6.8 out of 10

Kerns

45.5253260001359 -122.646865951982
Great for
  • Eating Out
  • Neighborly Spirit
  • Nightlife
  • Shopping Options
  • Safe & Sound
Not great for
  • Lack of Traffic
  • Childcare
  • Parking
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Singles
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish

Reviews

3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
2yrs+

"Small Urban Community with Great Restaurants"

Kerns is a small urban area located not far from downtown Portland. It is a more commercial than residential, so you won’t find many tree lined streets filled with families. Rather, you will find lots of various business and many older homes turned into multi-family units.

One of the first developed neighborhoods on Portland’s east side, you will find older homes, apartment buildings and condos. There is some cool shopping and great restaurants, including the very popular Screen Door that serves the best fried chicken ever. You will also find plenty of microbreweries as well as the Laurelhurst Theater. This is a great community to come and spend a nice evening out.
Recommended for
  • Singles
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Urban Neighborhood With Great Bars and Restaurants"

Eastern Portland's Kerns neighborhood is fairly close-in to downtown, and is an urban area mixing both commercial and residential buildings. It's mostly inhabited by young singles who want to live close to downtown, though there are a number of families and older professionals living here too.

Just South of I84, Kerns is cross-crossed by several major streets, including Glisan, Sandy Boulevard, and Burnside (which forms the southern boundary of the neighborhood). This makes for an easy commute to most areas of the city. It's also one of the most walkable neighborhoods, with easy access to everything residents need.

Most of the homes in Kerns are large, older homes with plenty of historic charm. Over the years, a number of these have been converted into apartments, and they are joined by newer condo and apartment buildings, providing a wide range of housing options that makes living in Kerns affordable.

There are several nice schools and parks in the neighborhood. For popular restaurants, visit 28th Avenue. Catch a movie at the classic Laurelhurst Theater on 28th and Burnside. Along both 28th and Burnside you'll find some of the best bars and restaurants in town, including a number of microbreweries. If you want to live in a lively, active neighborhood with lots to do, Kerns might be right for you.
Pros
  • Convenient
  • Diverse array of people
  • Friendly neighbors
Cons
  • traffic
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"A Haven for Restaurants and Bars"

Kerns is a Southeast Portland neighborhood that is just north of Burnside and runs along Sandy Blvd. In general, this is a pretty laid back, and low key area. Of course, it is in a great location since residents are not only nearby everything that SE Portland has to offer, but they are also an easy drive to the Hollywood area.

As far as activities go, Kerns has some fantastic restaurants. Screen Door is one of my favorites and always a great place to take out of town guests. After eating at Screen Door, you can hop down the street to the Laurelhurst Theatre, which has very inexpensive second run films. Also in Kerns there is no end to the list of microbreweries.

Many types of people reside in Kerns, so you will see everything from students, to couples to retirees. There also seem to be a variety of price points for homes and rentals. Apparently, everyone in Kerns lives in harmony! I often see people outside in this area gardening. And, of course, there is also the Everett Community Garden, which is located right in Kerns.
Pros
  • Friendly neighbors
  • Convenient
  • Diverse array of people
Cons
  • traffic
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish

Best Neighborhoods to Live In

Best Cities to Live In

Tell everyone what you love about your neighborhood!

Leave a Review

Have a question?

How are schools? Is the area safe? What about public transit options?" Why not ask our community of locals!

Ask Now

Selling or Renting Your Home?

Maximize the selling price of your home by sharing what you love about your suburb to increase its appeal...

Leave a Review

Corporate Relocation Manager?

Enable your employees to share local knowledge in a private, trusted environment with those relocating... while building community.

Learn More