There is a wealth of cultural richness to be found in Portland. The sort not often uncovered in rural America. Arts Place, Inc. is the premiere community arts facility promoting and supporting the arts as an integral part of daily life in East Central Indiana and West Central Ohio. A new $2.9 million facility features a 285-seat state-of-the-art performing arts theatre with full backstage support, three art galleries, two spacious visual arts classrooms, six music studios, and arts park complete with a 3,000-pound gas kiln and demonstration area, and several large works of public art by regional artists on the grounds.

The newly constructed county public library has 105,150 books and 5,000 miscellaneous items. It houses the Indiana Room for genealogy study and features an art-for-rent program, video and audio-visuals rentals and computer centers for youth and adults providing Internet access for the community.

The Portland Foundation, which was established in 1951, is the second oldest community foundation in Indiana. At the close of 2002 Portland Foundation assets were in excess of $13,000,000. Over the past 50-plus years, TPF has granted over $6,000,000 to improve the quality of life of Jay County.

The housing market has something for everyone with a wide range of prices and pleasant surroundings. Beautiful housing additions can be found at Golf Brook Estates, Jack Imel Addition and Deer Haven and Beam Addition.

The Jay County Development Corporation facilitates the recruitment of new industry as well as assists industry with their needs within the community. An enlightened program of property tax abatement is in place to encourage industrial development and expansion. Portland boasts a very diverse industrial base with long term commitment to the community. Jay County Development Corporation aslso has a full-time community developer on staff.