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Portland Heights

Southwest Hills is located in Southwest Portland. It is bordered by the Sylvan Highlands, Goose Hollow, Downtown, Homestead, Healy Heights, and Bridlemile Neighborhoods. This neighborhood is located close in, for an easy commute to downtown Portland. The Southwest neighborhood is located in what is popularly known as the "West Hills" in Portland. The hilly terrain and lush nature parks in this area create stunning views from many of the homes. Depending on which area you are in, you may have a panoramic view of downtown Portland, and on a clear day it is possible to see Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Saint Helens in the distance. A great mix of suburban and urban living, with expansive homes offering stunning views.  This is an upscale neighborhood with more grand homes.

Northwest Heights

Northwest Heights is like living in a forested city park.  Beautiful homes offer stunning views and you'll feel secluded and set apart from the rest of Portland.  Nearby you'll find the lovely Forest Park One of the most beautiful parks in the country, Forest Park offers miles of hiking trails through lush green woodland. This park truly personifies the Pacific Northwest. Starting at NW 29th Ave and Upshur and spanning all the way to Newberry Road, Forest Park sits smack dab in the middle of Portland, literally neighboring downtown Portland. Enjoy hours of foot, bike and equestrian trails all while relaxing in the intoxicating natural beauty. Forest Park is dog friendly- your four-legged friends will love it here!

Nob Hill

Nob Hill is conveniently located in Northwest Portland, close to downtown located close to Highway 30 and the Industrial District.  Nob Hill is a quick 5 minute drive into downtown Portland.  The Nob Hill neighborhood, also known as the NW 21st and 23rd Avenue neighborhood (with street signs also referring to the area as the Historic Alphabet district), is apparently known by many names. But, to anyone who lives in Portland, you know what area we are talking about in spite of the naming confusion. This is a very popular and trendy area to shop, dine, walk, and generally just hang out. Many restaurants, coffee shops, and specialty retail shops and boutiques line the two main drags of NW 21st and NW 23rd Avenues. You'll also find some great bars, spas, salons, and local markets...all with a creative flair.

Pearl District

The Pearl District is located in Central Portland. It is bordered by the Old Town, China Town, Downtown, Goose Hollow, and Northwest neighborhoods, and the Willamette River. The Pearl District offers urban living at its finest. If you work downtown and enjoy city living, this is the place to be for an easy commute (walk or take the Portland Streetcar, light rail MAX train, or Tri Met bus to work and play). Located along the Willamette River downtown in an old warehouse district, the neighborhood offers a feeling of urban historic charm. With a seemingly constant array of new loft-style development underway, the neighborhood is alive with a sense of growth and change. Lofts and Townhomes are the norm for residential living. The bustling streets are lined with upscale shopping boutiques, art galleries, unique antique and home interior stores, and the requisite coffee shops and restaurants. There are urban parks and green spaces tucked amidst all this city bustle, and you'll see children playing in the fountains, and little city dogs scampering through their concrete jungle. The neighborhood is certainly thriving. Every time I come into the Pearl District, I see something new. The urban landscape is ever changing. Nearby of course, is Portland Dowtown, Old Town and Chinatown, just over the river from the Broadway bridge is the Eliot neighborhood, Lloyd District and Rose Garden arena, and the Pearl is only minutes from the popular Northwest Nob Hill neighborhood and the lush green Forest Park.

Downtown

Downtown is located in Central Portland. It is bordered by the Goose Hollow, Northwest, Pearl District, Southwest Hills, and Corbett Terwilliger neighborhoods, and the Willamette River.  Portland offers one of the most beautiful downtowns of any city, anywhere. Portland's downtown area is vibrant and alive. Neighborhood concerns are focused on improvements to the downtown area while maintaining a balance of quality urban living space, a thriving business community, unique shopping, and natural beauty offered along the riverfront, in the Park Blocks, and other integrated green spaces. "Portland's Living Room", Pioneer Courthouse Square, is a centralized community hangout where millions visit annually. Downtown is home to the Portland Saturday Market, where local artisans sell a variety of arts and crafts.  Portland State University is Oregon's largest, most diverse, and only urban university. Downtown Portland is an urban neighborhood, with many older buildings, apartments, and loft style condominiums. Downtown Portland Oregon is alive and well, and unlike many downtown areas in other cities, remains active and vibrant after the business workday ends. There are many beautiful parks to enjoy, as well as numerous theatre, music, and entertainment events Downtown.

Goose Hollow

A charming neighborhood, with a delightful mix of old and new.  Bordering downtown Portland, this is one of the original neighborhoods of Portland.  Goose Hollow is also in close proximity to Forest Park, Nob Hill and Arlington Heights neighborhoods. Goose Hollow's streets are lined with older Portland homes dating from the turn of the century.  Some former homes have been converted into law offices, coffee shops and other businesses, making this area a mix of residential and commercial.  Goose Hollow is also home to some of Portland's oldest dining establishments, such as the locally famous Goose Hollow Inn (best Reuben sandwiches in town) and the Leaky Roof (with the largest selection of Irish whiskey in Portland).  Drop by and spend an afternoon hanging out with the locals and get a taste of some Portland history. 

 

Many of the hilly streets of Goose Hollow afford wonderful views, and for the fitness buffs this is a great place to walk and run.  Climb the stairs or walk the streets through the neighborhood and within minutes you can transport yourself to some of Portland's most beautiful areas.  On the Western border up the hill, you'll find Portland's amazing Washington Park, Portland International Rose Test Garden, Portland Japanese Garden, the Vista Bridge, and a panoramic view of downtown Portland.  PGE Park, and the Multnomah Athletic Club are also in this area.  A trip to the Multnomah County Library is a very short commute and only a few Max light rail stops away. Goose Hollow is also home to the neighborhood known as Historic King's Hill. Located just south of Burnside and Northwest 23rd Avenue, to King Avenue. Gorgeous historic homes, many registered with the National Historic Register, can be found here.  We noted several historic plaques, with homes built from 1890 through the early 1900's.  Additional historic areas in or near Goose Hollow include Vista Ridge, Gander Ridge and Lownsdale.  If you want to tour the area, we recommend walking as opposed to driving, so you can really appreciate the architectural details and beautiful yards and gardens of these special homes.

Alberta Arts

The Alberta neighborhood in Portland can probably best be described as funky and fun. The residential area is caught in the mixed controversy of gentrification, with many of the older houses spiffed up inside and out, and property values have been rising on a sharp upward curve. Many homes express a unique and artistic flair that suits the neighborhood's nickname,  The Alberta Arts District. Alberta folks seem to prize their individuality, and you'll find a multi-cultural demographics mix of locals and visitors.

Alameda

Alameda is located in Northeast Portland. It is bordered by the Irvington, Sabin, Concordia, Beaumont-Wilshire and Grant Park neighborhoods. Alameda is a gorgeous neighborhood with quiet, tree-lined streets and some gorgeous homes, many on larger lots. Homes that are located on Alameda ridge have a stunning view of Portland and the West hills. Alameda is a popular and prestigious community with a strong sense of neighborhood pride. Nearby (Beaumont-Wilshire) you will find coffee shops, a brewpub, and some nice residential and commercial areas to take a stroll. Alameda overlaps on one side with Irvington, also an older historical neighborhood with grand homes.

Irvington

Irvington is located in Northeast Portland. It is bordered by the Sabin, Alameda, Eliot, King, Grant Park, Sullivan's Gulch, and Lloyd Center neighborhoods. Irvington is located on the East side of the Willamette River. Its boundaries are NE Fremont Avenue on the North, NE 7th Avenue on the West, NE Broadway on the South, and NE 26th Avenue on the East. The upper Northeast corner overlaps with Alameda and Sabin neighborhoods.

 

Several grand dame old homes are located here, and many are on the National Register of Historic Places. Back when they were constructed, Irvington homes were considered upper middle class. The sense of Irvington history can be found in more than just the homes. The exclusive Irvington Club for tennis was founded in 1898. And, if you pay attention while strolling the streets, you’ll notice many sidewalks imprinted with the original craftsman’s name and date (”E. Wiles 1908”) and you’ll even find an occasional metal ring still attached to the curb, from back in the days when everyone had horses to tie up instead of automobiles to park.

 

Like any neighborhood that has been around since the turn of the last century, Irvington has suffered from periodic slumps over the years. Some houses fell into disrepair, and here and there a house was demolished and replaced with a “modern” mid-century apartment or commercial building. But overall, if you enjoy historic charm and unique homes with fine character and craftsmanship, you’ll love Irvington.

Laurelhurst

The Laurelhurst neighborhood is located in Southeast Portland. It is bordered by the Kerns, Sullivan's Gulch, Hollywood, Center and Sunnyside neighborhoods. This is one of Portland's most popular neighborhoods because it has older, established feel to it and it is conveniently located with an easy commute into Downtown.  There is plenty to do in the area, with many restaurants and other community amenities. Laurelhurst is a beautiful area  full of charming homes in all shapes and sizes, from the cute bungalow with a covered front porch, to sprawling stone and brick homes with grand lawns. Located near the Laurelhurst park, this is a great neighborhood for families and taking a strol along beautiful tree-lined streets.  Laurelhurst is conveniently located along major East Portland streets for easy commute to popular dining and shopping locations and downtown.

Hawthorne

The Hawthorne District, located in Southeast Portland, runs along Hawthorne Avenue from about 11th to 55th Avenues. Hawthorne is made up by the Buckman, Ladd's Addition, Hosford-Abernathy, Sunnyside, Mt. Tabor and Richmond neighborhoods. As Hawthorne is not officially recognized as a single neighborhood, be sure to also check the neighborhood pages for any of these other areas for more information. Undoubtedly, Hawthorne is one of the most unique, and most popular areas in Southeast Portland. The area is known for its wonderful restored Old Portland homes, liberal residents, and fun and funky feel. The street is lined with unique restaurants and shops, and has a definite Portland-local flair.

There are a lot of words you could use to describe the locals who live in the Hawthorne District; activist, environmentalist, educated, opinionated, hippie, hipster, Gen X-er, entrepreneur...and more. However you choose to describe it, though, this neighborhood is fun, friendly, and worth a visit.


Belmont

The Belmont District located in Southeast Portland, runs along Belmont Street from about 31st to 60th Avenues. The Belmont District is actually located in the Sunnyside neighborhood, bordered on the North by Laurelhurst and on the East by Mount Tabor neighborhood. Like the Hawthorne District, the Belmont Street area is a very popular area in southeast Portland. With a strong sense of Portland individuality, Belmont has many locally owned coffee shops, markets, and distinctive shops and restaurants. Belmont Street is a favorite destination for many locals, whether it's for an afternoon at the Avalon, a night at the Blue Monk, or a cup of joe at the neighborhood coffee shop. This area has a nice mix of urban diversity, with a funky feel, and local color.

Source: PortlandNeighborhood.com