Best Neighbourhoods in Portland: Top Places to Live, Work & Invest 2026
Portland Living Made Easy
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Exploring the best neighborhood to stay in Portland? You’re in the right place. Portland is more than just quirky cafés and rainy skies. As the 3rd greenest city in America and the most bike-friendly city nationwide, it offers a unique mixture of sustainability and accessibility.
Portland is home to one of the largest urban forests in the U.S., a world-renowned food scene, and no sales tax. Want to know where to stay or settle down? This guide to the bestneighborhoodsinPortland,Oregon, helps you find the area that best suits your lifestyle.
Top 10 Best Neighborhoods in Portland to Live
Here's a roundup of the top 10 good neighborhoods in Portland, each offering its own unique charm, community vibe, and lifestyle perks, whether you’re looking for family-friendly suburbs, trendy hotspots, or quiet, green spaces to call home.
1. Pearl District
Average rent: $960 monthly
The Pearl District is one of the best neighborhoods in Portland for urban dwellers. Once a warehouse hub, it’s now a center of luxury condos, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. The area boasts top-rated spots like Powell’s City of Books and offers walkability to downtown, making it one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Portland Oregon. Well-suited for young professionals and creatives, it combines industrial charm with modern amenities.
Public transportation in Portland is excellent, and the local parks offer green escapes. It's also a hub for co-working spaces and tech startups. If you’re se arching for “cool neighborhood Portland”, Pearl is ideal for you.
2. Laurelhurst
Average rent: $1,700 monthly
Laurelhurst is a peaceful, historic neighborhood in East Portland known for its Craftsman and Tudor homes, making it one of the top nice neighborhoods in Portland for families and long-term residents. This makes Laurelhurst one of the good neighborhoods for those who want suburban calm with city access.
Residents appreciate the blend of architectural charm and community feel. The best area to stay in Portland Oregon, is also close to popular shopping and dining zones like Belmont and Hollywood. If you’re looking for timeless charm, family-friendly amenities, and a relaxed pace, Laurelhurst is one of the best neighborhoods in Portland Oregon.
3. Alberta Arts District
Average rent: $2,100 monthly
If you love creativity and cultural diversity, the Alberta Arts District is one of the cool neighborhoods in Portland Oregon, worth exploring. Famous for its colorful murals and lively Last Thursday art walks, it draws artists, students, and young professionals. Hence, it’s a great place for students to rent a place.
Housing options range from bungalows to new townhomes, often more affordable than inner-west neighborhoods. With bike lanes, walkability, and access to transit, it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Portland for those who value sustainability and local connection. It’s also popular with renters looking for personality and affordability.
4. Sellwood-Moreland
Average rent: $1,600 monthly
Sellwood-Moreland is one of the best neighborhoods in Portland Oregon, for people who want a slower pace without leaving city limits. Located in Southeast Portland, this area feels like a vintage village with antique shops, quiet streets, and classic Craftsman homes. Families love it for its safety, green spaces like Sellwood Park, and access to the Willamette River.
The neighborhood also features a small-town main street vibe, with local cafes, toy stores, and bakeries. If you're looking for the best neighborhoods in Portland that offer community, charm, and a sense of history, this one delivers.
5. Mississippi Avenue / Boise
Average rent: $1,700 monthly
The Boise neighborhood, centered on Mississippi Avenue, is among the coolest neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon, for its indie charm and nightlife. Located in North Portland, it’s packed with food carts and is easily one of the best food cities in the US. The area has seen major growth in the past decade and now offers everything from vintage shops to vegan brunch spots. Housing includes renovated Victorians and new apartments.
6. Nob Hill (Northwest District)
Average rent: $1,900 monthly
Nob Hill, part of Portland’s Northwest District, is a stylish neighborhood that blends old Portland charm with modern living. Known for NW 21st and 23rd Avenues, it offers boutique shopping, top-rated dining, and historic homes.
The architecture ranges from Victorian mansions to sleek urban condos, attracting professionals and downsizing retirees. It's also near Forest Park—one of the largest urban forests in the U.S., which offers hiking right within the city. If you're searching for the best neighborhoods in Portland that balance style, history, and access to green space, Nob Hill is a top pick.
7. Hawthorne District
Average rent: $2,200 monthly
The Hawthorne District in Southeast Portland is a creative haven that remains one of the best neighborhoods in Portland Oregon. Known for vintage shops, independent theaters, quirky cafes, and a bohemian vibe, it's ideal for students, young professionals, and artists. Hawthorne Boulevard is the heart of the district, lined with bookstores, thrift shops, and vegan eateries.
So if you’re bored with the usual homemade vegan meal drill, you can opt to eat out. Public transit is accessible, and the area is bike-friendly. Housing ranges from older duplexes to classic Portland foursquares.
8. Goose Hollow
Average rent: $1,700 monthly
Goose Hollow is a compact, centrally located neighborhood that’s one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Portland Oregon, for those wanting quick access to downtown, Providence Park, and public transit. It's popular with students at Portland State University, working professionals, and temporary residents due to its convenient location. The housing mix includes older brick apartments, converted mansions, and mid-rise buildings.
Despite its urban vibe, Goose Hollow has green pockets and a strong local identity. It’s walkable, near MAX light rail lines, and offers quick access to cultural institutions and sports events.
9. St. Johns
Average rent: $1,400 monthly
Located in North Portland, St. Johns is a tight-knit community known for its iconic St. Johns Bridge and small-town feel. It's one of the more affordable best neighborhoods in Portland, ideal for families, artists, and first-time homebuyers. The neighborhood has a distinct identity, with its downtown area full of cafes, record stores, and bookstores. Cathedral Park is a local treasure with river views and event space.
Transit options are decent, and it’s well-connected to the rest of Portland while retaining its independence. If you're searching for the best neighborhoods in Portland with a quieter, grassroots energy, St. Johns stands out.
10. Division/Clinton
Average rent: $1,200 monhtly
The Division/Clinton neighborhood in Southeast Portland has grown into a trendy area known for culinary innovation, eco-conscious living, and a strong local identity. As one of the best neighborhoods in Portland Oregon, it attracts foodies, tech workers, and young families. Division Street is lined with award-winning restaurants, boutique stores, and green-certified buildings.
The neighborhood is very walkable and bike-friendly, with new developments designed around sustainability. Housing includes modern townhomes and renovated bungalows.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some best neighborhoods in Portland for families?
For families, Laurelhurst and Sellwood-Moreland are two of the best neighborhoods in Portland. Both areas boast good schools, parks, and a quiet, community-oriented atmosphere, making them perfect for long-term stays and raising children.
What is the average rent in the best neighborhoods in Portland Oregon?
As of May 2025, the average rent in Portland, OR, is approximately USD 1,500 per month. This figure encompasses various neighborhoods, with actual rents varying based on location, property type, and amenities.
What documents are required to rent in the best neighborhoods in Portland?
To secure a place in the best neighborhoods in Portland, you’ll typically need a valid ID, proof of income (like pay stubs), rental history, and a credit check. Some landlords may also ask for references.
Which neighborhoods have the best access to schools and hospitals in Portland?
Cool neighborhoods in Portland Oregon, like Northwest District, Irvington, and Sellwood-Moreland are known for their access to excellent schools, clinics, and major hospitals. These areas are ideal for families and professionals alike.
Which neighborhoods in Portland Oregon have the best nightlife?
Cool neighborhoods in Portland Oregon, like Hawthorne, Division, and Pearl District offer live music venues, cocktail bars, indie theaters, and 24/7 eateries. These hubs of entertainment can be visited at any time.