Portland boasts a diverse array of neighborhoods to consider which can make choosing one hard for newcomers. However, zeroing in on the right Portland neighborhood should be a fun process. Exploring Portland will give you insight on what area is perfect for your new home.
First, establish your priorities in a living situation. Are you looking for an urban environment or a quiet suburb where you can have a yard? Would you like to take public transportation to work ride your bike or will you be driving your car? The variety of Portland will give you a lot to consider but exploring the eclectic neighborhoods that make up this city is half the fun.
Second, don’t let the Portland clichés fool you. If you’re looking for a little slice of Brooklyn New York with locally-sourced artisanal soap stores and craft breweries, you’ll find it. By the same token, you can also find so much more.
Downtown
Downtown Portland is one-square mile of concentrated amenities that’s easy to navigate and a joy to explore. Within this square mile is a diverse selection of brands both local and big-name brands. Further appealing is Portland’s lack of sales tax.
For those who enjoy stepping outside to a playground of possibilities downtown Portland packs it in. You’ll find just about anything you could possibly need within walking distance. In addition, you’ll also have access to all of Portland’s public transportation options. Those who have cars may find parking difficult. Most streets are metered and renting spots isn’t cheap.
Living options include high rise apartment buildings, with the heaviest concentration in the Southwest corner. Moreover, access to the waterfront is a draw for active types who can enjoy walking, jogging or biking. Read more about Downtown >>
Southeast
The young hip crowd will be drawn to Southeast Portland for the endless options in dining drinking, shopping, exploring and not to mention people watching.
You’ll get a sense for why Portland prides itself on being “weird”. And why the city’s tagline encourages you to keep it that way. Street performers, traveling jewelry makers and roving groups of quirky individuals mix things up. Coffee shops bring lines brunching twenty-somethings on the weekends and remote workers during the week.
The bus lines in Southeast Portland will get you where you need to go. However, many residents opt for biking or walking. Southeast communities are self-contained with plenty of options to keep you in the neighborhood. Read more about Southeast >>
Southwest
While searching for a Portland neighborhood, you’ll find lots of apartment options in Southwest Portland. The majority of high-rise buildings stake their claim on the skyline. Three college campuses also dominate this part of town. Including, Oregon Health & Science University, Lewis & Clark College and Portland Community College.
Those who appreciate a quieter alternative to downtown with close enough to enjoy all of the city center’s options will find Southwest Portland fits the bill. You’ll find yourself within a stone’s throw from the river where you can enjoy fresh air and waterfront walks.
Lastly, the Portland bridge Tilikum Crossing connects bikers and pedestrians in Southwest Portland to the Southeast side of town without the stress of cars. Read more about Southwest >>
Northwest
A mix of various residential and industrial areas make up Northwest Portland. Beautiful homes cover the hills that climb towards Forest Park where you often forget you’re in a major city.
The Pearl District and Portland’s West Hills are two of the priciest and most desirable places to live. Specifically, if you enjoy the finer things in life. High-end shopping and sweeping views of the city grace this area. Additionally, the Pearl District is home to many converted warehouses, as the area once served as the city’s industrial zone. Read more about Northwest >>
Northeast
Northeast Portland is often considered more settled and grown-up than its neighbor quadrant to the South. It’s still a great place for families but the hipness factor is going up these days — thanks to hip families and singles alike.
Mississippi Ave and Alberta Arts District are two of the newest trendy neighborhoods with young artsy crowds flocking to both. You’ll find Portland’s favorite chains on these strips — drool-inducing storefronts include Salt & Straw ice cream and Little Big Burger.
But there’s much more to Northeast Portland than the newest cocktail bars and boutique clothing shops. Some of the more diverse areas of Portland inhabit this part of the city too like the King neighborhood along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Northeast Portland is a reflection of how fast the city is changing. Nevertheless hanging on to the heart of its character. Read more about Northeast >>
North Portland
You might call it “NoPo” if you end up calling North Portland home. This neighborhood is left out of the city’s traditional four quadrants of reference (SE NE SW NW) . And yet, North Portland is increasing in popularity as a place to call home. Established Portlanders rather than transplants live in this part of town. However, newcomers will find plenty to appreciate here. From the Kenton neighborhood’s 30-foot-tall Paul Bunyan statue to the stunning St. Johns bridge and its gothic construction rising over Cathedral Park, NoPo has something for everyone.
North Portland is arguably the least accessible to downtown. With an approximately twenty-minute commute. But the affordable housing options make up for the distance. Read more about North Portland >>
