Top 5 Neighborhoods

Thinking about moving to Portland? Here are five neighborhoods to consider. For each, I’ve included the vibe, housing styles, quick pros/cons and who it fits best.

1) Pearl District

• Vibe: polished urban, parks and galleries, Streetcar access.
• Homes: modern condos, townhomes and converted lofts.
• Pros: walkability, dining, monthly First Thursday art walk.
• Cons: HOA dues, premium pricing, limited single‑family options.
• Best for: buyers who want the most urban lifestyle Portland offers.

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Learn more about the Pearl District →

2) Sellwood & Westmoreland

• Vibe: small‑town charm along the river; antique shops and cafes.
• Homes: early 1900s bungalows and foursquares; some newer infill.
• Pros: tree‑lined streets, Oaks Bottom trails, strong community.
• Cons: inventory can be tight; popular schools mean competition.
• Best for: families and anyone who loves walkable, village‑like streets.

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Learn more about Sellwood & Westmoreland →

3) Hawthorne

• Vibe: eclectic, vintage shops and a lively main street.
• Homes: Craftsman, bungalow and foursquare (many with original woodwork).
• Pros: bike culture, frequent bus, Mt. Tabor nearby.
• Cons: limited driveways; busier near Hawthorne/Division corridors.
• Best for: buyers who value character homes and local businesses.

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Learn more about Hawthorne →

4) Alberta Arts & Concordia

• Vibe: arts-forward, galleries, food carts and summer street fairs.
• Homes: classic Portland styles plus ADUs and small plexes.
• Pros: creative energy, restaurant scene, neighborhood events.
• Cons: hot market pockets; parking can be competitive during events.
• Best for: creatives and first‑time buyers seeking lively streets.

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Learn more about Alberta Arts →

5) Forest Heights (NW Heights)

• Vibe: wooded hills, newer construction, neighborhood parks.
• Homes: larger single‑family homes with garages; some townhomes.
• Pros: trails, views, good school access, community HOA amenities.
• Cons: car‑dependent; hill driving in winter; HOA rules/dues.
• Best for: move‑up buyers, home‑office pros who want space and nature.

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Learn more about Forest Heights →

How to choose the right area

1. Define your must‑haves (school boundary, yard size, commute time).
2. Tour morning, afternoon and evening to sample traffic and noise.
3. Compare HOA dues, property taxes and utility estimates.
4. Ask your agent (hi!) for recent comps and absorption rates.

If you’d like a tailored shortlist of neighborhoods that fit your budget and lifestyle, contact me and I’ll send you a curated plan with on‑ and off‑market options.