What Are the Best Neighborhoods in Portland?

From the scenic loops around Mount Tabor and Laurelhurst Park to the artsy streets of Richmond and the Pearl District’s urban vibe, Portland has a neighborhood to match nearly every lifestyle. Portland is a city of rivers, bridges and lush green spaces. The city is known for its food culture, craft breweries, indie coffee shops and eclectic, independent spirit. We’ll highlight some of Portland’s top neighborhoods with insight into what makes each unique, including housing market conditions and local amenities.

Check out the best neighborhoods in Portland for:

• Affordability and value
• Lifestyle and community
• Luxury and high-end living
• Schools and higher education
• Quiet living

For affordability and value

While Portland is not known as an affordable city, some neighborhoods offer better value compared to other West Coast hubs. As of October 2025, the typical rent in Portland is about $1,838 per month, while the median list price is approximately $528,300. The neighborhoods of Hazelwood and St. Johns have lower median list prices compared to the city-wide median as well as other Portland neighborhoods on this list. In these two more budget-friendly communities, you’ll have convenient access to local amenities and transit.

Hazelwood

Hazelwood offers a reasonably affordable entry into Portland if you’re buying. A median income household in Portland could afford a home at the median list price in Hazelwood, at $407,833 (with 20% down) as of October 2025. It’s notably more affordable than many other Portland neighborhoods, including the Pearl District, Northwest District, Laurelhurst and Sellwood-Moreland.

As for housing, Hazelwood has a bit of everything: apartment complexes and detached single-family homes, along with strip-mall style shopping centers and retail hubs scattered around the area. The neighborhood is also close to the East Portland Community Center, which has pools, classes, and other seasonal events, along with the Glendoveer public golf course. Plus, with both the MAX Blue and Green lines running through Hazelwood, it’s easy to hop over to nearby neighborhoods like Mill Park, Russell and Parkrose Heights, whether you’re heading out for shopping, dining or a quick downtown trip.

St. Johns

St. Johns is a historic Portland neighborhood in the city’s North End, at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers on the Oregon/Washington border. Its historic character comes from its origins as an independent city founded in the early 1900s, its longtime role as a blue-collar mill and port community and the preservation of its early main street core. Today, the neighborhood offers several housing options, from charming older bungalows and small single-family homes to apartments and condos. The median list price in St. Johns is $439,633 as of October 2025, well below the citywide median of roughly $530,000.

St. Johns is also highly bikeable, with a Bike Score of 86, making it convenient to get to local shops, cafes and parks. The latter includes Cathedral Park, with its riverside trails and views of the St. Johns Bridge; and Pier Park, with disc golf and playgrounds. St. Johns is also home to the popular St. Johns Bizarre, an annual festival that showcases the neighborhood’s creative, community-driven spirit. In addition, multiple bus lines serve the neighborhood, connecting you to Downtown Portland and other neighborhoods without needing a car. 

For lifestyle and community

Portland’s best lifestyle neighborhoods are defined by qualities like walkability and access to transit; bustling food and retail scenes; local breweries; outdoor spaces; and community events. Neighborhoods that fit this vibe include Buckman, Kerns, Northwest Portland and Richmond.

Buckman

Buckman is a vibrant, walkable neighborhood just east of the Willamette River, known for its creative energy, proximity to the riverbelt greenways and a diverse, community-minded population. The housing here includes historic homes, modern condos, and apartments, while the main streets — SE Stark Street and SE Morrison Street — are lined with coffee shops, brewpubs, boutiques and restaurants.

Buckman is also home to a variety of local art galleries, creative studios, nightlife options and neighborhood parks, including Colonel Summers Park at its center. The neighborhood hosts the annual Buckman Summer Picnic at the park — a longstanding community tradition featuring music, activities and local vendors.

Kerns

Just north of Buckman is Kerns, a neighborhood celebrated for its dynamic, community‑oriented energy. The housing options here range from Craftsman‑style homes to apartments and contemporary condos. The neighborhood regularly hosts community events — the seasonal Kerns Holiday Market along NE Sandy Boulevard, for example, and an annual summer picnic at Oregon Park.

Kerns is also home to numerous fitness studios, craft breweries and independent shops along the NE 28th Avenue corridor. In addition, the neighborhood borders Laurelhurst, providing quick access to Laurelhurst Park, which features a pond, walking paths and an off-leash dog area. 

Northwest Portland

Northwest Portland — which includes the Pearl District and surrounding areas — is a trendy, upscale neighborhood that blends historic warehouse conversions with modern condos and detached single-family homes. The area has a high concentration of restaurants, galleries and shops, along with cultural landmarks like Portland Center Stage at The Armory. Residents also enjoy nearby parks like Forest and Tanner Springs.

Northwest Portland’s vibrant social scene is reflected in frequent art walks, farmers markets and street festivals, and the area has a Walk Score of 93, with excellent transit options. Here you’ll also find Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore, and a variety of music venues, craft cocktail bars and rooftop patios.

​​Richmond

Richmond is a family-friendly neighborhood in Southeast Portland, with housing options including historic homes, modern apartments and townhouses. Hawthorne Boulevard anchors the area, offering vintage shops, local restaurants, coffee houses and entertainment venues, including the Bagdad Theatre. Residents here enjoy neighborhood events and enviable access to nearby Mount Tabor Park. 

Richmond offers excellent walkability, with a Walk Score of 91, plus convenient bus and bike routes. Its central location makes Downtown and other Portland neighborhoods easily accessible.

For luxury and high-end living

When high-end living, access to amenities and distinctive surroundings matter most, these Portland luxury neighborhoods deliver. Both Alameda and Laurelhurst boast historic, character-rich homes on tree-lined streets, often ranging from $1.5 million to $3.5 million or more.

Alameda

Alameda is among Portland’s most distinguished historic neighborhoods, featuring stately early 20th century homes and expansive views of Downtown, the Willamette River and the Cascade Mountains. The average home value in Alameda as of October 2025 is around $852,000, but many properties reach into seven figures. Here, you’ll find quiet, residential living, as well as nearby access to parks like Grant and Wilshire. 

Aside from the residences, Alameda is notably located on the Alameda Ridge, featuring scenic walking routes and the neighborhood’s famous staircases. It’s also known for strong schools, such as Alameda Elementary, which garners a 10 out of 10 rating from GreatSchools; and Grant High, the number 10 high school in all of Oregon, according to U.S. News & World Report. Overall, Alameda could be an ideal choice for luxury buyers seeking a historically-rooted, sophisticated Portland lifestyle.

Laurelhurst

Laurelhurst is one of Portland’s most prestigious neighborhoods, offering luxury Craftsman bungalows, Tudor Revivals and early 20th century architecture. The typical home value in Laurelhurst is around $825,000, with many properties well over a million dollars in value. This residential enclave radiates outward from Laurelhurst Park, a 32-acre green space with walking paths, a pond, tennis courts and seasonal outdoor concerts and movies.

There’s a strong neighborhood identity here, fostered in part by The Laurelhurst Club, a venue that hosts both community and private events. In addition, Laurelhurst isn’t far from other neighborhoods and cultural attractions, including the historic Laurelhurst Theater, dining and shopping.

For schools and higher education

Portland has several neighborhoods that offer high-performing schools and other educational opportunities, including Beaumont-Wilshire, Concordia and Irvington. From historic districts with reputable school systems to more family-oriented areas, these neighborhoods combine excellent schooling options with access to parks, cultural amenities and convenient city living.

Beaumont-Wilshire

Beaumont-Wilshire is a highly sought-after Northeast Portland neighborhood known for its strong public schools, including Beaumont Middle School and Laurelhurst Elementary, both consistently rated above the district average. The area features early 20th century homes, walkable streets and family-friendly amenities such as Wilshire Park and Beaumont Village’s shops, cafes and restaurants.

Beaumont-Wilshire is mainly residential, but it still plays host to regular community events, seasonal neighborhood block parties and gatherings at Beaumont Library and local parks. Overall, this luxury neighborhood could be an appealing choice for families looking for quality schools and quieter living.

Concordia

Concordia, in Northeast Portland, is home to the University of Oregon Portland, which brings a lively, academic energy to the neighborhood. The campus offers a range of programs and community events, making it a hub for students and residents alike. The neighborhood’s best-known landmark is McMenamins Kennedy School, a historic elementary school transformed into a hotel, pub, movie theater, and event space.

The community stays active with events like “Neighbors Night Out” at the UO Portland lawn amphitheater, as well as occasional workshops and gatherings at McMenamins Kennedy School. Concordia also offers classic Craftsman and bungalow homes, the family-friendly Fernhill Park, and easy access to the artsy Alberta Arts District, where colorful murals, galleries, and local boutiques make daily walks a treat.

Irvington

Irvington is an officially recognized historic district in Northeast Portland known for highly rated public schools, including Irvington Elementary and Grant High School. 

Notably, Irvington features Oregon’s largest and best-preserved collection of early 20th-century residential architecture, accented by tree-lined boulevards and green spaces like Irving Park. The neighborhood also offers access to vibrant cultural amenities, including local cafés, boutique shops, and family-friendly community events, as well as proximity to theaters, galleries, and museums in nearby districts. Residents enjoy a blend of historic charm, recreational spaces, and convenient connections to Portland’s broader dining, shopping, and arts scene.

For quiet living

There are lots of neighborhood options in Portland for those seeking a tranquil, residential lifestyle without sacrificing proximity to the city center. These areas, including Mount Tabor and Sellwood-Moreland, blend natural beauty, historic charm and accessibility.

Mount Tabor

Mount Tabor is a serene Southeast Portland neighborhood centered around the eponymous volcanic park, offering expansive green spaces, walking trails and panoramic city views. The housing here includes early 20th century homes and Craftsman bungalows, as well as more modern residences tucked along quiet streets. Despite a calmer scene, the area still offers convenient access to local shops, cafes and transit. 

Overall, Mount Tabor is ideal for anyone looking for a peaceful, outdoor-centric lifestyle. Mount Tabor Park itself provides year-round recreational opportunities, from playgrounds and sports fields to hiking paths and seasonal gatherings like potlucks, free concerts and craft fairs. 

Sellwood-Moreland

Sellwood-Moreland is a quiet, family-friendly residential neighborhood in Southeast Portland. The home styles in this neighborhood range from classic Craftsman and Tudor-style houses to modern new construction, often with spacious yards and gardens.

The area is anchored by Sellwood’s antique row, local boutiques and dining options, while nearby parks like Sellwood Riverfront Park and Oaks Amusement Park provide outdoor recreation opportunities and a dose of Portland nostalgia. Excellent schools, a welcoming community association and convenient transit connections all contribute to the appeal of Sellwood-Moreland, putting it among the top picks for those looking for a quieter, small-town feel within the city.

How to choose a neighborhood in Portland

The best way to choose a Portland neighborhood is to focus on your lifestyle and priorities. Are you focused on affordability, family-friendly amenities, outdoor access, cultural energy or high-end living? Here’s a summary of some of the best neighborhoods in Portland for:

• Affordability and value: Consider living in St. Johns or Hazelwood, where housing options are more attainable, and you’ll find a mix of single-family homes and growing community amenities.
• Lifestyle and community: Consider living in Buckman, Kerns, Northwest Portland or Richmond, for their neighborhood spirit and walkability, with local shops, restaurants, and easy access to parks, bike paths and waterfront trails.
• Luxury and high-end living: Consider living in Laurelhurst or Alameda, with historic architecture, spacious lots, leafy streets, sought-after schools and convenient access to city amenities — all in quiet, picturesque residential settings.
• Schools: Consider living in Beaumont-Wilshire, Concordia or Irvington for access to well-rated schools, playgrounds, tree-lined streets, and neighborhood events that build strong community connections.
• Quiet living: Consider living near Mount Tabor or Sellwood-Moreland, ideal for buyers who value peaceful streets, beautiful views, lush green spaces, and quick access to beloved hiking trails and city parks.

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Photos by Zillow Listing Media Services