Portland, Beaverton and Tigard Oregon real estate listings, home buying, selling and relocation information

Portland is home to an array of diverse and distinct communities. It has 94 formally recognized neighborhoods, which doesn't even begin to include the outlying areas, all of which are considered part of the greater metropolitan area. With that large of an area to cover, we couldn't possibly cover every community. However, we try to give you a feel for Portland's five sections: Southwest, Southeast, Northwest, North and Northeast. Burnside Street is the boundary between north and south, and the Willamette River divides the eastern and western sections. North of Burnside Street, the river curves west and in place of it Williams Avenue is used as a divider. Between Williams and the river is the fifth, North, quadrant.

Northwest Portland offers a central location with easy access to major freeways. Its short commute to Downtown Portland and most major/high-tech corporations in the Sunset Corridor makes this area highly desirable. Only an hours drive from the beach and mountains and less than a half-hour to downtown Portland, northwest Portland enjoys the benefits of a healthy urban and rural environment.

The Northwest District also known as Uptown, Nob Hill and the Alphabet District, is nestled at the base of Portlands west hills. This pedestrian friendy district centers around NW 23rd (also known by the locals as "Trendy-Third") and NW 21st. Turn-of-the-century Victorians along NW 23rd Avenue have been transformed into colorful storefronts. Independent and sophisticated boutiques offer a wide array of merchandise to fulfill your every need. NW 21st offers some of Portland's best gourmet and nationally-rated restaurants. The areas many restaurants, pubs and cafes offer the perfect vantage points for some of the citys best people-watching in the warm summer months.

Northwest District Location: The district stretches west to east from the base of the West Hills to I-405, and north to south from NW Nicolai St. and the Willamette River to W Burnside St. It borders the neighborhoods of Forest Park and Hillside on the west, Northwest Industrial on the north, the Pearl District on the east, and Goose Hollow on the south.

Northwest District Housing Types & Styles: Craftsman, Victorian and Old Portland-style houses are packed tightly together with grand old apartment buildings and sleek new condominiums.

The Pearl District, a former industrial section of northwest Portland, is a thriving community boasting a successful mixture of art, commerce and residential life. Art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants abound, and there are also a number of small clubs and bars. Embracing the brick-and-steel landscape left by heavy industry, locals have transformed old warehouses into retail spaces, studios, galleries and upscale lofts. The area is home to several Portland icons, including Powell's City of Books. The former Weinhard Brewery, which operated continuously from 1864 to September 1999, was sold for redevelopment as the Brewery Blocks. The Pearl District hosts events such as First Thursday and a monthly gallery walk. Getting around is now even easier with the new Portland Streetcar linking the Pearl District with Nob Hill and downtown.

Pearl District Location: The boundaries are W Burnside St to the south; NW Broadway to the east; the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks to the north; and the Interstate 405 Freeway to the west.

Pearl District Housing Types & Styles: Many historic warehouse conversions, new loft style, high-rise condominiums, new townhomes and apartments. Many of these upscale condos have an industrial feel with exposed concrete and pipes. You will not find any detached single-family homes here.

Forest Heights offers an extraordinary opportunity to surround yourself with natural beauty without sacrificing the comforts and convenience of an urban lifestyle. The combination of Forest Heights serene landscape and signature-designed homes are ideal for individuals interested in enjoying a simple lifestyle amid a pristine setting. Special emphasis has been placed on providing enough recreational space for residents to fully enjoy the outdoors. Nearly 1/3 of Forest Heights total acreage has been set aside as common green space, offering individuals and families plenty of opportunities to appreciate the beauty of this area. Close proximity to town, with easy access to the Sunset Highway makes Forest Heights a coveted location.

Forest Heights Location: Located in NW Portland north of Cornell Road, west of Skyline Blvd, primarily focused on both sides of Miller Road. The majority of homes are in Multnomah County with a small portion falling into Washington County.

Forest Heights Housing Types & Styles: You will find a diverse selection of architectural styles, ranging from classic Northwest, to Colonial, to Mediterranean, offering enough variety and elegance to satisfy every taste. There are primarily single family houses with many townhouses, condos and apratments bordering Miller Road, the main road through Forest Heights. The homes were built starting in the 1990's to today.

Bethany is highly sought after due to its prime location in Washington County conveniently situated between the Hillsboro high tech corridor and downtown Portland. The highly acclaimed Beaverton school district is a major draw to families looking for some of the best rated schools. The open scenery offers rolling hills, green spaces and miles of walking paths. In the heart of Bethany is the exclusive Claremont neighborhood which offers adult resort living carefully designed around the beautiful Claremont Golf Course.

Bethany Location: In NW Portland, Washington County. It is bordered by Hwy 26 to the South, NW 143rd to the East, NW 185th to the West and Springville Rd to the North. The northern boundary will change as the land past Springville Rd is developed into North Bethany.

Bethany Housing Types & Styles: Homes in Bethany are primarily Traditional style single family houses built 1990 and newer with a scattering of townhouses, condos and apartments.

Each section of Southwest Portland has its own identity from the local small town vibe of Multnomah Village to the upscale homes on Sylvan Hill. There are many options for those looking to live in the southwest neighborhoods of Portland. There are many great schools in the area, and much of it is very hilly and more like a forest than a neighborhood. People are drawn to southwest Portland for its sense of community as well as its convenience to downtown Portland. With many different housing options and each small neighborhood providing its own feel and character, Southwest is a great choice for those looking to live close to downtown but not quite in the suburbs either.

Beautiful Downtown Portland is vibrant and alive. There is a focus on improvements to the downtown area while maintaining a balance of quality urban living space, a thriving business community, unique shopping, and natural beauty which you will find along the riverfront, in the Park Blocks, and other integrated green spaces. Downtown Portland is an urban neighborhood, with many older buildings, apartments, and loft style condominiums. There are many beautiful parks to enjoy, as well as numerous theater, music, and entertainment events. Pioneer Courthouse Square, is a centralized community hangout where millions visit annually. Downtown is home to the Portland Saturday Market, where local artisans sell a variety of arts and crafts. Portland State University is Oregon's largest, most diverse, and only urban university.

Downtown Portland Location: Located along the Willamette River bordering Naito Parkway to the east, Burnside St to the north, I-405 to the west and south.

Downtown Portland Housing Types & Styles: The housing in downtown Portland is primarily centered around the PSU students. You can find recent condo conversions, new upscale condos in the revitalized Cultural District and apartments.

The South Waterfront District is obtaining national attention for the redevelopment of 35 prime acres south of the Ross Island Bridge into an exciting urban community - one where Portland's world renowned commitment to creating a livable city will be at work. Powered by the economic vitality of OHSU and the street car a short walk away; the South Waterfront is the future of Portland's downtown living.

South Waterfront Location: Located south of downtown Portland, with the Willamette River along the east, and Macadam Ave to the west.

South Waterfront Housing Types & Styles: The River Blocks at South Waterfront offer new urban condos, many with views of the Willamette River, downtown Portland and Mount Hood.

Multnomah Villages laid-back, quiet personality is a pleasant alternative to Portlands busier neighborhoods. Just a short drive south of downtown leads into Multnomahs winding, cozy streets. Antique shops, bookstores, cafes and restaurants lend this village its relaxing vibe. A refreshing mix of galleries and locally owned specialty shops round out the experience. With nearly 100 different buinesses and community services, there's something for every mood, every preference, and every individual. Click here to find out more about the new upscale Multnomah Village Lofts.

Multnomah Village Location: Multnomah lies between SW 45th Ave. in the west, SW Capitol Hill Rd. in the east, SW Vermont St. in the north, and I-5 in the south.

Multnomah Village Housing Types & Styles: You will find houses built from all different time periods from the early 1900's to today. Many townhouses and condos are creeping up surrounding the desirable downtown Multnomah Village.

The West Hills, comprising Portland's prime residential neighborhoods, are a beautiful backdrop for this attractive city. Covered in evergreens, the hills rise to a height of 1,000 feet at the edge of downtown. The hilly terrain and lush nature parks in this area create stunning views from many of the homes which include panoramic views of downtown Portland, Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Saint Helens. As many of the streets in this area wind through the tree-lined forest, this makes the West Hills an interesting place to drive, and a serene and beautiful place to live.

West Hills Location: just southwest of downtown Portland

West Hills Housing Types & Styles: Homes are typically larger custom designs built in many different architectural styles from ranches, two-story traditionals, Colonial, Craftsman, Contemporary, and even the occasional Victorian. Many of the homes are built on the side of the hill and are cantilevered over the forest floor below.

In the Corbett-Terwilliger-Lair Hill neighborhood which runs along the Willamette River, along with the popular John's Landing area there is an abundace of shopping and restaurants.

Southeast Portland stretches from the warehouses by the river, through the historic Ladd's Addition, to Hawthorne and Belmont districts. The Hawthorne district is known for its beyond-the-norm hipster crowd and funky shops. Farther south, the Brooklyn, Sellwood, Woodstock, and Brentwood-Darlington neighborhoods and Eastmoreland near Reed College are close to the Willamette River. The Clackamas Town Center and Mall 205 are the largest retail centers serving the area. Southeast Portland also features Mt. Tabor, a park with one of the only extinct volcanos in a continental U.S. city. The Hawthorne/Sunnyside and Mt. Tabor neighborhoods provide easy access to downtown via bike or bus, and offer a diverse, funky atmosphere. Some other close-in neighborhoods are Buckman, Brooklyn, Hosford-Abernethy and Sellwood. All of these neighborhoods offer easy access to downtown via one of the main bridges linking the east side of the Willamette River with the west side.

The Hawthorne and Belmont District, located in Sunnyside, is an old neighborhood full of restored Victorian homes attracting a Bohemian following of artists, poets and writers. Many people find this district similar to Haight Street in San Francisco but with character and individuality unique to Oregon. This popular and eclectic close-in SE neighborhood has long been known for its mix of funky, counter-culture with a vibrant bohemian flair. Youll find some of Portlands most interesting and offbeat shops and restaurants in this growing neighborhood. At the center is the Bagdad Theater, where you can enjoy a cold beer and pizza while you watch second-run flicks.

Hawthorne and Belmont Location: in the Sunnyside neighborhood along Hawthorne Blvd and Belmont Street starting from SE 7th Street to 55th Street.

Hawthorne and Belmont Housing Types & Styles: You will find an array of Craftsmans, Victorians, Bungalows and Old Portland Style houses built in the early 1900's. There are also new urban condos along Hawthorne Blvd.

Mt. Tabor is both a city park surrounding a dormant volcano and a residential neighborhood at the East end of the Hawthorne District. Some of the nicest houses in the area are in this section, many of them enjoying stunning mountain or city views.

Historic Sellwood is a vibrant and thriving section of southeast Portland that hasnt lost touch with its old village roots. This is the place to go for antique hunting, with everything from high-end to rustic. Dozens of dealers operate from Victorian homes, rescued storefronts and even the occasional antique mall. Stars Antiques brings together dozens of independent dealers in three separate Sellwood locations. Restaurants and cafes dot the landscape between shops, making it the perfect place for a leisurely Sunday afternoon tour or a romantic evening out.

The Hosford-Abernethy neighborhood bordering the Hawthorne neighborhood contains Ladd's Addition. Ladd's Addition is a unique historic area with streets on a diagonal layout, surrounding rose gardens and a traffic circle (known as the "Ladd's Circles and Squares"). The homes in this area are stunning examples of Old Portland architecture with Victorians, Craftsman bungalow and Arts and Crafts homes. The streets of Ladd's Addition are lined with mature elm trees, making this a beautiful area to visit or live.

Eastmoreland, is an up-market neighborhood in inner south-east Portland, located south of Reed College. This highly desirable, established neighborhood offers gorgeous tree-lined streets and large, stately homes.

Northeast Portland contains a diverse collection of neighborhoods. Irvington and the Alameda Ridge boast some of the oldest and most expensive homes in Portland. Because it is so large, Northeast Portland can essentially be divided into inner and outer sections. Inner Northeast includes several shopping areas, such as the Lloyd District, Alberta Arts District and Hollywood, and part of the affluent Laurelhurst neighborhood and its nearby developments. The Lloyd District and Laurelhurst neighborhoods offer an urban environment that is family-oriented. The city plan targets Lloyd District as another mixed-use area, with high-rise residential development.

The Alberta Arts District is a mile-long commercial stretch in Northeast Portland where local entrepreneurs have turned this neighborhood into a hip hub for food, art and new ideas. Galleries, shops, restaurants, coffeehouses and artists' studios fill once-vacant storefronts along Northeast Alberta Street in a tree-lined residential neighborhood about five miles from downtown. Don't miss the monthly Last Thursday Art Walk, when more than 30 businesses show new art and stay open late. The Art Hop is an all-day yearly event in the middle of May celebrating art and culture. Enjoy the swarming crowds and have fun people watching. You'll also have the opportunity to pick up some local, original arts and crafts at great prices.

The hip Irvington neighborhood is centered around Broadway in northeast Portland. For several blocks along Broadway (around NE 15th Avenue) you'll find interesting boutiques and numerous excellent but inexpensive restaurants. If you enjoy historic charm and unique homes with fine character and craftsmanship, youll love Irvington.

Beaumont-Wilshire is an older, well established neighborhood with a strong sense of community. Beaumont means "beautiful mountain" in French, as much of the neighborhood sits along Alameda Ridge. It has a nice mix of residential and commercial property. The main road through Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood is NE Fremont Street, and the primary commercial focus is "Beaumont Village", between NE 33rd and NE 50th. Residents value NE Fremont's easy walking access, gathering places, and its small-town and community center feel, making it one of Rose City's most desirable neighborhoods. The norht end of the neighborhood features Wilshire Park and its 15 acres of full-canopied mature trees, playgrounds and picnic facilities.

North Portland includes the neighborhoods of St. Johns, Cathedral Park, University Park (and the University of Portland), Overlook, Portsmouth, Kenton, Arbor Lodge, Bridgeton, Hayden Island, Piedmont, Humboldt, Eliot, and Boise.

Kenton is the next up and coming neighborhood in North Portland. Work has begun on the Downtown Kenton Redevelopment Project, which is aimed at helping revitalize the historic Denver Avenue business district in Kenton and the adjacent area around the new Interstate MAX Kenton station. A large statue of Paul Bunyan stands at the corner or N. Interstate Avenue and N. Denver Avenue across from the light rail station, and is considered a symbol of the neighborhood.

Arbor Lodge is a neighborhood that is growing at a frenzied pace. Area improvements include the Interstate Max line, a completely revamped Fred Meyer, as well as the opening of New Seasons, dozens of new shops and smaller developments. Arbor Lodge is conveniently located along the MAX line and easy access to I-5. Like many of the surrounding neighborhoods, Arbor Lodge is on an upward climb. The area is restoration focused and community minded.

The historic Mississippi district located in the Boise-Elliott neighborhood is one of Portland's oldest neighborhoods. Over the years there has been a steady revival of older existing homes and classic store fronts. The home styles are as varied as its occupants, consisting of older Victorian, Craftsman, Portland foursquare style, as well as old East Portland styles. This flourishing district offers a culture alive with local shops and foot traffic. The streets are lined with many independently owned coffee houses, pubs, music venues, nurseries and zesty local restaurants each boasting an individual flair. It is also the home to upcoming sustainable lofts and condominum projects.

Piedmont is also known as "The Emerald, Portland's evergreen suburb". Piedmont means "foot of the mountain". A drive through the streets reveals many beautiful homes with vibrant color schemes and innovative landscaping. You will notice a huge effort on behalf of the community to bring it back to its original glory. Area residents pride themselves on rebuilding both the homes and the community. Don't miss the Peninsula Park & Rose Garden, one of the oldest rose parks in the Pacific Northwest. This park helped to earn Portland the title of City of Roses.

St. Johns has, for the last few years, been considered the last affordable close-in Portland neighborhood. With the Lombard Plan bringing cute and quirky new storefronts to the St. Johns downtown stretch and the completion of the St. Johns Bridge renovation, prices are rising as the neighborhood gets hotter. St. Johns still has a bit of a small town feel to it. The post office, coffee shops, breakfast places, restaurants, movie theaters, grocery stores, and several parks, are all within walking distance for residents who live close to the downtown strip. The beautiful St. Johns bridge is a landmark that is a sight to see.

The city of Beaverton lies seven miles west of downtown Portland. It offers a strong business environment and the attractions of a large metropolitan area, but still has a home-town feel. Its business core is growing and its urban population is increasingly diverse. Headquarters of global companies like Nike and Tektronix support the local economy along with many small and medium sized businesses.

It is the fifth largest city in the state and the second largest suburb in the metro area. There is a wide variety of housing options, ranging from single-family houses on quiet cul-de-sacs to urban-core condominiums near shops and light rail transit stations.

The City of Beaverton has thirteen officially recognized neighborhoods: Central Beaverton, Denny Whitford, Five Oaks, Greenway, Highland, Neighbors Southwest, Raleigh West, Sexton Mountain, South Beaverton, Triple Creek, Vose, West Beaverton and West Slope.

Aloha is considered by its residents as one of the few remaining "affordable yet desirable" housing markets left in the Portland metro area, and is a desirable market for working families due to its close proximity to a number of major Intel campuses, and the Nike world headquarters. While the neighborhood currently consists of mostly single family, low density dwellings, higher density dwellings have become increasingly common due to the Portland metro area's Urban Growth Boundary, and the recent extension of the MAX light rail line along Aloha's northern boundary.

Tigard is located approximately 10 miles southwest of downtown Portland. The city has many single family homes with approximately 75% home ownership. The school system in Tigard is highly regarded and therefore is attracting families from around the country. Convenient access to I-5 and Hwy 217 is also a plus.

In Tigard, there are many comfortable older neighborhoods in beautiful condition, and Tigard is growing at a fast rate. Lovely new homes and new neighborhoods are springing up in rapid progression. One of the fastest growing areas is beautiful Bull Mountain offering views of the Willamette Valley and the Cascade Range.

King City, located directly south of the Bull Mountain area in Tigard, was originally created as a planned adult community. It is primarily residential with a business area running along the East side of the city. It is now the site of many new construction projects that offer affordable, single family homes and a 17 acre public park. These new develoments along with recent annexations should result in a significant increase in population over the next few years changing the demographics dramatically. A major landmark is a golf course near the center of the city.

LAKE OSWEGO has evolved into one of Oregon's premier residential communities since being incorporated in 1910. Some of the area's finest homes are nestled amongst gorgeous Douglas firs overlooking 405-acre Oswego Lake, popular for boating, swimming and water skiing in the summer months. This sophisticated city offers typical amenities for a town of just over 35,000 residents including tennis and swimming centers, full-service police and fire departments, an 18-hole golf course and schools that rank among the best in the country.

Lake Oswego Location: 8 miles south of Portland

Lake Oswego Housing Types & Styles: The original "LO" neighborhoods offer a taste of England, with English Cottage & Tudor style homes. Most residents live in newer developments throughout the 11.2 square miles of the city. One of the most desired locations, is of course living on the Lake.

Selling Your Home >Plumbing Preparations

The plumbing is one of your home's most mysterious systems. The pipes are hidden in the wall, and when you have a problem, you have to call in a plumber. Since plumbers' rates are hefty, prospective buyers are often frightened away by evidence of leaky pipes, ceiling stains below shower pans, or antiquated bathroom fixtures.

If you are planning to sell your home, it is a good idea to solve your plumbing issues before you place it on the market. Take care of any cosmetic damage that leaks may have caused after the plumber has finished his work. Plumbing repairs are cost-effective, because most sales agreements call for all systems, including the plumbing, to be in working order. If you have a problem, you will probably have to repair it before the closing anyway, so by doing it ahead of time, you eliminate that issue. Plumbing that is in top condition will make your home appear to be well cared for and will make it more attractive to potential buyers.

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Q	Where will you find the world's largest indoor waterfall?
A	The lobby of the International Center in Detroit, Michigan has a waterfall of 114 feet, backed by 9,000 square feet of marble.
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Portland, Beaverton and Tigard Area Neighborhood Information

Portland

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