Downtown
Ranked 11th best neighborhood in Portland
- Follow
- Write a review
- Ask a question
Great for
- Eating Out
- Public Transport
- Shopping Options
- Nightlife
- Gym & Fitness
Not great for
- Lack of Traffic
- Clean & Green
- Cost of Living
- Peace & Quiet
- Pest Free
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- LGBT+
- Trendy & Stylish
- Tourists
Got a burning question? Why not ask the locals! Simply ask your question below
Reviews
Downtown
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Everything Youd Expect From The Center of a Big City -- And More!"
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.
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.
Pros
- Great restaurants
- Lots to do
- Public transportation
Cons
- Expensive to live here
- Sometimes seems to lack nightlife
- Noisy
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Tourists
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
Downtown
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Public Transport
"Vibrant Downtown Portland"
If you are a professional, single or newly married and want to live in a vibrant, downtown center, then downtown Portland is the place for you. With award winning restaurants, sleek modern condos yet older Portland style architecture gracing many downtown buildings, amazing shopping and plenty of beautiful parks and outdoor recreation areas, this is an exciting community that has something for everyone. As a frequent visitor to downtown Portland, I am never at a loss for something to do.
People are normally surprised that Portland consists of many suburbs. But Downtown Portland proper is where the city center is actually located. While very busy, it doesn’t have the same sort of hustle, bustle other cities seem to have. Portlanders are very laid back. Public transportation is very good and includes the MAX, buses and the Portland Street car (on 10th and 11th). Driving here is never fun for me, as every street is a “one way.” Street parking can be difficult, but there are lots of paid parking garages.
Upscale shopping is at Pioneer Plaza, yet the streets are adorned with lots of fun stores. One of the most popular attractions for locals and tourists alike is Powell Books, which is one of the largest, if not the largest bookstore in the country. You can walk in there and be lost for days. There is always something happening in the city, between local events, professional sports, parades and festivals. Traffic coming into and out of the Downtown Portland can be a pain, so take that into consideration.
People are normally surprised that Portland consists of many suburbs. But Downtown Portland proper is where the city center is actually located. While very busy, it doesn’t have the same sort of hustle, bustle other cities seem to have. Portlanders are very laid back. Public transportation is very good and includes the MAX, buses and the Portland Street car (on 10th and 11th). Driving here is never fun for me, as every street is a “one way.” Street parking can be difficult, but there are lots of paid parking garages.
Upscale shopping is at Pioneer Plaza, yet the streets are adorned with lots of fun stores. One of the most popular attractions for locals and tourists alike is Powell Books, which is one of the largest, if not the largest bookstore in the country. You can walk in there and be lost for days. There is always something happening in the city, between local events, professional sports, parades and festivals. Traffic coming into and out of the Downtown Portland can be a pain, so take that into consideration.
Pros
- Great restaurants
- Lots to do
- Public transportation
Cons
- Noisy
- Safety issues
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Tourists
- LGBT+
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
Downtown
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"A Great Downtown Area that is Quite Livable"
Downtown Portland can be a pretty amazing place to live. Of course, it should come as no surprise that most of the downtown living is in condos and high rise buildings. You don't see many houses. If you live in this area, you will likely be out of your home anyhow a great deal, enjoying all that the city has to offer. Plus, Portland has great public transportation options, so you can easily transport yourself to other Portland neighborhoods. A variety of bridges connect downtown to the rest of the city.
Some of the main places of note in downtown Portland include Powell's City of Books. This enormous bookstore is known for being the largest in the country. It takes up an entire block. There is also shopping at Pioneer Place, which has all of the high-end stores that you would expect in any city. Plus, there are constantly different events going on almost every night of the week. You will find a ton of different festivals (some on the waterfront) and also live music pretty much constantly.
Some of the main places of note in downtown Portland include Powell's City of Books. This enormous bookstore is known for being the largest in the country. It takes up an entire block. There is also shopping at Pioneer Place, which has all of the high-end stores that you would expect in any city. Plus, there are constantly different events going on almost every night of the week. You will find a ton of different festivals (some on the waterfront) and also live music pretty much constantly.
Pros
- Lots to do
- Great restaurants
- Public transportation
Cons
- Noisy
- Safety issues
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Trendy & Stylish
