An Overview
Now known as a destination city on the west coast, Portland has gained a reputation for its eclectic local flavor and one-of-a-kind residents. A city where people from all walks of life can connect, thrive, and find a space to call home, Portland’s people-focused communities are characterized by their distinctly welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. With five main boroughs, each made up of many unique neighborhoods, the Portland metro area has something for everyone - from high-rise city dwellers to rural acreage lovers. Located two hours from either the Oregon coastline or the impressive peaks of Mt Hood, and host to a notable number of locally-owned shops, restaurants, and markets, Portland is the true embodiment of the Pacific Northwest's spirit of adventure, environmentalism, and community.
North Portland
This fast-growing section of the city, sometimes called “NoPo” or “the fifth quadrant", is the proverbial distant cousin of the Portland family. Located at the northern tip where the Willamette and Columbia rivers meet, North Portland is a rapidly evolving residential and commercial real estate scene and home to most of the city's industrial infrastructure - including the Port of Portland. Bordered by bustling Williams Corridor on the east and St.Johns on the west, North Portland has a diverse mix of residents, from die-hard established locals to young urban newcomers. A proudly eclectic piece of the Portland puzzle, you can find both trendy new hot spots and tried and true fixtures in this neighborhood. With a great mix of food, drink, and nightlife options on N Mississippi and N Williams and home to beautiful Kelley Pointe Park and Cathedral Park under the iconic St.John’s bridge, North Portland has a diverse selection of recreational activities. This area is great for enjoying tasty grub and neighborly conversation at places like Occidental Brewing Company, Leisure Public House, the St. John’s Beer Porch, or one of the community's many annual festivals, street fairs, and bizarres.
Northeast Portland
A diverse collection of boroughs, each unique in its own right, Northeast Portland contains some of the city’s most historic homes and schools. With a diverse selection of home styles and an impressive collection of locally owned restaurants, bars, boutiques, and co-ops, this neighborhood is a fantastic place for urban socialites, growing families, or those looking for great grub within walking distance. With a lively community scene, areas like the Alberta Arts District give ode to the creative spirit of the city by celebrating thoughtfully sourced and prepared foods, craft cocktail mixing, and local artists and musicians. A mecca for foodies looking to get farm-to-table fare, residents have quick access to some of the city’s best restaurants, including the award-winning Ox, Toro Bravo, Han Oak, and Beast. While life feels a little slower on the streets of Laurelhurst, Alameda, and Irvington, where you can find some of the city’s most historic and architecturally grand homes dating back as far as the 1800s, the Northeast quadrant also houses several of the city’s major crowd-drawers, such as the Moda Center, where the Portland Trail Blazers and major concert headliners play, and the convention center. With several main thoroughfares and a robust public transportation system in the area, Northeast Portlander’s have quick, convenient access to downtown, the Pearl, and majors highways leading to each of the city’s quadrants.
Southeast Portland
This sprawling quadrant of the city is considered the up and coming hub for Portlanders who love good coffee, craft beer, and great grub. Stretching east from the Willamette all the way to Powell Butte Nature Park, southeast Portland contains an exciting array of modern homes and businesses as unique as its residents. With an influx of boutique businesses flooding the area in the last 10 years, this community has become a must-visit destination for some of Portland's coolest eat and drinkeries. Locals can enjoy delicious cuisine styles from all over the globe at hip inner eastside spots like Kachka, Olympia Provisions, and Le Bistro Montage and standout favorites like Bamboo Sushi and Pine State Biscuits. Home to some of Portland’s trendiest and most unique haunts, hang outs like Hawthorne Blvd, Mt.Tabor, Laurelhurst Park, and charming downtown Sellwood are just a few of this quadrant’s points of interest. With well-known spots like the Mt. Tabor area with awesome hiking and dog walking paths and the famous historic Ladd’s Addition, southeast Portland has no lack of unique pockets to explore and fall in love with
Southwest Portland
Claiming an impressive swatch of the Portland map, the southwest quadrant is a variety-packed quadrant that stretches from the heart of Portland proper where you can find the hustle and bustle of downtown city living to the winding, meandering streets of suburban bliss on its southern-most edge. Much like the landscape, the homes are uniquely diverse, ranging from some of Portland’s most high-profile luxury properties in Goose Hollow, Portland Heights, Council Crest, and the West Hills to charming single-family bungalows in Hillsdale, Bridlemile, and Multnomah. With a charming small town vibe, those who love art galleries, antique shops, specialty boutiques, and family friendly restaurants will find themselves right at home in the charming Multnomah community. Containing several of Portland’s sight-seeing attractions, such as the Portland Zoo and renowned Portland Japanese Garden, this community is excellent for enjoying the best of Portland’s outdoor wonders. For those looking for excitement in the city, downtown Portland contains the iconic Saturday market, Pioneer Square high-end shopping, and the beautiful Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
Northwest Portland
Northwest Portland is a thriving, densely populated neighborhood known by many names, including Slabtown, Nob Hill, and the Alphabet District. Home to the renowned Pearl District and the wonders of NW 23rd, this area is not only easily accessible from almost anywhere in the city via public transportation and major thoroughfares, it’s arguably the best upscale shopping and dining district Portland has to offer. Boasting gorgeous homes with incredible views in Willamette Heights, Northwest Heights, and Kings Heights and host to some of Portland’s most coveted condominiums, this is the place to be if you want luxury living in the middle of the action. With an exceptional urban shopping scene and amazing food and dessert options from every style of cuisine imaginable, there’s never a lack of new things to explore, try, and take home in this neighborhood. For those who love the outdoors, Northwest Portland also contains the city’s largest wooded area, with 5000+ acres of hiking, biking, and walking trials in Forest Park.
