6.9 out of 10

Northwest Heights

45.5363957593458 -122.771364730014
Great for
  • Clean & Green
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Peace & Quiet
  • Safe & Sound
  • Neighborly Spirit
Not great for
  • Gym & Fitness
  • Medical Facilities
  • Nightlife
  • Resale or Rental Value
  • Childcare
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Trendy & Stylish
  •  
  •  

Reviews

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

"Secluded, Quiet Neighborhood With Great Views"

Northwest Heights is located high in the hills of NW Portland. A residential neighborhood, you won’t find much else here except very nice, expensive homes that offer tremendous views.

Very secluded, yet only five minutes from Downtown Portland, this area is just west of Forest Park, one of the more popular parks in all of Portland. You literally feel like you are living among the trees in this well off, family friendly neighborhood. This is not an area where you can do a leisurely bike ride thanks to the hills, yet there is something to be said for the peacefulness that inhabits Northwest Heights.

If you are looking for entertainment, you are only minutes away from Nob Hill where 23rd street is populated with some of the best restaurants, shops and bars Portland offers. You also are close to some of Portland’s more popular tourist spots: The Oregon Zoo, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, etc.

Northwest Heights is a very nice community if you can afford it, and if you like residing in a secluded area yet close to what Portland has to offer.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Huge, Expensive Homes Without a Lot of Character"

Northwest Heights is known for miltimillion dollar homes on a steep hill offering expansive views. It's very hilly, with hardly a straight road anywhere in sight. Few people have reason to visit this area of the city unless they know someone who lives here, making it feel very secluded. Within the neighborhood itself, there are no shops or commercial areas. Nearby Forest Park, however, lies directly to the east and offers many acres of hiking and jogging trails, and is a popular destination for people coming from all over the city.

It's very quiet here, which you may enjoy if you're trying to get away from the noise of downtown, but also tends to give off the feeling that there's not much of interest happening here. The neighborhood feels consciously upscale. You won't see an unkempt lawn or beater car anywhere. Residents here are upper-middle-class to upper class, and they know it. The area isn't very diverse, and is filled with college-educated, white-collar families with kids. If you don't make six figures, it's easy to feel out of place, even if you're just driving through on the way to the park.

There are lots of cul-de-sacs filled with newer, larger homes, nearly all built in the 1990s. It can be a bit 'cookie cutter' so if you're looking for a a neighborhood that feels a bit more individualistic, check out some of the city's older neighborhoods, filled with unique historic homes full of charm.
Pros
  • Forest Park
  • Gorgeous homes
  • Quiet
Cons
  • Feels a little boring
  • Expensive
  • Too removed
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Gorgeous area close to Forest Park"

The first thing you need to know about Northwest Heights is it is literally on top of Forest Park, which is one of the most wondrous parks in the city. If you love nature and remote settings, this area is for you! Forest Park has about 70 miles of trails, and that means that you can always find something new. Every part of the year really is beautiful in this area, and, of course, it is also a great place to take children.

However, even though you may feel as though you are in an isolated setting, a remarkable thing about Northwest Heights is that you are actually quite close to downtown. You won't be able to walk to restaurants and shops, but they are only a short drive away. Nob Hill, in particular, is very close-by.

This neighborhood will be far out of many people's budgets. Only one look at all the mansions with pristine views and this fact will be evident! Some of the views are so expansive that you will see all the mountain ranges in the distance. Pretty breathtaking! However, oftentimes potential homebuyers might find that the fact that these homes are on sharp cliffs is unsettling. (After all, we are due for an earthquake at some point!) Also you will see some amazing modern architecture displayed. Most of the houses tend to be newer and display really interesting design aesthetics. Additionally, this neighborhood is considered to be about as safe as it gets.
Pros
  • Forest Park
  • Quiet
  • Gorgeous homes
Cons
  • Too removed
  • Expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Trendy & Stylish

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