Orient, OR

Orient is a quiet, semi-rural pocket tucked just southeast of Gresham near the Clackamas County line. Home to fewer than 500 residents, the area feels like a peaceful countryside retreat even though suburban amenities are only a few miles down the road. Its roots trace back to the late 19th century around the old Orient sawmill, established by Scottish immigrant Andrew MacKinnon and his wife Miyo Iwakoshi, one of the earliest Japanese settlers in the region. Today, the landscape is defined by small farms, plant nurseries, and open acreage spread across winding country lanes.

ATTRVisitor7 / CC BY-SA 3.0

For anyone thinking about moving here, Orient is all about space and a slower pace of life. You get large residential lots, room for gardens or horses, and views stretching out toward Mount Hood, all while staying an easy drive from Gresham's grocery stores, schools, and restaurants. It offers an appealing setup for people who want the quiet elbow room of rural Multnomah County alongside a straightforward commute into the Portland metro area.