7.5 out of 10

Southwest Hills

45.4982764999983 -122.733590999983
Great for
  • Clean & Green
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Peace & Quiet
  • Safe & Sound
  • Neighborly Spirit
Not great for
  • Parking
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Singles
  • LGBT+

Reviews

4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Schools 4/5
2yrs+

"Upscale Community with Fantastic Portland Views"

Southwest Hills, surprisingly located in Southwest Portland, is truly a beautiful residential neighborhood whose homes offer incredible views of downtown Portland. On rare sunny days, you can also view Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and Washington’s own, Mt. St. Helens.

This is truly a gorgeous area to purchase a home just for the views alone. Naturally, homes here are very pricy so views don’t come cheap. With a quick commute to downtown Portland, this is a very popular location for professionals. Because of the hilly terrain, you won’t find many walkers and public transportation is not nearby, so cars are necessary, though I can’t imagine anyone living here not having a car or three.

Close by is Washington Park, one of the more beautiful parks in all of Portland. You also are close to the major Portland tourist attractions, like the Oregon Zoo, The Japanese Garden and my favorite, The Rose Test Garden where I could literally spend hours just breathing in the wonderful aroma.

Schools here are excellent, and again, with such close proximity to Portland, you are near the best shopping, restaurants and entertainment, including Portland’s popular professional sporting events
Pros
  • Convenient
  • Lovely environment
  • Amazing homes
  • Great views
Cons
  • Hilly
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • LGBT+
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 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Beautiful Upscale Neighborhood Filled With Expensive Homes"

In Southwest Portland, the Southwest Hills refer to the neighborhoods perched atop the West Hills, or Tualatin Mountains. This neighborhood feels classy and expensive, and seems like a beautiful place to live, if you can afford it.

The Southwest Hills area of Portland is home to some of the largest, most upscale homes in the city. Depending on which part of the neighborhood you are in, your home may offer a glimpse of downtown Portland, Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, or Mt. Saint Helens. As you'd expect, these homes are inhabited by married professionals with college educations and the sort of white-collar jobs that enable them to afford to live here. There are a few scattered apartments and condos for those who are set on living in Southwest Hills but can't afford the expansive homes this area is known for.

Residents of Southwest Hills enjoy access to beautiful parks. The neighborhood is very close to Washington City Park, which is where the Oregon Zoo, Arboretum, Rose Garden, and many other city landmarks are located. Southwest Hills itself is home to Council Crest Park, which offers stunning views and a great place to lay in the grass and relax.

Though there are a few schools in and around the neighborhood, most of the kids seem to go to private schools. Residents here tend to keep to themselves, and don't spend much time in the neighborhood itself, instead preferring to jump into their luxury cars and drive elsewhere in the city. Because the area is so hilly, with so many winding roads, it is not ideal for pedestrians. However, it is very close to downtown for an easy commute -- you won't even have to hop on the freeway!
Pros
  • Amazing homes
  • Great views
  • Convenient
  • Lovely environment
Cons
  • Hilly
  • Not pedestrian friendly
  • Expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
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 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Fantastic Place for People Who Can Afford It!"

Southwest Hills is a bit of a ritzy area. Most homes are very large, and I would say that most residents are pretty rich. So if you are struggling to pay for your mortgage, this probably isn't the place for you. However, if you can afford it, this neighborhood has a ton to offer including awesome views, grand old homes and really good schools. I also have read that there are lots of events just for the community.

It also is situated in a pretty convenient spot. Washington Park is just down the hill, so you can easily enjoy all the activities there including the Rose Test Garden, Portland Japanese Gardens, Portland Zoo and Arboretum. You are also just a short drive away from downtown. Also the views show a terrific expanse of downtown and/or the mountains. In Southwest Hills, you are up just high enough to appreciate all of this beauty!

There are also a variety of parks in this area (as Portland is so good about parks) including Council Crest Park, Governor's Park and Marquam Nature Park.
Pros
  • Good schools
  • Lovely environment
  • Convenient
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Sharp hills
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees

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Unranked Streets in Southwest Hills

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45.5072000183629 -122.700019659888

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