NW Neighborhoods

Nob Hill Neighborhood

The Nob Hill neighborhood, also known as the NW 21st and 23rd Avenue neighborhood (with street signs also referring to the area as the Historic Alphabet district), is apparently known by many names. But, to anyone who lives in Portland, you know what area we are talking about in spite of the naming confusion. This is a very popular and trendy area to shop, dine, walk, and generally just hang out. Many restaurants, coffee shops, and specialty retail shops and boutiques line the two main drags of NW 21st and NW 23rd Avenues. You’ll also find some great bars, spas, salons, and local markets…all with a creative flair.

The gorgeous homes and rentals in this neighborhood are stunning, uniquely Northwestern, and quite expensive compared to some other areas of town. This area continues to be immensely popular and the prices match the demand (location, location, location). You will find some of our city’s most wonderfully restored homes lining these streets. Here, you’ll have a choice of stunning historic Victorians, Craftsman, and other large Portland homes with period details, as well as many unique apartment homes, condos and rentals.If you’re thinking of living here you should consider the constant stream of walking traffic (which could make you feel you live in a fishbowl), and the lack of available street parking. If you’re more socially extroverted and don’t mind lots of people, and if you’re willing to sacrifice owning a car (as many true Portlander’s are), and enjoy walking, biking, taking public transportation, then Nob Hill might be for you!

Forest Park Neighborhood

Forest Park is not only a defined Portland neighborhood, but an urban city park as well. The park itself is truly a slice of lush green heaven. 5,155.75 acres sit smack dab in the middle of Portland. Popular for its many foot and bike trails, equestrian trails and intoxicating natural beauty, the park is a destination spot for many locals looking to relax, exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Residents can walk or bike to close-by northwest neighborhoods and downtown Portland.  Forest Park neighbors many major Portland attractions such as the Oregon Zoo, the Forestry Center, the Children’s Museum, the Japanese Gardens, the Rose Gardens, the Vietnam and Holocaust Memorials.

Pearl District Neighborhood

CNNMoney.com’s  “Best Places to Retire 2007″

Located along the Willamette River downtown in an old warehouse district, the neighborhood offers a feeling of urban historic charm. With a seemingly constant array of new loft-style development underway, the neighborhood is alive with a sense of growth and change. Lofts and Townhomes are the norm for residential living. The bustling streets are lined with upscale shopping boutiques, art galleries, unique antique and home interior stores, and the requisite coffee shops and restaurants. There are urban parks and green spaces tucked amidst all this city bustle, and you’ll see children playing in the fountains, and little city dogs scampering through their concrete jungle.

Loft living in the Pearl offers gorgeous city and riverscape views.  There are a slew of new loft style developments underway all over the Pearl and the North Portland Waterfront near the Fremont Bridge.  Of course, a room with a view will come with a steep price tag.  Pearl District Portland is an urban neighborhood, with many older buildings, apartments, and loft style condominiums. This continues to be seen as a trendy and upscale urban locale for hip urbanites who want to live in the center of it all. The higher you go, the better the view…and the steeper the price. Views include an urban landscape of old and new buildings, the Willamette River, Downtown Portland and the West Hills, and the railroad system along the waterfront.