Overlook

Overlook is located in the North section of Portland along the east shore of the Willamette River. Overlook also includes nearby Swan Island, which has a bit of history: It was here where Portland operated its first airport that was dedicated by Charles Lindbergh in 1927. Eventually, the airport closed and is now an industrial area.

Neighborhoods in Overlook are hit and miss. You might find some wonderful restored older homes including craftsman, bungalows and cottages. But you may also see some areas that are in need of work. But you will find plenty of character in Overlook as this community sticks to its working class roots. You will find some of Portland’s oldest favorite restaurants and bars still here including Overlook Restaurant that is open 23 hours a day and Diprima Dolci Italian Bakery.

Public Transportation is excellent as Overlook is near the Interstate MAX light rail line and bus service is available as well. Overall, you are about a ten-minute car ride into downtown depending on the traffic, which along the I-5 freeway at rush hour can be pretty intense.

Overlook, on the east shore of the Willamette, is a neighborhood set in between the industrial areas of Portland along the Willamette and the fun, popular parts of North and Northeast Portland.

Park of the neighborhood includes Swan Island, which used to be a separate island but was long ago connected with landfill, making it part of the mainland. The Swan Island area of Overlook is now a manufacturing area with a decidedly industrial feel.

The rest of the neighborhood has an entirely different atmosphere. This safe, charming neighborhood offers a wide variety of housing, from expansive Victorian homes to newly-built condos. The neighborhood has recently seen an influx of new residents as it becomes seen as a more desirable neighborhood, and that has driven up real estate prices, although Overlook is still more affordable than neighboring North and NE Portland areas.

Historically, Overlook was a Polish neighborhood, and it's still home to a huge Polish festival each year, in addition to a Polish library. Overlook Park on Interstate Avenue is a nice, good-sized park popular with families. There are several other good parks in the neighborhood, too. Another popular gathering spot is Overlook House, a historic home that now serves as a community center. There are several MAX light rail stations in and near the neighborhood, making for an easy commute downtown. Within the neighborhood itself, plenty of local restaurants give Overlook a great locally-focused atmosphere. Safe for families, Overlook Park is a beautiful, comfortable-feeling neighborhood.

Overlook is a North Portland neighborhood right next to the Willamette River. It is conveniently located to other North Portland areas like Arbor Lodge, and University Park. While this part of town isn't quite as close to downtown, you can drive there in about 15-20 minutes. Some commuters just take the MAX line to get into the city.

Perhaps got its name from the interesting views of downtown Portland. For example, Swan Island reveals impressive views and it also has some manufacturing and industrial space.

You can find a variety of neighborhoods in Overlook including Victorians and bungalows. This is definitely an up and coming area. However, you can still find very affordable homes. The streets are very cute and relaxing, as you will see various people exercising, walking their dogs and gardening.

One interesting thing that separates Overlook from other NE Portland neighborhoods like University Park, Arbor Lodge, and Humboldt is that it has a distinctively Polish culture. Every year there is a large Polish festival in this part of the city. You will also find restaurants with Polish food in Overlook as well as a Polish library.

Another positive factor is that part of Overlook is very nearby to Portland's Mississippi Avenue district where there are lots of fun things to do including enjoying live entertainment, many restaurants and bars, and quirky, artsy stores.