Cool Neighborhoods in Portland That Locals Actually Love
If you’re asking yourself Is Portland Oregon a good place to live?, the short answer is yes, but the longer and more honest answer is that it really depends on where you land. Portland isn’t a one-size-fits-all city. Each neighborhood has its own rhythm, personality, and quirks, and that’s exactly why people fall in love with it.
As local realtors who know these streets block by block, we spend a lot of time helping people figure out where to live in Portland Oregon, not just which house to buy. Below are a few cool neighborhoods in Portland that locals consistently love living in, and that tend to hold up well over time.
If you’re brand new here, it helps to start with our map of neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon so you can see how close everything really is. Portland is compact, walkable, and surprisingly neighborhood-driven.
Walk Score 81 | Bike Score 96 | Transit Score 42
If you like tree-lined streets, river walks, and a neighborhood that feels established without feeling sleepy, Sellwood-Moreland is hard to beat. It has strong community energy, local shops that people actually use, and easy access to downtown without feeling urban-heavy.
This is one of those good places to live in Portland where people tend to stay put. It’s also a favorite for buyers who want charm, sidewalks, and a real sense of neighborhood life. Explore Sellwood-Moreland in more detail here.
Walk Score 91 | Bike Score 97 | Transit Score 57
Richmond hits that sweet spot between vibrant and livable. You’re close to Division and Hawthorne for food, coffee, and nightlife, but you still get quiet residential streets once you head a few blocks in.
For people wondering where to live in Portland if they want walkability without chaos, Richmond comes up again and again. It’s also a great example of how neighborhoods in Portland can feel lively without being overwhelming. Find out everything about the Richmond Neighborhood here. →
Walk Score 89 | Bike Score 100 | Transit Score 49
If creativity, murals, food carts, and independent shops matter to you, Alberta Arts District might feel like home right away. It’s energetic, social, and full of personality.
That said, it’s not for everyone. This is a good reminder that Portland Oregon neighborhoods vary a lot, and choosing the right one is about lifestyle fit, not trends. Discover what makes the Alberta Arts District such a Portland favorite. →
Walk Score 78 | Bike Score 95 | Transit Score 45
This neighborhood is often overlooked, which honestly is part of its appeal. Beaumont-Wilshire has a strong local core, great schools, and a calm, steady feel that attracts long-term homeowners.
If safety is part of your decision-making, this area is frequently mentioned when people ask about the safest neighborhoods in Portland. It’s not flashy, but it’s solid, and that matters. Check more that Beaumont-Wilshire has to offer. →
Walk Score 93 | Bike Score 99 | Transit Score 50
Sunnyside is one of those neighborhoods that doesn’t shout for attention but quietly wins people over. It sits just off Belmont, so you get easy access to shops, restaurants, and everyday errands without living right on top of the action.
It’s popular with first-time buyers, creatives, and long-time Portlanders who want walkability, older homes with character, and a neighborhood that feels lived-in rather than curated. For many clients asking where to live in Portland, Sunnyside ends up being a “we didn’t expect this, but we love it” kind of place. See Sunnywide like you never have before. →
What About Safety, Maps, and Research?
We’re often asked how to evaluate safety without relying on rumors or outdated opinions. One tool we regularly recommend is Portland Maps, where you can look up individual properties and see zoning, permits, and other public data tied to a specific address.
It’s one of several ways to build your own Portland neighborhoods guide and feel confident about where you’re buying.
Should You Consider Suburbs?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
While this post focuses on city neighborhoods, some buyers also explore nearby Portland suburbs depending on space needs, commute, or schools. Places like Cedar Mill or Oregon City can make sense for certain lifestyles, but many of Portland’s best parks, walkability, and culture live firmly inside city limits.
If you’re weighing city vs suburb, we’ve built a map of Portland suburbs to start the conversation.
Still Not Sure Where You’d Fit Best?
That’s normal. Most people don’t start out knowing exactly where to live in Portland Oregon. That’s why we built a Portland neighborhood quiz to help narrow things down based on how you actually live, not just price or bedroom count.
You can also explore our neighborhood map to dig deeper into individual areas at your own pace.
Finding the right home starts with finding the right place. And in Portland, that part really matters.
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.
Call or text us at 503-951-8547
