Foster / Powell

While I've heard from other residents that this area used to be a lot worse five or ten years ago, there are still enough drug houses scattered throughout it to make it an undesirable neighborhood. Many of the surrounding businesses, fences, and signs are tagged with graffiti. I've seen broken windows on peoples cars more often than makes me comfortable. Other than a few Oriental grocery stores, there is not much. The Fred Meyer has the worst selection of any Fred Meyer that I've been in and Food For Less closed last fall. Other than Asian food, there are not many good places to eat within walking distance and only 2 or 3 coffee shops that aren't drive-thru's. As far as nightlife is concerned, the options are just as narrow.

Referred to as “Fo-Po” by its residents, Foster-Powell is located in the SE portion of Portland. The words “quirky” and “creative” are two words that can describe this up and coming, diverse neighborhood. While it still has a ways to go, interest in this community is rising, particularly because of an active group of new citizens that our committed to improving the neighborhood. While not has hip as King, many are saying that within time, this will be another jewel in Portland’s crown. But for now, a mix of residents, many immigrants, young families, and singles, who were attracted to the inexpensive housing, inhabits the area.

Housing is older and comprised of a variety of architectural styles. Keep in mind though that many neighborhoods are rundown. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are some good parks, but with the heavy traffic in the area, bike riding can be dangerous. Many cool little shops and some great authentic restaurants are popping up over town and there are talks of improving the public transportation in the area by adding a MAX light rail line on Powell Ave.

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.

The Foster/Powell neighborhood has some very affordable homes to buy and rent within its triangular shaped boundaries. Many first time homeowners end up living in this part of town. This laid back area is also very convenient to all the entertainment, shopping and restaurants in SE Portland. While Foster/Powell used to have the reputation of being pretty run-down, revitalization has made it a more attractive place to live.

You will find some diverse styles of architecture within the boundaries of this neighborhood including bungalows, and craftsman homes. There are also new residences like condos and townhomes.

This area does have some nice parks including Mt. Scott Park and Essex Park. Mt. Scoot Park has about 11 acres including paved and unpaved paths, tennis courts and softball fields. It used to have some wading pools, but they were shut down by the health department.

There are a variety of ethnic restaurants along 82nd street including Pho Vietnam, Don Pedro for Mexican, and Vien Huong Restaurant. One popular location in this area is Sweetness Bakery and Cafe on 52nd, which has a pretty good reputation. For shopping, most people will find themselves visiting the Eastport Plaza Shopping Center, and the Fred Meyer Red Tag Store on 82nd Avenue.