I think some areas of Portland are higher than others, much depends on your housing criteria. The closer in toward downtown, the higher the prices, though you can find some reasonable prices just a littler further east (Portland is significantly bounded on the west by our west hills).

For more about our biking life, you can check out a bikeportland.org, bta4bikes.org, or do a search on bicycling in Portland. With my work now located practically on the Willamette in downtown Portland (aka PDX), I am lovin' bike commuting, many route options and I find really pleasant sights. There are several bike clubs/orgs and there always seem to some kind of bike related event going on.