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This is the center of a vibrant and thriving city. As in most large cities, you'll find all of the staples here, including office towers and government buildings. Portland State University (PSU) lies near the south end of Downtown, though this certainly isn't a college town. Downtown is also home to Portland Art Museum and several concert halls. A waterfront park and several other nice green spaces provide a little break from the urban high-rises. There's always something fun going on here, and everyone seems to have their own favorite downtown spot to hang out.

As you might expect, it's expensive to live in Downtown Portland. You'll find expensive high-rise condos and apartments here, though what you lack in space you'll make up for with convenience. However, be warned: downtown Portland is surprisingly sleepy at night. For better nightlife, check out the Pearl District.

It is easy to get downtown with buses or light rail trains, and downtown Portland lies within Fareless Square, which means MAX rides are free. Street parking is metered, and not all apartments include a parking space, so it's best to ditch your car if you plan to live here long-term. You won't need it anyways.

The neighborhood of Northwest Portland offers easy access to downtown and the Pearl District, and has historically been very popular. It's easy to commute from NW Portland elsewhere in the city. Parking can be tough, so taking public transit to get here is a very good option.

Those looking to move here will find many beautiful, mid-sized older homes, along with apartments and condos, mostly in older buildings with a few newly constructed buildings mixed in. Rent tends to be very expensive here. Residents range from upper-middle-class professionals who can afford the nicer homes to college students in tiny studio apartments.

If you're looking for apartments, don't be surprised to see some advertised as the 'Alphabet District,' though you're not likely to hear the name elsewhere. This official name for the district comes from the fact that the streets run alphabetically in the Northwest, from Burnside to Wilson Street.

Most of the shops and restaurants can be found along NW 23rd and 21st. You'll find lots of great bars and trendy shops, along with a Trader Joe's and Cinema 21, a popular artsy movie theater. The area around 23rd avenue is known as Nob Hill. These areas are very trendy, and you'll see plenty of hipsters and college kids hanging out here during the day.

Sabin's Northeast Portland location means that it is close to everything. Just east, you'll find the popular Alameda neighborhood, while the Alberta arts district lies to the north. An easy commute to downtown, it's close to freeways, making it easy to get anywhere in Portland from Sabin.

The neighborhood itself is an older, established neighborhood with a great small-town feel. Walk along Fremont Street to enjoy a number of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and shops, or spend an afternoon tending to the community garden. Take the kids to Vernon Tank playground after they get out of school at nearby Sabin Elementary School. 15th Avenue, another popular shopping area, features a natural grocery store and a pizza place.

Homes in Sabin are old and beautiful. Most homes date to the first few decades of the twentieth century, with only a little newer construction mixed in, along with a couple of duplexes and townhouses. The nicest homes tend to be in the Southeast section of the neighborhood (roughly the parts south of Prescott and east of 15th) though overall Sabin is considered a very upscale neighborhood.

These elegant homes feel comfortable and livable. Sabin residents take pride in their community and seem to be very eco-conscious. There's even a neighborhood Tree Walk you can follow to check out the beautiful trees that grow here.

A long, narrow neighborhood south of downtown Portland, South Portland is between Interstate 5 and the Willamette River, stretching four miles along the west bank. This neighborhood has many names, and you're likely to see many of these still in use, as many residents feel that 'South Portland' is too inclusive to accurately describe their neighborhood, which is actually a collection of several very different areas.

The South Waterfront area, which is actually near the north end of the neighborhood, has a lot of areas under construction, and is linked with Oregon Health & Science University with a unique aerial tram. Also in the north end of the neighborhood is Lair Hill, which was originally an ethnically diverse area, though much of this was demolished decades ago. The Corbett area is in central South Portland, while Terwilliger is south of that, and Johns Landing is at the southern tip, filled with condos offering river views.

Though the area is difficult to summarize, many blocks are in the process of converting from industrial to residential spaces. There are also a number of healthcare offices along the river, and a number of excellent green spaces. Along the east side of the neighborhood is Macadam Avenue, which offers many stores and restaurants. Traffic along this road can be a problem, as it leads to the Sellwood bridge and tends to back up during rush hour.

Portland's Pearl District is one of its most popular neighborhoods, and for good reason. It's right in the center of Portland, surrounded by China Town, Downtown, the Willamette River, and the trendy Goose Hollow neighborhood. This is the best that urban living has to offer. Enjoy an easy commute via streetcar, MAX light rail, bus, or bike to work and play.

The Pearl District used to be an old area of warehouses and railroad yards, until it underwent redevelopment in the 1990s. Now, it still offers that historic charm, but nearly every block has been revamped to draw residents and tourists. There are plenty of new condos and loft-style apartments opening, and today the Pearl is considered one of the trendiest areas of the city. Many of these buildings offer historic features and gorgeous views of the river. Expect top floors to go for premium prices because of the improved views.

Expect busy streets lined with galleries, boutiques, and coffee shops, including a great mix of independent stores and popular chains. My personal favorite is Powell's Books, a bookstore that is unimaginably expansive.

A great example of urban renewal, this hip, thriving neighborhood seems to change every time I visit. If you want to live right in the heart of Portland, consider the Pearl.

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.

This triangular-shaped neighborhood occupies an area of Southeast Portland south of SE Powell Boulevard and north of SE Foster Road, which runs at a diagonal to Portland's street grid. Though surrounded by major streets, this part of the city seems to have been largely forgotten, falling into disrepair over time.

The neighborhood has a reputation for being ethnically diverse. It currently has large populations of Russian, Ukranian, Vietnamese, Hispanic, and Chinese immigrants. As real estate prices rose in the rest of Portland, Foster-Powell attracted a number of young families and other first-time homebuyers. While this has led to many improvements, some parts of the neighborhood are still in transition. New residents seem to have breathed new life into the community, and many are pushing for positive change here, particularly with regards to traffic and crime.

There is easy access by car or bus, though Foster-Powell is bounded by major roads that are not ideal for cyclists. If you're looking to move here, stick to the center of the neighborhood rather than the outskirts, which are more commercial in nature. Residential streets mostly contain homes built at the turn of the last century, with a few newer apartment buildings mixed in.

Old Town Chinatown is in the heart of the city. The oldest part of downtown, this historic district was originally settled by Portland's Chinese residents. Now, it is home to a diverse range of people and businesses.

Among Old Town Chinatown's many landmarks are the Classical Chinese Garden, Oregon Jewish Museum, and Portland Saturday Market. As you might expect, most of the restaurants are Asian, although there's also a surprising offering of cuisines from all over the world. Don't miss a trip to the famous Voodoo Doughnuts while you're here! Chinatown is home to galleries, popular bars and nightclubs, and beautiful historic buildings with cast iron details.

This is a popular destination for tourists and those in search of nightlife. It gets crowded on the weekends; if you love that atmosphere, be sure to visit then, but if not, stick to the weekdays when it's less crowded.

If you're looking to live here, you'll find plenty of apartments and small condos, and they tend to be more affordable than in other parts of downtown. Residents of Old Chinatown enjoy easy access to the best of Portland. However, it can be a little noisy, and the area has historically not been the safest after dark, so I'd rather live elsewhere and come into Old Town Chinatown for an enjoyable visit. It's easy to get here via bus, MAX light rail, or Amtrak, making a great day trip.

When people think 'Lloyd,' they think 'Lloyd Center.' This is a neighborhood anchored by a huge mall. It's got all of the movie theaters and chain restaurants and clothing stores you could ever need. That's not to say that the Lloyd District has nothing else to offer. There are plenty of local businesses here, as long as you don't look for them at the mall.

The area has plenty of nice hotels and huge office towers, along with a convention center. If you plan to live here, it will be in a high-rise condo or apartment building. What you lack in space you'll make up for with convenience; the neighborhood is accessible via bus and MAX light rail. You can definitely live here without a car; it's just a free, quick train ride to get to downtown.

The area gets busy, especially during rush hour commutes, whenever there's a big event at the Rose Garden Arena or the Convention Center, or during the holidays. The are is constantly buzzing with tourists and suburbanites who have come here to do their shopping. The downside is that Lloyd feels like it could be anywhere, that is, there isn't much that screams 'Portland' here.

Southwest Portland's Multnomah neighborhood is a charming and quaint community that feels very much like a small town. Because Multnomah is also the name of the county, many residents say that they live in the Multnomah Village area.

Multnomah Village serves as the heart of this community, where residents can find locally owned shops and restaurants. This is a great place to spend an afternoon looking for gifts or souvenirs, especially during the holidays. There are several historic buildings in Multnomah, including a Masonic Lodge that's now the Lucky Labrador Public House (a very popular pub), an old school that's now an art center, and the popular Marco's Cafe, housed in a turn-of-the-century building.

Balancing out these fun commercial areas are plenty of green spaces. Families love Gabriel Park, which offers many acres of trails, playgrounds, and sports fields. You'll also see many flyers around the neighborhood for classes at the Southwest Community Center, Sprout Academy preschool, and Multnomah Arts Center.

Most of the houses here were built following World War II; there are also a number of condos, townhouses, and apartments built in the 1990s and 2000s. Homes tend to be surprisingly affordable here. If you want a very walkable neighborhood, stick to the streets closest to the Village center, which tend to be the most pedestrian-friendly.

The Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood is in SE Portland, between the Willamette River and the neighborhood of Eastmoreland. Most people just call this place Sellwood. This popular neighborhood feels less chic and artsy than comparable Portland neighborhoods, but still feels very friendly. There are lots of local shops here, giving it small town feeling. Overall, Sellwood feels like a livable community and a great place to walk around.

Many residents of the Moreland part of the neighborhood have a strong sense of pride, and definitely don't want to be grouped with neighboring Eastmoreland. Moreland feels self-sustaining, with homes that are more reasonable in size when compared with the expansive houses in Eastmoreland.

The streets of Sellwood are quiet and tree-lined, making it a great family neighborhood. In addition to a number of great coffee shops, Sellwood is particularly well-known for antique shops. Some of Portland's best restaurants and bakeries can be found along the quaint neighborhood streets of Sellwood-Moreland, too.

There's plenty to do outdoors in this neighborhood. Sellwood Riverfront Park is a great place to enjoy the Willamette River. On the west side of the neighborhood, Sellwood Park has fields for every sport imaginable, while Sellwood Pool is a great place to take the kids in the summer. There's even a casting pond and a historic amusement park.

Residents here seem down to earth but not very diverse. Housing options are mostly well-kept older homes, with a few townhouses and apartments mixed in. Nearly all the homes here were built before the 1930s

If you're looking to move to Portland, I highly recommend the Sellwood neighborhood. Homes here are still affordable, and it's a great place to raise a family.

South Burlingame occupies the area between Interstate 5 and the Riverview/Greenwood Hill cemetery, not quite all the way to the River. This is an oddly shaped neighborhood with lots of curvy roads. Some people call it Fulton Park, which actually lies to the north, just over Interstate 5.

Burlingame Park is nice, but most of it is right along I5, which makes it noisy. Visit nearby fulton Park instead. There are major roads through the area, including SW Terwilliger Boulevard and Taylors Ferry Road, making for an easy commute, though this also means a lot of traffic and noise during rush hour.

While the neighborhood is mostly residential, there are some nice businesses here. Tryon Creek Bar & Grill is popular among the college-aged crowd, while the Market of Choice is frequented by locals. A large funeral home occupies the southeast section of the neighborhood, but other than that, there aren't any major commercial developments in South Burlingame.

Houses are set along quiet residential streets. There are tons of trees here; residents seem to love their landscaping. Homes are mid-sized and well-kept, and the area seems very laid back and homey. South Burlingame appeals to families and others who prefer a suburban neighborhood.

Just south of SE Division Street and east of I205 lies Powellhurst-Gilbert. Often this neighborhood gets grouped with the neighboring Lents or Pleasant Valley areas, and the exact north and south boundaries are not clearly defined, so what lies in the neighborhood depends on how you define it.

Most residents seem to be families with young kids who enjoy the area's nice schools and parks. Bordering the east edge of the neighborhood is Powell Butte Nature Park, a great place for an afternoon stroll. There are also several smaller parks contained within the neighborhood itself.

It seems pretty average or maybe a bit more blue-collar than the rest of Portland's residential neighborhoods. Most of the homes are modest but well-kept, single story homes lining wide streets. Though there aren't any sidewalks, you're likely to see kids playing or riding their bikes, as many of Powellhurst-Gilbert's neighborhood roads don't see too much traffic.

There are a few older apartment buildings and mobile homes, and the busier streets have some rundown strip malls. There are a few major routes through the neighborhood, such as SE Powell Boulevard and SE Holgate Boulevard, as well as a couple of major north-south arterials. If you're looking to move here, choose one of the quieter, interior streets of the neighborhood.

Though technically just to the west of the West Hills, Sylvan-Highlands is still a very hilly neighborhood; you won't find a straight street anywhere. Also, there aren't sidewalks along many roads, and residents are very dependent upon their cars, which tend to be high-end luxury models. There are very few businesses in Sylvan-Highlands itself, so expect to hop in your car if you want to go anywhere.

Not very diverse, Sylvan-Highlands is mostly home to well educated, upper-middle-class families. There are lots of kids in the neighborhood, giving it a very family-focused feeling. Homes here are expensive, and newer than those in most comparably-priced Portland neighborhoods; this isn't the neighborhood for you if you're looking for a historic home with a lot of character. If you are set on living here but can't afford homes in the center of the neighborhood, check out the western edge, where there are a few new condo, townhome, and apartment developments.

Sylvan-Highlands seems very green. Just to the east lies Washington City Park, with the Zoo, Arboretum, and Rose Garden. The Northwest corner borders Willamette Stone State Heritage Site, and the beautiful Forest Park is also nearby. Within the neighborhood itself is the large Mt. Calvary Cemetery. All these open spaces give Sylvan-Highlands a quiet and relaxed feeling.

In Southwest Portland, the Southwest Hills refer to the neighborhoods perched atop the West Hills, or Tualatin Mountains. This neighborhood feels classy and expensive, and seems like a beautiful place to live, if you can afford it.

The Southwest Hills area of Portland is home to some of the largest, most upscale homes in the city. Depending on which part of the neighborhood you are in, your home may offer a glimpse of downtown Portland, Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, or Mt. Saint Helens. As you'd expect, these homes are inhabited by married professionals with college educations and the sort of white-collar jobs that enable them to afford to live here. There are a few scattered apartments and condos for those who are set on living in Southwest Hills but can't afford the expansive homes this area is known for.

Residents of Southwest Hills enjoy access to beautiful parks. The neighborhood is very close to Washington City Park, which is where the Oregon Zoo, Arboretum, Rose Garden, and many other city landmarks are located. Southwest Hills itself is home to Council Crest Park, which offers stunning views and a great place to lay in the grass and relax.

Though there are a few schools in and around the neighborhood, most of the kids seem to go to private schools. Residents here tend to keep to themselves, and don't spend much time in the neighborhood itself, instead preferring to jump into their luxury cars and drive elsewhere in the city. Because the area is so hilly, with so many winding roads, it is not ideal for pedestrians. However, it is very close to downtown for an easy commute -- you won't even have to hop on the freeway!

North Portland's University Park neighborhood is named after the small private Catholic college, University of Portland. About 3,000 students attend the campus, found near the south end of University Park. UP does have some impact on the neighborhood, as can be expected.

However, University Park is definitely not a college town. Unless you drove right past the campus, you may not realize that there's a college here. What it does give the neighborhood is a young, vibrant feeling. While the college is in the south end of the neighborhood, most of the businesses are gathered along the northern border, Lombard Street. This area has definitely improved in recent years, though some blocks are still trashy strip malls offering fast food and payday loans.

The majority of residents are college students, though many professors and other professionals also live here. From young married couples living in their first house, to college kids living in dorms, to families with kids who live in mid-sized, historic homes, University Park is home to a diverse range of people who will make you feel at home.

The area also shares its name with a nice park, known for grassy fields and nice, newer playgrounds, making it a popular gathering space for college students and families alike. Many residents are active, outdoorsy people; you'll see plenty of people walking their dogs, biking, or jogging.

Southwest Portland's West Portland Park neighborhood surrounds a park of the same name. West Portland Park Natural Area, as it is officially called, is a large wilderness area with plenty of trails to explore. There are also several other nice green spaces in the neighborhood, including Holly Farm Park, which has a skate park. Thanks to these open spaces, West Portland Park feels more suburban than other areas of Portland, making it a popular option among families looking to raise their kids away from the hurried downtown core.

This neighborhood lies at the very south of the city, just south of I-5. The northern part of the neighborhood is known to residents as Capitol Hill. There, you'll find an Islamic Center, Islamic School, and Mosque, along with the Capitol Hill Library. This part of the neighborhood feels distinct from the rest of West Portland Park.

The typical West Portland Park resident is a college-educated, married couple with kids. Homes are expensive, though there a number of apartments for those who are searching for affordable housing near West Portland Park. The areas immediately surrounding the park, in particular, are fairly upscale residential streets. For less expensive housing, look north of the park.

Parkrose Heights is a Northeast Portland neighborhood located just south and east of I84, north of NE Halsey St, and east of NE 122nd Street. This is a quiet and unassuming residential neighborhood offering a convenient commute thanks to its location along major thoroughfares.

Some streets feel quiet and suburban, while others -- particularly in the north and east sides of the neighborhood -- are decidedly urban. Knott Park, in the center of the neighborhood, is popular among families. Most of the neighborhood's businesses are located along Halsey Street, the southern boundary. There's also hospital in the southwest corner of the neighborhood.

Parkrose Heights is home to families and a sizable number of retirees, in part because there are a couple of large nursing homes here. Other residents include a mix of renters and homeowners; both tend to live in the neighborhood for a long time. Parkrose Heights is filled with modest, affordable homes built in the 1950s and 1960s. The North end is seen as more upscale and wealthier than the south end, though there seems to be little difference to those just driving through the area, and you'd have to be very familiar with the neighborhood to notice.

Linnton is a small community located between two of Portland's most beautiful spaces. With Forest Park to the South and the Willamette River and Sauvie Island to the north, this is an ideal location for those who want to live out in the country, but need a reasonable commute to urban Portland.

The neighborhood has strong community pride, in part because over the past few decades they've had to fight off several waves of urban development encroaching on this beautiful rural space. So far, the community has kept out development of the waterfront, and the area remains a beautiful oasis.

This definitely isn't an urban neighborhood by any stretch of the imagination; expect to get in your car even for a quick trip to the grocery store, as there really isn't anything within walking distance.

Residents of Linnton include artists and families drawn here because of the proximity to Forest Park. This giant park offers hundreds of miles of trails. It's easy to forget you're in the middle of the city while running, biking, or hiking in the middle of Forest Park. This urban forest might be my favorite place in all of Portland. Linnton residents are lucky to have this park right in their backyard.

Southeast Portland's Hosford-Abernethy neighborhood is located south of SE Hawthorne Boulevard, north of SE Powell Boulevard, and between SE 30th Avenue and the Willamette River.

This is an area that defies easy definition. Most residents don't recognize this name, as the neighborhood is actually comprised of several smaller neighborhoods. For example, in the center of this area lies Ladd's Addition, a lovely historic area recognized by its X-shaped street grid. Towards the north of the neighborhood is Hawthorne Street, which anchors the popular Hawthorne District, where you'll find plenty of shopping and dining options. The riverfront, meanwhile is home to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, or OMSI. This area is filled with tourists, while other parts of Hosford-Abernethy, home to cute cafes and quirky shops, are hidden gems known only to locals. Overall, the neighborhood seems very pedestrian-friendly, and many of the residents commute by bike.

Because of this mix of different neighborhoods, Hosford-Abernethy seems like it could be whatever you want it to be, whether you're after quiet residential areas or a bustling commercial center. Homes in the neighborhood are as varied as the residents; you'll find beautiful examples of historic architecture, all the way up to modern condos and apartments.

This is a neighborhood whose atmosphere seems to change block by block. Some homes are modest and affordable, while others are rundown, and still others are amazing, well-kept historic homes on tree-lined streets. There are also a number of apartments and condos, making it affordable for new residents to move here. Homeowners and rentals, families and singles, you'll find it all in Hosford-Abernethy.

Portland's Hollywood District, one of the most popular areas of Portland, offers a great mix of commercial and residential areas, drawing a young and hip crowd to its urban environment. This neighborhood lies just North of I84, roughly between 37th and 47th. Major roads through the neighborhood include Halsey, Broadway, and Sandy.

This Northeast Portland neighborhood is known for its historic, 1920s-era Hollywood Theatre. The surrounding commercial area draws residents from all over Northeast Portland. It's easy to get here by public transit, including the MAX light rail, though parking can be tricky. The commercial areas of Hollywood offer everything imaginable, from McDonalds to small local cafes and bars.

If you're looking to move here, expect lots of tiny studio apartments; many of the original 1920s-era homes in the neighborhood have been split into rentals. Along the residential streets in Hollywood, you'll find tree lined streets and charming, well-kept historic homes with lots of character. The South side (below Broadway) tends to be more affordable, and you'll find more apartment buildings there, mostly built in the mid-20th century.

This area is ideal for those who want a budget-friendly urban lifestyle. Hollywood has some urban crime, but feels very safe during the day, and even late at night if you're with a crowd.

With SE Holgate to the South and SE Powell Blvd to the North, between SE 28th and SE 39th, lies Creston-Kenilworth. This neighborhood is hard to summarize in just a few words. It feels very family-friendly, whether you're looking to raise your kids in an exciting urban environment or a laid-back community. It has a bit of a small-town feel, but with easy access to everything Portland has to offer.

The neighborhood was first settled in the 1890s, and many of the homes date to this era, along with a number of newer houses and apartment buildings. There are plenty of affordable rentals here, if you're looking to move into the neighborhood. Many of the apartments are located along the busier roads, offering easy access to shopping and public transportation.

There are several nice, older parks here, including Kenilworth Park and Creston Park, which has a pool and a dog park. Tree-lined streets give Creston-Kenilworth the atmosphere of a quiet neighborhood, even along busier roads. There is lots of shopping, especially to the Northeast, where businesses are mostly contained in strip malls. Unfortunately, some of these areas have experienced some crime over the past few years, though the neighborhood still feels very safe for families, especially during daylight hours.

Brentwood-Darlington lies on Portland's southern edge. The area is also known as Errol Heights, which actually includes a much larger swath of Portland. It feels like an average, unassuming residential area, home to middle-class families.

The neighborhood is home to a number of schools, including an alternative middle and high school, in addition to the Brentwood-Darlington Community Center. There are also several nice parks, including Brentwood City Park (a popular dog park), a community garden, and the Errol Heights Natural Area, a fun place for hiking and picnics.

Brentwood Darlington attracts families who enjoy the comfortable, laid back feel of the neighborhood. Homes here are modest, though many are set on large lots. Most were build in the mid 20th century, though there are also a few newer developments and apartments. The houses here are very affordable when compared with neighboring areas. The downside is that some streets feel a little dangerous to walk, especially after dark.

Parts of Brentwood feel more urban, while others are almost rural, depending on how crowded the homes are on a particular block. There are a few scattered businesses, but for the most part residents drive elsewhere in Portland for shopping and dining.

Southeast Portland's Woodstock neighborhood is, as the name implies, a liberal and somewhat 'hippie' part of the city. It's known best as the home of Reed, a private liberal arts college, though the college campus is actually in neighboring Eastmoreland. Many of Woodstock's residents are students or professors there. The typical Woodstock resident is a college-educated professional.

One of the city's older neighborhoods, many of the homes date to the 1880s, particularly in the northern part of Woodstock. The southern area has some newer homes, mostly build in the 1950s, along with a few newer developments. Several beautiful, older homes in the neighborhood have historic landmark status, while others are more modest. This feels like a comfortable older neighborhood, with a family-friendly feel. Woodstock's residential streets feel peaceful and quiet, even though they are close to everything urban Portland has to offer.

Most of the businesses in Woodstock are located in the Woodstock Village Center, which is on Woodstock Boulevard between 39th and 52nd. There, you'll find a community center, library, churches, restaurants, stores, and services, in addition to some condos and apartment buildings. All of the businesses here are locally owned; you won't find a McDonalds or Starbucks anywhere.

Woods Memorial Park lies in what most Portland residents recognize as the neighborhood of Crestwood. This area of Southwest Portland, located just east of Interstate 5, boasts plenty of expensive homes inhabited by older professionals looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Portland.

Woods Park, officially known as Woods Memorial Natural Area, is a huge and beautiful wilderness area. This is a great place to go hiking or have an afternoon picnic to get away from it all. There are many miles of trails through native vegetation, over creeks, and in a natural setting where you're likely to see many kinds of wildlife. If you spend a lot of time here, you might even spot an elk. Though the park is little-known to people who don't live in Southeast Portland, it's definitely a hidden neighborhood gem.

If you live here, expect to hop in your car if you need a little urban living. There are few bus stops, except on the main roads surrounding the neighborhood, and very few businesses within the neighborhood itself. While ideal for those who are searching for an oasis close to downtown Portland, it's less ideal for those who want to surround themselves in urban life on a daily basis.

Most of the businesses are on Columbia Boulevard (home to the Humane Society), Lombard Street, and Dekum Street, which offers one of my favorite blocks in the city, home to a coffee house, a brewery, and a pizza restaurant, among many other great locally-owned businesses. Be sure to visit the Firehouse, which offers wood-fired pizza.

Woodlawn is very diverse, with high numbers of African-American and Hispanic residents. Like other neighborhoods in this part of the city, Woodlawn can be described as up-and-coming; many new businesses have opened in the past five years. Homes here tend to be small bungalows and are relatively affordable, especially when compared with neighboring areas of the city. You'll find a few newer homes mixed in with homes built in the mid-20th century. These homes are set along quiet streets, and are mostly well maintained.

Towards the north end of the neighborhood is Woodlawn Park, a large triangular park that used to be the home of a train station. Woodlawn Elementary School is also located towards the north edge of the neighborhood. Unlike surrounding neighborhoods, many of Woodlawn's streets are not set on a perfect grid. Instead, they run at a 45 degree angle, making for some tricky intersections as you try to navigate through the neighborhood. Many residents commute by bike, so be sure to watch for cyclists as you cross these tricky intersections. You'll soon learn the diagonals, making commuting anywhere else in Portland easy.

Woodland Park is a tiny neighborhood between I84 and NE 102nd Ave, just north of NE Halsey Street, in Northeast Portland. All you'll find here are homes – there are no parks, schools, or businesses of any kind, which is the most significant drawback of living here, though there are plenty of amenities in neighboring communities.

There's a hospital just across 102nd, and a few restaurants and grocery stores on the other side of Halsey, but it's only truly walkable if you live on the outskirts of the neighborhood, where you'd have a short walk to bus stops and businesses. It seems like most residents are ready to hop in their car even just for a quick trip to the nearby grocery store.

Although statistically this section of the city has a bit higher crime than elsewhere, Woodland Park itself seems very insulated, especially once you start driving down the residential streets in the interior of the neighborhood. These streets really have a 'neighborhood' feel to them.

Homes here are set off a few winding roads. They tend to be older, and some appear more well kept than others. Home to just a few dozen houses, this is one of Portland's smallest neighborhoods. Houses are affordable here, and tend to be occupied by families. It seems like families tend to move here and stay for quite a few years.

While close to both the Portland International Airport and the Columbia River, it's not so close to either that they dominate the landscape of the neighborhood. The major feature of Wilkes is Interstate 84, which turns westward to run through the neighborhood. As a bedroom community for those who work in downtown Portland, Wilkes offers easy access to shopping and dining.

This Northeast Portland neighborhood has less defined borders than most other Portland neighborhoods, so if you're looking at a house or apartment advertised as 'Wilkes', be sure that you know exactly where it falls. According to some, it stretches all of the way to the Columbia River, while others say the cutoff is NE Sandy Blvd. No matter whose definition you follow, Wilkes definitely lies east of I84 and west of the city of Gresham.

Wilkes is a residential area, with homes mainly built in the 1960s and 1970s. This average, older community has quite a few retirees. There don't seem to be too many kids here, though it feels family-friendly. There are several nice parks here, including Wilkes Park. On the downside, the area is known for having a bit higher crime than other parts of Northeast Portland.

This dense urban neighborhood is very diverse, and in particular has a large African American population. Although it's not as 'trendy' or 'hip' as neighboring communities, it is still a very convenient and comfortable urban neighborhood with a lot to offer.

Alberta Park, which offers an off-leash dog area, is in the northeast corner of the neighborhood. Vernon Elementary School is just south of the park. Alberta Park trail, which circles the park and school, is a popular trail for joggers and dog walkers.

The popular Alberta Street, along the south edge of the neighborhood, is home to a number of popular eateries. Killingsworth Street, running through the center of the neighborhood, also offers a number of restaurants. These areas are easily walkable from the rest of Vernon, which makes living here convenient.

Homes in the area are cute, older houses, with a few apartments, townhouses, and condos thrown in. Many were built in the first decades of the twentieth century, with a smattering of newer construction. Housing here is affordable, drawing many young families and first-time homeowners to the neighborhood. Depending on the area, it may not be quite as safe as other neighborhoods, but many see Vernon as an up-and-coming neighborhood that will continue improving as time goes by.

This Southeast Portland neighborhood lies between Stark Street to the North and Hawthorne Boulevard to the South. It is sometimes known by the name Belmont, after the road that passes through the center of the neighborhood.

This is a popular and trendy neighborhood boasting a number of unique cafes and shops. Belmont serves as the center of Sunnyside, both geographically and commercially. My personal favorite here is Saint Cupcake, a cupcake boutique. You're sure to find your favorite hangout after spending an afternoon strolling down this comfortable urban street. Other popular shops are located in the south end of the neighborhood, along Hawthorne Boulevard.

Homes here are large Victorians that have been lovingly restored. You'll find a lot of charm and personality here. Think brightly colored Victorian homes with vegetable gardens planted out front and car-free residents who bike everywhere. This urban neighborhood is inhabited by a diverse group of artsy and offbeat professionals, giving it a very funky atmosphere.

Because the neighborhood is so popular, home prices tend to be expensive. If you really want to live here, check out the apartment buildings and condos scattered throughout the neighborhood, which offer all of the fun of living in Sunnyside without the high purchase price.

Most people have no reason to stay in Sunderland for any length of time. Few people actually live in Sunderland, other than those in the Dignity Village homeless settlement or in the prison located in the northern part of the neighborhood.

A large portion of the neighborhood is occupied by the Riverside and Broadmoor golf courses, and there's another large golf course just off the east side of the neighborhood, in neighboring East Columbia, Portland. To the east of Sunderland lies Portland International Airport. The very northern edge of the neighborhood, which is NE Marine Drive, borders the Columbia River and offers a couple of marine-related services and restaurants. Other than that, the neighborhood doesn't have much to offer.

The South end of the neighborhood is bordered by Columbia Boulevard and Lombard Street. If you must live in Sunderland, find a house in the southeast section of the neighborhood, which is the only part of the neighborhood where you'll find actual housing, in the form of a small handful of modest homes. That's also where the few businesses and restaurants of Sunderland are located. Really, though, you shouldn't live in Sunderland, unless you want to live a stone's throw away from the prison.

Sumner is a Northeast Portland neighborhood near the airport. It has historically been a low-income, high-crime part of the city, and for the most part, it is still like that.

Portland International Airport lies directly to the North and Northwest. As you get closer to the airport, commercial developments become sparser, and the area takes on a decidedly industrial tone. Most retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses are on, and south of, Sandy Boulevard, which cuts through this neighborhood east-west. I205 is either in the center of the neighborhood or its eastern boundary, depending on how you define the neighborhood.

This blue-collar neighborhood has affordable housing, mostly older houses with a few apartments sprinkled in. It seems like most residents are struggling families that can't afford to move to nicer areas of Portland. Areas of Sumner can be fairly high crime, though it's a little better on the west side of I205 than areas immediately across I205 to the west. It doesn't feel safe to walk around Sumner, especially at night and along streets close to the freeway.

Overall, it doesn't seem like this neighborhood has a lot going for it. There aren't many businesses, and few green areas. The bottom line? If you can afford it, there are better areas of Portland to call home.

Sullivan's Gulch is a Northeast Portland neighborhood just North of I84. This is a densely populated neighborhood known for convenience. I84 offers access to the MAX light rail system; there are also a number of buses circling Sullivan's Gulch. Shops and cafes line Broadway, which forms the northern boundary of the neighborhood. There's also a Fred Meyer that takes up a large portion of eastern Sullivan's Gulch.

The popular Lloyd District lies just to the west of Sullivan's Gulch. Lloyd Center Mall is a great place for shopping and dining, and also offers several large movie theaters, in addition to anything else you could need that isn't found in Sullivan's Gulch itself.

This compact neighborhood is well established, with a mix of large older homes on tree-lined streets, quirky vintage apartments, and newer condos and apartment buildings. This dense neighborhood is known for affordable housing thanks to the relatively large number of apartments available here.

If you want to live in an urban neighborhood in the center of everything, Sullivan's Gulch may be right for you. It doesn't offer the green spaces or small-town feel of neighborhoods that are further from the city center, but for many young urban singles and couples, Sullivan's Gulch is just right.

St. Johns is a small neighborhood located at the tip of the peninsula between the Columbia River and Willamette River. Its geography gives it an isolated feeling, as it's difficult to get to other Portland neighborhoods from here.

Considered one of Portland's most diverse neighborhoods, you will see many immigrants and minorities here. St. Johns has historically been a lower income, blue collar neighborhood, and that hasn't changed much over the decades. Today, it's still one of the city's poorest neighborhoods.

Businesses are concentrated in the southeast corner, along Lombard Street. Though residents call this 'downtown St. Johns,' there's really not much to see here, although there are two nice theater pubs and a few other restaurants. The peninsula is known more for green spaces than shopping opportunities; there are many parks and natural areas within the neighborhood.

The northern end of the neighborhood is much more industrial, with huge warehouses and parking lots. As a resident, there's really not much reason to travel that far north into St. Johns unless you work there.

As a pedestrian, St. Johns is less than ideal. Some places feel dangerous, especially at night. Though there is public transit, it takes quite a long time to reach downtown from the far reaches of St. Johns.

Nearby St. Johns Bridge, which gave this neighborhood its name, is now actually considered to be in the neighborhood of Cathedral Park. If you like this part of the city, I suggest living in neighboring Cathedral Park, just to the south, instead.

South Tabor is named after Mount Tabor, an extinct volcano lying directly north of this neighborhood. Just north of the neighborhood's northern boundary, SE Division, lies Mt. Tabor City Park. This park is popular among hikers, bikers, and joggers. Though it tends to get a bit crowded during the summer months, all of this activity doesn't seem to spill over into South Tabor much, leaving its southern neighbors free to enjoy their quiet neighborhood.

Warner Pacific College, along the northern boundary of the neighborhood, is a small religious school. Other schools in the neighborhood include Atkinson Elementary, Kellogg Middle School, and Franklin High School.

The restaurants and other businesses of South Tabor are concentrated along the outer edges, particularly along SE 50th ave to the West, Powell Blvd to the South, and SE 82nd ave to the east. South Tabor is known for a diverse array of restaurants; everything from seafood to Ethiopian food can be found here. While these streets are located within easy walking distance of the residential parts of South Tabor, I wouldn't recommend walking here, as they are major streets that don't feel safe for pedestrians.

The houses here are set into large lots. These modest family homes are affordable when compared with other Portland homes, and there are plenty of rentals too. This is a great option if you are a first-time homebuyer or want a nice family home in a comfortable neighborhood.

An affluent neighborhood just south of I84 in Northeast Portland, Russell is known as a quiet residential community. Most areas are suburban, though a few of the busier streets feel more urban. Quiet and unassuming, Russell appeals to those who don't need a 'hip' or 'trendy' address, but do need a neighborhood with easy access to everything they need.

Residents here are dependent on their cars, though there are some nice shopping areas along Halsey Road and 122nd, including some great restaurants. Neighborhood streets are safe for walkers, though I wouldn't try to walk along the major thoroughfares, which are too busy.

There are several nice parks here, including Thompson City Park and John Luby Park. Glendoveer Golf Course is located just south of Russell.

Settled in the 1950s and 1960s, Russel is inhabited mainly by older married couples, with or without kids. It seems family-friendly; you're as likely to see kids riding bikes as you are to see retirees out for an afternoon walk. This older, established neighborhood has many old-timers; people don't seem to move out of Russell once they are here. Residents tend to be established professionals who can afford to own a home here; there isn't much in the way of apartments or rentals.

Northeast Portland's Roseway neighborhood is a nice and historic residential community. Popular among families, it feels like a nice place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

There are two large parks in the neighborhood. Glenhaven park offers sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a skatepark, while Wellington Park has a brand new playground and soccer field along with lighted pathways for walkers, joggers, and bikers. Rose City Golf Course lies just to the south of Roseway. With plenty of green spaces around, this feels like a very comfortable and relaxed neighborhood.

The Historic Roseway Theater on Sandy Boulevard has recently been revamped, mixing art deco architecture with the latest high-tech offerings and making it a popular date-night activity. Sandy Boulevard, which cuts through this neighborhood diagonally and serves as a community gathering space, also offers a number of coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and shops.

Homes here tend to be small or mid-sized and tend to be affordable when compared with surrounding Portland neighborhoods. Expect quiet streets filled with well-kept and colorful older homes. Nearly all of the houses here were built in the first half of the 20th century, with very few newer houses mixed in. Many residents choose Roseway because it feels like the classic and traditional white-picket-fence suburban neighborhood.

Rose City Park is a turn-of-the-century neighborhood and park in Northeast Portland. Many of the original homes are still standing, and nearly all of the houses here were built in the 1930s or earlier; there's been almost no new development in Rose City Park since the 1970s. What this means is beautiful, historic homes along streets lined with old growth trees.

This neighborhood is best known as the home of Rose City Park. This expansive park helped earn Portland its nickname 'City of Roses.' It is simply amazing! There are a number of other parks in Rose City, in addition to the western edge of the Rose City Golf Course.

The businesses are nearly all located along Sandy Boulevard, which cuts through this neighborhood diagonally. Sandy Boulevard is also home to a large statue of George Washington.

Typical residents of Rose City Park are professional couples in their 30s or 40s with kids. They tend to be a little more affluent than average Portlanders, but not hugely so, though many do send their kids to private schools. Rose City Park has long been known as an overpriced neighborhood, though in recent years real estate prices here have dropped dramatically, making it much more affordable to move here.

Richmond, in Southeast Portland, is hard to classify. Lying between Hawthorne Street to the North and Powell Boulevard to the South, within its borders you'll find a little bit of everything, from a rundown strip mall aesthetic to fancy galleries to quiet residential streets, and everything in between.

The northern edge of Richmond is in the trendy Hawthorne district, and offers a number of small shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. Other parts of Richmond are home to strip malls and other signs of suburban sprawl. Between these two extremes lies Division Street, an up-and-coming area with unique businesses housed in unassuming storefronts and warehouses. Restaurants in Richmond tend to be diverse; a favorite among locals is the Thai restaurant Pok Pok.

Richmond Elementary School, which houses Portland's Japanese Magnet Program, is located in the neighborhood. Known for second language education, it has a high number of English language learners. This is not a neighborhood school; as a magnet school, it brings in students from all over Portland.

The residential streets of Richmond offer a mix of expansive and modest homes, nearly all built many decades ago. Homes vary considerably, from colorful well-kept historic homes to smaller, plainer houses. Prices here tend to be average, and the homes tend to look fairly average on the outside; you won't see manicured lawns, but few of the homes seem unkempt. Typical residents include families and singles in their 20s and 30s, giving Richmond a young, urban feeling.

This fun Southeast Portland neighborhood is named for Reed College, a small liberal arts college located here. Students attending Reed tend to be friendly, artistic, and a bit offbeat, giving the neighborhood a lively feeling. Overall, the Reed neighborhood feels educated, community minded, and green.

The campus itself offers lush green fields and historic brick buildings. It's a great place to take a walk or enjoy one of the many shows and other community events hosted by the college.

The Reed neighborhood definitely feels like a college town, but not in a bad way. There are plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars with lots of character. Spend an afternoon strolling down the main streets of Reed to enjoy its small-town feel. Residents of Reed tend to be very eco-conscious; typical residents pick up their groceries daily at Trader Joe's.

Though there are plenty of college students milling about, this is also a safe and family-friendly location. Many professors and other professionals live here because they want a fun, hip place to raise their kids. Schools here are considered very good, and offer a number of interesting programs that draw students from all over the city, such as the Tucker-Maxon School (focusing on children with hearing loss) and Cleveland High School, known for its International Baccalaureate program.

Homes here are beautiful and well-kept. Expect to see lots of colorful houses along tree-lined streets. There are also plenty of older apartment buildings, which are popular options for Reed students. The neighborhood is also home to lots of interesting community gathering spaces, including parks, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, and a community music center. It's easy to see why Reed is one of the most coveted neighborhoods of Portland.

Portsmouth, a neighborhood in North Portland, is named after one of the major streets running through the area. Young couples and families call this neighborhood home. While it's still at the beginning of its transition and there are still some rough areas, as with most urban areas of Portland, it's been called an up-and-coming North Portland neighborhood.

The population as a whole is young and diverse, with many immigrants from a wide range of places. There are lots of kids in Portsmouth, who attend the two elementary schools and a middle school in the neighborhood. Families living here also enjoy the many parks in and near their neighborhood. There aren't many major stores in Portsmouth itself, though nearby neighborhoods offer a full range of stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and services.

The railroad runs along the western edge of Portsmouth, and areas near there tend to have a gritty, rough feel. Other parts of Portsmouth feature urban and suburban streets lined with modest homes and apartment buildings. Many residents of Portsmouth move here because rent is lower than elsewhere in Portland.

Although it's historically been a low income, somewhat rundown area, in recent years parts of Portsmouth have become much better, and there are now several residential areas that offer a beautiful, safe area to raise a family.

East Portland's Pleasant Valley is a quiet, family friendly neighborhood with well-kept homes tucked around amazing parks, making it ideal for parents looking for a spot to raise their kids with easy access to the outdoors.

Pleasant Valley offers plenty of lush green spaces. Depending on how you define the borders of the neighborhood, Powell Butte Nature Park either falls in Pleasant Valley or in neighboring Powellhurst Gilbert.

Leach Botanical Garden and the Lakeside Gardens, two of the city's most unique parks, are located within the Pleasant Valley neighborhood. Both are amazing places to spend a quiet afternoon. On summer weekends, there are nearly always weddings happening at both locations, which offer picturesque backdrops for any special occasion. Pleasant Valley also has Springwater Corridor, part of the 40-mile loop for bikers and joggers, a very popular way to commute throughout Portland.

There's a Fred Meyer at the north end of the neighborhood, and a few scattered stores and services in the rest of the neighborhood. There is also easy access to major roads including I-205.

Typical residents are professional couples in their 40s with kids. There is also a sizable population of retirees here. Other than that, however, Pleasant Valley doesn't seem to be too diverse. Homes tend to be newer than in many other areas of Portland, and they tend to be expensive.

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.

East Portland's Parkrose neighborhood was once a small farming suburb, but now it is anything but. With major roads and proximity to the airport, it is a busy residential neighborhood.

The Parkrose neighborhood is home to Portland International Airport, which means that parts can be loud and filled with traffic. Look for a house south of Sandy Boulevard, which runs through the center of the neighborhood, if you want a little more peace and quiet. I-205 and I-84, along with several other busy roads, also run through the neighborhood.

On the plus side, you're close to shopping and other businesses, making living here convenient. Parts of the neighborhood also have a very family-friendly feel, particularly near the community garden or Senn's Dairy Park, a nice smaller park with a newer playground. This is definitely a neighborhood whose character changes block by block.

Homes here tend to be affordable because of their proximity to the airport and also because of the distance between Parkrose and the city center. It's not ideal if you're looking for peace and quiet, but if you want easy access to amenities – and especially if you take public transportation to get there – Parkrose might be a good compromise.

Overlook, on the east shore of the Willamette, is a neighborhood set in between the industrial areas of Portland along the Willamette and the fun, popular parts of North and Northeast Portland.

Park of the neighborhood includes Swan Island, which used to be a separate island but was long ago connected with landfill, making it part of the mainland. The Swan Island area of Overlook is now a manufacturing area with a decidedly industrial feel.

The rest of the neighborhood has an entirely different atmosphere. This safe, charming neighborhood offers a wide variety of housing, from expansive Victorian homes to newly-built condos. The neighborhood has recently seen an influx of new residents as it becomes seen as a more desirable neighborhood, and that has driven up real estate prices, although Overlook is still more affordable than neighboring North and NE Portland areas.

Historically, Overlook was a Polish neighborhood, and it's still home to a huge Polish festival each year, in addition to a Polish library. Overlook Park on Interstate Avenue is a nice, good-sized park popular with families. There are several other good parks in the neighborhood, too. Another popular gathering spot is Overlook House, a historic home that now serves as a community center. There are several MAX light rail stations in and near the neighborhood, making for an easy commute downtown. Within the neighborhood itself, plenty of local restaurants give Overlook a great locally-focused atmosphere. Safe for families, Overlook Park is a beautiful, comfortable-feeling neighborhood.

This neighborhood's best-known feature is Mt. Tabor Park, a huge park on the site of an extinct volcano.

This incredibly popular park features picnic areas, sport courts, and miles of paved and unpaved paths. If you visit on a weekend during the summer, it's not unusual to see weddings taking place here. Climb up Mt. Tabor (a short and easy hike) for stunning scenic views. Once at the top, you'll find plenty of runners, dog walkers, cyclists, and birdwatchers enjoying the summit; it does tend to get crowded on sunny summer days.

Just south of the park lies Warner Pacific college, a small religious college. On the western slope of Mt. Tabor is Western Seminary, another religious school. This Southeast Portland neighborhood is also home to Mt. Tabor Middle School, a highly rated school with high test scores.

The Hawthorne district offers a number of bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops that give the area a lot of local color. There are tons of great coffee shops in the neighborhood; on rainy days, stake out a table to people watch or get some work done on your laptop. Everyone seems to friendly in Mt. Tabor, even the baristas.

Homes surrounding Mt. Tabor tend to be on the pricier side because this neighborhood is considered desirable. This is a popular neighborhood for families and singles who love the outdoors. Strolling the tree-lined streets, you're bound to see plenty of dog walkers, bicyclists, and moms pushing strollers. You'll find that residents tend to be artistic, locally conscious, and full of personality.

Mt. Scott-Arleta is a neighborhood in Southeast Portland. Those living in Mt. Scott include young families and singles, with most residents in their 20s and 30s. Though the neighborhood isn't very diverse, it has a very welcoming feel.

The Mt. Scott Community Center, located right in the heart of the neighborhood, offers a pool, roller skating arena, and lots of other family-friendly activities. It's located right in Mt. Scott Park, which has lush lawns, a canopy of trees, and a great playground. Rain or shine, take the kids here for an enjoyable day.

Mt. Scott is home to a number of locally-owned cafes, bakeries, bars, and other small businesses frequented by those who live in the neighborhood. These tend to be located on the outskirts of the neighborhood, particularly along 82nd Ave (the eastern boundary of Mt. Scott) and SE Foster Road (which is along the north side). The center of the neighborhood offers a few businesses, but it's mostly occupied by the park and residential streets.

The residential streets feature large trees lining rows of beautiful older homes. Some streets are decidedly suburban, while others feel more urban. Homes here tend to be less expensive than in comparable Portland neighborhoods.

Montavilla might seem like a great name for a stately Italian mansion, but this area of Portland is anything but. Montavilla has been known as a high crime area for several decades. Though the neighborhood has made strides over the past few years to address problems such as prostitution and other crimes, it still has a ways to go.

Montavilla, considered an abbreviation for Mt. Tabor Villa. The nearby Mt. Tabor, which is actually a volcano, is home to a popular park for hiking and cycling. Other bright spots within the community include the Montavilla Farmers Market and the Community Center, which has a pool. There are also a number of new businesses that have recently opened in the neighborhood. The section of 82nd Avenue from Powell to Glisan is particularly well-known as the home of many of the city's Chinese-owned stores and restaurants.

Though the neighborhood has its challenges, it also offers affordable housing. New residents tend to be young urbanites moving into their first home. Housing tends to be smaller, older homes, along with a few duplexes and apartments. While some of the streets through Montavilla are considerably rundown and plagued by crime, other residential areas are nicer. If you choose your home wisely, you may find yourself living in a cute, older home on a tree-lined street. Looking to move to Montavilla? Talk to your new neighbors to find out what the street is like, since this neighborhood tends to change significantly from block to block.

Mill Park, in Southeast Portland, is named after a park of the same name. Mill Park has many open spaces with paths for running, biking, and walking, but don't expect a lush green forest. It's a great place to take the kids for an afternoon, or to get in your morning exercise, but it doesn't offer much in the way of natural areas to explore.

The Mill Park neighborhood is also home to several other parks, along with the East Portland Community Center, giving families plenty to do here. This family-friendly neighborhood also offers Mill Park Elementary and Floyd Light Middle School, which parents seem to rate highly. All of these amenities give Mill Park a family- and community-focused feeling.

This community has nice residential areas, while offering easy commutes to other parts of town, since it's located near major thoroughfares.

Typical residents include families with kids and young couples. Mill Creek offers a wide range of housing options, including modest houses and apartments, making it popular among first-time homebuyers or those who still rent, but want a little more space than they'd get in closer-in neighborhoods. With affordable housing and a quiet, laid-back feel, Mill Park feels like a good place to settle down.

The Southwest Portland neighborhood of Marshall Park offers plenty of green spaces. In addition to the namesake park located within the neighborhood itself, Marshall Park is also home to Jensen Natural area, with Maricara Natural Area just off the southeast corner of the neighborhood, and the very large Tryon Creek State Park just off the southwest corner.

Marshall Park is a great place to hike, with miles of trails cutting through the wilderness. Marshall Park sits within a canyon created by Tryon Creek, and features a waterfall, amazing stone bridge, and lots of other natural features to explore.

This is a strictly residential community; there are no stores or restaurants within Marshall Park itself, though residents don't seem to mind the lack of commercial development.

Homes surrounding the park have a decidedly suburban feeling. This sparsely populated neighborhood leaves plenty of land between neighbors, and seems worlds away from the denser urban communities closer to the city center. Because of the amount of space between homes here, it doesn't seem like the type of place where neighbors know each other. Typical residents are wealthier than the average Portland resident, since homes here tend to be pricy. Marshall Park appeals to professionals with kids and to older couples who prefer a more rural neighborhood.

Southwest Portland's Markham neighborhood has a decidedly suburban feeling. This is an ideal location for parents looking to raise their kids out of the hustle and bustle of the city, but who still want easy access to everything the city offers.

Markham offers plenty of green spaces to get away from it all. Take a hike in Marshall Park or explore the wilderness of Maricara nature reserve. What it doesn't offer is the easy access to shopping, restaurants, and other amenities that residents of more urban areas of Portland take for granted. However, if you don't mind driving to these activities, they're just a short drive away.

Residents tend to be older, well educated professionals and retirees who are a bit better off than the average Portland resident. Expect higher home prices than elsewhere in the city. There aren't any apartments, and the few homes that are for rent are extremely popular, making for higher rental costs. Residents tend to be those who have decided that getting away from the city center is worth the higher costs.

This laid-back neighborhood is a great option for professionals who work in the city but prefer to live in a less urban environment.

Maplewood, along Portland's western edge, is known as a quiet residential neighborhood with a suburban or even rural feeling.

Residential streets are set along rolling hills, with lots of curves and dead ends giving this neighborhood a quiet and relaxed feeling. Within Maplewood itself, expect to see lots of suburban streets lined with homes, parks, schools, and not much else. Nearly rural, it feels worlds away from downtown Portland.

The only commercial spaces in Maplewood are along the outer edge. Instead, the community's main attractions are parks and the Maplewood Elementary School, which parents seem to love. April Hill park, a hidden gem, offers a playground, fields, and trails around Woods Creek. Several other small parks give Maplewood plenty of green spaces to be enjoyed by the public. Maplewood is also within easy driving distance of downtown Portland, though without much as far as public transportation, it can seem worlds away for those without a car.

This established neighborhood has a family-friendly feel. Residents tend to be established professionals with kids. They have their pick of housing styles, from historic to newer construction. Homes tend to be set back from the road on larger lots, giving neighbors plenty of space between each other. Choose your house wisely; some of the homes in the hills have picturesque views.

Unlike the name suggests, Madison South is actually in Northeast Portland. It's between I-84 (to the South) and I-205 (to the East) and Sandy Boulevard to the North and West.

There are some unusual natural areas here, including Rocky Butte, a volcanic area popular among climbers, and the Grotto, a beautiful botanical garden and shrine run by the Catholic church. Rose City Park is also here, so there are plenty of green spaces to be enjoyed by those who need to get away from the urban environment for a while.

The MAX light rail station at NE 82nd Ave makes it easy to commute downtown. However, most Madison South residents do own their car and rely on it daily; unlike more urban areas of Portland, it is not common to see people commuting by bus or bike. Other Madison South residents work at the Banfield Pet Hospital headquarters, which is here in the neighborhood.

The residential areas of Madison South are spread out and suburban. This is a pretty average, family-friendly community. Most of the homes were built in the 1940s and 1950s, with a fair number of newer houses too. It's a little more worn than comparable Portland neighborhoods, which means that homes are a bit more affordable, making it popular among first-time homebuyers.

Lents in SE Portland is known as an old and diverse neighborhood. Home to immigrants from many countries, the community has long had a reputation as being a bit lower class.

When the I-205 freeway was built, it split this already established neighborhood in half. Powell Blvd, Foster road, and 82nd Avenue all pass through here, along with the MAX train. While this means easy commutes to elsewhere in the city, it also adds noise and plenty of people commuting through Lents without stopping.

Lents Park is a popular spot in this neighborhood. This large, older park offers plenty of amenities, including fields, baseball stadium, trails, picnic areas, and a playground.

If you're looking to live in Lents, expect a mix of suburban and urban spaces, from modest homes to tall apartment buildings. It's popular among young couples and others looking to buy their first house, since many houses sell for under $200,000, almost unheard of in most other Portland neighborhoods.

Although this neighborhood has historically been a bit ignored by the rest of the city, it has been the focus of recent attention by the city of Portland. It has been deemed an Urban Renewal Area, which has brought new homes and businesses to the area. Though it still has a reputation of being a bit rough around the edges, is it really a diamond in the rough? Only time will tell!