Gresham/Troutdale  History Settlers came in droves to what is now the Gresham and Troutdale area in about the mid-1850’s.  Families came by wagon trains from places like the Carolinas, Missouri, and Texas.  Gresham’s first government was put in place in the early 1900’s and given its name the "Town of Gresham" in 1905.  Troutdale followed a similar path however with a slightly different timeline.  Taking its name from the farm of Captain John Harlow, he named his property "Troutdale" since he raised trout in his ponds, the city was buoyed by the presence of a rail line that kept business coming into town.  Both cities are located in a beautiful area just off the banks of the Columbia River.  Description Gresham and Troutdale are located in a convenient location between two of the largest natural attractions in all of Oregon.  Mt. Hood rests in the background while the Columbia River Gorge is right next door to these cities, providing one of the most popular places for windsurfing, kite surfing, and other water activities.  Hiking, and mountain biking are also very popular activities in this part of the state.  Both cities offer an array of shopping opportunities from boutique shops to the outlet malls located just off I-84, the major freeway connecting these towns to Portland, which is only 30 minutes away.  For these reasons and many more, Gresham and Troutdale are popular places to live, work, and enjoy the outdoors. Our Favorite Spots The Edgefield is a gorgeous historic hotel that was bought by the McMenamins brothers.  They’ve since built two restaurants, one upscale and one more casual, added 3 small pubs, from the Little Red Shed to the Distillery Bar.  There’s also a winery tasting room, McMenamins also makes some excellent wine and even their own whisky in addition to their fantastic handcrafted beer.  Its all made on site, so you can be sure your taste buds won’t be disappointed.  They’ve also added an 18-hole pitch and putt course on their grounds, which is sure to test your short game skills!  You can spend a whole weekend here, and it always leaves you wanting to return.  Check out www.mcmenamins.com for all of their historic hotels, pubs, concert venues, and movie theaters. Residents A growing business sector is bringing in more and more workers, and this part of Oregon is experiencing significant population growth.  Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the area because of its proximity to Mt. Hood, which is only an hour away, and the Columbia River Gorge that is minutes away.  Since property values are lower than closer into the city, it’s a good option for young families looking to get into the housing market.  You’ll also find a significant student population, as Mt. Hood Community College is located in Gresham.  Rental Housing Both cities are more suited to the homeowner than the renter, though each has plenty of great options for those looking to rent.  Those who are not looking to settle in Gresham or Troutdale will find renting to be a good option, however people looking to stay in the area for a significant period of time may want to consider buying.  For apartment rentals you’ll find more of the community style complexes, most located in park like settings.  Its proximity to Portland allows it to offer a completely different living experience than the city.  Fun Stuff Mt. Hood Jazz Festival is renowned the world over as one of the highlights for jazz, and all music lovers.  Each year, this festival draws thousands of visitors, who come to see some of the biggest names in jazz.  It’s a large reason that Gresham is known as the "City of Music."  The festival even spills over into Portland, with many of the artists playing the clubs and other concert venues in the city, after their appearances at the jazz festival.  For more information on the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival, please visit, http://www.mthoodjazz.com/index.htm