The 6 Most Popular Neighborhoods In the Portland Area
Are you and your family thinking about relocating to the Portland area? Maybe you already live in town but are looking for a new neighborhood to call home?
There are so many great neighborhoods in and around Portland. It’s tough to pick a favorite! We asked our experienced brokers for their thoughts on the most popular neighborhoods in the Portland area right now.
Here’s what they had to say:
1. Sherwood
Located less than a 30-minute drive from Downtown Portland, Sherwood is one of the area’s fastest growing communities. The population has nearly doubled in the last decade.
Families love Sherwood for its:
- Impressive public school system
- Luxury homes with great sprawling yards
- Small-town feel with nearby big city amenities
DID YOU KNOW: In 2007, Sherwood was named Money magazine’s most livable town in America!
See Properties for Sale in Sherwood
2. Alameda & Irvington
The secret’s out! Alameda and Irvington are two of the most popular neighborhoods in close-in NE Portland! Just a 10 or 15-minute drive (or an easy MAX or bike ride) to downtown, Alameda, and Irvington have beautiful tree-lined streets and amazing homes on large lots. There’s really nowhere else like it in the entire city!
Living in Irvington or Alameda, you’ll appreciate:
- Beautiful views of the Willamette River and Downtown Portland
- Easy commutes to anywhere in the city
- Great parks and outdoor spaces
- Incredible restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and coffee shops in the nearby Alberta and Pearl Districts
DID YOU KNOW: In 2010, Irvington was recognized as a historic district and was added to the National Register of Historic Places!
See Properties for Sale in Irvington & Alameda
3. Sellwood
A view of Downtown Portland and the old Sellwood Bridge from the Willamette River
Photo Credit: Brandon on Flickr
Do you dream of living in a sleepy small town without giving up the luxuries of a big city? Sellwood, located on the Willamette River just a few miles south of Downtown Portland might be exactly what you’re looking for!
Local shops and restaurants line the streets of “downtown” Sellwood. Homes on the nearby bluff have an incredible view of the Oaks Bottom Wildlife refuge. It’s a great neighborhood for active living, too. The Springwater Corridor offers nearly 40 miles of paved biking and running trails, connecting Sellwood with the East Bank Esplanade and downtown Portland.
DID YOU KNOW: There are even an amusement park and one of the largest murals in the United States!
See Properties for Sale in Sellwood
4. Portland Heights & Council Crest
On a clear day, you might be able to catch a glimpse of Mt. Rainier from Council Crest Park
Photo Credits: Jason Lander on Flickr
Located in the West Hills, Council Crest (just over 1070 feet above sea level) is the highest spot in the city of Portland. On the clearest days, even Mt. Rainier is visible! Known as “The Dreamland of the Northwest,” the Portland Heights and Council Crest neighborhoods are known for their incredible views and direct access to Downtown. Classic, century-old homes are known for their original fireplaces and quarter-sawn oak floors (although many have been updated to include modern amenities and luxuries).
The area is great for families and is home to:
- Ainsworth Elementary School.
- East-West Sylvan Middle School.
- Lincoln High School and Wilson High School.
DID YOU KNOW: Years ago, a trolley carried passengers to the top of Council Crest which was once home to an amusement park!
See Properties for Sale in Council Crest & Portland Heights
5. Mt. Tabor & SE Portland
Looking down towards Portland’s city center from Mt. Tabor’s reservoir
Photo Credit: brx0 on Flickr
How does living on an (extinct) volcano sound? Well, you can! Mt. Tabor, located in Southeast Portland, is an extinct cinder cone volcano, towering about 600’ over the surrounding landscape. Homes on Mt. Tabor offer amazing views of Downtown Portland and Mt. Hood.
Located just 5 miles from the city center, Mt. Tabor is one of the most popular neighborhoods in all of Southeast Portland. It’s also one of the oldest residential neighborhoods on the east side. In addition to modern homes, you’ll find charming bungalows, English cottages, Tudors, and craftsman style homes.
Making a home in the Mt. Tabor area? Don’t miss:
- Hiking on one of the many trails that loop through, around, and over Mt. Tabor.
- Eating at nearby Pok Pok, one of the restaurants that launched Portland’s now world-famous foods scene.
- Having a cold brew at the original Stumptown Coffee on Division Street.
DID YOU KNOW: Every summer, the steep roads on Mt. Tabor play host to an adult soap box derby race!
See Properties for Sale in Mt. Tabor
6. Forest Heights & Forest Park
Pittock Mansion is one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Forest Park!
Photo Credits: Rajiv Vishwa on Flickr
Forest Park is one of Portland’s greatest treasures. It’s among the largest urban parks in the entire country, containing over 80 miles of peaceful hiking trails. Pittock Mansion (one of the most historical sites in the area) offers incredible views and a glimpse into Portland’s past.
The Forest Park and Forest Heights are often built right into the slopes of the West Hills, providing breathtaking views. The area’s homeowners also take great pride in landscaping their yards. In the area, you’ll find classic brownstones, English Tudors, bungalows, colonials, and Victorians. You’ll even find luxury properties as large as 6000 square feet!
DID YOU KNOW: Hundreds of species of animals live in Forest Park, including wild Cutthroat Trout, Spotted Owls, and even Elk!
See Properties for Sale in Forest Heights
Will You Be Buying a Home in Portland?
If you’re planning a move to one of Portland’s most popular neighborhoods, we’d love to help! Contact us today to speak with an experienced broker who can show you incredible homes in these hot Portland neighborhoods!