2023 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Portland

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: I love it here, there are so much to do within walking distance, including Washington Park and several grocery stores, bars. Everything you could need is nearby... Read 10 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 2,142

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 2,070

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 3.29 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: Lot of trendy shops and entertainment. Excellent culture such as museums and Art galleries, but there is also a lot of homeless on every street corner. The homeless situation is so bad that you literally have to step over someone sleeping on the curb. They're not dangerous, mostly just asking for spare change or a cigarette. Most of the time they're just sleep or passed out. The sight of people in dire straits in a country with so much wealth is rather depressing and sad. The cost of living is extremely high compared to the rest of the greater Portland area. So while there is a lot of fun things to do, It takes a lot of money to partake in such activities. Great nightlife and bars that are all in close proximity, no need for a designated driver because you can just walk home. Not a lot of family activities or outdoor playgrounds for kids to enjoy during when the weather is nice.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 9,193

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 3.4 out of 5  15 reviews

Current Resident: The community is very supportive. I'm a domestic violence survivor starting over and everyone has come together to help me. So grateful... Read 15 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Population 1,348

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  14 reviews

Current Resident: Genuinely a charming, urban, busy, full of life neighborhood. I live on NW 16th and W Burnside - right in the center of Portland. I can walk nearly anywhere in the west side in 15 minutes, from the NW District, to Goose Hollow, the Pearl, and Downtown. I can bike over to the east side within 7 minutes and the amount of shops, grocery, coffee, and entertainment in the area cannot be beat. Proud to own a condo in this area and do not have plans to leave soon. The convenience is unmatched.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 7,776

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 5,441

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• grade A+

• grade B+

• Population 1,188

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: This site's wildly inaccurate and ridiculous description of my neighborhood says: "In Sylvan-Highlands there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks." As a 20+ year home owner and resident of the Sylvan Highlands neighborhood, this statement is simply absurd. Although there are many such business in nearby downtown, there are NO BARS, restaurants, or coffee shops within the residential part of the neighborhood. The only businesses of any kind are found on the outskirts of the neighborhood. The sole exception to this is the Portland Tennis Club, perhaps the most expensive/exclusive club of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. It sits in the middle of the neighborhood. There are not "many" parks, but the neighborhood is dominated by one very large one: Washington Park, which consists of more than 410 acres and some 15 miles of hiking trails. Contained inside of Washington Park is Portland's Hoyt Arboretum, whose 188 acres comprise almost half of Washington Park.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 1,254

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  12 reviews

Current Resident: I love that Irvington is really close to the city center without apartments costing an absolute fortune. It's a very dog-friendly neighborhood and pedestrian-friendly as well! The neighborhood itself is really quite gorgeous and is in close proximity to several bars and restaurants. A major downside is that there are tons of homeless people digging through trash bins and make a mess. They also yell and tell me that they'll steal my dog which is a little unnerving.... Read 12 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 6,755

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 4.8 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: This neighborhood is full of great people who are down to earth and extremely caring. The area is very clean. It is near many good schools going from grade school all the way up to high school. Alameda street has a lot of food bars to pick from.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 5,132

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Niche User: In my neighborhood I feel very safe and free to leave my car unlocked, or walk around at night.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 3,609

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  9 reviews

Current Resident: I recently moved to Sullivan's Gulch this past summer. Everyone in the neighborhood that I have met so far have been friendly. Very dog, bike, and kid friendly. Street parking often turns roads into one-way streets with cars parked on both sides. Beautiful homes and properties.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 3,950

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  15 reviews

Niche User: I've lived here since I was born. I loved the people, the clean air, fresh water, and access to good healthy food in a sustainable city.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 5,168

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: The Southwest Hills are a wonderful place to live. The local public schools are fantastic, and everyone in the neighborhood is very nice. There are lots of parks, making the whole neighborhood very family-friendly. There are dozens of trails for walking, hiking, and biking. All the houses are closely connected to these outdoor activities. While there is a strong residential feeling, the neighborhood is extremely close to downtown and anything one could need.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 5,867

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Niche User: The police are everywhere. Because it is such a small and affluent community they have little to do in the way of serious crime, so watch out for speeding tickets, especially if your car looks out of place (old and not a Mercedes).... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B+

• Population 1,575

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  13 reviews

Current Resident: My neighbors are so kind and generous. When we first moved into our home, we were greeted with cookies and jam. Everyone has always been so welcoming to our family. Best of all, we have 1 large neighborhood block party every year and numerous spontaneous street parties through out the year. The parties are fun for both adults and children. We even all go trick or treating together. Our neighbors trust me with their children, homes, and pets. I have been given many job opportunities from my neighbors. I would definitely give my neighborhood a 10 out of 10. The only thing to make this neighborhood better, is to had more amazing families!... Read 13 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B+

• Population 1,498

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 4.8 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: I love Eastmoreland for the well-maintained historic homes, safe quiet streets, and huge shady trees. We have also been really pleased with the public schools. I have a correction for the description on this site, though. Eastmoreland does not have its own business district, so you need to go to Woodstock or Sellwood or another surrounding neighborhood to shop, run errands, or go out to eat. Not having a business district can be thought of as an advantage when you see how much they are encroaching on residential areas of Portland, but it also makes Eastmoreland less functionally walkable and bikeable.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Population 4,340

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  11 reviews

Current Resident: More quiet and less light pollution than the exurb where I used to live. I am certain that there are many neighborhoods similar - but where else can you live under a massive Doug Fir, surrounded by cherry trees, families walking by, and "the youngs" keeping things vibrant while simultaneously being within walking distance to multiple, virbrant restaurant/shopping/entertainment centers? This includes Belmont/Hawthorne practically at your door, Stark not too much further, and an equidistance between Division and Burnside close enough to walk or quick bike/scooter yet just out of reach to keep the gentrifying down a bit. Noticing: Landlord neighbors are moving into their houses post-pandemic. "I'll never rent it again" (overheard)... Read 11 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Population 7,065

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: Central to most places in Portland. It's about 10-20 minutes to go anywhere in the PDX metro area. Only unfortunate thing is with the way our winters are going, you WILL get stuck up here with the snow. The high elevation means you will either be stuck at the bottom of the hill or stuck in your home. Power lines and trees are very likely to fall in the road during unusual weather events, so be prepared to stay in for a few days. Rentals are affordable and neighbors are extremely friendly. Have always felt safe walking at night. Getting food, groceries, or anything means taking the winding roads down the hill. If you get car sick easily, this is not the neighborhood for you. Many well maintained hiking trails. One of the most beautiful places to live in the spring and summer, but also potentially hazardous during the winter. Not much in the way of out food on the hill.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 3,189

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: Such a wonderful neighborhood, my favorite in the Pacific NW! Laurelhurst Park was designed by the firm who designed Central Park and it's both heavily used and well maintained. An ideal combination of wild and urban with lots of summertime events and people having family reunions, practicing tai-chi, throwing frisbees, reading quietly, walking dogs, interval training, birding, etc etc. There is a real neighborhood feel here, residents are friendly & welcoming, invested in the neighborhood and engaged in the Portland community at large. Caring neighbors who never leave...seriously, it's hard to find homes here because once people have experienced living here they can't imagine living anywhere else. I can walk to multiple grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, shops, the library, the park, breakfast, bars, etc, and I feel safe doing so. Anything I can't walk to is bikeable or bus-able. Easy freeway access for the commute (PDX is a 15 min drive), but so leafy you'd never know it. LOVE!!!... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 4,894

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  15 reviews

Current Resident: Close to downtown, walking distance to grocery stores, bars and restaurants. Great for cyclists and families. Like most of Portland, lacking economic and racial diversity.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Population 14,100

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: Everything is closeby, but it is not busy (traffic or people). It is nice that it is also close to the Airport and downtown Portland. There are a couple of parks to choose from. During summertime you can go for a walk or for a run on a beautiful golf course. It is a good neighborhood for walking with dogs. There are some good choices for eating as well (Food Trucks).... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 2,715

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: I moved to Portland from Eugene to attend OHSU. I like the South Portland area. It's really close to downtown where there's so many restaurants, museums and parks. South Portland and specifically Lair Hill/South Waterfront is clean. I see lots of families and people pushing strollers and walking their dogs throughout the day. I love this area.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 955

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Niche User: This area of Portland has a lot to offer between local parks, shopping, restaurant, and small neighborhood feel. It is also very easy to get to other parts of the city from here. The people in the neighborhood are friendly and there seems to be relatively few crimes.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 6,543

• Neighborhood in Portland, OR

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  11 reviews

Niche User: This is such a great location in the Portland metro area with easy access to downtown, the interstate, and shopping, while at the same time feeling far enough removed from the bustle of the city. We love to walk in Tryon creek and the Riverview Nature area. Just wish there were more local coffee shops/restaurants.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• Population 5,554