Considering a move to Portland, Oregon? Great choice, we say!
Portland has a lot to offer: award-winning craft beers, great coffee, a lively art and music scene, and environmental consciousness to top it off. Oh, and you probably know about the sales-tax-free shopping, right?
If you’re looking for a city with great vibes and plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, Portland is your place. But if you’re new to the city, how do you narrow down your search for a place to live? We’ve put together a list of our top 6 neighborhoods to help you get started.
Pearl District
No list of Portland neighborhoods is complete without a shout-out to the Pearl District. One of the hippest areas in town, the Pearl District is known for its art and culture. The neighborhood has the highest concentration of art galleries in all of Portland.
Artistic and full of life, the Pearl is home to the city’s largest theatre organization. Don’t worry, it’s not solely about the art here (though, that is the main feature). You’ll also find some of the best and trendiest brewpubs. Enjoy browsing independent bookstores? You can spend a lot of time in the world’s largest, Powell’s Books, which covers an entire city block.
More than that, there are upscale boutiques and gorgeous parks right on your doorstep. The nightlife is great here, too, so you won’t have to travel far for an evening with friends.
Hosford-Abernethy and Hawthorne
Looking for an affordable neighborhood with a bohemian vibe? Hosford-Abernethy or Hawthorne may be your place! This quirky area is full of vintage shops with everything from clothing to housewares. If you have an eclectic style, you may find yourself passing time treasure hunting here.
If you like to wander forested trails or take in sweeping panoramic city views, you can do both in Hosford-Abernethy. Mt Tabor Park is perched atop a dormant volcano and offers forested trails and lots of that great, fresh PNW air.
This is the neighborhood that has a bit of everything: understated nightlife, quirky cafes and diners, cozy bookstores, and Hosford-Abernethy even plays host to some great festivals. Safe, affordable, and full of things to do. What more can you ask?
Nob Hill
For those looking to indulge in high-end shopping (yes, window shopping counts) and people-watching, Nob Hill is a dream come true. Many call this Portland’s most European neighborhood. It’s charming while “staying weird” in true Portland fashion, with walkable and bikeable streets that make it easy to get around.
Something is going on in every direction you look, so this neighborhood is not for introverts. Of course, if you want to get back to nature, you can calm yourself in the Portland Japanese Garden, or hike in 70 miles of trails at Forest Park.
You’ll find great food and drinks, plenty of fun happy hour spots, and even a cinema and karaoke venue. You’ll find city vibes in a neighborhood size here in Nob Hill.
Downtown
As with most cities, Downtown Portland is popular amongst young professionals. Of course, this isn’t just any downtown. Portland’s downtown is as quirky as you may expect with high energy to keep you moving.
Downtown Portland is extremely walkable and very compact, making it easy to move around on foot. You’ll also be able to hop on the light rail, Streetcar, or a bus to any other part of the city. Ask any local and they’ll tell you they find Portland’s Downtown to be one of the most beautiful of any city. There’s plenty of green space, including a green corridor called South Park Blocks.
Like living with culture at your doorstep? Downtown is home to the Portland Art Museum and the Oregon Historical Society. If you like to prepare food at home, do your shopping at the Portland Farmer’s Market. Prefer to eat out? You’ll have tons of options for great restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Northwest District
Want to live a more luxe life? The Northwest District is your new home. Glowing with sophistication and class, the Northwest District is a popular shopping district. On NW 23rd – lovingly referred to as Trendy-Third Avenue – you’ll find high-end shops and all the latest trends.
The Northwest District is poised between Washington Park and the Hoyt Arboretum so you can get back to nature if you get burned out on shopping. You won’t find Baskin-Robbins and McDonald’s here. Instead, enjoy boutique ice creams and contemporary gastropubs when you’re looking for a bite to eat.
Chic families need not worry – there are great schools to match the cuisine, shopping, and nightlife. The Northwest District has the whole family covered.
Sellwood-Moreland
If you’re looking for more of a small-town vibe, Sellwood-Moreland will appeal. This neighborhood offers a quieter, slower pace of life while still giving you access to all Portland has to offer.
Sellwood-Moreland has a strong community pride and is perfect for families. It even has its amusement park, opened in the early 1900s, and a small cinema dating back nearly 100 years. You’ll get history and personality all wrapped into one in this neighborhood.
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is nearby, offering 170 acres of woodlands and wetlands with trails that run along the Willamette River. It’s a perfect mix of old and new, and a favorite for those who like to have – and be – friendly neighbors.