CaGirl

Claremont is an absolutely beautiful city filled with charm and historical significance that in my humble opinion, is probably one of the best areas to live in California period.

Located between the I-10 and I-210 freeway just northeast of Pomona. This is truly a town that resembles a quaint, older village. With so much to offer, including a safe environment, excellent schools and an active community, it’s no wonder why people move here and rarely leave.

The Village is one of the more popular spots in all of Claremont. If you desire to live or visit a town that has a central “Main Street” or gathering spot, then this is it. Filled with wonderful, trendy and unique shopping and dining all in architecturally attractive buildings, the Village is the pulse of Claremont. Here you can stroll, enjoy the weekly Farmer’s Market, the Art Mart every Friday evening, a Village Walking Tour or just sit with a cup of coffee and people watch. Truly, there is always something to do here and celebrating the holidays with your neighbors at such events as the Turkey Trot, Concerts in the Park, July 4th celebrations and the Holiday Promenade really makes you pinch yourself and wonder if you didn’t land in Mayberry. The Claremont Art Museum and a popular jazz bar also surround you.

Of course, you pay a price for living in Claremont. Housing is very expensive, yet, not outrageously so in some sections of this town. Yes, there are homes that fetch several million dollars but there are nice selections in the mid six figures in terrific neighborhoods. In fact, there really isn’t a bad part of Claremont at all and crime is minimal. What makes this town stand out from the majority of Southern California towns are the beautiful tree lined streets that, depending on the season, can literally make you stand in awe. This is so refreshing from the basic tract neighborhoods with their complimentary tree in the middle of the yard that are a dime a dozen in California.

One of the best things about Claremont is their highly regarded school system. The public schools are consistently awarded outstanding ratings and are well known as being some of the best in the state, which is why this city is very popular for families. Claremont is also a well known college town, with Claremont Colleges, a group of five colleges as well as Claremont Graduate University and Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences located near the Village. This gorgeous, campus covered with mature landscaping and trees is home to all of these colleges, yet each campus has their own student body, professors, etc. Another big bonus of living in Claremont: Living in a college town provides residents with access to all of the cultural and sporting events.

Claremont is really the town that has something for everyone. While families benefit from the safe neighborhoods and excellent school system, retirees, students, singles and married couples also find that there is plenty to do while also having bragging rights to living in one of the prettiest towns in Southern California. Money Magazine picked it as one of the top five places to live in 2011 and it’s easy to see why.

Like Charter Oak, which is just three miles away, Citrus is a small, unincorporated section of Los Angeles between Azusa, Glendora and Covina along the 210 freeway. A smaller section of Citrus is north of the 210 (south of Azusa) while the larger portion of Citrus is south of the 210 (north of Covina). Regardless of what side of the freeway you are on, Citrus homeowners maintain an Azusa address.

Homes vary in price but are considered affordable and offer a variety of architectural styles. New home construction is picking up and many areas are priced for first time homebuyers. The neighborhoods are generally nice here and crime in Citrus is low with just minor disturbances.

With downtown Los Angeles approximately 30 miles away, many residents rely on public transportation. The Covina Metrolink station takes riders directly to downtown LA. Traffic along the 210 is a nightmare so its best to avoid that, especially during high commute hours.

Citrus College is technically in Glendora and is the oldest community college in Los Angeles county. It is a very well respected and students from nearby communities, such as Azusa, Charter Oak, Monrovia, Duarte, Claremont and of course, Glendora makes up the majority of the 12,000 students enrolled. They have a strong athletic program as well.

Overall, schools fall under the Azusa Unified School District and are considered good with lots of after school programs and above average state test scores.

Yet overall, there isn’t anything to do here, but with Glendora, Azusa and Covina close, you don’t want for anything.

Having lived many years in LA county, I was surprised that I knew very little, in fact, really nothing, of Charter Oak until I realized that it’s not a city and very small area (smaller than Central Park in NYC) between Covina and San Dimas. Actually, mail is addressed to Covina so maybe that’s why I wasn’t familiar with it growing up. Having said that, often times, no news is good news about a town. Charter Oak is very quiet, with little crime and good schools. Its boundaries are the 210 to the north, Valley Center Avenue to the east, Covina Hills Road to the south and Grand Avenue to the west.

Home prices are affordable and because of its close location to downtown LA (about 30 miles) many young families buy their first homes here because of its reputation of good schools and low crime. The neighborhoods are nice and very clean though you won’t find any over the top homes. Of course, traffic can be a nightmare if commuting.

There isn’t much to do here at all, however, Covina and to a larger extent, West Covina, is right next door and has a variety of shopping and entertainment. Overall a nice, though nondescript town

This is a very popular and highly regarded city in a very desirable area. With close proximity to Orange County as well as to Downtown Los Angeles, here you will find a vibrant community smack dab in the middle of it all.

Considered affluent, as housing prices are expensive for what you get, Cerritos is easily accessible by the I-91, I-605 and the I-5. With excellent public transportation by the Long Beach Transit District, Orange County Transit Authority and the LA Metro, you can be anywhere quickly and avoid the horrible traffic. And it can be brutal.

Cerritos is a great place to raise a family as the ABC Unified School District is considered one of the best in the state. There are over 25 parks with playing courts, picnic areas, athletic fields, which are always busy with kid sports activity on the weekends. And again, you are close to everything. The beaches are 30 minutes away, Disneyland is 15 minutes, as is Anaheim (Angel) Stadium to catch a California Angels baseball game. There is plenty of shopping, good restaurants and don’t forget about the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts where you can watch excellent Broadway shows, music and dance performances. While there is not a ton of nightlife in Cerritos per se, again, you aren’t far from anything.

Homes again are costly. Styles vary, but you will mostly see tract style homes with the California stucco and tiled roofs. The real estate crash did affect this area so homes may be considered more affordable now, but prices are slowly increasing.

Despite it’s size, Cerritos is considered a safe city. In the west areas you need to watch some surrounding communities, such as Norwalk and Bellflower, but all towns have areas that are better than others.

Carson has a very mixed reputation in Los Angeles. Like most cities here, you just need to be aware of what areas are considered good and what to avoid.

Located along the I-405, you are just 15 miles from downtown LA and not in close proximity to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Carson is very diverse and considered very affordable in LA. It is home to California State University Dominguez Hills as well as the Los Angeles Galaxy MLS soccer team who play at The Home Depot Center. This was a big boost to the city’s economy.

As mentioned, there are some sketchy areas of Carson. Crime tends to be on the high side and there are areas in the northeast section of Carson that borders Compton that should be avoided at night. However, further south, there are some nicer neighborhoods that are popular with families and considered quite safe. Home styles vary and there are plenty of apartments and condos available as well.

Shopping and entertainment is average. With the exception of attending a Galaxy game when soccer is in season, there isn’t that much to do here. The Pavilion at South Bay is home to an IKEA but don’t expect to find any trendy shopping.

Schools are part of the LA Unified School District as well as Compton Unified School District and are considered very average. Test results are mid-range but there are several private schools in the area as well.

Traffic of course is miserable when commuting into downtown LA along the 405. Public transportation though is good and very popular here. The Carson Circuit provides service with connections to the Metro Blue Line Station.

Located where the 91 and 605 intersect, you will find Bellflower, a city that does have some nicer areas mostly in the southeast portion, but generally, has a reputation for gang activity and crime though some residents claim the situation has improved.

What’s really difficult about Bellflower is the traffic. Both the 91 and 605 resemble stop and go traffic during prime commuting times, so early morning until around 9:30am and then again from 2:30 – 7:00. Personally, I would avoid this area at all costs during those hours. If a car breaks down on the 91, then you are stuck for who knows how long. Public transportation is good, with the closest Metro Link station four miles away in Norwalk and buses are available within Bellflower city limits.

Home prices vary depending on the area of Bellflower that you are considering. Again, usually neighborhoods southeast of Alondra Blvd are the nicest and considered safe, but if you talk to locals, they swear Bellflower feels safer. Most homes are older though there are a few newer tract developments in the area.

The Bellflower School District serves not only Bellflower, but also areas of Cerritos and Lakewood. The schools have mixed statewide ratings, however, Bellflower High School gets high remarks from parents. There are several private school options as well.

Don’t expect to find any great shopping choices or eclectic restaurant dining here. But just about every fast food restaurant is well represented.

Bell Gardens is a working to middle class suburb in the southeast section of Los Angeles county. Because of it’s location in south LA, it has the reputation of being dangerous, but there have been some improvements which make this town, while not desirable, better than before. However, the crime rate is still high as compared to other suburbs in the area with violent crime still a big concern.

Bell Gardens doesn’t offer much frankly. Located between the I-710 and I-5 freeways, traffic is of course horrible. While only 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, commuters face long delays when traveling to work. Housing is affordable but you don’t get much for your money. Many neighborhoods look run down as the last several years of our struggling economy clearly affected this city as it had one of the highest unemployment rates. But again, there are some parts that are coming back, and businesses are starting to build again, like the new Walmart Neighborhood store in the Los Jardines Shopping Center.

Education is only fair with most schools rating below average in statewide testing. For youth, there is not much to do here though the local Department of Recreation for the city offers some after school programs. The Bell Gardens Veterans Park includes a skate park, basketball and volleyball courts as well as sports fields, playgrounds and picnic opportunities, but I wouldn’t feel safe here at night.

What does draw people into Bell Gardens is the 24-hour Bicycle Casino. Here you can play a variety of poker games and snack on free food as long as you are gambling enough. Keep in mind that this is a very popular and large casino as it draws people from all over since it’s the only local casino in the area. Note that there is always some sort of tournament scheduled. Don’t expect to find slot machines here however as that is not allowed.

This is a small community, it only takes up 2.5 square miles, yet lately it’s been getting all kinds of big press attention. And not the good kind. Eight city officials were recently arrested for misusing public funds, primarily with giving themselves large salaries. In a town where less than 40,000 live, the City Manager was raking in almost $800,000 a year in salary. Yes, more than the President of the United States. As a result, Bell is facing a huge fiscal crisis and the bad press is not making it any easier.

Regardless, this is a largely quiet, Hispanic community located along the 710 freeway in the southeast section of Los Angeles county. Neighboring communities are Bell Gardens, East Los Angeles, Cudahy and Huntington Park. Residents move here to enjoy a quieter lifestyle and less crime than their nearby neighbors, yet 17 percent live below the poverty line.

Unfortunately, there is not much to do here. Entertainment is minimal though there are some okay parks in the area, particularly, Little Bear Park, that offers a nice, clean playground for children including a water zone. There is little offered in shopping though there are several small, family run businesses here. But if you are looking for large chains, you won’t find much with the exception of a Food 4 Less and Smart & Final grocery store.

Housing is mostly older and considered affordable as it has some of the lower home prices in the Los Angeles area as a whole. Residents have claimed that the Los Angeles School District has ignored their community as spending per student is less here than the national average.

While you are only approximately 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles, traffic can be a nightmare along the I-710 and I-5 freeways. Public transportation is available and highly popular.

Baldwin Park is nestled between the I-605 and I-10 freeways in the San Gabriel Valley. The San Gabriel Mountain is a beautiful scenic backdrop to this otherwise fairly nondescript area of Los Angeles. Nearby communities include El Monte, West Covina and Azusa, which is on the other side of the 210 freeway.

This diverse suburb of Los Angeles is best known as the first ever location of the popular In and Out Burger chain. There is even a museum here dedicated to this classic eatery. However, overall, there really isn’t much to do in Baldwin Park. Shopping and restaurants are average though nearby West Covina offers many more choices. Housing is varied and is less expensive than other surrounding areas, which is a plus. You have older homes and then average tract homes with little character.

For those who commute into LA, the I-10 is a parking lot during peak commuting hours. Public transportation is a better choice and the Metro link has a station on Downing Ave. that is considered clean and safe. With the police department across the street, I can see why.

Unfortunately, the schools in Baldwin Park are not highly rated and don’t have much of a reputation. While gang activity has decreased in the past several years, you still need to be aware of your surroundings. Car thefts and burglaries are not uncommon.

Overall, Baldwin Park leaves little to be desired. If you are looking for affordable housing, but give little thought to excellent schools or entertainment, then this may be the city for you.

This is a very nice community approximately 15 miles outside of downtown Los Angeles. Popular and well regarded, this is a great place to live provided you have a decent cash flow. Arcadia has some beautiful and stately homes on large, manicured lots that make this a desirable filming location for Hollywood studios. There are some nice apartments and condos as well.

Situated along the 210 and 605 freeways, Arcadia is clustered along with Pasadena, Monrovia and Baldwin Park. Of course, traffic is never fun in LA, but the commute into downtown isn’t horrible. Public transportation is good and the Metro serves Arcadia at the Madre Street exit on the 210.

From what I know, the Arcadia School District is one of the best in the state and gets very good remarks. Arcadia High School consistently scores well in statewide testing which makes this a popular community for families.

There is ample shopping and dining choices throughout Arcadia, including the popular Westfield Santa Anita Mall, which has a variety of shops, including many high-end stores. The huge AMC theatre is also located here and makes this a popular hangout, particularly on weekends, for teens.

And of course, probably Arcadia’s biggest claim to fame is the Santa Anita Racetrack. Even if you are not a big fan of horseracing, this is a place to visit at least once. It has quite the legacy as many of the most popular racehorses, including Seabiscut, have raced here.

Overall, this is a terrific community and has something for everyone.

Altadena is a great family community located on the outskirts of LA and just south of the Angeles National Forest. I love the fact that you are so close to nature, in a serene rural atmosphere zoned for horses, yet less than five miles from Pasadena. This is the perfect place to live if you are an outdoor lover yet want the convenience to a big city.

If you are looking for condos or apartments, you won’t find many here. Neighborhoods are family friendly and many back up to trails to make this a truly unique Los Angeles community. There are some very nice parks and hiking trails with a hugely popular farmer’s market on West Palm Ave.

One of the most popular attractions is Altadena’s Christmas Tree Lane. People come from all over to see a bit of holiday magic and every year just gets better and better, Perhaps its because these sort of displays are few and far between within LA.

Education is very good with schools included in the Pasadena Unified School District. Private schools are nearby as well and all have a very good reputation.

Overall, Altadena is a community geared toward families and those that enjoy the great outdoors which is my kind of place. Most people that move here rarely leave.

Located east of Lawndale and west of Gardena, near the I-405, Alondra Park is frankly, uninspiring. Not much as changed in this community in the past 50 years and it is true, it’s very dated but you certainly don’t get nostalgic when you drive through here.

This year, the highly anticipated pool, skate park and splash pad opened in Alondra Park. This $16.5 million facility has been hugely popular since it opened in August. They have a large pool, a 3,000 square foot splash pad as well as a pool house and recreation building. A skate park, restrooms and picnic shelters are also new and very popular, particularly on the weekends. In a town where there is nothing to do for our youth, this is a welcome addition to the community.

Nearby is the Alondra Golf Course, a massive 18-hole golf course that is very affordable. The greens are not in very good condition, the layout is a little annoying at times and keep in mind they don’t take credit cards.

There is not much in the way here of shopping or good restaurants, but homes, while generic and mostly nondescript, are affordable. The community is quiet and its home town vide is often promoted, yet crime can be an issue.

For me, the best part of this small town is El Camino College. Commonly referred to as “ECC,” the grounds are very nice and overall they have excellent courses, some 2500 in all. In fact, their forensics program is very highly regarded and has won several national awards.

Alhambra is located just ten miles east or so from downtown LA along the busy I-10 freeway. This is a nice community with a predominately Chinese population. If you are looking for some of the best authentic Asian food or grocery stores in the area, here you will find it.

Like most of LA, there are some beautiful, expensive homes here, but overall, Alhambra is considered an affordable area. The most famous house here is also the most infamous. Phil Spector shot and killed the actress Lana Clarkson at his home, Pyreness Castle. Quite frankly, it’s a creepy looking house and has always had the reputation of being frightening. But other homes in the area are nice and many are in historical neighborhoods as well.

Entertainment is fairly predictable with not much in originality, unless you go to Valley Blvd and enjoy the Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Korean restaurants. There are other good restaurants and The Hat is a popular town favorite known for their pastrami sandwiches. Almost anything you need is here so you don’t have to travel far if you don’t want to.

Public transportation is good but, as LA is well known for, plan on lots of traffic if you hop on the I-10. I don’t care when you travel, it just always seems busy and you always need to give yourself extra time to get anywhere. But again, that’s LA.

While I don’t have any experience with the Alhambra school district, I do understand they have a good reputation as well as some good private schools

Yes, this is a dated community that looks very 70'ish. One of the reviewers said the famous Osbourne Family once lived here. Actually, I think she was referring to the Osmond Family, the popular singing group from the 1970's. I know this because I was one of their biggest fans back in those days and was thrilled that I lived within 20 minutes from them.

This is an area filled with older, nondescript homes frankly. While it is an affordable area of Los Angeles, I don't believe you will find anything out of the ordinary as far as property is concerned. The area is right off the I-5 freeway so there is easy freeway access but take into consideration the heavy traffic which occurs during peak hours which can be frustrating.

Schools are average and I believe the high school is fairly new. There are your normal chain grocery stores and strip malls so shopping is convenient, though if you are looking for trendy and sophisticated there is not much selection though Juicy Couture is headquartered here. The Branford Park is nice and includes a community room, lighted tennis and volleyball courts as well as a decent children’s play area. The area is generally safe, as car thefts seem to be the most common crime.

It’s safe to say that this town has seen better days and there is no real huge movement to bring it back to its former popularity. I don’t think the Osmonds will be moving back any time soon however, on a Hollywood side note, parts of Back to the Future was filmed here.

As one of the older towns in Los Angeles, it's not surprising that you will find lots of Victorian homes here, many of which have been designated historic landmarks. If you didn't know better, you would think it's a Hollywood movie set. You almost expect to see a horse and carriage ride by as this quaint little piece of LA really feels lost in time in some neighborhoods.

Located adjacent to Echo Park and north of the 101 freeway, Angelino Heights is a very nice community that actually has some affordable housing and surprisingly, is well preserved in certain areas despite the town's age. However, if you are looking for apartments or condos, you won't find many here, and some of those are quite rundown, yet there are usually plenty of homes to rent. And while this is the place to go if you are looking to purchase a home with lots of character, keep in mind that due to its historic status, homes cannot be changed or remodeled to change the architecture.

What is attractive to many is this area is almost completely residential. You won't find chain grocery stores in the middle of Angelino Heights and commercial areas are few and far between so residents must travel outside for services, but this is part of the community's charm. For those that rely on public transportation, Metro buses make frequent stops and it's a quick two-mile ride to downtown LA that makes this an excellent area to live for those that work there.

The schools in Angelino Heights are considered good, with some being considered the best in LA. There seems to be a real commitment to education and parent volunteers are numerous.

Like most LA communities, there are areas here that need some attention and crime is not uncommon.

Woodstock is an excellent community for students, young couples, active senior citizens and those that enjoy the arts with an overall eclectic, college, neighborhood feel. Woodstock reminds one of those long ago neighborhoods where it was common that not only everyone knew your name, but they knew your business. Today, this spirit lives on. Chances are, if you needed something, there would be a neighbor at your doorstep as soon as they heard the news.

Located in SE Portland, you will find delightful stores, coffee shops, library and restaurants where the locals often convene and check out the visitors. Reed College is located down the hill and you would have a hard time finding a prettier campus. There are many older homes here and styles include Craftsman, Tudor and Victorian, all common to Portland’s architecture. Students or others those not wanting the commitment of owning a home, can live in the condos and townhouses that have been built in the past few decades.

Woodstock Park is a beautiful, large area, which has lots of sports fields, a horseshoe pit, playgrounds and more. The best part is that during the summer, don’t be surprised if you encounter a musician or small band playing for your entertainment. Another top feature is the well-loved Woodstock Library. Here you will find a great selection of books, movies and the like. This library is particularly popular with senior citizens.

For me, Woodstock is one of the little communities that make Portland a desirable place to live.

A charming, upscale neighborhood most commonly referred to as Crestwood since it resides in the neighborhood of Crestwood, Woods Memorial Park is where you will find many charming, albeit pricy, homes meticulously maintained and cared for.

The anchor, and prized jewel to this community is Woods Memorial Park a little known, but amazing natural park where almost 100% of the landscape is native to the area. Here, you will find all kinds of plant life, wildlife, including the possible elk and historic trees. It makes you wonder if this is the environment that Lewis and Clark saw when they arrived in Oregon.

This highly coveted neighborhood is close to I-5, which makes commuting assessable to downtown Portland. You will also find shopping close by at Multnomah Village and Washington Square Mall. There are some nice restaurants as well and major grocery chains are here also.

An old, historic neighborhood, Woodlawn has much going for it and is finally recognized as a community escaping the shadows of its bordering neighbors. Woodlawn is a family friendly area whose origins started as a rural farming village over 150 years ago, making it the oldest settled town in Portland’s history. This area, now known as Woodlawn Historic District, has had several ups and downs in the past, mostly down but that has changed. Today, you will find charming, well kept older homes, and a variety of fun businesses, shops, restaurants and community activities, the most popular being the Trek in the Park held each summer which draws huge crowds.

The local community is active and works hard to continue improving Woodlawn. The Woodlawn Park is a popular meeting place and includes a playground, outdoor stage, sports fields and picnic areas. Keep in mind that this is well known artist community, so you will see lots of incredible art (street art being one) and noteworthy art shows.

Commuting to Downtown Portland is easy, being a short 15 minute car ride away and the airport is an accessible 10 minutes. All in all, this is a great community to consider.

Located near Portland International Airport, Woodland Park is strictly a residential neighborhood. Looking for schools? Shops? Businesses? Parks? Nope. You won’t find them. Which for some, is a plus, however, because Woodland Park is the smallest community in all of Portland’s neighborhoods, apparently most would prefer some local conveniences.

But if homes are all you are after, then you have come to the right place. Neighborhoods here are diverse and you will find a variety of home styles reasonably priced and many are well spread out. This seems to be a popular area for retired people or others that prefer to stay to themselves. Homes are average with some nicer than others. Shopping in neighboring towns is an easy drive, but again, cars are necessary if you live here.

Wilkes is a nice, quiet community located not far from Portland International Airport in East Portland. Unlike other communities near the airport, Wilkes doesn’t suffer from the noise or the industrial type atmosphere that suffer from. Rather, much of this neighborhood remains undeveloped and is actually quite private and secluded.

Most homes here are older and affordable, with many being built in the 1970’s and 1980’s yet newer homes are being constructed giving some neighborhoods that cookie cutter look.

One of the best things about Wilkes is its close proximity to the Columbia River Gorge, one of the top outdoor activity areas in the state. Also nearby is Troutdale a charming town, which also has a nice outlet mall, a McMenamim’s restaurant and entertainment venue.

With easy access to I-215 and I-84, commuting to downtown Portland is fine, but again, traffic during rush hour can add at least 40 minutes to your drive.

West Portland Park is close to where I live and it’s a nice Southwest Portland community located near the popular Portland Community College’s Sylvania Campus.

This neighborhood feels very secluded with nice homes on large lots. This area is particularly attractive to those buying their first homes or those with families who enjoy a laid back lifestyle while still being less than 20 minutes from downtown Portland.

While there are newer homes being built here and scattered around, typically you will find the majority were built during 1940’s through 1980s. Thus, you will still a variety of home styles from ranch, contemporary to traditional. Most are well kept and the neighborhood is very family friendly. If you want green space in your community, look no further than West Portland Park nature area which is very popular for their trails and abundant wild life. Holly Farm Park is a few years old and is a very popular skate park where skaters come from all over to ride their unique bowl designs.

Shopping and entertainment is fairly limited in West Portland Park. Residents often travel to nearby Lake Oswego, Tigard or Beaverton to find what they are looking for, but you will find some ethnic restaurants such as The Hummus Shop, Kohi Osakaya and Baba Fresh which is popular with the college crowd.

Vernon is a diverse community in NE Portland. It is a small neighborhood that has many adorable older homes nestled along quiet streets. Here you will find a variety of architectural styles including cottages and bungalows. Homes are more affordable here than in surrounding neighborhoods, but you won’t find lots of shopping and restaurant choices, though there are a few to visit. This area does appeal to first time homebuyers as homes are modest in size and offer lots of character at fair prices.

If you are looking for green space, your best choice is Alberta Park, which is a popular neighborhood fixture. Commuting to downtown Portland is easy as well.
Keep in mind that crime can be an issue here which is not uncommon with up and coming neighborhoods.

If you have ever wanted to live in a tree house, then Sylvan Highlands may be for you. This tree filled, hilly neighborhood has some of the nicer, newer homes Portland has to offer while providing some spectacular mountain and city views. Be prepared, this is not a walking community unless you enjoy heavy breathing, so having a car is a must. But Sylvan Highlands is close to downtown Portland for a fairly easy commute, though traffic during rush hours can be unnerving. Don’t look for much in the way of restaurants or shopping in this neighborhood, but again, a quick hop in the car and you will find some nice grocery stores and everything else you could want is never far.

Living in Sylvan Highlands means you are nearby Forest Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the entire country. Full of walking trails and lots of wildlife, this well known park is one of Portland’s best features. This is a great community to raise a family if you prefer a quiet lifestyle.

Sunnyside is a great neighborhood that offers a small, hometown feel. Located in the Southeast portion of Portland, this popular area is often referred to as Belmont (in fact, I never heard of it being called Sunnyside) because of its main commercial street. This friendly neighborhood is full of fun and distinctive shopping, locally owned coffee houses and amazing restaurants. Just walking around Sunnyside you will often laugh out loud at some of store names, unique art, bright and colorful architecture that truly makes Belmont…er Sunnyside, special.

The neighborhoods all seem nice, very tidy and well kept. Older homes have been restored and many look like they should be in a storybook. Given that this is a cool and hip place to live, you may find you live next door to a brightly colored home, but that’s the appeal of Sunnyside.

Sunderland is located in North Portland near the Portland International Airport. With the exception of two golf courses, Broadmoor Golf Course and the Columbia Edgewater Golf Club, both nice courses, there is little to do here. Most people agree with this, which is why it probably ranks as Portland’s smallest community at just over 500 people.

Sunderland is known for being the location of Dignity Village, an encampment of approximately 60 homeless people. Columbia River Correctional Institute is also located here, so frankly, this is not an appealing or popular family friendly community.

Not surprisingly, homes are affordable, and there are little choices for shopping or dining.

Sumner is located near the Portland International Airport and has the unwelcome reputation of being an undesirable place to live within the city of Portland. You really can’t even consider Sumner an up-and-coming neighborhood because no one is really coming here. While homes are affordable, crime is a major problem. This blue color community has some active community members trying to take control back, but as of yet, there is much work still to be done.

You won’t find parks or many businesses here. It really just seems to be a community struggling. With the airport being so close, noise is a factor as well. If you are so inclined, the Grotto National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother is located here. This Catholic shrine is a destination for many who participate in their holiday celebrations.

Perfect for singles and young couples, Sullivan’s Gulch is a prime location in NE Portland surrounding the Lloyd Center for those that want to be in the middle of everything.

A short distance to the MAX light rail station, you can be to work in downtown Portland in minutes, plus you are near some great restaurants, shopping and entertainment.

Home styles vary and there is something to please everyone. There are older affordable homes on nice residential tree lined streets, yet you can also rent from some cool, hip apartment buildings or maybe a newer more upscale condo. While families may enjoy it here, there is a lack of green space and if you want a peaceful surrounding, you won’t find it here, as Sullivan’s Gulch is located right next to 84, a heavily traveled highway.

Overall, if you want a semi residential neighborhood but find the lure of the city too hard to resist, Sullivan Gulch may be the right choice.

St. Johns is a mixed bag. Described by many as a friendly neighborhood with cool, quirky stores and a very popular vegan restaurant, it also has lots of areas that have seen better days. Located as far north of Portland as you can go before reaching Washington, you feel as far away from downtown as you can however, you are realistically about 15 minutes away or so without traffic.

This is a nice walking town as nearby stores, restaurants, coffee shops (they have a Starbucks!), and other entertainment venues are all together in a central downtown location. Having said this, walking at night is not considered safe which is a huge reason not to travel here after dark.

This working class neighborhood does offer affordable housing and many neighborhoods are quite nice. Some consider St. John’s a neighborhood in transition and are targeting first time homebuyers and businesses to consider relocating here, but I think that’s not going to happen in the near future.

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

South Tabor is a largely residential neighborhood that gets its name due to its location near Mt. Tabor, an extinct volcano and one Portland’s most popular parks.

More affordable than other Southeast neighborhoods in Portland, South Tabor has a wide range of home styles that sit on quiet, tree lined streets which make this a very popular and sought after residential community. There are some decent shopping and restaurants as well, however, they are located along the borders of South Tabor. You won’t consider this commercial section of town as quaint or charming though. Also, there are some dangerous intersections here that many consider unsafe.

Of course, being so close to Mt. Tabor is a huge plus. Easily within walking distance, you will find everything under the sun here to spend a quality day. With over 200 acres you can enjoy play and picnic areas, horseshoes, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and even reserve your next wedding site here.

Once known as Corbett-Terwilliger-Lair Hill (say that five times fast), until the mid 1990’s, South Portland is a long stretch of neighborhood, which lies between the Willamette River and West Hills. Composed of several different areas, South Portland is often difficult to describe. Here you will find South Waterfront in the northeastern part of the neighborhood, Lair Hill in the northwestern section, Corbett, located south of Lair Hill, Terwilliger, John’s Landing and the South Portland Historic District. In each of these neighborhoods within a neighborhood, you will find a variety of homes, from historic on tree-lined streets to high-rise waterfront condos. Many are affordable, but others are highly expensive which means there is something for everyone.

There is excellent shopping, from some unique, quirky stores in John’s Landing, to higher end stores along South Waterfront. Lots of restaurant choices are available as well. You will find several excellent parks, but Willamette Park located along the river is the most popular. It’s over 25 acres and includes sports fields, dog off leash area, boat dock/ramp as well as all the Willamette Greenway Trail for bikers, runners and walkers.

South Burlingame is a relaxed somewhat rural neighborhood located in SW Portland. This is an excellent place to live if you desire a quiet suburban life along peaceful, winding streets.

Located along the I-5 freeway, it is a short commute into downtown Portland, however, traffic during rush hours often makes the trip seem much longer. Most homes here are older, built before 1970, yet they are much more affordable than the nearby community of Lake Oswego. Newer, grander homes, some worth several million dollars, are being built though as residents appreciate the quality of life South Burlington offers. Another strong point: Some of the higher rated schools in Portland are in the South Burlington school district.

There are plenty of parks including Burlington Park, which has loads of room to run as well as playground equipment and picnic areas. There are some nice stores and decent restaurants, but the arrival of Market Choice, a very popular grocery in Portland, was a definate reason to celebrate.

Sellwood-Moreland is near my neck of the woods and this is where I come to shop when I don’t feel like going into downtown Portland and dealing with parking. Loaded with charm, I think there are some of the best stores in the area located here. If you are looking for antiques, or specialty stores that sell some one of a kind items, this is the place to go. Stop and have a meal or a cup of coffee afterwards and you may find yourself asking why you need downtown Portland.

The homes here are older and are on quiet streets, which make this attractive for families and retired couples. Because Sellwood-Moreland is along the Willamette River, there are many outside activites here. During the summer the river is populated with boats and water activities. Oak Parks Amusement Park is here and very popular with children and families, including mine!

A word of caution: The Sellwood Bridge that crosses the Willamette is the main link to Portland and at some point, this bridge will need some heavy repairs. It’s reputation for its safety is notorious and a real issue for residents of Sellwood.

Sabin, is ideally located in NE Portland and close to downtown and freeways. You will find that this established suburb is full of charm and has a very nice, family feel to it. This highly desirable neighborhood offers affordable homes along quiet streets. You can walk to some of the organic grocery stores, visit a cute boutique or sit and have a beer in one of the few pubs in the area.

Also popular here is the Mocks Crest Natural Area which anyone can visit and explore the wildlife surrounding the area. Most Portland neighborhoods have community gardens and Sabin is no exception. One of the more popular community events is the Sabin Tree Walk. We love our trees in Portland and here you will get the history of some of Sabin’s larger and well established trees. Sabin residents appear to love being close to downtown, but welcome the quiet, suburban lifestyle Sabin has to offer.

Russell is a very nice suburban community located in NE Portland. Filled with a mixture of affordable homes, built in the mid century and custom built higher end homes, you will find that this is a very well kept neighborhood populated by families who desire to live on tree lined streets and quiet cul-de-sacs. Neighbors seem friendly, but also respect privacy. Once homeowners move here, they rarely seem to leave.

With easy access to downtown as Russell is close to I-84, residents here find that a car is necessary to travel for shopping and entertainment. There are several local parks and organized community activities as well as a community garden.

Rose City Park, is best known for being the home of the famous, surprise (!), Portland landmark, Rose City Park. This beautiful green space gave Portland’s its nickname, “City of Roses,” and is the pride of the city. Us Portlanders celebrate anything that pertains to a rose.

If you have money to spend and enjoy living in a historic community, this might be your place. Beautiful, historic homes can be found here and the neighborhoods are very well kept and tidy. You won't find any undesirable streets. In fact, in 2008 Forbes Magazine named Rose City Park one of the most overpriced neighborhoods in the country but also wrote it was one of the most livable.

Public transportation is accessible here and can take you downtown in minutes. If you want to shop locally, you can find several nice shops, however, you are also close to Beaumont and Hollywood where you can find greater variety.

Other than Rose City Park, you will also find Frazer Park with lots of green space and sports courts, picnic areas and playground. Last I heard they were building a Community Garden here as well.

Reed is a wonderful, little suburb located in SE Portland that has all of the benefits of a small college town. You get families, professionals, students and retired citizens who enjoy living in a community filled with activity yet certainly respectful of others. You won’t find an Animal House lifestyle here.

Walking around this neighborhood offers lots to see. Reed College is a small, private college and sits on a beautiful campus with old buildings, lots of green space and large, shady trees. The homes and neighborhoods in Reed are well cared for and show lots of personality. Clearly, being a college town, education is important and you will find the public schools very good, particularly Cleveland High School which is one of two high schools in the area to sponsor the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. As expected, you will find coffee houses, organic restaurants and groceries and a few little unique shops.

Of course, no suburb of Portland is complete without a park. Here you will find Kenilworth Park, which is on the north side of Reed. Popular summer events are held here, including concerts and movie that welcome the entire town. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is also in Reed and a popular place to enjoy the rare and hybrid rhododendrons.

Portland is a stones throw away and provides the entertainment that anyone, particularly college students, would need. This is why Reed is so appealing to so many: A quiet, community with lots of things to do.

Powellhurst-Gilbert is located in SE Portland and is a diverse yet vibrant community who has a small group of citizens dedicated to improving their town. Oregon pioneers once roamed and settled here and today, Powellhurst-Gilbert is filled with young families who appreciate the areas good schools and affordable home prices. Commuting into downtown Portland is simple via Division and Powell streets, themain roads that run through Powellhurst-Gilbert.

There are areas here that need some improving as they are quite run down and many small family owned business are now vacant which is always a sad sight. A few successfull businesses here would make all the difference.

Gilbert Heights Park is located here and it has plenty of space to start a football or baseball game with lots of room for the kiddies to play. I have a feeling that Powellhurst-Gilbert will be a town to watch in the coming years.

Pleasant Valley is located in SE Portland and is home to those that are looking for affordable housing set in a rural setting, yet close to neighboring communities for shopping and entertainment. This suburb is popular for its proximity to Powell Butte Nature Park, which is over 600 acres and offers incredible nature trails.

People who are interested in Pleasant Valley tend to be those that love the outdoors and don’t want to live in neighborhoods where homes are on top of each other. With plenty of room to roam, Pleasant Valley is also home to a portion of Springwater Corridor, a walking and biking trail that travels to all over Oregon. Eastridge City Park is a popular neighborhood park that includes a basketball court, playground and picnic areas.

This is a very nice residential community whose residents appreciate the great outdoors and the beauty of the natural parks that Portland offers.

Piedmont was at one time one of Portland’s first suburbs, so you know you will find many homes with character, several of which have been restored. However, there are some neighborhoods that are in need of some major improvements and clearly show their age. The good news is that there is a group of concerned citizens ready to improve these areas in transition. If you are looking for a fixer upper in an up-and-coming neighborhood, you may want to consider this area.

Piedmont is located in the North section of Portland. The I-5 freeway runs alongside Piedmont and commuting to downtown is quick and less than five minutes. While there are not lots of shopping and restaurant opportunities in this neighborhood per se, you are close to the popular Mississippi District and Alberta Arts District for entertainment and fun, unique stores.

If public parks are important to you, then you will find one of the oldest parks in the Northwest here: Peninsula Rose Park. It is a gorgeous green space and was an inspiration in naming Portland, “City of Roses.” This park is now carefully tended by volunteers who do an amazing job in preserving this landmark.

There are a variety of residents living in Piedmont, from seniors to college students who attend Portland Community College. Overall, a nice affordable community with a neighborhood feel, however, there is work to be done.

Affectionally known as “The Pearl,” Pearl Town is the jewel in Portland’s crown. Very hip, unique, creative, funky, this is a very popular destination for residents and tourists alike.

At one time a warehouse and industrial area, these once rundown buildings were remodeled and filled with impressive art galleries, stores, wine bars and some of the best restaurant Portland has to offer. Not to be forgotten: Powell’s Books that is a book store a block wide. This place is always busy and you will constantly be stepping over customers who sit down in the middle of an aisle to read a book.

There are some really nice public plazas in the Pearl that offers nice tranquil settings. Jamison Square has a beautiful waterfall and Tanner Springs Park offer some trails and a creek where many busy Portlanders unwind during their lunch hour if the weather is nice.

As to be expected, living doesn’t come cheap in the Pearl. This area has many high-rise condos that are some of the hottest property around and you will pay dearly for it. If I had to live anywhere in downtown, this would be it. You wouldn’t need a car as public transportation is right at your doorstep and you can be at your desk in downtown in five minutes.

Parkrose Heights is not to be confused to Parkrose, though they are in close proximity. Located in East Portland, Parkrose Heights is near Portland International Airport (known as PDX), and is close to the I-84, which takes you right into downtown Portland.

While there are lots of local restaurants and stores, residents are close to the shopping center that is across the street from the airport. Here you have every chain, including IKEA, Best Buy and Target. While public transportation is good and can take you right into downtown, many feel that a car is necessary in Parkrose Heights to travel locally.

Essentially a residential community, there is little green space with the exception of a Knott Street Park, Senn’s Community Garden and Senn’s Dairy Park. However, there is a small active group who keep quite busy with the goal of making Parkrose Heights a desirable location to live.

Parkrose, otherwise known as home to Portland International Airport, is located in East Portland and is approximately a 15-minute drive to downtown Portland though there is excellent public transportation into the city.

Known as family friendly because of affordable housing, this neighborhood has plenty of shopping, including the very popular IKEA that opened up a few years ago. Homes here are older and include a mix of ranch, bungalows, traditional and even modern. Many neighborhoods are well cared for while others are a bit run down.

The airport noise may turn some people away from this community, but for others, it is a good place to buy their first home. If you travel more than you are in Portland, this may be a convenient location to live as there are also apartments and house rentals.

Be sure and check out the Senn’s Dairy Park that is all native landscape and includes areas for picnicking, walking and community garden plots.

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.

Northwest Heights is located high in the hills of NW Portland. A residential neighborhood, you won’t find much else here except very nice, expensive homes that offer tremendous views.

Very secluded, yet only five minutes from Downtown Portland, this area is just west of Forest Park, one of the more popular parks in all of Portland. You literally feel like you are living among the trees in this well off, family friendly neighborhood. This is not an area where you can do a leisurely bike ride thanks to the hills, yet there is something to be said for the peacefulness that inhabits Northwest Heights.

If you are looking for entertainment, you are only minutes away from Nob Hill where 23rd street is populated with some of the best restaurants, shops and bars Portland offers. You also are close to some of Portland’s more popular tourist spots: The Oregon Zoo, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, etc.

Northwest Heights is a very nice community if you can afford it, and if you like residing in a secluded area yet close to what Portland has to offer.

Multnomah Village is a cool, eclectic community located in Portland’s West Hills. The town center is located off of SW Capitol Highway, and here you will find all kinds of great stores, coffee shops and little unique bakeries and restaurants as well as everything else you may need. This is a very family friendly neighborhood, yet singles and retirees love it here as well as it has something for everyone.

While there are certainly some nice homes in Multnomah Village, there are also a few that could benefit from a major overhaul making some neighborhoods look less than desirable. If renting is more your thing, apartments are can be found here as well.

Many residents take advantage of the Multnomah Community Center that offers art and music classes and is a popular gathering place. Gabriel Park is also very popular and includes a skateboard park that gets quite a bit of use when the weather is nice.

If you depend on public transportation, you won’t find a rail service here, but there is bus service into Portland as well as to nearby Lewis & Clark College and Portland Community College.

Mt. Tabor is a wonderful Southeast Portland community that really has a neighborly, old-fashioned feel. For many, this quiet suburb offers everything one could need: unique shopping, restaurants and the always popular coffee houses that populate most neighborhoods in Portland.

Homes here are some of my favorite. Grander, older residences of Portland’s yesteryear are here, and many have been lovingly restored. With beautiful views and rolling lawns, this is a highly desirable to establish your roots. Mt Tabor hosts several family events, but one of the more popular is the Portland Adult Soap Box Derby held annually in August at Mt. Tabor Park. Crazy costumes, homemade cars and lots of laughs make this a summer highlight. There is also fall apple tasting (free mind you) and the Art Walk held every May. There always seems to be something to look forward to.

Of course, Mt Tabor park is the anchor of this community. It has everything one needs to enjoy a family day with walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds and tennis courts – it’s all here. Just pack a lunch, pray for sunshine, and you are good to go!

Mill Park is a nice residential area that is popular with families. While close to major roads, it is a fairly easy commute into downtown Portland, but traffic is always bad during rush hour, so be prepared and patient.

Homes in Mill Park tend to include a variety of styles and for the most part, are affordable. There are apartment buildings also, but overall, this is more of a community geared towards family. There is the East Portland Community Center that has a great indoor pool and slide that is popular all year long. Also, Mill Park, located on SE 117th Ave., is popular for walking paths and picnic tables, though you won’t see much else. You won’t find much in the way of shopping or entertainment either.

Like neighboring Markham, Marshall Park is an ideal location for those that want to live in a peaceful, relaxing community, yet be close to downtown Portland for all of its amenities. Located in SW Portland, this is a perfect area to experience the great outdoors as there are many outstanding parks, including the popular Marshall Park. At over 25 acres, this park has several hiking trails under lush greenery that makes you feel you are miles away.

Like most neighborhoods, Marshall Park has various home styles, so you won’t find any cookie cutter neighborhoods. Mostly filled with families, or those that enjoy a more laid back lifestyle, Marshall Park offers a traditional suburban lifestyle with a bit of rural thrown in. Don't look for big shopping or dining opportunities In Marshall Park, but they are all close by.

Markham is a community with a decidedly suburban feel and located in the Southwest portion of Portland. Located near the I-5 freeway, Markham is an easy commute to downtown, which is why this area is popular for those working in the city, yet want to raise their families in a more peaceful and traditional neighborhood.

There are a variety of home styles in this community and they tend to be higher priced than many of the surrounding areas, which is why this neighborhood is usually out of the price range for those looking for a starter home.

Take advantage of the many parks and natural areas Markham has to offer, particularly nearby Marshall Park full of hiking trails, a waterfall and a playground. It is one of the more beautiful parks in Portland and just over 25 acres.

Located along Portland’s western border, Maplewood is a popular residential area for those that like to be surrounded by winding roads and rolling hills. You won’t find any businesses, restaurants or shops for the most part in this community, as it is strictly residential, however, everything you need is located nearby including the popular Multnomah Village for shopping.

Homes vary in styles and include older homes as well as more contemporary. Most homes sit on large lots that give this area a very rural, country like feel. It’s hard to believe that you are not far from downtown Portland that makes this a popular area for those that like to work in the city, but desire the peacefulness of the country at night.

There are many parks in Maplewood, including April Park, which has been described as a “hidden gem.” There are lots of nature trails, yet plenty sports fields and play structures which make this an ideal location for families. Maplewood schools are rated very good, and special recognition has been given to the Maplewood Elementary School that received one of the top scores in all of Oregon.

Lloyd Portland is commonly referred to as Lloyd Center, I don’t think I’ve ever heard it referred to as just Lloyd. Located off the I-5, this highly accessible area is where you will find the Rose Garden, Oregon Convention Center and Lloyd Mall. Known as a popular commercial area of town, there are large office buildings, high-rise condos and apartments, hotels, restaurants and everything else one would find in an area populated with business travelers.

Because this area is very busy, more so when there is a sporting event, and rush hour can be a mad house, there is easy access to public transportation with the TriMet buses and MAX trains. If you are traveling and staying here on business, don’t even think about renting a car, as you won’t need it.

Living here is not cheap, as real estate is considered prime.

Linnton is a community in NW Portland that is located between Forest Park (thus the name Linnton/Forest Park) and Sauvie Island along the Willamette River. This neighborhood offers some of the more scenic views of downtown Portland and St. John’s Bridge and some of the quietest, park like grounds offered in the Portland area.

Linnton is home to active residents committed to the concerns of the area, including the future of the waterfront development. Homes in Linnton tend to be more affordable though there are many nicer upscale residences as well. There is some shopping and a few good restaurants in Linnton, though most residents drive the ten minutes to Portland for a greater variety.

Some of the best parks are in the area, including Linnton Park, a gorgeous public natural area once owned by Aaron Meier, one of the founders of the Meier and Frank Company. Also nearby, Washington Park and Forest Park which offers a host of bicycling and walking paths.

Laurelhurst is a beautiful, upscale community located in SE Portland. Here, you will find another neighborhood full of grand old homes, mixed in with cottages, bungalows and rare-to-find-in-Portland, Mission style homes on tree lined streets with perfectly manicured lawns and wide sidewalks reminiscent of Portland’s yesteryear.

Very much a family neighborhood, it is not surprising that Laurelhurst Park is one of the prettier, better maintained community parks in all of Portland. Scenic with a pond full of duck, fish and turtles, this is a popular destination for families to spend the day picnicing and playing.

Laurelhurst is almost entirely residential, so you won’t find much here in the way of shopping or restaurants, but nearby neighborhoods, Belmont and Hollywood, are close by for entertainment.

Kerns is a small urban area located not far from downtown Portland. It is a more commercial than residential, so you won’t find many tree lined streets filled with families. Rather, you will find lots of various business and many older homes turned into multi-family units.

One of the first developed neighborhoods on Portland’s east side, you will find older homes, apartment buildings and condos. There is some cool shopping and great restaurants, including the very popular Screen Door that serves the best fried chicken ever. You will also find plenty of microbreweries as well as the Laurelhurst Theater. This is a great community to come and spend a nice evening out.

Kenton is slowly beginning its ascent as one of Portland’s up and coming neighborhoods. Located north of the city, this little community is starting to show signs of life as businesses and restaurants start setting up business in the once run down buildings. Once home to the Meatpacking District and later to Portland’s main stockyards, this area is full of historical charm yet is putting a decidedly urban spin to it all to create a buzz for this once deserted area.

Many homes in Kenton were built after WWII and while that immediately brings to mind “non descript” some, while modest, display great curb appeal. Yet, it is also safe to say that there are neighborhoods which a ways to go.

The Portland Internal Raceway and Metropolitan Expo Center are located here as well as two parks that are all nice and full of the traditional play equipment and sports fields.

Irvington is a historic NE Portland community that lies close to the I-84 and I-5 freeways making this a popular area for commuters. Some of the more beautiful turn of the century homes are located here on quiet, tree-lined streets. This popular neighborhood is a contrast of sorts. On the south side, there are some very nice, cool stores, restaurants and coffee houses mixed in with some not so upscale shopping. On the northern end, is the residential section, with just a small selection of nicer stores thrown in. Many of the homes here are on the National Register of Historic Places and very well maintained making it a sought after place to live.

Not only is Irvington close to the freeways, but also there is easy accessibility to public transportation, the Lloyd Center Mall (very popular), downtown and the Pearl District. If you are an avid walker, you will find Irvington a walking friendly community especially through the parks in the area as well as through the older residential areas with nice, wide sidewalks. Irvington is a perfect place to live if you want to experience that old, hometown feeling of years gone by.

Humboldt is a community popular with students due to its close proximity to Portland Community College. Funky, this area is overrun with busy, active residents, who don’t let a little Oregon rain stop them from being outside. You rarely drive through this neighborhood without seeing tons of bicyclists or runners.

If you are searching for a home in this area, you will find lots of colorful residences (think of quirky), as well as old style Portland homes that seem to populate most neighborhoods, but here it's a bit different, a Humboldt like spin if you will: some homes are nice while others have a very decided, expressive personality. This is a very diverse community whose citizens are comprised of all types beside students: retirees, young families and professionals. There are some cool shops, and you are close to Mississippi Avenue and North Alberta where there are even more incredible unique stores. However, Humboldt is certainly organizing and trying to take the next step to attract more businesses and restaurants.

Hosford Abernathy is a very cool little community in SE Portland that is full of charm where everyone seems to know everyone. Reminiscent of days gone by, the personality of Hosford Abernathy is combined with other smaller neighborhoods, such as Clinton and Ladd’s Addition (bike commuters take note that these two communities have a bike path that goes directly to downtown Portland).

Homes are very nice here in the sense that they all (or majority of them) have great curb appeal. Many older homes have been renovated and highlight Portland’s great architectural history. Styles such as Victorian, Bungalow and Arts and Crafts make each neighborhood unique and noteworthy. In the days these homes were built, porches were popular as to promote a neighborhood sense of family and community. This lifestyle still seems evident today in Hosford Abernathy. Beautiful tree filled residential areas remind you of a time when your parents grew up, a real calling to yesteryear.

Take advantage of the nice parks and rose gardens that are very well cared for. The schools are some of the best in the area and have been acknowledged by the State of Oregon for a curriculum that includes healthy eating, nutrition and health. For families, it’s tough to beat Hosford Abernathy

Homestead is a sweet neighborhood located in SW Portland. Full of natural surroundings, this community is known to have the most significant green space in any SW Portland neighborhood, which makes it very popular for nature lovers who still want to be close to the activity a big city can offer. OSHU is home to this community as is the Portland Veteran Affairs Medical Center, yet the neighborhood feels quite secluded and not the least bit busy and hectic like other areas surrounding Portland. Again, that is because of the retreat feel of this town with its many running, biking trails, parks and river views. Home styles here are varied ranging from beautiful custom homes to smaller, older homes. The schools are very good here and there are lots of neighborhood activities that make this a popular location for families, retired couples as well as singles who enjoy the quieter lifestyle. Shops and restaurants are ample, including the upscale Chart House restaurant that has been popular for years. One highlight: Take a tour of the Duniway Park Lilac Garden in the spring. The aromas are amazing!

Hollywood is home to the historic Hollywood Theatre that is really the landmark in this charming community. Located in the NE section of Portland, this neighborhood is easily accessible as the MAX light rail runs through here, as well as easy freeway access so you can be in downtown Portland in less than 15 minutes. Interesting tidbit: the Hollywood district is central to the popular Beverly Cleary children books and mentioned throughout. There is a popular Beverly Cleary Walking Tour that is offered as well. Homes are older in this neighborhood and cover a wide variety of architectural styles, including craftsman, tudors and cottages. There are also plenty of apartment buildings, which is where many singles or young professional couples live who choose not to pay the high rent in downtown Portland but like the easy public transportation. There are some ok shops and a wide variety of ethnic restaurants. You won’t find any parks in the area, so this is more of an area where you will find renters as opposed to families.

Hillside, not to be confused with Hillsboro or Hillsdale, is located in a gorgeous section of NW Portland. One of the more beautiful neighborhoods, Hillside is a walk or bike ride to the Oregon Zoo, Children’s Museum, Japanese Garden, Rose Gardens; some of the more popular tourist attractions in Portland. One of my favorite destinations is right outside this neighborhood as well: Forest Park. One of the more beautiful parks in all of the U.S. (it is the largest urban park in the country or so they say), you can spend the entire day here roaming around with the various hiking and biking trails, taking in the greenery and watching the various wildlife. Afterwards, walk to Nob Hill and you will find some of the coolest shopping and trendiest restaurants around. Needless to say, the homes are amazing nestled in beautiful neighborhoods with views of everything. While you are minutes from the downtown center, you will literally feel you are miles away in this tranquil neighborhood.

Hillsdale is an older community located southwest of downtown Portland. It has a reputation for being a very neighborhood friendly, close-knit suburb, popular with families and ideal for those that commute to the city yet want a traditional lifestyle. Hillsdale is home to a wide variety of residential neighborhoods. There are some gorgeous homes with amazing views and yet there are your typical homes built from the 1940’s on that create a wide mix of styles depending on your preference and income. This is one of the older areas outside of Portland, so you will find large, mature trees and nice sized lots, which real estate agents love to promote.

Because Hillsdale is a family friendly neighborhood, there are many nice parks (Hillsdale Park, is the largest with lots of room for sporting activities and includes an off leash dog run), year round farmer’s market (not many year-round in Portland, so this is a plus), the popular Hillsdale library as well as nice shopping and good restaurants. Hillsdale is not a walking friendly community due to the hilly terrain (it’s called Hillsdale for a reason), but if that is not important to you, then Hillsdale is a great community in which to reside.

Hazelwood is located in East Portland and is an affordable community mixed with residential and commercial neighborhoods. Close to the IMAX, Hazelwood is an easy commute into downtown Portland that makes this area particularly attractive to those first time homebuyers who don’t have a lot of money to spend but want to be close to the action. With plenty of local shopping nearby as well as plentiful restaurants (nothing over the top, but good eats) it's also comforting to know that Adventist Hospital is here surrounded by several other medical offices. This is a good location for seniors and/or retired people to consider living. The homes are older, but possibly because of the medical staff in the area, newer and therefore, updated apartments and townhouses are popping up in the area. There are a few nice parks dispersed around town and overall, a nice community. Many say Hazelwood has huge potential given its location, public transportation, employment opportunities and a growing interest from the community to improve the overall ambiance of the town.

Hayhurst is a lovely suburban neighborhood in SW Portland. Popular with families, this community boasts some of the best schools in Portland. Housing is still affordable and homes vary from classic to modern. Many homes sit on larger lots in tree filled neighborhoods. This is considered a very safe and approachable community.

There are many parks in the area or close by. Other popular attractions include the Alpenrose Dairy and the Wilcox Manor (though only open for viewing once per year, it’s a beautiful landmark). Nike Headquarters is not far, so many employees who live in Hayhurst have a quick commute, as do those that work in downtown Portland. Public transportation is not great, so a car is necessary if you live in Hayhurst. There are some nice restaurants and local shopping as well, however, nearby Beaverton is where most of the major stores are located.

Described by Lewis and Clark as "the canoe image island," Hayden Island is located in the Columbia River right between Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR. However, Hayden Island is really considered part of Portland and like the rest of Oregonians, residents enjoy the “no sales tax” law. The east side of the island is the most developed area. Homes, apartments, hotels, shopping and restaurants are located here. While downtown Portland is approximately 15 minutes away (though count on major traffic if you are driving during normal rush hours), many residents don't feel the need to leave the island. There is a mixture of homes at a variety of prices. Floating homes are common here and quite affordable, as well as more expensive homes and condos. But, there are also some areas that are rundown and need some work.

Besides marine and water activities, there is a very nice park, Lotus Isle Park which has a play and picnic area. Overall, Hayden Island is a good choice for those that prefer a laid back lifestyle on the water.

For those looking to live outside Portland where affordable housing is available then Glenfair might be a good choice. Located in East Portland, near Gresham, this neighborhood has a variety of older, fixer-upper homes available in average neighborhoods. Unfortunately, crime can be an issue, and Glenfair elementary school gets mixed reviews from parents and state alike.

There is a lack of a real neighborhood center, as there are not many stores nor restaurants available. A car really is necessary for shopping and commuting purposes, but you are close to everything thanks to major streets that run through Glenfair. There is a nice park with plenty of space for sporting activities and the Glendoveer Golf Course is a very nice course with affordable rates.

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.

I describe Eastmoreland in one word: beautiful. If you desire to live in a neighborhood, filled with history, giant, mature trees, with a well regarded liberal arts college in town (Reed’s College), then this is the place for you. Filled with professionals, doctors, lawyers, college faculty and very family friendly this is highly regarded community that not surprisingly, is out of the price range for many. Sigh.

Homes in Eastmoreland are varied in architectural style with most being built in the 1920’s and 30’s. The neighborhoods are well established and cared for. You won’t find many fixer uppers though on occasion they do come on the market.

Eastmoreland is home to some of the more beautiful parks in the area, including the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens which is available for special events. The Eastmoreland Golf Course is an historic site that was established in 1916 and is ranked as one of the top public golf courses in American by Golf Digest.

There is not much shopping in the area, however the Farmer’s Market is popular when it operates from May through September. With downtown Portland not far, this is really a vibrant, family oriented neighborhood.

East Columbia is a mixed bag, but in recent years, it is slowly improving and creating a more personal, overall charm. Many neighborhoods are near the Columbia River are more upscale, while others, those around Gertz Circle, need some work. There are also neighborhoods in between which makes East Columbia a growing and more appealing community.

If you like to be outdoors, then East Columbia offers some nice golf courses, water activities and the popular Columbia Children’s Arboretum, a 28 acre natural area park.

Shopping in East Columbia is nearby, as most residents rely on Jantzen Beach Shopping Center which has several popular big name grocery stores. Smaller, locally owned stores are also here.

Concordia is a funky, bright Northeast neighborhood of Portland that has really seen rebirth in the past several years. Once fairly depilated and not a community with a lot of curb appeal, it is now home to many businesses, shops and good restaurants. First time home buyers are choosing this up and coming area because of low home prices and plenty of adorable neighborhoods. Yes, there are still some run down areas in Concordia, and they still have a ways to go, but the improvements are highly noticeable and welcoming.

One prominent feature to this neighborhood, is Concordia is home to Concordia University, a private, Christian, liberal arts college. Founded by the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, this is the only LCMS University in Oregon. Approximately 2,500 students are enrolled and the recently new $7.5 million dollar athletic complex will have their grand opening in March 2012.

There are some decent parks in the area, including the Kennedy Community Garden and Fernhill Park. Overall, a nice community really geared toward young professionals, college students and those that like to live in an urban environment.

Collins View, located in the Southwest portion of Portland, is more commonly known as the home to Lewis and Clark College, a private college that is also known for it’s reputable law school. A smaller community, there’s not much to do in Collins View if you are under the impression that it’s a college community with lots of nightlife. For that, you can head into Portland or cross the nearby Sellwood Bridge where there is more activity. However, this neighborhood has a decidedly rural feel, as it is hilly, which makes walking a strenuous exercise as opposed to a leisurely pastime. Tyron Creek State Park borders this community and provides excellent hiking trails and bird watching.

There is a mixture of fine, older homes on bigger lots with newer construction, including town homes. Known as a safe community with good schools, this area, while not well known, is growing in popularity.

Center, now known as North Tabor (though many old time locals still refer to it as Center), is located in SE Portland, only a few minutes drive from downtown. Home to one of the neighborhood's largest employers, Providence Portland Medical Center, North Tabor is a popular neighborhood, filled with affordable homes, quiet neighborhoods and the Rosemont Bluff Natural Area. This nature sanctuary has beautiful hiking trails, foliage and such a peacefulness that it makes you forget you are only minutes from busy downtown Portland. But you will notice that residents just don't walk at Rosemont, but everywhere. This is a very walkable town with shops and restaurants centrally located.