The city of Portland is frequently recognized as a popular destination for millennials who are young and well-educated. But many nice Portland communities also play host to a large number of young families as well as retirees who are looking to settle down and plant their roots.
With a great spread of exciting things to do, top-rated schools, and convenient shopping locations, this area continues to attract new residents who want to experience everything it has to offer.
Relocating to the area and wondering where to live in Portland, OR? This list will point you in the direction of the eight top Portland neighborhoods worth a look. Find out what each community costs and the amenities you’ll find within their borders.
Table of Contents
1. Downtown Portland – A Historical Community in Portland
- Population: 12,801
- Median Household Income: $35,514
- Median Home Listing Price: $399,700
- Homes for sale in Downton
Home to Portland State University, it is one of the most populated neighborhoods in Portland. Everyone who lives in Portland loves what the downtown area has to offer. Residents enjoy museums, historical sites, and many other fun local activities for everyone from college students to local families.
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Among the most well-known things to do is the Portland Art Museum as well as local parks like Mill Ends Park, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, and Director Park. Downtown also features a variety of great places to eat such as Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen, Kells Irish Restaurant, Voodoo Doughnut, Mother’s Bistro & Bar, and many more.
2. Southwest Hills – One of the Most Affluent Portland Communities
- Population: 5,849
- Median Household Income: $148,918
- Median Home Listing Price: $925,000
- Homes for sale in Southwest Hills
The gorgeous Portland neighborhood of Southwest Hills boasts high-quality homes in a comfortable, quiet setting. While the majority of this area is residential space, it also includes most of Marquam Nature Park as well. It is known for providing easy access to some of the top churches in Portland as well as many nearby amenities.
One of the top places to eat in Southwest Hills is the Vista Spring Cafe. While a day out gives locals the chance to visit Portland Heights Park as well as Council Crest Park, which offers visitors a gorgeous 180-degree view of Portland. For families thinking about relocating to this community, it houses top-ranked local schools such as Ainsworth Elementary, West Sylvan Middle School, and Lincoln High.
3. Pearl District – Popular Retirement Neighborhood in Portland
- Population: 5,997
- Median Household Income: $76,837
- Median Home Listing Price: $498,000
- Homes for sale in Pearl District
Located north of downtown, the peaceful Portland suburb of the Pearl District is recognized as a great place to retire. A large portion of this neighborhood’s population is over the age of 65 years old. But its close proximity to local tech companies also makes it a great place to live for young professionals.
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Within the Pearl District, you’ll find the spectacular Powell’s City of Books, the largest used and new bookstore in the entire world. Nearby are some of the top restaurants in the city including Andina, Brix Tavern, and 10 Barrel Brewing as well as plenty of places to relax and enjoy a nice day such as North Park Blocks and Jamison Square. While Fields Park gives locals a place to take their dogs with an off-lease running area.
4. Goose Hollow – Affordable Portland Community
- Population: 6,507
- Median Household Income: $46,202
- Median Home Listing Price: $359,450
- Homes for sale in Goose Hollow
When it comes to the cost of living in Portland, the Goose Hollow neighborhood offers some of the most affordable housing around town. With a large number of young married couples living in this community, it provides fairly-priced living situations including one to three-bedroom apartments as well as comfortable single-family homes.
Goose Hollow is also the location of Providence Park, the home stadium of the Portland Timbers professional soccer team. Found right next to Portland Japanese Garden, you’ll have quick access to this highly-rated city attraction from your comfortable Portland neighborhood.
5. Nob Hill – The Northwest District of Portland
- Population: 12,838
- Median Household Income: $53,861
- Median Home Listing Price: $450,000
- Homes for sale in Nob Hill
The northwest area of Portland is more commonly known as “Nob Hill” to local residents. Spanning a long stretch along the west side of the Willamette River, this Portland suburb provides residents plenty of fun things to do. Visit Couch Park to enjoy a clear, sunny day or head over to Cinema 21 to experience a classic movie theater that shows vintage indie films.
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Nob Hill has a massive selection of local restaurants that can be found along every part of this popular Portland neighborhood. Some of the top places to eat are Elephants Delicatessen, Ken’s Artisan Bakery, Breakside Brewery, and many others. This area also hosts Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center, one of the city’s largest hospitals.
6. Northwest Heights – Safe Portland Suburb for Families
- Population: 6,030
- Median Household Income: $139,828
- Median Home Listing Price: $700,000
- Homes for sale in Northwest Heights
Along with being one of the safest neighborhoods in Portland, Northwest Heights is also considered one of the best places to buy a home in the entire state of Oregon. With the largest concentration of young children in the city, Northwest Heights is a heavily focused area for families that want easy access to great local schools and fun things to do with kids.
Homes within this area can be anywhere from cozy single-family homes up to large, extravagant houses.
7. Eastmoreland – A Top-rated Portland Neighborhood
- Population: 4,056
- Median Household Income: $123,129
- Median Home Listing Price: $878,000
- Homes for sale in Eastmoreland
Some local residents consider Eastmoreland to be the best community to live in Portland. Families with young children will have a great variety of single-family homes across the neighborhood with close access to schools like Duniway Elementary and Lincoln High.
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Located on the east side of the Willamette River, you’ll find a wide range of enjoyable activities in and around this Portland suburb. Nearby amenities include the Eastmoreland Golf Course, Berkeley Park, and the Westmoreland Park Nature Playground.
8. Hillside – Upscale Homes in a Beautiful Portland Suburb
- Population: 2,251
- Median Household Income: $122,377
- Median Home Listing Price: $1,080,000
- Homes for sale in Hillside
Among the best neighborhoods in Portland, the area of Hillside is most noted for its breathtaking housing market. While there are a handful of smaller homes in this high-end Portland community, the majority of your living options will include large multi-level houses that cost well over $1 million. The area is home to the Pittock Mansion, a well-known local history museum.
Hillside also offers the easiest access to some of the top things to do outdoors in the city. Head outside for a day at Witch’s Castle, Balch Creek, and numerous hiking trails in Forest Park such as Wildwood Trail, Tunnel Trail, and Cumberland Trail.
Portland, OR Neighborhood Map
- Downtown Portland
- Southwest Hills
- Pearl District
- Goose Hollow
- Nob Hill
- Northwest Heights
- Eastmoreland
- Hillside
Find the Best Neighborhoods in Portland
As you can see, local Portland communities aren’t reserved for any one demographic. It is a great place to live with a diverse population of people who all share a love for this fantastic city. The list of top Portland neighborhoods above gives a bit of insight into the area and what it is like to live here.
Are you relocating to Portland and need help with the upcoming transition?
Count on PDX Movers to be the trusted Portland moving company to assist you! Call our team today at (503) 746-8795 or complete the Request a Quote form on this page for a free Portland moving estimate!
