Charming Portland attracts more seniors every year. And our 153 partnering assisted living facilities in the Portland metro give you or your loved one a perfect place to enjoy the good life in the Pacific Northwest. If you need a compassionate extra hand with daily activities and medications or would like to be part of a lively social community, you’ll find all this and more at one of our Portland assisted living partners.
In this guide, we explore our in-network assisted living communities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Portland. We walk you through what to expect in these communities, based on our proprietary data and what real residents are reporting. We go over baseline and additional costs, along with how people tend to pay. We also share local and state-specific regulations for assisted living communities, senior resources in Portland, and local senior attractions.
Find Assisted Living Communities Near Portland, OR
Charming Portland attracts more seniors every year. And our 153 partnering assisted living facilities in the Portland metro give you or your loved one a perfect place to enjoy the good life in the Pacific Northwest. If you need a compassionate extra hand with daily activities and medications or would like to be part of a lively social community, you’ll find all this and more at one of our Portland assisted living partners.Read more
In this guide, we explore our in-network assisted living communities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Portland. We walk you through what to expect in these communities, based on our proprietary data and what real residents are reporting. We go over baseline and additional costs, along with how people tend to pay. We also share local and state-specific regulations for assisted living communities, senior resources in Portland, and local senior attractions.
Portland Assisted Living Facilities | 2105 Reviews
We're very happy with Markham House. They do need to make an investment in a back-up power system to keep the electricity/heat running during prolonged power outages. When the power goes out, the elevator...
When it comes to the meals and dining service I believe they are working on making that experience before. They have communicated their goals. I believe when they changed their meal plan and heard from...
I highly recommend Russellville Park. The staff have been attentive and the move in process was efficiently organized. My mom and dad have been warmly welcomed. There have been some minor hiccups as everyone...
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...
The staff is amazing. Very engaging and personal. Yes I would highly recommend to others. There are both internal and external decks on multiple levels. A very good restaurant. A café on a different floor...
My loved one is currently a resident at The Cottages Senior Living and everything has been great. I would and have recommended this facility to others.
Our loved one seems quite content, as much as she can be. She says the staff are very kind and good to her. It's a beautiful place. In that respect I'm happy. Our biggest complaint is that we don't get...
My MIL was looking for a new community, and we were trying to move her closer to us but she changed her mind because her current community has a large gated dog run. It was great!
The staff members are super friendly and our loved one seems well taken care of. Based on the experience we have had so far with Tabor Crest we would recommend them to other families
Better Living Residential Care was really good about communicating the needs of my loved one to me. They had a Thanksgiving dinner for the entire community there and the residents were able to invite their...
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I would recommend this facility to others. Staff are friendly. Room for improvement would be temperature is inconsistent in common areas, sometimes too cold sometimes too hot.
My aunts diagnosis is Agressive Alzheimer's, her first month she struggled huge with confusion because she was in a new environment. The staff has worked closely with me to help w her transition. Here we...
Amazingly kind and friendly staff, great communication and openness to services. Great care given to each resident. I would highly recommend this facility to others.
Mom is very very happy and has not looked back. She was able to participate in activities the first day she was there and the staff made sure to seat her with others at meal times!
What our family likes the most about the Prestige Senior Living community is the good marketing from the staff members. The staff are also very helpful and our loved one likes the food. We would recommend...
Our loved one living at Cogir at The Quarry is very happy and very content. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend this community to other families who are looking for a place for...
My mom has stayed at Cascade Inn twice this year for short stays/respite care. It's a nice facility, the staff is great, my mom loved playing Bingo. The free flowers from Trader Joe's on Sundays were a...
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...
My loved one is currently a resident at The Finest Care AFH and everything has been very good so far. The owner has done a great job of communicating updates to us regarding our dad's condition. The move in...
My friend needed immediate placement and they could take her right away, even with certain behaviors other places would not. I would recommend to others.
Meals/Dining....[name removed] has a very sensitive taster as well as a very specific idea how things are supposed to taste which seems to change on any given day. Personal comment... I think [name...
Aging Gracefully has been amazing. They are receptive to the family's questions or concerns about our loved one. The community is good at calling the family if anything changes with our loved one, as well....
Overall, my loved one is happy. We picked because this community, because of their ability to handle wound care and other needs for my loved one . I was impressed with the caregivers, positive attitude and...
This is the best place for seniors. We are treated well, listened to, and kept as busy as we can be. We have a huge variety of activities. The staff are kind and helpful. We go on outings. We are taken to...
Edgewood Point Assisted Living and Memory Care is a smaller facility, that makes it more like a family . The staff are very friendly and have communicated well with us. The facility is always clean. I go and...
- Costs of assisted living in the Portland area
- How people pay for assisted living in Portland
- Understand Oregon and Washington laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Get to know assisted living in Portland, Oregon
- What to expect from assisted living in Portland, Oregon
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Portland? Highlights for seniors
Costs of assisted living in the Portland area
On average, our partner assisted living communities cost an average of $5,238 per month in 2022-2023.[01] Note that this figure represents what real families actually paid, including additional fees and expenses. Such additional fees might include the following:
- Care need fees. These depend on how much staff support a resident might need, from low-care needs to high-care needs. In Portland, care fees ranged from $585 monthly for low-care needs to $3,300 monthly for high-care needs.
- Parking fees. Many use Portland’s outstanding public transportation system or complimentary community transportation. However, for those with a car, on-site parking fees averaged $100 monthly.
- Second person fees. Costs may apply if the senior has another person living with them. The average second person fee in Portland was $800 per month.
- Pet fees. Many Portland assisted living facilities are pet-friendly, but monthly pet costs may be steep at an average of $750 per month for pet rent. Keep in mind that this figure includes pet care as well, like walking, feeding, or cleaning up after.
- Community fee. In Portland, these one-time entrance fees averaged around $2,500.[01]
Is it affordable to live in Portland?
It depends. Compared to the national average, costs of living in Portland are 24% higher than the rest of the country. While Oregon doesn’t have sales tax and Washington doesn’t tax pension incomes, Portland housing is still 62% higher than the national average.[02]
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the following is true of retirees aged 60+ in Portland: [03]
- Around 70% bring in an annual Social Security income of around $22,000.
- Around 49% bring in an annual retirement income at a mean of $36,000.
It helps to begin an assisted lifestyle knowing how your state taxes this income. Seniors on both sides of the state line can benefit from the fact that neither Oregon nor Washington tax Social Security benefits. Many choose to live in the Portland suburb of Vancouver, Washington, because of its better tax benefits for retirees. Vancouver also has plentiful assisted living facilities and a comparatively lower cost of living. In fact, Vancouver housing is 2% lower than the national average housing cost.[04]
Here are some differences in taxes for seniors across Oregon and Washington:[05,06]
- Retirement account withdrawals. Oregon taxes retirement account withdrawals. However, Washington does not.
- Private and public pension income. Pension incomes are partially taxed in Oregon. They are not taxed in Washington.
The figures below represent average baseline costs of assisted living in the broader Portland area. Unlike our partner cost figures, these figures do not include additional fees that families often pay.
Average cost comparisons near Portland, OR
Average monthly costs
Portland, OR
How people pay for assisted living in Portland
To pay for Portland assisted living, families and seniors have several options to choose from. In some circumstances, families can use both private and public funds to cover the cost of assisted living in the Portland metro. In this section, you’ll learn about the many options that seniors and their families might have to pay for in assisted living. We also outline several public resources, such as Medicaid, Medicare, and veterans benefits, that could be available to help you pay for assisted living care services.
Portland area seniors often begin looking at their private pay options to cover their ideal assisted living community. Such options include income like savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. Depending on your resources, the following options may also be available to help fund the ideal senior living community:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits
If you’re a veteran or surviving spouse, additional pensions or benefits may help with assisted living costs in the Portland metro. For example, many disabled senior veterans use benefits from their VA pensions or Aid and Attendance benefits to cover their ideal senior community.
A VA pension is monthly income a veteran or their surviving spouse may qualify for. For veterans enrolled in the VA health care system, the Aid and Attendance benefit is a generous addition they may also be eligible for as a disabled veteran. This benefit can be used toward anything that improves quality of life, such as living in an assisted living community.
Help navigating veterans benefits
Applying for veterans benefits can be a long and difficult process. As such, many local veteran service organizations (VSOs) have veteran service officers to help you understand both what you qualify for and how to get your benefits. Offices may not have walk-in services after COVID-19, but many offer phone or online appointments instead.
Additional nonprofit organizations offer help as well, like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and the American Legion local chapters. Other organizations with Portland branches include the National Association for Black Veterans, which advocates for Black veterans.
Portland has numerous veterans helplines you can call for quick guidance. Below, you’ll find a number of resources to help connect you to local veterans services officers, with veterans services by county, benefits guides, and more.
Number of veterans who live in Portland
About 22% of Portland veterans are 75+.
Resources for Portland 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
Portland area seniors may be eligible for Medicaid, the state health care plan for low-income seniors. While Medicaid does not cover room and board at our partner assisted living facilities, it may cover low-income assisted living in Portland at a Medicaid-contracted nursing facility. Medicaid can also cover in-home health care services, such as caregiver assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), at your residence of choice through Medicaid-contracted agencies.
In Oregon, seniors receive Medicaid benefits through the Oregon Health Plan. In Washington, Medicaid benefits are received through the state’s Apple Health program.
Oregon Health Plan (OHP)
Through OHP, you or your loved one may be eligible for the following services:[08]
- Home health care administered by a registered nurse or health aide
- Physical, occupational, or speech-language therapies
- Caregiver respite care
- Necessary medical equipment, such as oxygen equipment, wheelchairs, or walkers
Seniors may also be eligible for a number of government programs and waivers to offset health care costs. Oregon residents over the age of 65 or with a disability may have access to home and community based services (HCBS) waivers through the Oregon Department of Human Services, so they can remain in their residence of choice while receiving care. Contact the department by email for more information.
Navigating Medicaid and waiver eligibility can be confusing, though. To help navigate health care services, Oregon has Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs). These work with OHP as an all-in-one resource for your health care questions, appointments, and guidance in Oregon. Additionally, an OHP ombudsman can help you secure Medicaid benefits and advocate for you.
Oregon also offers these services to help guide you through the process:
- The Community Services and Supports Unit (CSSU) is Oregon’s Area Agency on Aging. CSSU connects you or your loved one to the most applicable services by location.
- The Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC) offers OHP navigation and disability resources, among other free services for seniors.
Apple Health
Seniors in Washington may be eligible for the following health care services through Apple Health:[09]
- In-home health care
- Financial assistance with Medicare premiums, medical expenses, and health care costs
- Prescription medications
- Lab services
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
Additionally, assisted living facilities providing Medicaid care in Washington may offer one or more of the following service packages:[10]
- Adult Residential Care (ARC). This package is for those able to take their own medication and care for themselves, but who may need help sometimes. Examples include medication reminders or activities of daily living assistance.
- Enhanced Adult Residential Care (EARC). This package includes everything in ARC, in addition to help for someone who cannot take their own medication. It has provisions for occasional nursing, if needed.
- Assisted Living. This package includes a private apartment, along with some occasional nursing care, medication administration, and personal care.
As a Washington resident, you may be eligible for additional programs and waivers. For instance, seniors preferring to stay in their home over moving to an institutional setting may be eligible for home and community service (HCS) waivers through Washington’s Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA). The Community Protection Waiver is especially helpful in the event of needing 24-hour care, skilled nursing, specialized health equipment or supplies, assistive technology, therapies, and more. For more information, check out the home and community services page on the ALTSA website.
For questions about Apple Health and other health care waivers, look to the following resources for answers:
- Connect with the Washington Health Care Authority.
- Check out Helping Elders, the Clark County Area Agency on Aging website.
- See the resources listed 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
Oregon 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 a federal health insurance program that may cover some of a senior’s medically necessary assisted living costs, such as in-home health care. Seniors with AIDS or HIV may be eligible for pharmaceutical help through either Oregon’s CareAssist program or Washington’s Early Intervention program.
- Medicare Parts A and B or Original Medicare. Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, and lab tests. Part B covers doctors’ visits and home health care.
- Medicare Advantage or Part C. Part C plans are provided through private insurance companies. Fewer providers may accept Part C, but the benefits are substantial. In addition to everything Part A and B cover, these plans also typically cover prescription drugs.
- Medicare Part D. Part D offers prescription drug coverage, and it’s often added to Parts A and B.
- Medigap. Medigap is a supplemental insurance plan offering extra coverage after Medicare A and B. Medigap plans help with things like copays and overseas medical coverage.
For Oregon seniors, Medicare Savings Programs may apply toward a person’s Medicare premiums if the senior has Medicare Part A and their income falls within a certain limit. Note that Medicare and Medicare Savings Programs do not cover room and board in our partner assisted living facilities in Portland. Apply for Medicare Savings Programs online to see which of Oregon’s three Medicare programs best fit your needs.[11]
Both Oregon and Washington also offer Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) services. A Medicare program with a Medicaid service option, PACE bridges some of the gaps in Medicare Parts A-D. You can explore details on the state websites in the resources below. PACE coverage might include the following:
- Primary care
- Prescription drugs
- Transportation to appointments
- Therapies
Visit the Social Security Administration application website to apply for Medicare online. For assistance with Medicare benefits and Medicare Savings Programs, you can contact Portland’s Social Security Administration office. You can also connect with your county’s long-term care ombudsman. In addition to addressing consumer concerns with Medicare benefits, an ombudsman can help seniors understand their rights and serve as advocates for Portland area residents.
Additionally, seniors in Oregon have access to Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA). Similarly, Washington residents have access to Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (also SHIBA). Both SHIBA programs provide a local network of trained volunteers, dedicated to educating and advocating for Oregonians and Washingtonians who have or who 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 assisted living facilities
In Oregon, assisted living facilities serving six or more residents are licensed and regulated by the state’s Office of Safety, Oversight, and Quality. Portland has several facilities serving fewer than five seniors. In such cases, facilities may qualify instead as adult family homes, also known as care homes, and are regulated by the same governing body.
According to Oregon regulations, assisted living facilities must give residents shared or individual apartments in a homelike setting with private bathrooms and kitchenettes. They must also be equipped to coordinate a range of supportive services, including activities of daily living (ADLs) and social events. These communities must also have staff available to residents on a 24-hour basis.[12]
In Washington, assisted living facilities are licensed and regulated by the Residential Care Services branch of the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration office (ALTSA). They are licensed to provide housing and care to seven or more individuals. Washington also requires these facilities to assume general responsibility for the care and safety of their residents. They may offer the following services:[13]
- Assistance with personal care
- Medication administration
- Intermittent nursing care
General regulations in Oregon and Washington
At minimum, assisted living facilities in both states must provide services such as the following:[14,15]
- Three nutritious meals per day, and snacks, seven days a week
- Daily social and recreational activity programs
- Laundry services
- 24-hour services to assist in activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Medication administration
- Transportation for medical and/or social reasons
- Supportive medical care, such as visiting medical specialists
Additionally, assisted living facilities in both states must adhere to outdoor and indoor regulations, such as the following:[14,15]
- The facility must take measures to prevent pests, and the grounds must be free of litter.
- The facility must provide an accessible outdoor recreation area for all residents to enjoy.
- Indoor thresholds must be maintained with easy wheelchair use in mind.
- Indoor facilities must be free of unpleasant odors and must be kept clean.
Disability accommodations in Oregon and Washington
Additionally, assisted living facilities in both Oregon and Washington must make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodations and modifications at a facility are designed to provide equitable opportunity for tenancy of people with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may include the following:[16]
- Landlords must allow necessary modifications that make a dwelling more accessible, including installation of grab bars or widening doorways.
- Landlords must allow tenants to pay their room and board according to their income assistance schedule.
- Landlords must allow tenants to keep service animals even if the assisted living facility does not allow pets.
For advocacy help in situations of disability law in assisted living, you can contact Fair Housing Center of Washington in Clark County or the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) in Multnomah County. You can look up Portland area assisted living facility reports using the following sites:
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, OR, assisted living facilities
In Oregon, facilities are required to take precautions, such as posting a notice at entrances and exits if a staff member or resident has a reported or suspected case of COVID-19. Indoor visitation is currently allowed in Oregon and Washington, so long as visitors and residents follow precautionary steps, such as masking and social distancing.[17,18]
Vaccinations. Portland area seniors and staff are encouraged to get vaccinated and boosted to fight infection and serious illness.
Masking. Masks may be required in most health care facilities. Some assisted living facilities may have additional requirements.
Facility cleanliness. Facilities must be sanitized at regular intervals to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Social distancing. In Washington, social distancing is recommended to reduce the spread of COVID-19. To support this effort, residents can enable WA Notify, which tracks reported exposures. By enabling WA Notify, you can get notifications if you may have been exposed to COVID-19. This can help residents clarify whether they need to social distance to reduce the spread of infection.
Get to know assisted living in Portland, Oregon
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What to expect from assisted living in Portland, Oregon
With views of Mount Hood and Mount Saint Helens, as well as the ocean a short drive away, Portland is something of a haven for those who enjoy both natural beauty and the modern conveniences of city life.
Enjoy the good life in retirement
Residents of our Portland partner assisted living communities love the elegant, timeless designs found in many of the metro’s facilities. Many communities put thought into their layouts, cultivating a homey atmosphere even down to the smallest details, such as finishes, art, décor, and plants. Several communities keep indoor houseplants in common areas to improve air quality and create an airy, inviting atmosphere.
Music adds depth and richness to any atmosphere. As such, 86% of our partnering communities have a community piano or organ for residents to use. And 91% bring live music in for residents to enjoy on special occasions.
You’ll also find popular culinary offerings in these communities as well. Most of our partner communities employ real professional chefs to design the weekly menus. Additionally, 77% of these Portland communities host wine tasting events and 68% offer cooking classes for residents. All this and much more can be found at A Place for Mom’s in-network Portland assisted living communities.
Access diverse care options
Attentive staff in Portland assisted living facilities help families feel secure in the knowledge that their loved ones are well cared for during their stay. Some staff help residents digitize treasured photographs. In resident reviews, families praise staff in these facilities for paying careful attention to a resident’s dietary preferences so they can accommodate residents at mealtimes.
Additionally, as senior care needs may change over time, 95% of assisted living facilities in Portland offer memory care services. This allows residents to age in place if they start needing more memory help, as might be the case with the onset of dementia. Oftentimes, staff provide memory care services in a secured wing. To further keep residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia safe, over 41% of assisted living facilities incorporate wander prevention technologies. Below are some additional services that assisted living communities may offer:
- Medication management
- Diabetic care
- Incontinence care
- Ambulatory services
- Medication management
- Visiting specialists and therapists providing occupational, speech, and physical therapy
Portland is home to a diverse population, serving seniors from around the world. To provide excellent care to this diverse population, assisted living facilities need to meet their residents’ wide range of communication needs. As such, some facilities offer care not just in English and American Sign Language (ASL), but also in the following languages:
- French
- German
- Ukrainian
- Japanese
- Hungarian
- Italian
- Arabic
- Mandarin
- Chinese
- Portuguese
For active seniors
In Portland, around 89% of assisted living facilities employ an activity director who designs experiences for assisted living residents. Activity directors ensure residents have the option to enjoy fabulous social opportunities and new experiences for many different interests. These directors plan activities for seniors both on- and off-site, such as the following:
- Movie nights
- Art classes
- Exercise classes
- Outings to local museums and events
- Bocce ball
- Dice and trivia games
- Religious services
- Educational programs
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Portland? Highlights for seniors
398000
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Portland
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Portland population
Mean annual income for Portland seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Portland
In Portland and the surrounding suburbs, seniors benefit from a number of excellent health care options. Explore some of the top-rated hospital systems in the Portland metro area below.
Oregon Health & Science University (OSHU) Hospital
Ranked No. 1 in Portland, OHSU hospital is nationally recognized in six specialties. The hospital is high-performing in senior health procedures such as heart conditions, pulmonology, and orthopedics.
Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
Ranked No. 2 in Portland, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center is high-performing in cancer procedures and neurology.
Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center
Ranked No. 3 in Portland hospitals, Kaiser Permanente has excellent marks in gastroenterology and diabetes-related procedures.
Transportation for seniors in Portland
In our partnering Portland metro assisted living facilities, around 86% offer complimentary transportation to residents around the city. For residents who still drive, 91% of our in-network facilities offer resident parking.
For visiting friends and family, most of our partner communities are also close to stops across Portland’s fantastic public transit system. Explore some of the main ways to get around town below:
- Light rail system. The Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) light rail is offered through TriMet, the city’s primary public transportation hub. The MAX has nearly 100 stops to help Portland residents navigate the city. They offer reduced fares for seniors 65+, as well as comprehensive accessibility measures. Review their accessibility features on their website for more information.
- Bus transportation. Bus trips are a great way to get from Portland to cities in the surrounding Pacific Northwest area. Some bus systems in Portland include stops in Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. Portland offers 80+ bus lines servicing the metro area via the TriMet bus system.
- Streetcar. Portland famously built the first modern streetcar in the United States. Today, the Portland streetcar still offers affordable transportation to the city’s most popular destinations throughout the famous Pearl District.
Overall, Portland has a reputation for excellent transportation for all, as well as better-than-average walkability for when friends and family come to visit. The below scores are ranked from zero to 100, painting Portland as one of the West Coast’s most accessible cities.[21]
67
Walk Score
49
Transit Score
83
Bike Score
Senior activities in Portland, Oregon
With its plentiful national parks and its endless offerings for rainy day activities in the city, there’s always something to do in charming Portland. Explore things to do below, from museums and gardens to dining and social events.
Cultural delights for historians and artists
Portland is a historically rich and vibrant place, filled with art and creativity. Nearby Pittock Mansion is a delight for history enthusiasts looking to learn more about the area. If you or your loved one enjoys history and art, the Portland Art Museum features world treasures spanning centuries. Seniors more inclined toward the dramatic arts can enjoy awe-inspiring dramatic and musical performances at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall or at Roseland Theater.
Portland eateries for foodies
Portland is famous for its excellent culinary scene. A cultural mainstay in the city, food carts are some of the metro’s favorite eateries. Some food carts became so popular, they turned into world-renowned restaurants. For a night of exploring former food cart favorites, check out Nong’s Khao Man Gai  and finish with Salt and Straw ice cream for dessert.
Foodies with a taste for fine dining can’t go wrong with a meal at Le Pigeon or Ox, specializing in Argentinian and French cuisine, respectively. Seniors and their loved ones can enjoy amazing charcuterie offerings at Olympia Provisions. And those with a sweet tooth can’t miss Portland’s famous VooDoo Doughnut, made famous in 2003 for their gourmet flavor pairings.
Senior centers in Portland
Social butterflies in assisted living can benefit from community events held on-site or at nearby local senior centers. For example, Multnomah County offers a detailed list of district senior centers, which provide services such as the following:
- Options counseling
- Connection to local housekeeping and grocery services, among others
- Recreational games, dancing, and events
On the Washington side of Portland’s suburbs, you can find 50+ recreational activities through Vancouver’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services website. Marshall and Luepke Community Center in Vancouver also has a computer lab and lending library for seniors, in addition to dancing and regular community presentations.
Family fun for all ages
When family and friends visit, Portland has plenty to do for any age. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a perennial favorite. The museum regularly features special events for all ages, sparking curiosity about the natural sciences. Animal lovers are sure to enjoy the nearby Oregon Zoo, which features numerous exhibits representing animals from all over the world. The Oregon Zoo is conveniently located in Portland’s beautiful Washington Park. With attractions such as the Hoyt Arboretum and the Portland Japanese Garden, the park makes for a lovely retreat into nature for seniors.
Frequently asked questions
Assurety Senior Care, Camas Hills Care Home and Trustwell Living at Kent Place are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Portland, OR. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Portland is 4312.34 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)Â [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.
United States Census Bureau. (2023). Veteran status: Portland city, Oregon (S2101)Â [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Oregon Health Authority. (2023). Oregon Health Plan (OHP) Benefits.
Washington State Health Care Authority. (2023). What are my basic covered services?
Aging and Long-Term Support Administration. (2023). Assisted living facility services packages.
Oregon Department of Human Services. (2023). Medicare Savings Programs.
Safety, Oversight and Quality Unit Aging and People with Disabilities. (2019). Compliance Framework Guide.
Aging and Long-Term Support Administration. (2019). Choosing care in an adult family home or assisted living facility.
Department of Human Services Aging and People with Disabilities. (2022). Residential care and assisted living facilities.
Washington State Legislature. (2022). Assisted living facility licensing rules.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2023). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
Oregon Department of Human Services. (2023). COVID-19 information for long-term care facilities.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services: Aging and Long-Term Support Administration. (2023). COVID-19 information for providers and long-term care professionals.
United States Census Bureau. (2023). Population 65 years and over in the United States: Portland-Vancouver-Hillboro, OR-WA Metro Area [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Oregon.
WalkScore. (2023). Portland.
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