15 Slow-Paced Small Towns Near Portland Where Life Is Still Simple

If you venture just a bit out of Portland, life slows down considerably. In these 15 small towns just outside the Rose City, life is still simple and it almost feels like you've entered another time and place. Check out these small towns near Portland, Oregon, for a change from daily life and explore their rich history and environs.

1. McMinnville

In the heart of Oregon Wine Country, this small city has all the charm locked in its cute historic downtown.

2. Newberg

Also a winemaking and farming community, Newberg is a quaint small town with rolling hills and great views.

3. Oregon City

As Portland sprawls all around Oregon City is slowly gaining population due to its close proximity to the city. However, this small town still maintains a small-town feel and has a nice downtown worth strolling. Most notably, Oregon City is the only vertical street in North America…and one of just a handful in the entire world! The Oregon City Municipal Elevator is nothing short of extraordinary, and a must-visit place in Oregon.

4. Aurora

Did you know that Oregon is home to one of the greatest antique towns in the country? The historic town of Aurora dates all the way back to 1856 when it was established as a Christian utopian society. Today, it is an international destination for antique lovers. Whether you’re a shopper looking for bargains or a seasoned treasure hunter in search of unique finds, Aurora is absolute heaven!

5. Carlton

In the heart of wine country, Carlton is a wonderful place to experience the true beauty of the Willamette Valley.

6. Forest Grove

Now considered a suburb of Portland, Forest Grove is historically a farming community and has a historic downtown that is worth a visit. Pacific University, a private university, is the city's primary landmark.

7. Dundee

Rolling hills form the landscape of this winemaking community in the Willamette Valley. The Sokol Blosser tasting room, pictured, is just one of the many wineries that call Dundee, Oregon, home. Whether you like to taste wine, try new restaurants, shop, drive through the countryside, or simply relax, this little town has much to offer.

8. Yamhill

Just down the street in wine country is the historic town of Yamhill. Childhood home to author Beverly Cleary, Yamhill today is home to just over 1,000 residents -- and more than 80 wonderful wineries!

9. Troutdale

A little bigger than some of the other small cities, Troutdale boasts 15,000 residents, but still maintains a small town feel. Located just 12 miles from Portland, the city is hailed as the Gateway to the Columbia River Gorge. With the bustling downtown district framed by majestic mountainous scenery, residents of Troutdale are treated to jaw-dropping vistas all day, every day. Known for its vibrant fall foliage, Troutdale tends to get overlooked for some of the region's bigger cities the rest of the year, which is downright criminal, we say!

10. St. Helens

Boasting a great view of Mt. St. Helens, the city's name was changed in 1850 to reflect this. Incorporated in 1889, St. Helens was originally established as a port on the Columbia River; today, it's known as one of the most haunted small towns in Oregon!

11. Amity

Located in Yamhill county on 99W, Amity, Oregon, is a small city with just over 1,600 residents and was established by 1849.

12. Estacada

Located about 30 miles southeast of Portland, this small community has been around since 1904, when it was founded for workers building a hydroelectric dam that was built to supply power to Portland. Estacada became a big logging town and today has just over 2,600 residents.

13. Sandy

Known primarily as a throughway to Mt. Hood, this city has under 10,000 residents and a lot of small-town charm.

14. Sheridan

Located in the western part of the Willamette Valley, Sheridan was established in 1880. A fire devastated the downtown area in 1913, and a flood did the same in 1964, but today the city has just over 6,000 residents.

15. Donald

This tiny town is part of Marion County and has under 1,000 residents that call Donald, Oregon home.

What small towns near Portland, Oregon, are your favorite places to get away to? We love hearing from you, so please share your top picks for charming towns near Portland in the comments section below!