Best Neighborhoods in Portland for Living Without a Car
Walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly communities where car-free living actually works.
Thinking about moving to Portland without a car? You’re not alone.
With rising transportation costs, shifting lifestyles, and a city layout that actually supports walking, biking, and transit—more people are wondering: “Can I really live in Portland without a car?”
Spoiler alert: Yes, you can. Especially if you land in the right neighborhood.
Living car-free in Portland is more than just possible — in the right neighborhoods, it feels completely natural. When we put this list together, we thought about the places where daily life really happens on foot or by bike. Neighborhoods where grabbing coffee, picking up groceries, or heading to the park doesn’t mean searching for parking — it just means stepping outside. These are the communities where walkability isn’t a feature; it’s part of the lifestyle.
#1
Walk Score: 94 | Bike Score: 98 | Transit Score: 62 | Miles of Bike Routes: 8
Kerns brings together all the good stuff—walkable streets, vibrant local businesses, and bike lanes that go somewhere. With one of the highest Bike Scores in the city and a near-perfect Walk Score, it’s an ideal eastside base for folks who’d rather pedal than park. Learn all about why the Kerns neighborhood tops best Portland neighborhood lists. →
#2
Walk Score: 93 | Bike Score: 90 | Transit Score: 65 | Miles of Bike Routes: 15
This is the go-to neighborhood for those who want city life without the car. You’ve got transit options galore, a solid bike network, and everything from groceries to indie bookstores within arm’s reach. It’s the perfect place for daily routines on foot or two wheels. Take a deeper dive into Portland’s Northwest District. →
#3
Walk Score: 92 | Bike Score: 95 | Transit Score: 58 | Miles of Bike Routes: 13
Buckman’s got edge, history, and serious infrastructure for getting around without a car. You can walk to downtown, bike to the river, and hop a bus practically anywhere. Plus, there’s something wonderfully Portland about having a brewery, record store, and vintage shop on the same block. Discover what makes the Buckman neighborhood such a Portland favorite. →
#4
Walk Score: 92 | Bike Score: 97 | Transit Score: 57 | Miles of Bike Routes: 13
Covering beloved pockets like Ladd’s Addition and parts of Division, Hosford-Abernethy blends charm with car-free convenience. You can grab coffee, get groceries, and head to the park—all without ever touching your car keys. Check more that Hosford-Abernethy has to offer. →
#5
Walk Score: 91 | Bike Score: 98 | Transit Score: 80 | Miles of Bike Routes: 9
Lloyd is often underrated but checks every box for car-free living. Excellent MAX and bus access, killer Bike Score, and loads of walkable options—from shopping to parks to events. It’s a hub of mobility and one of Portland’s most overlooked no-car zones. See the Lloyd District like you never have before. →
Data sourced from the 2025 Portland Monthly Neighborhood dataset, including Walk Score, Bike Score, Transit Score, and commuter stats.
Kim Campbell & Francisco Salgado
Ready to Explore Portland’s Most Walkable Neighborhoods?
Whether you're a committed cyclist, a bus stop regular, or just curious about simplifying your lifestyle, we can help you find a home that supports it. We've walked, biked, and bussed these blocks ourselves—and we know how to guide you to the right fit.
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