Montavilla

The Montavilla neighborhood definitely has some things going for it. First of all, it is close enough to Mt. Tabor, that you can see some great views. Secondly, Montavilla is affordable, but it also offers convenience to areas of the city that have a lot of shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Once known for a lot of crime, prostitution and drug use, this area seems to be going through a bit of a revitalization, and, as a result, spacious homes can be bought for a lower price than what you might find in other parts of Portland. Styles include bungalows, cottages and ranch style homes. Also there are new condo developments in this part of the city. Also the schools in this area have a pretty good reputation.

Parks for families who live in Montavilla include Montavilla Park and Berrydale Park. Both have picnicking, and softball fields. Those who are looking to garden will be pleased to learn that the Berrydale Community Garden is right in Montavilla. Of course, some parts of Montavilla are only blocks away from Mt. Tabor Park. Truly, this is one of the most spectacular parks in Portland. As it turns out, the areas of Montavilla that are closer to the park also tend to be safer and nicer.

Montavilla might seem like a great name for a stately Italian mansion, but this area of Portland is anything but. Montavilla has been known as a high crime area for several decades. Though the neighborhood has made strides over the past few years to address problems such as prostitution and other crimes, it still has a ways to go.

Montavilla, considered an abbreviation for Mt. Tabor Villa. The nearby Mt. Tabor, which is actually a volcano, is home to a popular park for hiking and cycling. Other bright spots within the community include the Montavilla Farmers Market and the Community Center, which has a pool. There are also a number of new businesses that have recently opened in the neighborhood. The section of 82nd Avenue from Powell to Glisan is particularly well-known as the home of many of the city's Chinese-owned stores and restaurants.

Though the neighborhood has its challenges, it also offers affordable housing. New residents tend to be young urbanites moving into their first home. Housing tends to be smaller, older homes, along with a few duplexes and apartments. While some of the streets through Montavilla are considerably rundown and plagued by crime, other residential areas are nicer. If you choose your home wisely, you may find yourself living in a cute, older home on a tree-lined street. Looking to move to Montavilla? Talk to your new neighbors to find out what the street is like, since this neighborhood tends to change significantly from block to block.