Portland Metro Area Neighborhoods

Portland Neighborhoods

Let me help you find your new neighborhood. Call Roberta 503-495-5231.

Getting to know Portland

Portland neighborhoods are as diverse and the city itself. Your journey around Portland is a discovery of neighborhood's with tree lined streets that invite you to stroll and get to know your home and community.

Whether your search is for an 1890's Colonial Revival or a more modest 1920's Craftsman with its inviting front porch, maybe that diamond in the rough or fully renovated vision of modern living, or tech savvy avenues of the future for our Urban and Suburban dwellers. You will find Portland's real estate market has something for everyone.

Before we start lets look at how Portland is an easy city to navigate. Our natural landmarks like big rivers and mountains will help but here is an easy guide.

Let’s get the lay of the land:

Portland is split into quadrants. The Willamette River splits the city between east and west with Burnside Street as the north-south divider.

Neighborhoods are then referenced in to areas: NE/SE/NW/SW

Since the Willamette River (pronounced “will-AM-et”) divides the city, you may find it helpful to learn the Bridges as well, especially when asking directions….

From the south and heading north: Sellwood; Ross-Island; Marquam (the double deck without the arch); Hawthorne; Morrison; Burnside; Steel; Broadway; Fremont – (with the big arch – also called the I-405 bridge); St Johns.

Portland metro is comprised of many differing areas. With over 90 neighborhoods, let me help you research Portland, a wonderful place to call home.

Portland’s Eastside

Alameda

This is a gorgeous neighborhood with quiet, tree-line streets, homes vary from small bungalows to stately craftsman, many on larger lots, though few with larger garages. Alameda is a popular and prestigious community, with a strong sense of community.

I enjoyed living in this community a few years back. One of NE's many walking communities where families enjoy an evening stroll through the neighborhood. Some of the homes in the Alameda neighborhood, especially those along the ridge, afford breathtaking views of the Willamette River and the downtown skyline.

Following the Ridge to the east is the Beaumont-Wilshire area

Beaumont-Wilshire Center stage between NE 33rd and NE 50th is Wilshire Park, a 14.83 acre park is filled with a canopy of mature trees, playgrounds, and picnic facilities is a favorite gathering place for kids of all ages.
North to Freemont is a urban blend of shops built up around Beaumont Market. The area is rich and alive with a hub of activity continues to bring both residents and business alike. The neighborhood center provides a mix of housing, commercial, and retail services.

Like Alameda, Beaumont offers a variety of home styles from the small bungalow to the English style Tudor, and the northwest craftsman built from the early 1900s thru the 50’s.

Grant Park Nestled below Beaumont and east of Irvington sits Grant Park. Grant like most of the close in NE area neighborhoods, is close knit. Historic homes in built in grand style are snapped up by buyers longing to renovate to their modern vision. In the 2005 Portland Livability study, 94% of the Grant neighborhood residents ranked their area good to very good for walking and shopping.
Noteworthy author Beverly Cleary, was inspired at Grant Park where most of her stories took place. Bronze sculptures of the infamous characters; Henry Higgins with Ribsy, and Ramona in her rain hat and jacket playfully stand around a central fountain.

Irvington- Take NE 15th north of Broadway and you are in the center of Irvington, that dates back to 1852 when William Irving claimed his land. A short 20 year later, after Irving's death in 1872, his widow and son sold much of the original claim. Most of the large historic homes here were built in the late 1890's to 1920's.

Commuters enjoy the proximity to the MAX line, Portland's light rail system within walking distance for many in this beautiful neighborhood. Shopping at the Lloyd Center known as Oregon's largest mall is located just south of Broadway between NE15th and NE9th Avenues.

Laurelhurst - Heading south on either NE 33 or NE 39 is Laurelhurst, crossing over Burnside from NE to SE. Elegant community features over 400 acres and close to 5000 residents that surrounds Laurelhurst Park. Charming homes full of character built in the early 1900’s have the vintage nostalgia of yesteryear, today with modern amenities and only about 8 miles to the heart of downtown Portland.

The History of Laurelhurst

In 1909, the land that is now Laurelhurst Park was purchased from the estate of William S. Ladd, who developed Ladd's Addition and twice was mayor of Portland. As East Portland developed, Ladd's tract of land became too valuable for agricultural use. Ladd sold his land for over $1,000,000 to the Laurelhurst Company around the turn of the century. The city of Portland purchased 30 acres including the pond, which is Laurelhurst park today. Early Rose Festival tradition of the Queen’s Coronation took place in the Laurelhurst Park pond on floating boats and decorated rafts. This festival celebrated its Centennial in June 2007.

Ladd's Addition Located between SE 12th and SE 20th Avenues just north of Division Street, you will find a curious maze of streets that do not fit Portland's standard grid. Instead you may wind around in more the flow of a wagon wheel. Platted by William Ladd in 1891 the two time Portland Mayor using a similar grid as Washington DC. Historic homes are lovingly restored and four picturesque gardens invite walkers to stop and smell the roses cared for by the local residents that have adopted a rose bed to tend of their own.

Sellwood/Moreland/Eastmoreland Home to Portland's antique row, treasure seekers stroll along SE 13th Avenue in search for that special something that is not on their list. This is the heart of Sellwood's business district. A buzz with activity, bistros, and shops. Homes on the west side of Eastmoreland Golf Course tend to be smaller bungalows, built in the old Portland style from the 1920-1940's. Eastmoreland is home to Reed College and is located on the east side of the golf course. Stately homes of yesteryear grace the curving old growth tree lined streets. Long time residents enjoy this very serene neighborhood that is also home to the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens.

Portland's Westside community is home to the 100 year old Stroheckers grocery store, where local residents don't mind the lack of parking, they are happy to walk home carrying their well selected goods.

Portland Heights Words do not describe the allure (and cost) of this enclave in Portland's west hills. Homes affluently built in the 1880's are storybook mansions of our past; Colonial Revivals, Cape Cods, and awesome Four-squares. These Portland classics not only enjoy the incredible sweeping views, they are just minutes from downtown. Not surprising that residents are very protective of their neighborhood. You will not find a condo project going in here!

Urban Hot Spots Starting with "Trendy Third" NW 23rd, at the base of the west hills, you will find Portland's take on SOHO, is our Northwest district. Central to the Alphabet, Nob Hill, and Upton neighborhoods, this urban adventure is home to Portland's creative side. One of a kind boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and personal services have transformed the once Victorian lined street. It is here you will find many streets named for the prosperous early developers like Pettygrove and Lovejoy to name a few.

Take Everett street east over the I205 and you will be in the heart of The Pearl district. Glass and steel bring new life to this once industrial area that offers Lofts, condos, and live/work alternatives. Square footage is pricey, but for some Urbana is worth it.

Northwest Heights/Forest Heights Home to Forest Park the largest city park in the nation, offers a cross of urban and suburban lifestyle. Traditional suburban neighborhood with the urban convenience of the downtown area. Perched in the hills bordering Forest Park, homes tend to be large family friendly, with open spaces as a nice alternative to yard space.

Portland has many more neighborhoods, with 95 different associations according to Metro. Long time residents enjoy the diversity that Portland offers; charming streets, urban hot spots, and well planned suburban oases. One of these will speak to you, and there you will find your new home.

Let me be your guide. Call me today 503.495.5231.

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