CITY OF PORTLAND

City Hall
1221 SW 4th Avenue
Portland, OR 503-823-4000
https://www.portland.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
200 SW Market Street
Portland, OR 503-224-8684
https://portlandalliance.com/

Most well known as the “City of Roses,” prompted in part by the International Rose Test Garden, Portland remains one of the most beautiful residential cities and celebrated vacation destinations in the entire West Coast region. Located approximately 70 miles from the Pacific Ocean where the rushing waters of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers meet, the city enjoys a magnificent setting where sparkling waterways reflect images of lush greenery or the towering skyline. Although Portland serves as the seat of government for Multnomah County, the city is a rapidly growing metropolis that also sprawls into Clackamas and Washington counties.

Newcomers to the Rose City will discover an eclectic list of wonders, from the nation’s largest bookstore to brewpubs, coffee shops, professional sports, Broadway shows, fine museums, and acres of rose gardens.

Services
Portland is known for its economical and user-friendly mass transit system, including light rail and Tri-Met bus system. The city is also home to an international airport and is served by the convergence of several of Oregon’s major highways. Portland has long been a popular choice for visitors, which has enhanced the availability and quality of public transportation. Free rides on MAX and Tri-Met are possible throughout the 300-block expanse of downtown Portland, and a colorful cultural bus offers a route to leading visual or performing arts venues.

The city also serves as a regional center of leading-edge healthcare anchored by major hospitals and medical centers. Specialized institutions, research centers, emergency care centers, family practice clinics, and a host of supplemental services and facilities meet every need. The health consciousness of Portland residents has been nationally recognized, prompting accolades like “the No. 1 bicycling city in America” from Bicycling magazine or the title of “Fit-Town, U.S.A” by Fit magazine.

The Portland Public School District is one of the nation’s strongest, well known for generous per-pupil expenditures, excellent SAT test results, high academic standards, and the educational level of its instructors. Private schools are abundant, both parochial and independent. Those who are interested in pursuing a higher education will find a quality selection of colleges and universities close to home, including Portland State University just south of downtown.

Lifestyle
Outstanding public art, dozens of lush parks and greenspaces, a lively downtown district, and a leading urban transportation system are just a few of the amenities that make Portland such a delightfully livable city. Designed around a European model, the city was ranked among America’s best walking towns by Walking Magazine. Public art, fountains, lush greenery, mountain vistas, riverfront charm, and half-size city blocks create an inviting atmosphere. Careful urban management in the face of remarkable growth has groomed Portland as a pace-setting community in every major aspect.

Portland also boasts an amazing array of attractions, including Historic “old town” with its fine art galleries and exceptional museums, the Saturday Market, Waterfront Park, talented theatrical companies, a vital culinary community, and an acclaimed art museum. With expansive green spaces and 37,000 acres of urban parkland, residents of Portland have no problem finding the ideal location for outdoor concerts, festivals, celebrations, or family events. While the city itself is a veritable smorgasbord of cultural, educational, and entertainment delights, the surrounding region adds a wide variety of recreational opportunities.

Within a short drive from home, Portland residents can hike through Columbia Gorge, windsurf at Hood River, tour wineries, or downhill ski at Mt. Hood. Without a doubt, Portland offers a rare quality of life that grows even richer with each passing year.

NEIGHBORHOODS & DISTRICTS

The meandering Willamette River flows right through the city of Portland, creating a natural east-west orientation. Burnside Street serves as the dividing line between north and south. With few exceptions, most streets throughout the city follow the district quadrants of SE, SW, NE, or NW.

Downtown District
Bounded by West Burnside on the north, Willamette River on the east, and freeways to the south and west, downtown Portland is one of the vintage districts. Remaining a powerhouse of activity through the decades, it still serves as the financial, governmental, cultural, and entertainment heart of the city. Retail activity is equally brisk in shops large and small. Tom McCall Waterfront Park follows the winding riverfront, offering an oasis for community celebrations or just a relaxing retreat. Key downtown attractions include the Portland Art Museum, Portland Performing Arts Center, and the Oregon History Center.

Dunthorpe
Distinguished as one of the more desirable addresses in Portland, Dunthorpe features prestigious mansions and sprawling estates along the west bank of the Wilamette River. Located south of the downtown district, Dunthorpe is a neighborhood of distinction and pride that boasts its own public school district. The quiet residential atmosphere is ideally located for quick and easy access to some of Portland’s finest amenities.

Eastmoreland
Developed around the same time as the distinctive Tudor Gothic buildings of Reed College, this district features Reed College Place as the main boulevard. In spite of the passing of time, Eastmoreland remains an enclave of affluent residents in southeastern Portland. Bounded on the north by the Reed campus, on the east by SE 39th, on the west by Eastmoreland Golf Course, and on the south by a small creek, this neighborhood is strictly residential.

Hawthorne Boulevard
Consisting almost entirely of the boulevard itself, this district nestled in southeastern Portland stretches between 30th and 50th. Homes tend to be quaint with fine finishing touches and neat landscaping. This area is Portland’s answer to Greenwich Village in Manhattan, so expect to explore fascinating boutiques, wonderful galleries, and a variety of excellent restaurants that serve equally diverse menus.

Irvington
A collection of quaint, rustic, and charming bed and breakfast inns are located in this long-established Portland neighborhood, where both entrepreneurs and enterprising homeowners have renovated and converted older residences to serve as beautiful and intimate lodging for visitors. This district in northeast Portland offers close proximity to the attractions and venues of downtown Portland, yet the neighborhood manages to preserve a serene, relaxed atmosphere where the attitude is unhurried.

John’s Landing
Cozy homes in welcoming neighborhoods and condominiums — some with wonderful waterfront views — dominate the housing selection in the area popularly known as John’s Landing. The focal point of this neighborhood is the Water Tower at John’s Landing retail center. Residents and visitors enjoy the fine restaurants and courtyard cafes in at atmosphere that blends elegance and warmth. Willamette Park provides a wealth of opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation close to home, including tennis courts, lush open areas, and a boat ramp on the Willamette River.

Ladd’s Addition
Named for a pioneer Portland businessman, this quaint district with a wide selection of older homes is experiencing a surge of revitalization and renewal activity. Enjoying a “close in” location in the southeastern section of Portland, Ladd’s Addition features a landmark centerpiece: the garden at the center of Ladd’s Circle. A dormitory at Reed College was also named after this prominent Portland figure.

Laurelhurst
With more than 80 percent of the homes constructed before 1940, Laurelhurst is a long-established residential district of East Portland. Developed in the early part of the 20th century, the area features many lovely older homes graced by mature greenery and meticulous landscaping. Many residents in this neighborhood have raised their children and are welcoming grandchildren to well-kept “generational” homes. The district is bounded by NE 32nd, Banfield, NE 44th, and Stark.

Lloyd Center
This district is named for the Lloyd Center retail destination, one of the original large shopping centers that was constructed in the United States. Today, this district offers its residents the beauty of tree-lined residential neighborhoods, excellent shopping close to home, and many fine recreational amenities in close proximity to Portland’s downtown attractions. The Lloyd Center area is located “just across the river” from the downtown district with its considerable amenities.

Multnomah
The southwestern district of Multnomah is characterized as a friendly community with the feeling of a small town. Sprawling parks, generous lots, and well-maintained homes combine to give the neighborhood a very pleasing appearance. A number of antique shops and dealers add to the quaint, village-like atmosphere.

Northwest Portland
Charming and attractive, the northwestern section of Portland features the elegance of
well-preserved Victorian homes that blend with small shops and restaurants for a true “neighborhood” feeling. Those who desire a home with a rich sense of warmth and history may find the ideal address.

Northwest 23rd District
Extending from West Burnside northward, this district melds into the northwestern industrial area. North from Burnside is a cluster of restaurants, shops, bookstores, and boutiques. Today, the district around the center just north of Interstate 84 bustles with shopping, entertainment, and lodging.

Old Town & China Town
Spanning the streets between West Burnside and Union Station close to the Willamette River, this vintage area preserves treasures from yesterday. Recent improvements have enhanced the historic appeal and spurred new business. Chinatown offers a variety of wonderful Asian restaurants. The twin lions at the entrance to Chinatown on Fourth Avenue are familiar landmarks.

Pearl District
As bohemian as it is charming, Pearl District is home to the nation’s largest new and used bookstore and a major brewery. Former warehouses in states of disrepair have been transformed into attractive commercial centers. The revitalized neighborhood has become a magnet for the talented and gifted. Artists and writers appreciate the fine art galleries and antique shops, gathering often at the neighborhood cultural center.

Portland Heights/Council Crest
Graced by a terrain that features sloped hillsides, the outstanding vistas of Portland Heights and Council Crest have inspired developers to build some truly magnificent homes and elegant manors over the decades. Many historic mansions and estates that are valued in the multi-million-dollar range are nestled in this lushly wooded area, offering upscale seclusion. Many homes command exceptional views from the higher elevation of gentle hills.

Sellwood
The Sellwood area is probably best known for its outstanding collection of antique stores and dealers. In fact, Sellwood Antique Mall is touted as the largest emporium for collectibles in Portland. Somewhat isolated from the rest of the city, Sellwood is a district located near the Willamette River. Along with the Westmoreland District, this neighborhood is situated between the river and McLoughlin Boulevard or Highway 99E. Sellwood Bridge connects the district with the west side of the river.

Southeast Portland
Past the long-established neighborhoods of older homes shaded by enormous trees, southeastern Portland becomes a district of attractive residences that vary greatly in size, price range, and architectural styles. Primarily modest housing harmonizes with convenient shopping centers and small businesses in this bustling area. Interstate 205 is the approximate eastern edge of the district, while the principal highway through the area is SE 82nd Avenue.

West Hills
As the City of Portland grew and matured, many affluent residents sought out the higher elevation of the hillsides to the west of downtown for their elaborate estates. The lower reaches claim a somewhat smaller share of mansions, and these have primarily been converted over the decades into lovely apartments or commercial establishments. The gentle hills still showcase magnificent older homes that blend with elegant new construction. Some of the famous points of interests in Portland are located in this area, including the Japanese Garden, the World Forestry Center, and the International Rose Test Gardens.