$478,774Average Value$315Average Price per Sq Ft38Homes For Sale
An increasingly popular community
Montavilla, once called Mount Tabor Village, gets its name from the abbreviated “Mt. Ta. Villa” that was on 19th-century streetcar signs. What was once a small farming area has transformed into a bustling East Portland neighborhood. Home to a couple of major commercial thoroughfares like SE Stark Street, Montavilla offers a vibrant culinary scene with everything from a Lebanese eatery to a newer restaurant inspired by Bangkok’s Chinatown. Small establishments dot the streets, offering residents an array of opportunities to shop locally, and the neighborhood is even home to a year-round farmers market. Moreover, this community boasts several green spaces, giving residents easy access to outside recreational activities without ever having to leave their neighborhood. Still, its proximity to Mount Tabor, a park built on an extinct Volcano, is one of the main nature-filled highlights that residents can enjoy. Midcentury properties like sprawling ranch-style dwellings line the streets here, and their price point is just one of the draws to the community. It’s not just the amenities and the homes that attract people wanting to move to the east side of Portland. “People are pretty darn friendly, and it’s an area where many people live and have lived for many years,” says Matt Gillgam, a broker with RE/MAX Advantage Group who grew up in the neighborhood. “It’s slowly becoming a quaint pocket that’s getting more and more popular.”
A bustling shopping and dining scene
Home to a couple of main commercial thoroughfares, including SE Stark Street, Glisan Street and 82nd Street, Montavilla boasts plenty of unique establishments that have become what this community is known for. SE Stark Street features everything from the historic Academy Theater, which shows second-run movies, to Mr. Plywood, a local hardware stop. These main commercial streets have become much more than just a shopping destination. "People like to hang out in the quaint neighborhood," Gillgam says. "There are plenty of areas to relax outside, offering enjoyment to all." One of the establishments that boasts picnic table seating is Ya Hala, a Lebanese eatery. Another popular spot in the community is Bipartisan Cafe, which is known for its homemade pies. Montavilla is also home to several Asian eateries and shops, including Yaowarat, whose flavors are inspired by Bangkok's Chinatown on Yaowarat Road. "It's a perfect example of the cool new establishments coming to Portland. It's the kind of stuff that makes Portland known as a food city," says Alex Roy, a broker with John L. Scott Real Estate, who specializes in the east side of Portland. For groceries, locals can head to Hong Phat Food Center or grab essentials at the nearby Fred Meyers. Those on the hunt for fresh produce can enjoy the year-round Sunday Montavilla Farmer's Market, which is every week or every other week, depending on the season.
Gigantic Brewing's Robot Room offers indoor and outdoor seating for patrons.
Copper Moon Vintage Mercantile is a vintage boutigue selling beautifully simple objects.
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Midcentury properties: Bungalows and more
Along streets laid in a grid-like fashion are everything from Craftsman bungalows to sprawling ranch-style dwellings. Smaller cottages are also scattered around the neighborhood. Many of these properties are midcentury constructions, built anywhere from the ‘40s to the ‘70s, but some homes are even older. While development is relevantly limited here, some newer properties include contemporary two-story builds, duplexes, condos and townhouses. Also in the neighborhood are some apartment complexes, whose residents add to the 41% of renters in the community; however, most of Montavilla is comprised of single-family homes. Typically, prices range from $251,000 to $783,000, a price point Gillgam says can attract many homebuyers. Properties on the lower end of the scale are often condos or single-story constructions needing renovation, while cozy bungalows typically go for prices closer to the higher end of the scale. Many homes sit on relatively compact grassy lawns that often stretch toward narrow, sometimes sidewalk-lined streets on which many people park. Like other primarily residential urban areas, Montavilla has a relatively moderate sound score.
This home is an example of a well maintained and updated home in Montavilla.
A variety of large and small craftsman homes can be found in Montavilla.
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Neighborhood parks and recreational spaces
Montaville offers residents a couple of smaller, less than 10-acre parks. At Harrison Park, little league teams practice their sports on the soccer and baseball fields, and walking trails attract joggers and locals taking their dogs out for a walk. Similarly, at Berrydale Park, sports fields are commonly filled with people practicing, and kids can spend the afternoon having fun on the playground. Also in the park is a community garden where locals can grow their own produce. Popular among residents is Montavilla Park, where visitors can walk on trails that go through wooded areas and challenge their friends to a match on one of the sports fields. Adjacent to the park’s playground is the Montavilla Community Center, which, among other amenities, features an indoor and outdoor pool. Roy says it is one of the few centers that boasts both kinds of pools on the east side of Portland. For more outside opportunities, locals enjoy easy access to Mount Hood, a popular skiing destination around a 65-mile drive east via U.S. Route 26, and nearby beaches, including Rockaway Beach, which is around 95 miles west via state Route 6.
Harrison Park serves the Montavilla neighborhood.
Historic Mt Tabor Park offers beautiful vistas, hugr Doug Fir trees and hiking trails.
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Events: Mount Tabor, Montavilla Street Fair and more
A big draw to the community is its proximity to Mount Tabor. At just 1.5 miles away, this 191-acre space is popular among hikers wanting to walk on volcanic cinders that were used to pave some of the park’s paths. Scenic city views award those who trek to the mountain’s summit. “There’s always something happening in the park,” Roy says. While organized bike races are common, “they also have live music in the summertime and the annual soap box derby where people make their own go-carts,” Gillgam says. Every third Saturday of August, many people picnic along the pathways to watch hobby racers compete in uniquely decorated constructions. “Some high schools do their reunion events at Mount Tabor,” Gillgam adds. The Business District of Montavilla offers many other events locals can enjoy, including the annual Montavilla Street Fair, where patrons peruse local art, enjoy tasty flavors and spend their day listening to live music. For other local gatherings, many residents here are members of the nonprofit Montavilla Neighborhood Association, which offers monthly meetings and features an active volunteering community.
Portland Public Schools and higher learning opportunities
Children can enroll in Portland Public Schools, including Bridger Creative Science School, an elementary school that receives a B-plus rating from Niche. This school focuses on the concept of constructivism, which is that students learn based on the foundations of previously learned material. Another option for elementary school is C-plus-rated Harrison Park School, which offers education for kindergarten through 8th grade. Harrison Park is one of the area’s Schools Uniting Neighborhoods (SUN) Community Schools, which means that it provides after-school programs and engagement opportunities for families. To finish their schooling, they can attend B-rated Leodis V. McDaniel High School, which was recently renamed from Madison High School to honor one of the few Black high school principals in Oregon in the ‘80s. Students can take advantage of career and technical education opportunities in various fields, including engineering and business. The school partners with higher education learning institutions, including Portland Community College, to offer dual credit opportunities. The community college’s southeast campus and Multnomah University, a private Christian college, are in Montavilla.
Bridger Elementary School on SE Market Street in Montavilla.
Madison High School, Renamed Leodis McDaniel High School, is a Public High School Serving the Lents-Powellhurst Gilbert Neighborhood of Portland, OR.
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Important to know: Transportation, major employers and more
Conveniently bounded by Interstate 84 and Interstate 205, Montavilla is the picture of convenient travel. It’s known as a walkable community, and while many people drive or bike, they can also take advantage of TriMet’s public bus systems and nearby MAX Light Rail Stations, including the one on SE Main Street. Also nearby is Gateway Transit Center. Residents can take a 40-minute or so ride on Bus Line 19 to downtown Portland or take the 6.5-mile drive west via I-84. Some locals work in the heart of the downtown area, while others work in the community. Nearby major employers include Providence Portland Medical Center, which is less than 2 miles away and an Intel location, which is around 20 miles west via U.S. Route 26. Residents can take that same route to Nike’s headquarters, which is around 16 miles west. As for the weather, “I’d say it’s true that we get a fair amount of rain in the wintertime; however, that is what gives us our beautiful summers,” Gillgam says. Those wanting to escape the rainy winters head to Portland International Airport, which is 5.5 miles away via I-205.
Interstate 84 is easily accessible from Montavilla.
PDX International Airport serves the Portland Metro region.
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.
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I like Montavilla because it's quiet and cute. It's close to shops on SE Stark, which is nice. Also public transportation is plentiful in Montavilla. I only wish there were more grocery stores in the area.
3.0Niche User
7/18/2016Niche Review
No major crimes only car accidents, usually safe
4.0Current Resident
4/17/2019Niche Review
I love this neighbourhood. The homelessness problem is a little out of hand, but it's the same as the rest of Portland. Good for kids.
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Montavilla Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Montavilla, Portland sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Montavilla, Portland over the last 12 months is $425,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This classic Ted Asbahr home—crafted by one of Portland’s most respected mid-century builders who shaped entire neighborhoods—has the space, updates, and charm you have been looking for. With 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and generous living areas, it is designed for both everyday living and entertaining. On the main floor, you will enjoy a welcoming living room with a cozy fireplace, a dining room,
Charming 2 bed, 1 bath cottage with new furnace & AC. This Montavilla cottage has vintage character and modern comfort. Refinished hardwoods flow through light-filled living spaces, the kitchen shines with original vintage countertops that add timeless charm. Step outside to an expansive, landscaped backyard—ideal for alfresco dining or evenings by the fire—with a covered deck for year-round use.
Beautifully remodeled Montavilla single-level home just blocks from Mount Tabor Park! This one-level, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home features wood floors throughout, an oversized living room window that fills the space with natural light, and ceiling fans in both the living room and primary bedroom for year-round comfort. The brand-new kitchen showcases updated cabinets, quartz counters, and
Opportunity abounds in this charming 1900s Victorian, ideally located in the heart of Montavilla!Enjoy a highly walkable and bike-friendly neighborhood, surrounded by coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. The inviting wraparound porch captures plenty of sun, while the bright living and dining rooms feature classic fir floors. The spacious kitchen connects to a pantry/utility room and full bath on
Completely renovated Portland home blending modern comfort with classic charm! This 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home features a brand-new kitchen with stylish finishes, new appliances, and new flooring throughout, plus beautifully refinished hardwoods that add warmth and character. Updates include a new furnace, A/C, and a fully remodeled bathroom with a custom walk-in shower. Enjoy the spacious fenced
Welcome to this beautifully updated townhome that blends style, comfort, and convenience. The main level features new laminate flooring, fresh paint, and a spacious living room anchored by a striking stone fireplace. Large windows and sliding doors fill the home with natural light and open to a private patio—perfect for morning coffee or quiet relaxation. The modern kitchen showcases granite
Bryce RosenbaumHarcourts Real Estate Network Group
Welcome home to Milepost 5! Our affordable housing community in Portland, OR, offers private studio units, community amenities, and a well-connected address. Located on a two-acre campus in the historic Montavilla neighborhood, half the units feature their own bathroom en suite, while the other half have dorm-style bathrooms. All units have shared kitchens, and laundry is available on-site. Our
Please note that as a student community, you must be enrolled in school at least half-time (partners and dependents are allowed). Just a block from Portland Community College and moments away from light rail and bus lines, Connery Place is ideally suited for students. We offer a variety of floor plans from one-bedroom designs to spacious two-bedroom apartment homes. We even offer a
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