7.5 out of 10

University Park

45.5782704372298 -122.724896801565
Great for
  • Internet Access
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Safe & Sound
  • Clean & Green
  • Cost of Living
Not great for
  • Shopping Options
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Families with kids
  • Students
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees

Reviews

4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Quiet Homes Surrounding College"

North Portland's University Park neighborhood is named after the small private Catholic college, University of Portland. About 3,000 students attend the campus, found near the south end of University Park. UP does have some impact on the neighborhood, as can be expected.

However, University Park is definitely not a college town. Unless you drove right past the campus, you may not realize that there's a college here. What it does give the neighborhood is a young, vibrant feeling. While the college is in the south end of the neighborhood, most of the businesses are gathered along the northern border, Lombard Street. This area has definitely improved in recent years, though some blocks are still trashy strip malls offering fast food and payday loans.

The majority of residents are college students, though many professors and other professionals also live here. From young married couples living in their first house, to college kids living in dorms, to families with kids who live in mid-sized, historic homes, University Park is home to a diverse range of people who will make you feel at home.

The area also shares its name with a nice park, known for grassy fields and nice, newer playgrounds, making it a popular gathering space for college students and families alike. Many residents are active, outdoorsy people; you'll see plenty of people walking their dogs, biking, or jogging.
Pros
  • Feels young and vibrant
  • Affordable homes
  • Quiet
  • Safe
Cons
  • Some rundown areas with strip malls
  • Not a lot of restaurants and stores
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • 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+

"Affordable Home Prices and a Safe Community"

University Park is a NE Portland neighborhood that surrounds the University of Portland. It has a few parks including the very pretty Harbor View City Park, which is located right on the water. You see a lot of people outdoors exercising. Other parks in this area include Columbia Park, which has a pool, softball, and baseball, and McKenna Park, which offers picnic tables, a playground and soccer/softball.

I haven't looked for homes in this neighborhood personally, but I have heard that you can get some very good prices. While you are farther away from downtown, you can still get there in about a 15-20 minute drive. You might feel a little bit removed from the action in University Park, since there tends to be fewer restaurants and stores than you might find in other Portland neighborhoods.

Obviously, since this neighborhood surrounds the University, it shouldn't come as any surprise that you will see University students. However, it doesn't tend to be too rowdy. This school is fairly small and so you won't see too many drunk groups of frat people roaming the streets!
Pros
  • Good prices
  • Safe
  • Quiet
Cons
  • A bit removed
  • Not a lot of restaurants and stores
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students

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