6.4 out of 10

Cathedral Park

45.5858843877126 -122.753498327628
Great for
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Neighborly Spirit
  • Peace & Quiet
  • Clean & Green
  • Safe & Sound
Not great for
  • Childcare
  • Cost of Living
  • Gym & Fitness
  • Internet Access
  • Lack of Traffic
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Singles
  • Families with kids

Reviews

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

"Lewis and Clark Slept Here!"

Cathedral Park, located in North Portland, is deservingly called the most beautiful park in Portland. Settled under the St. John’s Bridge, this park has a storybook past as it’s rumored that Lewis and Clark camped here when they arrived in Portland. You would think that because of this, Cathedral Park would be a long time treasured landmark. Not until the 1970’s when a fundraising effort raised 7.5 million dollars did restoration of this park take place. Prior, to this, it resembled a landfill with all of the litter and junk underneath sections of the bridge.

Today, this neighborhood is home to a diverse community approximately a 15-minute car ride to Downtown Portland. Parts of the neighborhood are still in transition, but home styles are varied. Condos and apartment buildings are available here as well. Lots of small shops, as well as larger chain stores are here, and there are some restaurants, but be sure and check out the food carts that are here. You will find some of the best food Portland has to offer coming out of these mini kitchens. However, the main attraction is Cathedral Park and the St. John’s Bridge. Outdoor attractions, from the Jazz Festival, and the Portland Pirate Festival are all popular and celebrate the beauty of this magnificent park.
Pros
  • Beautiful park
  • Good mix of housing options
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • 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 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Beautiful Scenery and Affordable Living"

Cathedral Park is right under the majestic St. John bridge. This fact alone really makes this a unique neighborhood. The architecture of this bridge is quite impressive! You can also find a variety of different types of homes at different price-points in St. John. This neighborhood is far more accessible to live in than some of pricier areas in Portland.

This neighborhood borders the Willamette River and this fact is another reason that this is a fascinating neighborhood. While there aren't a lot of stores and restaurants right in Cathedral Park, you can find them in nearby St. Johns. The two neighborhoods were actually once joined together. Similar to St. Johns, Cathedral Park is also removed from downtown, and it will be about a 20 minute drive to get there. So for those who work downtown, this can seem like a bit of a hassle.

While St. Johns has a reputation for having some crime, Cathedral Park seems somewhat safer. It actually is usually a pretty peaceful and quiet neighborhood. Due to the proximity to the University, you will find a variety of students living in this area.
Pros
  • Beautiful park
  • Good mix of housing options
  • Quiet neighborhood
Cons
  • Far from downtown
  • No shopping or dining
  • Some areas have a reputation for being rundown
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • 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 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Beautiful Urban Park Under St. Johns Bridge"

Let me start by saying that Cathedral Park is beautiful! This large urban park is located just under the east side of St. Johns Bridge, a suspension bridge across the Willamette River. The shape of the bridge's steel arches give the park its name.

It is believed that Lewis and Clark camped at the spot that is now Cathedral Park as they passed through the area in 1806. For many years, it served as a popular fishing and camping site, though over time it became run down. In the 1970s, it officially became a park.

The park itself is a great place to picnic or enjoy the rare Portland sunshine. Yet many lifelong Portland residents have never been here. It always seems to be empty – it seems people just don't realize how great it is! With large open grassy areas and views of the river, it is truly a beautiful place.

Homes in the neighborhoods surrounding the park include large Victorian style homes to smaller bungalows, and even a few condos and apartment buildings. Some are definitely fixer-uppers, while others appear well kept. Overall, it appears as though residents take pride in their neighborhood, and are focused on improving both their homes and their namesake park.

Many new residents have moved into the area within the past decade. Many are University of Portland students, although Cathedral Park is not just home to students. There are plenty of young families and old-timers here too. While there aren't any shops in the Cathedral Park neighborhood, the neighboring St. Johns and Arbor Lodge communities offer a wide range of shopping and dining options.
Pros
  • Beautiful park
  • Quiet neighborhood
  • Good mix of housing options
Cons
  • No shopping or dining
  • Some areas have a reputation for being rundown
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
  • Country Lovers

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