North Portland, Oregon Neighborhood Guide
A diverse mix of residential, commercial, and industrial properties, North Portland is one of the most distinct neighborhoods in Oregon. Boasting top-notch schools, an abundance of cultural activities, a vibrant food scene, and friendly residents, you’ll quickly feel at home in this urban neighborhood.
Places To Visit
Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area
The largest urban freshwater lands in the United States, the Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area (pictured above) spans 2,000 acres. Open to the public, it is a park and reserve where visitors are invited to walk the trails or get on a boat and explore the water. In addition to scenic beauty, you’ll find exotic wildlife like beavers, otters, deer, osprey, bald eagles, and Western painted turtles.
Historic Vanport
Vanport, once Portland’s second largest city, is now a historic site for visitors to learn about the community’s past. In addition to the monuments and remains, the area functions as a gorgeous urban park for families to have picnics, go for walks, or play sports.
Portland International Raceway
In North Portland you’ll find one of the country’s preeminent racing tracks. Part of the Delta Park complex, Portland International Raceway includes a drag strip and a motorcross track and has hosted a variety of events including ICSCC, SCCA, and OMRRA road racing, the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, and the SCCA autocross events.
Things To Do
Take An Unofficial History Tour
The small community of North Portland alone has 32 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. This means that there is a lot of history packed into the neighborhood. From the Broadway Bridge constructed in 1913 to the Paul Bunyan statue on Interstate Avenue, there is much to learn and see in North Portland.
Golfing
Golfing abounds in Portland, and you won’t have to go far to get a round in. The Heron Lakes Golf Club boasts one of the most scenic courses in the state and is located in North Portland. In addition, the Columbia Edgewater Country Club and Broadmoor Golf Courses are only a short drive away.
Explore Neighborhood Parks
Nature abounds in North Portland. As one of the quieter parts of the city, you’ll find plenty of green space. Though the Smith and Bybee Wetlands Reserve Area is one of the best natural spaces in the area, you’ll also find a plethora of gorgeous parks in the vicinity. Cathedral Park, situated on the Willamette River, and Pier Park, which features a skate bowl, sports field, golf course, and picnic area, both lay in North Portland. Plus, a quick trip across the river and you’ll find the massive Linnton Park and Forest Park in Northwest Portland.
Kayaking And Canoeing
Discover North Portland by water. With the Columbia River on one side, the Willamette River on the other side, and Smith Lake in the middle, there are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. Rent a kayak or canoe on Hayden Island, or grab your boat and explore the wetlands.
Restaurants, Bars & Cafes
As a popular spot for young people, North Portland is home to some truly delicious restaurants. Swift & Union (pictured above) has great craft beer, Proper Eats is your go-to vegan cafe, Fishwife Seafood Restaurant has unbelievable chowder, Firehouse is known for their wood-fired pizzas, and Leisure Public House is your local spot for hanging out and grabbing a drink with friends (ping pong table included).
Real Estate Market
As both the northernmost and one of the most diverse areas of Portland, North Portland has a reputation for being inexpensive compared to the rest of the city. Filled with everyone from families to seniors to college students, you will find affordable housing for people of all income levels. While the average cost of a home in Portland is $375,450, North Portland is a little bit cheaper.
Schools
Served by the Portland Public Schools District, North Portland is home to a variety of elementary and secondary schools. Sitton Elementary School, George Middle School (pictured above), James John Elementary School, Roosevelt High School, Rosa Parks Elementary School, and more are located within the boundaries of North Portland. Meanwhile, when it comes to post-secondary institutions, your children won’t have to leave home if they choose. Right in this northern Oregon neighborhood lies the University of Portland, one of the state’s most reputable colleges. Plus, the University of Western States, Portland State University, and Concordia University are all conveniently located in other Portland neighborhoods.
Fun Facts
Slang Names: Over the years, North Portland has acquired two commonly heard nicknames: NoPo and the Fifth Quadrant. NoPo is simply a shortening of North Portland (e.g. SoHo for South of Houston Street in New York City). While the Fifth Quadrant is a nod to the neighborhood’s geographic location. It is considered the “odd man out” from the four-corners of SE, NE, SW, and NE.
Vanport: During World War II, a planned development called Vanport was constructed in North Portland between the city limits and the Columbia River. It quickly grew to be the second largest city in Oregon, however, the entire village was wiped out by a major flood in 1948 (pictured above).
As the northernmost quadrant, North Portland provides families with an oasis outside of the city. Largely residential, you’ll find quaint neighborhoods, stellar schools, and delicious grub in this urban community in Oregon.