Portland is a popular destination for many people looking for something out of the ordinary. The quirky spirit of the City of Roses is visible everywhere, neighborhood to neighborhood. Each section of the city brings its own personality to the party, so you have a lot of variety to choose from when deciding where to settle.
With so many areas trying to get your attention, it’s best to work with an experienced real estate agent when it’s time to buy or sell your home. At Julia Monaghan Real Estate, I know the PDX neighborhoods well. From Hawthorne to Lake Oswego to Bethany, I have you covered. Let’s connect and get started.
North Portland: Between Two Rivers
Portland consists of six main sections: NW, NE, SW, SE, South, and North. Each area has wonderful neighborhoods that are the backbone of Portland’s personality. Of all the great areas in Portland, North Portland is a very special place.
North Portland is the part of the city crammed between the Columbia and Willamette rivers. Affectionately called NoPo by the locals, it is chock full of fantastic places to live. From the artistic hotbed of Mississippi Ave. to the peaceful streets surrounding the University of Portland, North Portland has something for everyone.
When you try to pinpoint what makes NoPo so special, you quickly realize that it’s the people. North Portland has blue-collar roots, and decades of putting in a good day’s work built the personality of this down-to-earth part of the city. You can feel communal pride throughout the area.
Neighborhoods
Some of Portland’s oldest neighborhoods are in NoPo, so you will find beautiful old homes, multi-generational businesses, and stunning well-established parks. Not to mention some fabulous pubs and taverns.
The Mississippi neighborhood is home to one of the city’s most vibrant, creative areas. It boasts nationally acclaimed music venues, exciting food selections, and some of the most interesting shops and stores around. This neighborhood is alive most nights with the sound of good times being had by all.
To the north you will find the up-and-coming Kenton neighborhood full of local shops, restaurants, and cultural opportunities. The city’s light rail train, the MAX, runs through this part of town. It is a great way to get around and gives you quick access to downtown Portland and cities on the west side of the river. And Kenton boasts the privilege of being under the watchful eye of Paul Bunyon and his pet ox.
The Arbor Lodge, University Park, and Overlook neighborhoods are where you will find some spectacular classic Portland homes. Tree-lined streets, opulent parks, and stunning views are the main attractions. The world-class University of Portland is nestled into this part of the city, enhancing the peaceful vibe.
Near the tip of North Portland, you will find the neighborhood of St. John’s. It was an independent town at one time, and you can still feel that independence around this part of the city. Home to the stunning St. John’s bridge and the renowned Cathedral Park Jazz Festival, the St. John’s neighborhood is a special spot.
Stuff To Do in NoPo
Everywhere you go in North Portland, you will find something to keep you busy. Food tops the list in just about every neighborhood. If you like to stroll and snack, this is your kind of place.
No matter what your favorite food is, you will find it in North Portland. To satisfy a sweet tooth, you can visit the Moonstruck Chocolate factory. And for arguably the best BBQ in the city, head to this guy Matt’s food truck. NoPo rarely goes fancy, but it knows how to do delicious.
When you’re ready to get outside, North Portland has some of the most gorgeous parks in Portland. They are packed full of trails, natural areas, community centers, pools, and much more. One of the greatest gems is Pier Park, a sprawling wooded space that boasts an impressive disc golf course.
For thrill seekers, North Portland is home to Portland International Raceway. This popular destination is in the Delta Park, a large industrial area that borders the mighty Columbia river.`Delta Park is also home to Oregon’s largest multi-purpose facility, the Oregon Expo Center.
A little farther north and a bit outside of the city is an island the size of Manhattan. Sauvie Island is a wonderful resource for anyone who likes to get back to nature. It’s the perfect destination for a fun day trip with over 100 miles of hiking and biking trails, u-pick farms, and sandy beaches.
Fun fact about one spot in North Portland: the Jantzen Beach shopping center was once home to the nation’s largest amusement park! Now an outdoor mall, Jantzen Beach used to have a ballroom, outdoor swimming pools, and a roller coaster.
Living in North Portland
There is a lot to like about North Portland besides all the great food to eat and activities to do. One of the significant advantages is how close you are to downtown Portland. Whether by light rail, bike, or car, you are only minutes away from one of the most vibrant American cities. This part of town is also right off I-5, giving you quick and easy access to wherever you may need to go.
North Portland is also a highly walkable part of the city. In NoPo neighborhoods, you can walk or bike to just about everything you need. From grocery stores to restaurants to medical offices, the essentials are all within reach. It is a community that takes pride in its self-sufficiency.
Looking for a Home in North Portland?
North Portland is an amazing area to call home. The various neighborhoods offer a great sense of community, but you’re also only minutes away from downtown Portland and Vancouver, WA.
If you’re looking to buy or sell in North Portland or anywhere else in the Portland Metro area, let’s connect. The Julia Monaghan Real Estate team is ready to help with all your real estate needs.
