My husband and I are planning to move to Oregon toward the end of next year. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what cities/towns are with in commuting distance of the Portland area?

Commuting distance is relative, of course. Much of close-in Portland is actually quite residential, so you could consider that. Nearby suburbs include Gresham, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Oregon City, etc. Like Rogue Ales says, traffic can be bear – but it really depends on your own tolerance for it. The Portland area has some good transit too, so the first three suburbs I mentioned, for example, there’s light rail into Portland.