Historic Portland is just northwest of downtown Louisville. It was originally founded as an independent town in 1811 but annexed by Louisville in the 1850s. The community sits just below the falls of the Ohio River and for decades was an important portage point for goods being transported upriver. The arrival of the Northern-Suffolk Railyard in Portland further spurred growth. Many Irish and German immigrants seeking better economic conditions settled in Portland. A destination on the Underground Railroad, the community also became home to a large African American population. All these groups contributed to the neighborhood and Portland’s Water Street was a busy commercial hub until the early 1900s. Disaster hit when the Great Flood of 1937 deposited 85 feet of water and mud on much of Portland. In the aftermath, most business and industry left for higher ground. The thriving community lost much of its wealth and soon it had one of the smallest income levels in Louisville. But things are changing; Portland is undergoing revitalization. Although it still retains its rich diversity, today it’s affordability and architectural styles have made it a popular place to buy a home. “Higher income residents are starting to move in. But since homes are closer together, prices are more affordable. That makes it a good place for first-time buyers as well,” says Brittney Harrison, a Realtor with Infinite Homes Realty, who has property listed in the area.
You can see the close proximity to the Ohio River and downtown Louisville from Portland.
The Northern-Suffolk Railyard was vital to Portland's early development.
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Living in Portland
The neighborhood still has many pre-Civil War buildings. And although there are a handful of mansions still standing, most homes built in Portland are wood-framed shotgun-style houses. The houses sit tightly together. “Shotgun homes have very small yards, so they are popular with potential homebuyers who don’t want to do a lot of yard work,” says Realtor Harrison. Home prices in Portland vary from about $75,000 for a one- or two-bedroom home to about $225,000 for a four-bedroom worker's cottage. Few homes here have private driveways or garages. Sidewalks are common throughout the neighborhood.
This is a row of shotgun style homes in the Portland neighborhood.
There are various styles of eclectic homes on Northwestern Parkway in the Portland neighborhood.
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Learning in Portland
Children may begin their public-school education at Atkinson Academy. The elementary school has a C-minus rating from Niche and a student-teacher ratio of 9-1. Pupils move on from elementary school to the Academy at Shawnee for both middle school and high school. The school has a C rating, 464 students and a student-teacher ratio of 11-1. The school boasts the only U.S. high school that offers the Federal Aviation’s Private Pilot License course.
Atkinson Academy is a public school located in Louisville, KY.
The Academy at Shawnee has an overall C grade on niche.com.
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Playing in Portland
Proximity to the Ohio River provides plenty of access to green space and water views. Lannan Memorial Park is a 17-acre park. Visitors can enjoy the walking trails along the river, basketball courts and playground. Boone Square Park is a small green space that offers a playground, two basketball courts and a splash fountain. Portland Wharf Park encompasses 56 mostly forested acres on the banks of the Ohio. Check out the Portland Museum to learn what local life was like in days gone by.
Lannan Memorial Park is one of the many local places families can enjoy time together.
Lannan Memorial Park features a beautiful portrait of Breonna Taylor on its basketball court.
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Shopping and dining in Portland
There are plenty of mom-and-pop stores still serving the public in Portland. Shaheen’s Department Store specializes in school uniforms, business attire and outdoor clothing. Janes Brothers Hardware continues to offer the basics homeowners need for repairs. New restaurants are springing up in the community. Enjoy a cup of latte while perusing the tomes at McQuixote Books and Coffee. The Table Café has a pay-what-you-can model. Its mission is to eliminate food insecurity and celebrate community. Raise a glass at the Shippingport Brewing Company. Need groceries? Kroger has everything from peas to passport photos.
Kroger is one of the only grocery options in the Portland neighborhood.
Cup of Joy is a locally owned coffee house in the Portland neighborhood.
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Fun times and festivals
For nearly 40 years, the community has hosted the Portland Festival, a street party with a parade, carnival, food booths, vendors and a car show. Originally held in June, the festival was moved to October in 2023. In May, be sure not to miss the Kentucky Derby, held at nearby Churchill Downs.
Traveling around Portland
Getting in and out of Portland is easy. Interstate 64 runs through the top of the community. I-264 flanks its western border. The neighborhood is located less than 2 miles from downtown Louisville and 9 miles from the Louisville International Airport. Bus service is available to areas throughout the greater metro area. This is considered a walkable neighborhood.
The Muhammad Ali International Airport serves the residents of Portland.
The Portland neighborhood has access to both I-64 and the Watterson Expressway in Louisville.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joshua Jarboe,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Portland Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Volleyball
Lannan Memorial Park
Baseball/Softball
Bike Trails
Boating
Boone Square Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Portland Wharf Park
Bike Trails
Trails
Westonia Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Volleyball
Charles Young Park
Basketball
Playground
Transit
Airport
Louisville Muhammad Ali International
19 min drive
Bus
Northwestern Parkway & N 23rd
Bus
W Market & S 17th
Bus
Portland & 22nd
Bus
Main & 17th
Bus
Portland & N 24th
Bus
Rowan & 17th
Bus
35th & Northwestern Pkwy
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Portland
US
Homicide
10
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
9
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Portland Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Portland, Louisville sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Portland, Louisville over the last 12 months is $460,000, up 26% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Hurry to take advantage of downpayment programs available until 3/31/25 for up to $35,000. Call agent for details. This is an awesome totally rehabbed 1 story with a very unique layout featuring open floor plan living room and kitchen combination, with 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. White cabinetry, and granite countertops along with range, refrigerator, microwave oven, and dishwasher. New roof, hvac,
Located in the Portland Warehouse District, Painters Row consists of a historic group of three masonry and timber warehouse buildings along a brick paved road. Presenting exposed interior brick and wood beams, the beautiful historic windows offer unprecedented views of downtown Louisville. The complex also features an outdoor courtyard area between two of the buildings and a dedicated parking lot
Nicely updated Portland home featuring 2 nice bedrooms on the 1st level and a large 3rd bedroom on the second floor.New updates throughout home like HVAC system, bathroom, kitchen, flooring, appliances. Has a nice flat fenced back yard and also fenced in front yard. Looking for at least a 12 month lease.
Beautiful, pet-friendly home coming soon! Apply now, Move-In is available on or after the listed date. Upon approval, $500 reservation deposit to reserve (applied to security deposit and/or refundable). Application fee: $50 per adult. Security Deposit: one month’s rent. Pet fees: $250 + $35/mo per pet. Some homes may include pool ($150/mo), septic ($15/mo), and/or HOA fees; other fees may apply.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joshua Jarboe,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
10,499
Median Age
38
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$28,971
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$39,699
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
77%
College Graduates
8.9%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.4%
% Population in Labor Force
49%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
14''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
73/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
61/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
36/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
