What are the best neighborhoods in Portland, OR?
Are you considering moving to Portland, Oregon? Are you considering moving within Portland? At Smolin & Bell Group, we have seen every nook and cranny of the best city in the Pacific Northwest. We have a few ideas of where the most desirable places to live are, but in reality, all neighborhoods are rich with amenities, including beautiful public parks and easy access to transportation. Below are some of the places that stand out in Rose City:
Alameda (NE)
Beautiful Alameda homes offer a safe and quiet nook in a central location.
Alameda has long been one of the most famous neighborhoods in Portland. It is known for its quiet tree lined streets, convenient location on the East Side, and admittedly larger homes. That does not mean it is out of reach of everyone though! This neighborhood boasts some of the grandest views of the city and the West hills, along with boutique coffee shops and nice commercial areas within walking distance.
2. Irvington (NE)
Above: Historic Irvington in the 19th century.
The neighborhood of Irvington borders Alameda to the Southwest. It is also known to have a few grand homes, and quiet tree lined streets. Irvington has one of the nicest parks in the city, Irving Park, which is complete with Nike basketball courts, sprawling fields and baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and beautiful paved paths perfect for walking the dog. Irvington is known for being an extremely accessible neighborhood, with freeway ramps to I-5 and I-84 nearby, as well as walking distance to the MAX light rail which can transport you downtown within a matter of minutes. Both Irvington and Alameda are located in the Grant school district, which is one of the city’s top performing high schools.
3. Raleigh Hills (SW)
Raleigh Hills offer some of the greatest views of Portland in the city.
Raleigh Hills might seem like a curveball, but we consider it to be one of the most up and coming neighborhoods in Portland. Raleigh Hills is located in Washington County, about 15 minutes away from downtown Portland by car. However, this means it is really close to Beaverton, which is the home of Nike and is one of the hottest places in the Portland metro area. Beaverton and Cedar Hills in particular are experiencing so much economic growth that anyone who doesn’t go there from time to time is missing out. In Raleigh Hills, you are located equidistantly between Cedar Hills and Portland, so living there is extremely convenient, not to mention the lovely commercial district that Raleigh Hills itself has to offer.
4. Pearl District (NW)
The Pearl District is filled with quirky coffee shops and local artisans.
Ah, the Pearl District. Once the most talked about neighborhood in the entire Pacific Northwest. Of course, since Portland’s bad publicity in regards to public policy, the image of the Pearl District has become tainted, however we’ll let you in on a little secret. The Pearl District has not been hit much, if at all, by the admittedly prevalent homelessness crisis in Portland. The Pearl District is perfect for the city-slickers, those who just cannot get enough of an urban environment. Here you can enjoy sleek and modern apartment buildings in all price ranges, with gorgeous public parks and facilities lining what seems to be nearly every street. Here, folks enjoy being within walking distance to both Downtown and the Northwest district which is known for its boutique cafe’s and shopping. Don’t forget to explore Powell’s books, the nation’s largest bookstore, while you are in the Pearl!
5. Sellwood (SE)
Sellwood offers a great mix of residential and commercial developments that make it very walkable.
Sellwood completes our list of popular neighborhoods that cover all four quadrants of Portland. Sellwood, or Sellwood-Moreland as some know it by, has long been considered one of the more historically significant neighborhoods in Portland. Living there means you get to experience quaint shops, both elegant and casual dining options, affordable educational and recreation opportunities, and one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the city. Is thrifting your thing? Then Sellwood-Moreland might be one of the best destinations for you in the city. Also enjoy close proximity to the Willamette River and Oaks Amusement Park, our city's only permanent theme park.
Portland, Oregon is one of the hottest real estate markets in the country. If you are at all interested in potentially relocating, give us a call or make an online submission using our website for a completely free cash offer! We buy homes all over the country - so wherever you’re moving from, we can help! It can’t hurt at all, and if you decide to proceed with us you will receive the absolute best service in the industry!
