6.4 out of 10

Piedmont

45.5720793810585 -122.66959950161
Great for
  • Neighborly Spirit
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Public Transport
  • Internet Access
  • Pest Free
Not great for
  • Nightlife
  • Schools
  • Parking
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Families with kids
  • Students
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees

Reviews

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

"One Of Portlands First Suburbs"

Piedmont was at one time one of Portland’s first suburbs, so you know you will find many homes with character, several of which have been restored. However, there are some neighborhoods that are in need of some major improvements and clearly show their age. The good news is that there is a group of concerned citizens ready to improve these areas in transition. If you are looking for a fixer upper in an up-and-coming neighborhood, you may want to consider this area.

Piedmont is located in the North section of Portland. The I-5 freeway runs alongside Piedmont and commuting to downtown is quick and less than five minutes. While there are not lots of shopping and restaurant opportunities in this neighborhood per se, you are close to the popular Mississippi District and Alberta Arts District for entertainment and fun, unique stores.

If public parks are important to you, then you will find one of the oldest parks in the Northwest here: Peninsula Rose Park. It is a gorgeous green space and was an inspiration in naming Portland, “City of Roses.” This park is now carefully tended by volunteers who do an amazing job in preserving this landmark.

There are a variety of residents living in Piedmont, from seniors to college students who attend Portland Community College. Overall, a nice affordable community with a neighborhood feel, however, there is work to be done.
Pros
  • Afforable
Cons
  • Some areas seem a little rough
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Average Suburban Neighborhood With Beautiful Rose Garden"

Piedmont is located just east of Interstate 5 in North Portland. This is a great location for those looking to commute downtown or to Portland's trendier neighborhoods, as it offers easy access to freeways, and runs alongside the MAX light rail line.

Within the neighborhood itself there are a number of grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, and other businesses. Locally acclaimed businesses include New Seasons Market and Eddies Pizza. A lot of locals also hang out on nearby Mississippi Ave, home to many more shops, bars, and restaurants. Piedmont is also home to Peninsula Park, one of Portland's oldest park and the home of the rose garden that helped earn Portland its nickname 'City of Roses.'

It's been described as an 'urban village,' though parts of Piedmont seem more suburban to me. The neighborhood was originally built in the 1920s, and many of the original houses remain today. Some parts of Piedmont offer beautiful and well-kept historic homes, while other streets are lined with modest houses that seem a little rougher.

The campus of Portland Community College is nearby, so there are quite a few college students living in Piedmont, giving the neighborhood an invigorating feeling of constant change. Other residents of Piedmont include old-timers, young families, and singles in their 20s and 30s. This working-class suburb offers affordable housing to those who want easy access to everything the city has to offer.
Pros
  • Beautiful older homes
  • Afforable
  • Diversity
  • Rose Garden
Cons
  • Some areas seem a little rough
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • 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+

"An Accessible NE Neighborhood with an Impressive Rose Garden"

Piedmont is a "neighborhoody" relaxed area in NE Portland that is mostly residential in nature. However, while this area doesn't have a wealth of shops and restaurants of its own, it is very close to the popular Mississippi neighborhood where there is a great deal going on in terms of business, food and entertainment. It also is close to N Alberta Street, which also has a lot of activity. Residents of Piedmont potentially have the best of both worlds, as they live in a very quiet neighborhood, but it is also walking distance to areas that are quite active.

One thing that sets this area apart from other NE Portland neighborhoods is the fact that it includes Peninsula Park, Peninsula Rose Garden and Peninsula Community Center. The Park and Rose Garden is really a lovely area with basketball, picnicking, a playground, a soccer field, etc. It also has a fountain, and, of course, the rose garden. While this isn't as big as the Portland Rose Test Garden in Washington Park, it still very much stands on its own. The garden has almost 9000 plants across 2 acres. Many Portlanders prefer this rose garden, however, because it has a relaxed, laid-back vibe and tends to be less touristy.

Piedmont is a lot more diverse than many other Portland neighborhoods. You will find people of all ages and all races. Everyone seems to be enjoying one another's company quite harmoniously!
Pros
  • Rose Garden
  • Diversity
  • Afforable
Cons
  • Far from downtown
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish

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