$411,699Average Value$367Average Price per Sq Ft86Homes For Sale
A buzzing city center with riverfront parks, inventive restaurants and tons of culture
Hugging the scenic shores of the Willamette River, downtown Portland is only one square mile, but it packs a cultural punch. Trendy, eclectic and walkable downtown attracts upwardly mobile young professionals who appreciate the high-end high-rises as well as students at Portland State University who appreciate the relatively low rents. Getting around is easy, too. “The city has a wonderful light rail system, and we’re very pro-bike and pro-pedestrian,” says Walter Weyler, president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association.
The Willamette River courses past Downtown Portland, paralleling Interstate 5.
Downtown Portland hugs the west side of the Willamette River and has stunning views of Mt. Hood.
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Downtown apartment blocks and luxurious high-rises
The good news for prospective homebuyers: The real estate market in downtown Portland is not especially competitive. Renters rule the area, and housing inventory is heavy on apartments to meet the demand. Homebuying options are largely restricted to condos within high-rise towers or smaller scale apartment blocks — some from the early 1900s now listed on the National Register of Historic Places — as well as contemporary waterfront developments. Prices run the gamut: The median home price is around $350,000, ranging from under $250,000 on the low end to $2 million for luxury units with river views.
High-rise buildings form the iconic Downtown Portland skyline.
Condo developments by the Riverplace Marina offer stunning riverfront views.
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James Beard Award-winning restaurants and hip coffee shops
Packed with activities and nightlife, downtown Portland is bubbling with energy day and night. Foodies will find a lot to love in the neighborhood’s fertile dining scene, from brunch on a budget to delicious fine dining at spots such as Grassa and Higgin’s.
Residents can start their day at Case Study Coffee Roasters, a high-end java joint with a rich, wooden interior and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in lots of light, perfect for the ornamental greenery. Avid readers will find respite at Powell’s City of Books, often cited as the largest bookstore in the world, taking up an entire city block and housing more than a million new and used books. On Broadway, the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall — affectionately known as “The Schnitz” — is a grand Italian Renaissance-style venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in showbiz, including Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, Prince and Madonna.
Delicious handcrafted pasta from Grassa is a staple in Downtown Portland, OR.
Readers will love Powell’s City of Books, the largest new and used bookstore in the world.
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Lunchtime plaza lounging and festivals by the Willamette River
Once a bleak parking structure, Pioneer Courthouse Square is now a thriving gathering space that attracts more than 11 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited sites in Oregon. Nearby, the South Park Blocks green space spans 12 blocks, passing the Portland Art Museum, the Oregon Historical Society and the Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University. Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park, a 1.5-mile gem, runs between Northwest Glisan Street and RiverPlace Marina. It’s the perfect place for a picnic, people-watching or taking in some live music. “Several times a year there are major events like the Dragon Boat Festival, the Rose Festival and the Jazz Festival,” Weyler says. “These are festive affairs, and thousands of people come out to enjoy them.”
Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Downtown Portland features paths for scenic runs and bike rides.
Many come downtown on Saturday mornings for the Portland Farmer's Market at South Park Blocks
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Zipping around Portland via MAX trains and bicycle lanes
A legion of office buildings soar above the city center, and folks who live downtown can quickly commute to work on foot. With numerous bike lines, bus routes and MAX light rail trains zipping through the neighborhood, visiting other parts of the city is no problem, either.
Dedicated bike lanes and sidewalks make Downtown Portland a pedestrian friendly community.
TRIMET buses and MAX light rail trains roll throughout Downtown Portland
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Highly rated public schools and private academies
While the neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly, public schools are about a mile away. Students can start learning at Ainsworth Elementary School, followed by West Sylvan Middle School and Lincoln High School, each of which received an A-minus or better from Niche.
Alternatively, local private schools are an option. Founded in 1990, the International School of Portland is an independent K-5 school offering full immersion in Chinese, Japanese and Spanish cultures. Kids can then move on to Northwest Academy, named by Niche as Oregon’s No. 1 high school for the arts. Considering the private schools’ downtown location, teachers often expand classroom instruction into exploratory field trips to local museums and theaters.
Teens living in Downtown Portland usually attend Lincoln High School nearby.
Students attend Portland State University in Downtown Portland, OR.
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Downtown revitalization efforts
Like many cities in the U.S., Portland contends with issues related to housing insecurity. According to city officials, homelessness increased 65% from 2015 to 2023, leading to hundreds of illegal encampments across downtown and the rest of the city. Responding to the crisis, the city committed to hiring 300 new police officers and personnel, in addition to opening more shelters for community support.
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
Are you familiar with the Downtown Portland neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Portland
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Portland Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Portland, Portland sell after 119 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Portland, Portland over the last 12 months is $300,000, down 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stunning, light filled SE corner unit at the Strand Condominiums! Sweeping Willamette River and park views from this well-appointed 8th floor abode. Impeccably maintained and updated home with gas fireplace, granite counters, Bosch appliances and brand new warm wood floors! Versatile, great room floor plan and wall of windows maximize the river view. Primary suite with walk-in closet, soaking tub
Truly Amazing Value for this 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath City Residence complete with Deeded Parking & Storage in the heart of Downtown Portland. Move-in-Ready with fresh paint and new carpet. High-Speed-Fiber-Optic 1G internet service included in HOA. This Skidmore, Owings & Merrill designed complex is a mid-mod example of the firm's brutalist 1960's architecture with solid concrete, quiet construction.
There's never a dull moment from the Panoramic City-Skyline & Sparkling River views from every corner of this magnificent high-rise residence. The outdoor terrace is your private gateway to the kinetic vistas the Willamette River and the shimmering Cityscape. A cozy primary bedroom suite and an additional bedroom offers the flexibility of space you've been hoping to find in this freshly painted,
Enjoy carefree living in the city with urban views! Private unit with wall of glass. Open great room. Amenities include 24 hour concierge, a library, fitness room, security, outdoor pool with room to enjoy social gatherings by the barbecue, herb garden, fire pit...all gated in the middle of the city with well maintained grounds, Keller Auditorium, waterfront with biking and walking trails, food
Welcome to the best of urban living just steps from the beautiful downtown park blocks! Enjoy short walks to the Arlene Schnitzer concert hall, Portland Art Museum, Portland State University and a plethora of cafes and restaurants. This first floor one level home was just freshly renovated with new luxury vinyl plank flooring, fresh interior paint through out. The open great room concept allows
Perched high in the iconic KOIN Tower at Fountain Plaza, this extraordinary condominium offers an unparalleled sanctuary of refined luxury and breathtaking vistas. By day, gaze eastward to the majestic silhouette of Mt. Hood, where the sun rises in a symphony of golden hues, casting a radiant glow across the landscape. To the south, the serene Willamette River unfurls like a ribbon of liquid
From floor to ceiling and bed to bath, elegant finishes impress at Park Avenue West. Thoughtful amenity details fashion the perfect balance of comfort and intention. Now leasing luxurious urban living with studio, one, and two-bedroom floorplans available. This is a brand new kind of urban life. One defined by quality and by esteem. A life uniquely rooted in downtown Portland. Enjoy
Welcome to Clay & Tiffany, your dream community where comfort, leisure, and entertainment blend seamlessly with your Portland lifestyle. Ideally located in the heart of West Portland, our apartments offer thoughtfully designed floorplans, top-tier amenities, and a vibrant atmosphere filled with history and charm. Whether you're attending frequent community events or unwinding in the resident
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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.
