The Best Places to Live in Portland

Oregon is among the top ten states that Americans are moving to, and it’s easy to see why. The coronavirus pandemic has prompted many people to move to a more ideal place, and Oregon is exactly that. 

Portland, in particular, is one of the most unique cities and is perfect in its affordability. If you are looking to move to this city, you must first learn about the different places to live in Portland so you can find the optimal neighborhood for you.

Keep reading below to learn more. 

The Impression of Portland

Portland is the biggest city in Oregon and has almost 650,000 people. It is a very liberal city and known as Seattle’s hipper cousin. 

It is considered one of the top places to live in the Pacific Northwest and has quite a lot to offer. The city is rich in culture, art, and entertainment, and it is perfect for those that like to be active outdoors. 

The weather in Portland is another factor to consider, as there are only 144 sunny days a year, and it rains quite a lot. 

More than just the activities that you can do there, the neighborhoods of Portland have something to offer everyone. Whether you are a young professional, a student, or have a growing family, Portland is the place for you. 

Nob Hill

Nob Hill, also known as “the Northwest District,” is one of the best neighborhoods in Portland. It’s a smaller area but is densely populated and has tons of boutique shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. 

Linfield’s college campus is located in Nob Hill, as are 22 other public and private schools. There are many different types of homes available in this section of the city, ranging from townhomes to brick apartments, to condos. 

There is a streetcar system in place that makes it easy to travel from Nob Hill to the Pearl District, through the Downtown Culture District and the South Waterfront area. 

Pearl District

The Pearl District is perfect for those that like to be in on the scene as it is located in the middle of downtown. It is suitable for young professionals looking for vibrant nightlife or growing families that want to be near family-friendly activities. 

While it was once mostly abandoned, full of empty warehouses and work yards, it has been transformed into something entirely new. Now, you can find tons of world-famous restaurants, bookstores, art galleries, classy boutiques, and fancy cafes. 

It is a highly walkable part of Portland and is optimal for those that like to travel by public transportation, bikes, or on their feet. 

There are many private and public schools in this area of the city, such as Champman Middle and Lincoln High.

While there aren’t any detached single-family homes, you can find some townhomes and tons of lofts and condos. 

West End

West End is a funky new neighborhood in Portland located right next to the Pearl District. It has many new emerging shops and is considered a quirkier part of the city. 

You can find tons of new fashion stores and clubs, making it a great place for younger people to live. There aren’t tons of schools in this particular neighborhood, but because it’s so close to the Pearl District, you won’t have a difficult time finding a school nearby. 

There are historic single-family Portland homes in the West End, as well as townhomes, condos, and lofts. 

Laurelhurst

Laurelhurst is about a ten-minute drive from downtown and surrounds the park of the same name. It gives a more suburb-feel and is filled with homeowners and families. 

It is an extremely safe part of the city and is quite walkable, making it an ideal place to live for growing families. You can find 34 public and private schools in this neighborhood, which demonstrates how highly they value children and education. 

There are many different housing options as well, most being vintage single-family homes that range in various styles, such as Tudor and Bungalows. 

Arlington Heights

Arlington Heights is another family-friendly neighborhood, as it is tucked away in the Tualatin mountain range and homes tons of parks. 

It is perfect for those that look to experience the outdoors, as there are 323 acres of open land. There are reservoirs to hike, an International Rose Garden, and tons of playgrounds and zoos. 

You can find 20 public and private schools in this area, and many different types of single-family homes, ranging from Tudor styles to more modern styles. 

South Waterfront

The South Waterfront area is a unique neighborhood because it exists right on the waterfront of the Willamette River. 

It’s close to downtown and is exceptionally walkable, as it houses Portland’s only pedestrian bridge. It also has many parks and walkways and is home to the Oregon Health and Science University. 

There aren’t as many school choices in this particular neighborhood, and there are primarily only apartments, condos, and some townhomes. 

Are you convinced Portland is the city for you? If so, look into hiring local movers to avoid any moving stress. 

Find the Most Exceptional Places to Live in Portland

While there are many different cities you could choose to move to, Portland is one of the best. Finding the different places to live in Portland can demonstrate just how well this city can work for anyone, no matter what stage you are in your life. 

Consider what you want from your neighborhood, and start exploring! There’s no better place to be but Portland.

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