Blog Hey PDX December 6, 2024 0 Comments

Portland, Oregon – The Official City Guide

Illustration by Subin Yang

A City of Neighborhoods

Portland is known for the vibrancy and uniqueness of its many neighborhoods, each with a distinct sense of place, and — in quirky Portland fashion — spread across six so-called “quadrants.”

Locals will tell you that you haven’t truly been to Portland until you’ve connected with our diverse communities.

Visit our neighborhoods page to get acquainted with more than 20 awesome Portland neighborhoods.

North Portland

North Portland sits atop the City of Roses, bordered by the Columbia River to the north, the Willamette River to the southwest and North Williams Avenue to the east. Portland’s so-called “Fifth Quadrant” is a lively patchwork of commercial districts, natural spaces and residential areas. It’s home to some of the city’s most charming neighborhoods, including St. Johns, Mississippi, Williams and Kenton.

Northwest Portland

Northwest Portland stretches from Forest Park in the west to the Willamette River at the east, encompassing the central city’s Old Town Chinatown and Pearl District, Northwest/Nob Hill, Slabtown and miles of wooded hillsides. Its west side is forested and serene; its east side is urban and lively, a vital part of the central city.

Northeast Portland

For shows, sports and big events, Northeast Portland is hard to beat. In addition to being home to the Moda Center and the Oregon Convention Center, Portland’s largest quadrant boasts striking architecture, historic theaters, a variety of public golf courses and other attractions. You’ll also find numerous colorful neighborhoods, including the Alberta Arts District, Hollywood, Lloyd and many more.

Southwest and South Portland

Best known for lively downtown Portland — the compact, walkable heart of the City of Roses — Southwest Portland is also home to Washington Park’s numerous attractions, Goose Hollow’s blend of historic and modern, the small-town charm of Multnomah Village and more. Nearby South Portland is a laid-back river community offering water recreation, low-key urban green spaces and lots of spots to eat, drink and shop.

Southeast Portland

If you’re searching for Portland’s best-known attributes — hip, artsy, quirky, foody — you may find yourself in Southeast Portland. It’s home to some of the city’s liveliest neighborhoods and popular areas for eating and imbibing, like the Hawthorne District, the Central Eastside and the Jade District. Farther out, you’ll find peaceful parks and family-friendly attractions like the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) and Oaks Amusement Park.