Best Neighborhoods for Families: Portland, Oregon Edition

Portland, Oregon is a city packed with unique little neighborhoods booming with community pride. With its laid-back vibe, focus on the environment and outdoor recreation, and surplus of locally-owned restaurants and shops, this city remains a hot spot for young people. Whether you are looking for apartments for rent in Portland or want to buy, Portland offers a little something for everyone. These 4 neighborhoods are family-friendly and worth exploring.

St. Johns

Walkable, bustling streets, locally-owned businesses, and small-town charm are just a few traits that bring visitors to the highly desirable neighborhood called St. Johns. The tight-knit community hosts several annual events, street fairs, and festivals throughout the year including their annual Jazz Festival held in the beautiful Cathedral Park. Living in St. Johns also puts you near some beautiful natural gems such as Sauvie Island, located in the Colombia River. A visit to Sauvie Island gives you access to beaches, hiking, fishing, bird watching, and seasonal U-Pick farms. St. Johns is a well-rounded neighborhood that offers something for everyone including a close sense of community.

Sellwood-Moorland

This neighborhood touts both safety and community pride and happens to be more affordable when it comes to the average of Portland homes. This historic neighborhood is a bit more quiet while also giving you and your family access to plenty of shopping and delicious and diverse cuisine. You’ll also find 170 acres of winding trails, picturesque meadows, and wetlands tucked into the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge located along the Willamette River. This neighborhood also happens to be home to the historic Oaks Amusement Park which has been around since 1905.

Kenton

You’ve probably seen the iconic statue of Paul Bunyan welcoming you to Kenton either in person or on a postcard. This north Oregon neighborhood is filled with friendly charm, parks, restaurants, and a library making it a great pick for families. Kenton Park features a basketball court, a splash pad, picnic benches, a playground, and plenty of green space to enjoy. The neighborhood library is nearby where classes, storytime, and various community activities are held. There are also many local restaurants, coffee cafes, and cute vintage shops making it easy to spend the entire weekend with the family right in your neighborhood.

Highland

The Highland neighborhood in Beaverton has been considered one of the most desirable neighborhoods in all of Oregon. Living in Highland offers residents a nice mix of urban and suburban with its vast collection of bars, restaurants, and cafes combined with its beautiful parks and green spaces. The public schools in this area are also highly rated making this a great option for families with children getting ready to start school. Highland hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year including the Beaverton Welcoming Week. This festival is particularly special as it brings together immigrants, refugees, and US-born residents to build cross-cultural relationships with each other and celebrate diversity.

Regardless of the neighborhood that catches your eye, Portland Oregon is a beautiful and vibrant city with endless opportunities for you and your family.