportation options, which include the following:[01]
- Light rail system. This Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) light rail can be accessed through TriMet, the city’s primary hub for public transportation. The MAX offers 60 miles of track and nearly 100 stops to serve Portland residents navigating the city. The MAX also offers reduced fares for seniors 65+ along with robust accessibility measures. You can review their accessibility features on their website.
- TriMet bus transportation. An excellent way to get from Portland to cities in the surrounding Pacific Northwest area, Portland’s bus system stops in Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. Portland has 80+ bus lines servicing the metro area via the TriMet bus system.
- Streetcar. The United States’ first modern streetcar, the Portland streetcar, still offers affordable transportation throughout the city to the most popular stops in town.
- Bicycles. Portland is one of the most bike-friendly cities on the planet. As such, the city offers residents extensive bike rental options and bike lanes. Adaptive Biketown also offers options to increase cycling access for people with disabilities.
Portland has an excellent reputation for thoughtful, effective transportation solutions along with a walk-friendly and bike-friendly infrastructure. The scores below are ranked from zero to 100, portraying Portland as one of the West Coast’s most accessible cities.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Portland
No fewer than 89% of Portland independent living facilities employ an activity director, so dull moments should be hard to come by for independent living residents. Even so, sometimes it’s just nice to get out and about on your own terms. With the metro’s neighboring national parks and its endless offerings for city adventures on a rainy day, there’s always something to do in Portland.
Shopping in Portland
Local neighborhoods, such as the Pearl District or Hawthorne Boulevard, take shoppers from quaint boutiques to excellent food and beyond. Nationally recognized for its famous offerings, Portland’s open-air arts and crafts market celebrates small businesses at the Portland Saturday Market each weekend. Reading enthusiasts are sure to love Powell’s, a nationally-recognized bookstore celebrated for its fabulous collection of new, used, and rare books.
Things to do with friends
Portland offers residents many fabulous senior centers by location and common interest. Multnomah County offers a comprehensive list of district senior centers, which provide services such as the following:
- Options counseling, helping you plan for the future
- Connection to local services, such as housekeeping and grocery shopping
- Recreational activities, such as dancing and intergenerational game time
Additionally, on the Washington side of Portland’s suburbs, you can find some fantastic 50+ recreational activities through Vancouver’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services website. Marshall and Luepke Community Center in Vancouver also features a computer lab and lending library, in addition to dancing and community presentations for seniors.
Things to do with family
Portland undeniably has plenty of attractions to delight all ages. For wildlife adventurers, try the nearby Oregon Zoo. Featuring numerous exhibits from all around the world, this is a great place to take visiting family and grandkids. Additionally, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is another excellent weekend retreat. Featuring regular events and shows to spark curiosity, the museum aims to educate the public on the scientific wonders this world has to offer.
Natural getaways near downtown
Portland is situated among a wealth of stunning national parks and ecological wonders. Portland residents of all ages often spend their weekends traversing the neighboring national parks, which include the following:
Closer to home, you can spend a tranquil afternoon in the Portland Japanese Garden. The floral and artistic explorations therein offer a serene getaway for when you’re craving a moment of peace and beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Lofts by Cogir, Vancouver Pointe and Truewood by Merrill, Vancouver are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Portland, OR. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Portland is $4,297 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Payscale. (2023). Cost of Living in Portland, Oregon.
United States Census Bureau. (2023). Population 60 years and over in the United States: Portland city, Oregon (S0102). [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Payscale. (2023). Cost of Living in Vancouver, Washington.
SmartAsset. (2023). Oregon Retirement Tax Friendliness.
SmartAsset. (2023). Washington Retirement Tax Friendliness.
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