Buckman

This neighborhood, nestled across the Willamette River, is truly a classic Portland suberb. Filled with character and personality which make this area truly unique, the homes and businesses are all a mixture of old classic Portland with a little bit of funk thrown in. The homes for example are what I call "Portland Traditional" which includes craftsman and Victorian (some of the most amazing Victorian homes are in this neighborhood). You won't find any art deco or high rise condos here. The local shops are all varied and different with some of the most eclectic customers you will find. Everyone is always friendly when they serve you and will give you any help with restaurant recommendations or directions when needed. If you enjoy late night restaurants where everyone will soon know your name, then this is the community for you. Buckman is just this kind of place: friendly and open. For bike riders, it's an easy commute to the city with a dedicated bike route. In fact, you will find that many commuters on any given day rain or shine. Though in our case, it's mostly rain.

I will say that I'm not sure this is a neighborhood where families tend to congregate. It seems to me that it appeals more towards the older community who have been here for years, or young couples just starting out. However, there are a few nice parks and Buckman Elementary School is an excellent school.

The Buckman Historic Association is very active in the community and currently they are applying to have a portion of the neighborhood from Southeast 12th Avenue and 20th Avenue and Morrison and Ankeny Streets listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A fun Southeast Portland neighborhood between the Willamette River, East Burnside, and SE Hawthorne, Buckman has a young and laid-back vibe. Buckman is home to two unique shopping areas – the Belmont District and Hawthorne District. There, you'll find plenty of coffee shops, boutiques, and other local businesses, evidence of Buckman's quirky, eclectic mix of residents. There are also some bars and late-night restaurants, along with several breweries, making the area popular among a younger crowd.

You can look west and see downtown Portland, across the river, from many roads in Buckman. Three bridges over the River make for an easy commute to Chinatown and Downtown Portland. Close to many of Portland's hippest neighborhoods, many of the residents choose to walk or bike rather than driving.

In addition to the many small businesses, there is also a good mix of housing options here. These include larger, historic homes, quaint houses with interesting architectural details, and a few apartment and condo buildings.

Parents tend to love Buckman for its family-friendly vibe. Though there seem to be fewer children living here than in comparable Portland neighborhoods, Buckman is home to Buckman Arts Magnet Elementary School, a highly regarded public school for students interested in the arts. For other students, Buckman Elementary School is located right in the neighborhood. Other popular attractions for families include the Colonel Summers Park, Buckman Community Garden, and the Vera Katz Eastbank Espanade, which offers beautiful views of the river, Hawthorne Bridge, and downtown.