Gresham borders the east side of Portland, though it’s a major Oregon city in its own right. With a population of just over 110,000, as of July 2023, it’s the state's fourth-largest city. Real estate prices that are lower than those in Portland may be one of the driving factors to the city, but Gresham is establishing its own identity through an active arts foundation and a historic downtown association. “It’s an older downtown, says Jesse Dau, a broker with eXp Realty who sells in Gresham and has lived in the Portland area his entire life. “There isn’t really a nightlife, but they’re bringing in more restaurants and it’s starting to become more vibrant.”
Much like the rest of the Portland metro area, which has been nicknamed “Silicon Forest,” Gresham’s large employers are part of the technology industry. Onsemi and Microchip, both of which produce technology solutions, have manufacturing sites in Gresham, as well as Boeing.
Aerial of Gresham Neighborhood.
Welcome to Downtown Greshman located in Greshman, OR.
Barberstarrs Barbershop is a premier grooming destination located in downtown Gresham.
Gresham’s large employers are part of the technology industry.
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Lower home sales prices than Portland
The median home sales price in Gresham—$491,424 as of October 2024—is slightly above the national median of $416,700. However, it is still significantly lower than the median sales price in Portland, which floats around $538,800. Split-level and ranch-style homes, primarily built throughout the 1960s and 1970s, make up the bulk of the housing stock, combined with new constructions with nostalgic Craftsman details. Smaller Craftsman cottages from the middle of the 20th century are also common on Gresham’s winding streets.
Homes in Kelly Creek have well maintained lawns.
A ranch-style neighborhood home.
There are many recent builds to be found in Gresham-Butte.
There are newly constructed craftsman-style and modern traditional homes in Gresham-Butte.
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Columbia River boating and Gresham's Japanese Garden
Just south of Gresham’s historic downtown, Main City Park is one of the city’s well-used green spaces. An off-leash area is a gathering spot for canines and their owners, and the Gresham Japanese Garden, which is also known as Tsuru Island, is meticulously maintained. Acer maples, indigo irises and a raked Zen Garden make up the oasis, as well as 12 Akebono cherry trees—its piece de resistance. The Springwater Trail also runs through the park, a 21-mile path that starts in downtown Portland and ends in Boring, Oregon. The paved trail, almost entirely separated from the public road, is one of several bike-friendly paths in the city. Gresham is located on the south bank of the Columbia River, and locals can use one of six launching ramps at the Chinook Landing Marine Park to maneuver its waters.
Main City Park is situated directly on the Springwater multi use path in the neighborhood.
Main City Park features a skate park for residents to enjoy.
Wag-N-Walk groups dog walking and training event in Main City Park, Gresham.
A wooden bridge leads into the Japanese Garden at Main City Park in Downtown Gresham.
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Three public education paths
Gresham is served by three school districts, the Gresham-Barlow School District, Centennial School District and Reynolds School District. All three place in the Top 10 most diverse school districts in the state, according to Niche. A majority of students are zoned to Gresham-Barlow, which receives an overall B-minus grade from Niche. Most students go to Gresham High, while those on the southeast side of town attend either Sam Barlow High or Springwater Trail High. Students on the far west side are served by the C-plus-graded Centennial School District, followed by Centennial High. The C-minus-graded Reynolds School District serves the north side of town, then on to Reynolds High.
Gresham High School on N Main Ave in Gresham serves grades 9 - 12.
Sam Barlow High School on SE Lusted Road serves students throughout the Gresham area.
Centennial Highschool main entrance in the Gresham Centennial Neigborhood
Reynolds High School is a Public High School in Gresham, Oregon.
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Community events at Arts Plaza
The Arts Plaza, just a few blocks east of the city’s historic downtown, is a testament to Gresham’s active artistic community. Four abstract pillars of varying shapes and colors stand tall in the plaza, representing the four aspects of art: visual art, music, literature and dance. True to its name, the plaza hosts Music Mondays, a free concert series that the Center for the Arts Foundation puts on during the summers. The foundation also organizes a second summer concert series in green spaces throughout the city—Wednesdays in the Park—as well as the Festival of the Arts, which highlights juried artists. The Mount Hood Jazz Festival is another cultural beacon in Gresham, with its first iteration in 1982. The three-day festival, which is held at Mount Hood Community College, has featured jazz greats like B. B. King and Tito Puente.
The Gresham Farmers Market
The Farmers Market occurs every Saturday during May through October.
Center for the Arts Foundation puts on a concert series during the summers.
Four abstract pillars of varying shapes and colors stand tall in the Arts Plaza.
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Convenient highways and a MAX Light Rail station
Depending on location, Portland commuters can either take U.S. Route 26, which runs through the center of Gresham, or Interstate 84, located on the city's north side, near the Columbia River. The TriMet MAX Light Rail's blue line ends in Gresham, where commuters can catch a one-hour ride to downtown Portland. For getting around the city, Gresham has dozens of main roads, which surround its several subdivisions.
A historic downtown and the Gresham Farmers Market
The majority of Gresham’s shopping and dining scene is concentrated in its historic downtown, which residents also refer to as Central City. Wide sidewalks invite leisurely strolls, and the lack of parking meters means there’s no time pressure on window shopping or enjoying a favorite meal downtown. Businesses extend their hours during Third Thursdays, when Main Avenue closes for local vendor booths and pedestrian traffic. Local farmers and artisans sell fresh produce, local honey, handmade goods and small-batch ciders on Saturdays during the Gresham Farmers Market from May through October.
Nicholas is known for serving super-sized portions & fresh pita in a relaxed space.
Browse one of the several second hand stores in Old Town Gresham.
The Gresham Farmers Market occurs every Saturday during May thru October.
The Gresham Farmers Market occurs every Saturday during May thru October.
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Gresham crime stats
Crime rates in Gresham fell between 2022 and 2023, following a trend seen in several other large cities across Oregon. Violent crime decreased by 15.3% between 2022 and 2023 to reach 420 reports, outpacing rate drops in both Portland and the state. Reports of violent crime decreased by just over 10% in both Portland and across the state. Property crime in the city decreased by 2.2% during the same time frame, rounding out at roughly 3,224 in 2023, though it fell by roughly 10% in the "City of Roses" and the state overall. Reports of crime are higher in Central City and Gresham's northern neighborhoods.
The climate in Gresham is moderate—summer highs stay under 85 and winter lows stay a few degrees above freezing. The city gets a fair amount of rain, with November and December garnering the highest levels of precipitation.
On average, homes in Gresham, OR sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Gresham, OR over the last 12 months is $490,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
With a calm, trustworthy approach and deep local expertise, Meredith Orlando serves clients across Southwest Washington and Oregon with a focus on seamless, stress-free transactions. Known for her responsiveness and reliability, Meredith is a fierce advocate from the first meeting through closing—and long after.
Before real estate, she spent 18 years leading marketing and communications strategies in industries from sports to healthcare. Her experience launching national campaigns and managing high-stakes messaging now translates into savvy negotiations, clear communication, and standout service for her clients.
Originally from California, but now based in Camas, Meredith loves helping others discover the magic of the Pacific Northwest. She’s an active community volunteer with the Camas Students & Families Foundation and finds joy in local hikes, good reads, and quality time with her family—including her college-aged twin sons and lovable English Cream Golden Retriever.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
