When considering a move to Portland, you’ll want to know which neighborhoods are the most popular. Known as The Rose City for its favorable growing climate, Portland is a staple city in the Pacific Northwest. What you’ll also find in Portland is an array of eclectic options for entertainment, dining, and culture. Each Portland neighborhood features a unique vibe and local gems that are beloved to residents and tourists alike. Not sure which area is the right fit for you? Check out our list of the top 9 Portland neighborhoods, and discover what makes each Portland area unique.
Is Portland a good place to live?
Portland, Oregon, is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful natural surroundings, and progressive mindset. It offers a unique blend of outdoor recreational opportunities, diverse dining options, and a thriving arts scene.
The city’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives also appeals to many residents. Portland’s public transportation system, including light rail and buses, makes it easier to get around without a car. Additionally, the city’s proximity to stunning landscapes, such as Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge, makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
However, it’s essential to consider some potential drawbacks, such as the high cost of living and housing prices, which have been increasing in recent years. The Pacific Northwest weather, characterized by rainy winters, may not suit everyone’s preferences.
Overall, Portland’s unique charm, progressive values, and abundant recreational opportunities make it an attractive option for many, but it’s essential to carefully assess personal needs and goals before making a decision to move to the city.
The top 9 Portland neighborhoods
- Northwest District
- Buckman
- Richmond
- Downtown Portland
- Creston-Kenilworth
- Sellwood-Moreland
- Nob-Hill
- Goose Hollow
- Pearl District
Selection criteria
To determine the most popular neighborhoods in Portland, we utilized Zumper data to identify the neighborhoods with the largest search volume in the past year. We then ranked these neighborhoods using information on median rent prices, points of interest, and overall vibe. Here are the top neighborhoods in Portland to consider:
1. Northwest District
The best neighborhood for foodies
Located in Central Portland, the vibrant Northwest District is the city’s most popular neighborhood. Here you’ll find both old Portland-style Victorian houses and sleek new-build condos. Many young professionals call this neighborhood home due to its abundance of bars and restaurants. It’s also considered one of Portland’s most walkable areas, so residents and visitors have easy access to its many dining and entertainment destinations.
If you’re considering living in the Northwest District, you’ll want to get out and experience the top spots for drinks and eats. Try Bartini, where you can savor assorted small plates and expertly crafted martinis, including the rose martini named after the city. Enjoy your main course at G-Love where locally grown produce is the star of any meal. You’ll even have the opportunity to dine inside ‘Gus the Bus,’ the 1973 Volkswagen permanently parked outside of G-Love for patrons to enjoy. For dessert, Salt & Straw has you covered with artisanal ice cream flavors beloved by local Portland residents.
The Northwest District is close to Downtown Portland, Old Town Chinatown, and The Pearl District. And, with Portland known for lush outdoors, you also have easy access to Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the United States, via the St. Johns Bridge.
2. Buckman
The best neighborhood for hipsters
The Buckman neighborhood is a hipster’s paradise located along the Willamette River, with stunning views of Downtown Portland. Home to coffee shops, eateries, and multiple breweries, this Portland neighborhood is a popular destination for entertainment and Pacific Northwest vibes. Consider grabbing your caffeine fix at Rimsky-Korsakoffee House, one of the city’s oldest coffee houses. Located inside an old Victorian home, Rimsky’s serves homemade desserts and a ghostly atmosphere. Tables named after deceased classical composers and live classical music set the mood.
Looking for the best eats? Hawthorne Asylum, an extensive outdoor food court, showcases various food trucks with options to satisfy every palate and desire. Grab a bite and a beverage with friends as you sit around the firepit and converse with other Portland locals. For beer enthusiasts, you’ll have endless options to frequent in Buckman, including Hair of the Dog Brewing Company, and Cascade Brewing Barrel House. Enjoy the Portland outdoors at Audrey McCall Beach and Eastbank Esplanade, where you can enjoy public art, riverfront views, and scenic bike paths.
3. Richmond
The best neighborhood for style icons
Set in southeast Portland, the Richmond neighborhood is a trendy area known for unique boutique shops and diverse dining options. It’s also home to the SE division, one of Portland’s thriving districts for small businesses. Along SE Division Street you’ll find great shopping and top eateries including the Bollywood Theater, where you can enjoy Indian street food as you watch old Bollywood films.
The Hawthorne District, an area where locals enjoy art galleries, cafes, and bookstores, is a key drawcard of the Richmond neighborhood. During summer, head to the Hawthorne Famer’s Market, where you can enjoy live music, local food, and street vendors. Another popular destination is McMenamins Bagdad Theatre & Pub, a historic staple for cinema and cuisine dating back to 1927. Hawthorne is also the home to the best vintage shopping in Portland. Must-shop vintage collectives include Artifact, Village Merchants, and the House of Vintage, where you’ll find over 60 retailers of vintage clothing, shoes, accessories, home goods, and art.
4. Downtown Portland
The best neighborhood for people on the go
Downtown Portland is where you’ll find most of the city’s high-rise buildings, along with some of the best options for dining, outdoor spaces, and Portland culture. Easily accessible by TriMet, Portland’s light rail, streetcar, and bus system, you won’t be short of things to do in this neighborhood.
Downtown Portland is home to the Portland Saturday Market, considered the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the United States. Established in 1974 and running from March to December, the market features 150 booths, live music, and tasty bites. Awarded the title of the oldest museum in the Pacific Northwest, The Portland Art Museum is in the center of Portland’s Downtown Cultural District. It showcases a renowned permanent collection and special exhibits throughout the year.
Downtown Portland is also known for its entertainment options. The historic McMenamins Crystal Ballroom on W Burnside Street hosts shows from a wide range of music genres under the glow of the building’s grand chandeliers and historic architecture. Catch the Oregon Symphony and other cultural events at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall or enjoy jazz and burlesque at The Jack London Revue.
5. Creston – Kenilworth
The best neighborhood for dog owners
he Creston-Kenilworth neighborhood is one of the oldest areas of Portland. While a primarily residential neighborhood with a more laid-back vibe, Creston-Kenilworth doesn’t fall short of options for residents to eat, drink, and have fun. Dog-friendly spaces like Creston Park and Kenilworth Park make this neighborhood the ideal choice for dog owners.
The main street of this neighborhood is SE Gladstone, where residents can frequent many local establishments. Beer drinkers will find an oasis in C-Bar Portland, which features 20 rotating taps. You’re welcome to bring your dog or your kids until 10 p.m. Gladstone Street Pub also welcomes dogs and their humans to their back patio area. Enjoy a drink around the firepit with live music on selected nights. After drinks, venture down SE Gladstone Street to Saint Pizza Lounge & Gladstone St. Pizza, a friendly pizzeria that permits dogs on its patio.
6. Sellwood-Moreland
The best neighborhood for families
Portland’s urban feel and unashamed weirdness appeal to many new residents, but it’s not all the city offers. For a suburban neighborhood that’s ideal for raising a family, consider Sellwood-Moreland. This friendly community moves at a slower pace, and that’s exactly how the residents like it. Most residents own their own homes, but you can find limited rentals at affordable prices. The local schools are also excellent, so you can feel confident your kids can reach their academic potential here.
Sellwood-Moreland is a 12-minute drive from Downtown Portland, but there’s plenty within the community to keep you all entertained. The kids will love Oaks Amusement Park, which has provided family fun since 1905, and Moreland Theater, a historic cinema showing the latest films since 1926. The whole family will also love looking for animals as you explore the trails of Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. When you’re eating out, the classic menus at Bertie Lou’s Café, San Felipe Taqueria, and Saburo’s Sushi House should satisfy even the fussiest eaters.
7. Nob Hill
The best neighborhood for luxury lovers
If you enjoy the finer things in life, you’ll want to settle in Nob Hill. People call this high-end northwest Portland neighborhood the city’s most European community. Imagine strolling down tree-lined avenues munching on macarons or biscotti from Ken’s Artisan Bakery. You can stop off at Kiehl’s for luxury skin treatments before shopping the fashion boutiques on NW 23rd. The French bistro tables and superb brews at Barista Café transport you to Paris.
Nob Hill’s flat streets make it very pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly. Downtown Portland is only a five-minute drive away, and it’s close to Highway 30 if you want to explore further afield. Nob Hill also borders the Pearl District, Kings Heights, and Goose Hollow.
8. Goose Hollow
The best neighborhood for sports fans
Bordering Downtown Portland, Goose Hollow is the ideal choice for sports fans who want easy access to the heart of the city. Portland Thorns FC and Portland Timbers FC both call Goose Hollow home, so if you’re not already a soccer fan you soon will be. You can cheer on the teams in person at Providence Park or from local sports bars like the Civic Taproom, the Independent Sports Bar & Grill, and River Pig Saloon.
The free-roaming geese that gave this neighborhood its name have long since moved on. That means you can enjoy the treats from cute casual eateries like Fehrenbacher Hof, Coco Donuts, and Hot Lips, famous for its pizza pies made from local ingredients, in peace. While it’s close to the hustle and bustle of downtown Portland, Goose Hollow’s superb green spaces, including Washington Park, Portland International Rose Test Garden, and Portland Japanese Garden can all help you recharge your batteries.
9. Pearl District
The best neighborhood for singles
Singles who want to be in the coolest part of Portland are flocking to the Pearl District. This neighborhood is so hot right now thanks to its vibrant arts scene and buzzy nightlife. The Pearl District has the highest concentration of art galleries in Portland, including Blue Sky Gallery, Bullseye Gallery, and Froelick Gallery. Expect modern art that pushes the boundaries from these and other local institutions. First Thursday Street Gallery, held on the first Thursday of every month, is a great way to immerse yourself in the local arts scene.
The restaurants of the Pearl District are also creative, with the culinary teams at Republica, Andina, and Arden Restaurant all pushing the envelope. If you just want to head out for drinks, you can’t go wrong at Deschutes Brewery and Public House or the rooftop bar at 10 Barrel Brewing. If you’re looking for the one, or the one for right now, try vibey nightspots like No Requests, Pink Rabbit, and Teardrop Cocktail Lounge.
Frequently asked questions
Portland’s cost of living is relatively high compared to the national average. Housing costs, in particular, have been rising steadily in recent years. However, the city’s lack of sales tax and abundance of public transportation options can help offset some expenses.
Yes, Portland is renowned for its bike-friendly infrastructure, making it easy for residents to commute by bicycle. The city has an extensive network of bike lanes, paths, and bike-sharing programs, encouraging a more sustainable and active lifestyle.
Portland’s job market is diverse, with opportunities in various sectors, including tech, healthcare, education, and the arts. The city’s economy has seen steady growth, and it attracts a mix of young professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives.
Portland experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm and dry, while winters are mild and rainy. The city’s reputation for rain is well-known, but the rain often comes in light drizzles rather than heavy downpours.
Portland’s proximity to stunning natural landscapes offers ample outdoor recreational opportunities. Residents can explore Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the United States, or hike in the nearby Columbia River Gorge. The city’s parks, like Washington Park and Tom McCall Waterfront Park, offer spaces for picnics, walking, and outdoor events.
Portland boasts an efficient and well-connected public transportation system, managed by TriMet. It includes buses, light rail (MAX), and streetcars, making it convenient for residents to navigate the city without a car.
Absolutely! Portland is known for its pet-friendly atmosphere and numerous dog parks. Many restaurants and cafes also allow dogs on their outdoor patios, making it a welcoming place for furry companions.
Portland is a haven for arts and culture enthusiasts, offering museums, theaters, and live music venues. The city hosts various events and festivals celebrating music, art, and local culture. Powell’s City of Books, one of the world’s largest independent bookstores, is a favorite spot for book lovers.
Final thoughts
Living in Portland, OR, offers a dynamic lifestyle with access to nature, cultural attractions, and a thriving urban scene. The best neighborhood for you will depend on your preferences, needs, and interests, as each area has its own unique offerings. Consider exploring different neighborhoods to find the one that suits your lifestyle best.Begin your search for a great apartment today, and start living life as a Portland local.
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