SE Neighborhoods

Hawthorne District

The Hawthorne District, located in Southeast Portland, runs along Hawthorne Avenue from about 11th to 55th Avenues.

Hawthorne is one of the most unique, and most popular areas in Southeast Portland. The area is known for its wonderful restored Old Portland homes, liberal residents, and fun and funky feel. The street is lined with unique restaurants and shops, and has a definite Portland-local flair.

There are a lot of words you could use to describe the locals who live in the Hawthorne District; activist, environmentalist, educated, opinionated, hippie, hipster, Gen X-er, entrepreneur…and more. However you choose to describe it, though, this neighborhood is fun, friendly, and worth a visit.

To find homes in the Hawthorne area, check the individual neighborhood web pages for Buckman, Hosford-Abernathy, Richmond, Sunnyside, and Mt. Tabor. This area features older East Portland homes full of charm and character, from Craftsman Bungalows to Old Portland Four-square styles, and the occasional Victorian mixed in.

Hawthorne Business Association Website

Sellwood Moreland Neighborhood

Sellwood feels much less “hipster” and “chic” than say, Mississippi Ave, Alberta Arts or the Pearl– but a definite, at ease kind of ‘anything goes, all are welcome’ type of feeling is present on these streets.  Like most Portland neighborhoods, Sellwood and Moreland neighborhoods feel very self-sustaining.  Local grocery store New Seasons, many local coffee shops plus a few local coffee roasters make this community feel warm and a lot like its own small town.  Walking the streets in Sellwood and Moreland neighborhoods invokes a “back in the good old days” feeling.  This area is family friendly, walkable, and livable with a strong sense of community pride.

The Moreland neighborhood of Portland is divided into Eastmoreland and Westmoreland.  Splitting hairs?  Not according to the neighbors.  Ask them, and they’ll say that Eastmoreland is the kind of place where other people mow your lawn.  In Westmoreland, they do their own.  Yard work aside, it’s certainly evident that the activity of the area – the hustle, bustle, and commerce – belongs entirely to Westmoreland.  In the size reserved for just one of those well manicured lawns surrounding an Eastmoreland mansion, four businesses could fit in Westmoreland.  Each has their charm.  But as the seat of the neighborhood’s retail trade, Westmoreland’s landscape is far more conducive to a verbal tour.

Sellwood and Moreland neighborhoods feature older East Portland homes that have been well maintained and updated. You’ll find architectural styles including Victorians, cottages, and many gorgeous Craftsman bungalows. The streets are quiet, and lined with mature trees. This is a great family neighborhood where people hang out at the coffee shops on the weekend, and you’ll see couples pushing strollers and walking their dogs. The community features many locally owned shops and restaurants, and Sellwood is known for its array of antique shops.

Laurelhurst

Laurelhurst is a beautiful area  full of charming homes in all shapes and sizes, from the cute bungalow with a covered front porch, to sprawling stone and brick homes with grand lawns. Located near the Laurelhurst park, this is a great neighborhood for families and taking a strol along beautiful tree-lined streets.  Laurelhurst is conveniently located along major East Portland streets for easy commute to popular dining and shopping locations and downtown.

Laurelhurst Park is one of the most popular parks in the city of Portland.  It features beautiful mature trees, a pond, basketball court, disabled access play area, disabled access restroom, dog off-leash area, historical site, horseshoe pit, paths, paved and unpaved paths, picnic tables, playground, soccer field, stage, tennis court, and volleyball court. “In 1909, the land that is now Laurelhurst Park was purchased from the estate of William S. Ladd, who developed Ladd’s Addition and twice was mayor of Portland. Ladd named his 486-acre parcel Hazel Fern Farm, after the name of one of the streets in the area. Here Ladd developed one of the most prestigious stock farms in the West. In fact, his purebred Jersey cattle probably laid the foundation for Oregon’s future livestock industry. As East Portland developed, Ladd’s tract of land became too valuable for agricultural use. Ladd sold his land for over $1,000,000 to the Laurelhurst Company around the turn of the century.

A spring-fed pond on the property had always been a favorite watering hole for cattle, as well as a favorite swimming hole for both children and adults. In 1911, seeing the potential for a park as part of the Olmsted Plan, the City of Portland bought 30 of the acres, including the pond.” (Source: Portland Park and Recreation)

Belmont

Like the Hawthorne District, the Belmont Street area is a very popular area in southeast Portland. With a strong sense of Portland individuality, Belmont has many locally owned coffee shops, markets, and distinctive shops and restaurants. Belmont Street is a favorite destination for many locals, whether it’s for an afternoon at the Avalon, a night at the Blue Monk, or a cup of joe at the neighborhood coffee shop. This area has a nice mix of urban diversity, with a funky feel, and local color.

There’s lots of character in this neighborhood, and many houses have been restored to their original charm. Homes run the gamut of 20th century architecture, from classic Bungalow, to Old Portland, to Cape Cod, Four Square and more.  You’ll also find new construction condos and apartments smattered about the area.  Homes here will be expensive and buyers will be fiercely competitive, so be on your toes if you really want to live here!

Montavilla

Montavilla feels almost suburban though it is very much a part of urban Portland.  This is a wonderful neighborhood of older Portland homes and old growth trees lining many of the streets.  TheMontavilla Farmers Market is not to be missed.  This farmers market is really well outfitted with local vendors and is a staple of the community.  Nearby Mt Tabor is a very popular park for hiking, biking and many other activities.  For some fun trivia, Mt Tabor is an active volcano in the city of Portland.

Mount Tabor

This is a lovely area of Portland with many nice older homes tucked into quiet neighborhood streets. Climb the hill up Mount Tabor and you’ll have some stunning views with beautiful scenery and the Portland skyline off in the distance.

There are some great local businesses that give Mt Tabor a lot of color and character.  A few standouts are The Albina Press coffee shop, The Sapphire Hotel and Por Que No?!.

Mount Tabor Neighborhood Association

Woodstock

This is a lovely area of Portland with many nice older homes tucked into quiet neighborhood streets. This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Portland with some of the homes being built in the 1880′s.  This area is peaceful, feels warm and safe and is full of young and established families.

Woodstock Neighborhood Association