Known by such monikers as Rose City, Portlandia, Rip City and PDX, Portland is truly a city all its own. Oregon's largest city is mere miles from Mount Hood, the Columbia River Gorge, wine country and the Oregon Coast, which means it's an amazing destination for adventurous souls. But believe it or not, its incredible location isn't actually what makes the city so unique. The diversity in Portland neighborhoods, restaurants, recreation options and residents is what gives the city such a cool and hip vibe.
Like many other West Coast and Pacific Northwest cities (including Los Angeles and Seattle, respectively), Portland neighborhoods are so distinctive that they're almost miniature towns themselves. The city breaks down into six quadrants: North, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest and East. There are more than 90 neighborhoods among the quadrants, but here are a few notable ones you won't want to miss.
Downtown Portland is one of the most central neighborhoods, and it's situated along the west bank of the Willamette River. Like many other metropolitan downtowns, Portland's largely contains office and civic buildings, but it actually has a lot more to offer.
Portland State University's "urban campus" lies on the southern end of the neighborhood– though you won't find much of a campus, the college is located along a set of beautiful park blocks that are full of farmers' markets and food carts during the warmer seasons.
In the heart of Downtown Portland is a place called Pioneer Square, where there are often events, concerts and other goings-on. Another great part about Downtown Portland? Free public transportation! The city's public transit system is renowned, and residents and visitors can take the light rail, streetcars and buses for free within the downtown area.
The Pearl District is one of the trendiest Portland neighborhoods, where you'll want to spend some time if you're a big foodie.
Referred to by locals as just "The Pearl," the neighborhood used to be an abandoned warehouse district, but has since become one of Portland's priciest locales. It has everything from five-star cuisine to boutiques, microbreweries, shops, galleries and more.
Up in Northeast Portland is Concordia, a neighborhood that embodies Portland's weirdness perfectly.
The main drag in Concordia is Alberta Street, where you'll find locally owned art galleries, coffee shops, antique stores, bars, restaurants, music venues and a variety of other businesses. The area is also home to some beautiful and funky residential streets and is becoming a more popular place to move within the city.
Hawthorne is located in Southeast Portland, directly across the Hawthorne Bridge from the Downtown neighborhood. It's hip and eclectic, and like Concordia, is home to dozens upon dozens of family-owned cafes, local shops, restaurants, secondhand stores and more.
In fact, it's one of the most popular places in the city to spend a sunny afternoon (a wonderful rarity in Portland) simply wandering in and out of shops and eateries. If you're planning on spending time in Hawthorne, don't miss catching a movie at Cinemagic, a movie theater that opened in 1914, or seeing a band play at the Hawthorne Theatre.
Old Town Chinatown is one of Portland's oldest neighborhoods and a local favorite because it has so much going on. You can come for authentic Chinese food and shops, or spend an afternoon in the stunning Lan Su Chinese Garden.
If you're in the area on a Saturday, you can't miss the Portland Saturday Market, a huge riverside exhibition of local arts, crafts, clothing, music and food. Also, take the opportunity to visit one of Portland's famous food carts. Don't forget to stop by Voodoo Doughnuts on the way home – their one-of-a-kind creations will blow your mind.
NoPo is an umbrella term for all of North Portland's neighborhoods, of which there are many.
The area spans a large part of the city and includes the University of Portland's campus, gorgeous parks like the Smith and Bybee Wetlands and many residential areas. You're more likely to find locals in North Portland than tourists, but it has its share of amazing restaurants and local businesses.
Northwest Portland's Nob Hill is a very trendy area in which you'll find the famous NW 23rd Street. The street is full of high-end restaurants, stores, salons and boutiques, mixed with more casual cafes and shops.
Lining the nearby streets are rows of beautiful old Victorian houses, and the neighborhood is also adjacent to Forest Park, Portland's biggest park area.
The Lloyd District is one of the quieter central Portland neighborhoods. That doesn't mean it has nothing to offer, however. The neighborhood is home to Portland's largest mall, the Lloyd Center, as well as the Rose Garden Arena where the Portland Trailblazers play.
The area also has tons of restaurants and businesses, and it's a quick light rail ride into Downtown Portland, making it a popular destination for people who want to live in a central location.
Southwest Hills is a peaceful residential neighborhood just minutes from downtown Portland. Residents enjoy beautiful homes surrounded by lush greenery and top-rated schools making it perfect for young families. The neighborhood also offers stunning views, several parks like Washington Park, and a tranquil atmosphere —ideal for renters seeking a serene escape that's still close to urban amenities.
In addition to its natural beauty and peaceful ambiance, Southwest Hills is also known for its great community spirit. The neighborhood hosts regular events and activities, including block parties and neighborhood cleanups, bringing residents together and creating a strong sense of community.
The Alberta Arts District is a trendy and eclectic neighborhood in Portland, Oregon that's perfect for renters looking for a vibrant and artsy atmosphere. Located in the Northeast quadrant of the city, the neighborhood is known for its diverse community, funky street art, and thriving local businesses.
Alberta Street is the heart of the neighborhood, offering a wide variety of restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. The area is particularly known for its food carts, which serve up delicious and affordable cuisine from around the world. The neighborhood also boasts several art galleries, studios and performance spaces, showcasing the work of local artists and musicians.
Portland has great neighborhoods for renters, each with its own character and charm. Whether you want a vibrant or peaceful atmosphere, there's something for you. With plenty of rental options available, you can find the perfect place to suit your taste and budget.
The neighborhoods also offer a strong sense of community with events and activities throughout the year. Explore the best neighborhoods for renters and find your perfect apartment in Portland.