The Northwest District of Portland blends the old with the new and the urban with the wild. Progressive restaurants and trendy boutiques have moved into buildings with a charm that only comes from being around a century old. Modern condos have sprung up near original Craftsman homes and Victorians from the 1800s. Though the neighborhood is known for its shopping, food scene and walkability, it also neighbors a massive natural refuge, Forest Park.
Though it’s always been close to the center of town, the Northwest District has gone through a resurgence in recent years. “We moved to the Pearl in 2014 because this area just wasn’t as established. If it was what it is today back then, we would have easily chosen here,” says Sarita Dua, a principal broker with Keller Williams Sunset Corridor. “And when it came time for my daughter to pick a place, there was no other place for her to look but here.”
Uptown Portland sits just below the West Hills in Portland, OR.
Uptown residents enjoy the walkability to shopping and dining within the neighborhood.
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Original Portland Craftsman homes and modern condos
The Northwest District consists of stately, historic homes, built during the Arts and Crafts movement of the 1910s and 1920s. However, developers have been constructing modern condos throughout the urban, northeastern area of the neighborhood, commonly known as Slabtown. Original Craftsman houses built between 1900 and 1930 are defined by their elaborate molding—both exterior and interior—many coming with built-in features and stained glass inside. Queen Anne Victorians built in the 1890s often feature fish-scale siding in rich colors, and the neighborhood includes a handful of contemporary builds that sprang up throughout the last half of the 20th century. Many of these homes have access to 21st and 23rd avenues, while those tucked away in the western hills flaunt views of the snow-capped Mount Hood, fetching between $1.3 million and $2 million. Those with fewer updates may cost between $775,000 and $1 million.
Condos can be found in both historic buildings from the 1910s and 1920s, as well as contemporary, mixed-use construction from the 2000s. Those with 500 to 1,000 square feet can go for between $275,000 and $400,000, while those with around 500 square feet or less range from $150,000 to $200,000.
Colorful Townhomes in a row of a neighborhood in Uptown Portland.
Victorian Home style in Uptown Portland.
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Hiking to the Witch’s Castle and the Pittock Mansion
Though the neighborhood is largely known for its food scene, swanky shops and proximity to the Pearl District, it’s still seamlessly connected to nature. Forest Park—just northwest of the neighborhood—is one of the country’s largest urban parks, covering almost 5,200 acres and including more than 80 miles of running, bicycling and horseback riding trails. Connected to Forest Park, the trails of Macleay Park lead to two well-known destinations: an old moss-covered stone park ranger station, known as the “Witch’s Castle,” as well as the historic Pittock Mansion, which boasts one of the best views of Portland.
The Multnomah Athletic Club—lovingly known as the MAC Club—is popular for indoor recreation, organized sports and social activities. Members of the largest private athletic and social club in the county can join its competitive teams for alpine skiing and snowboarding, artistic swimming, competitive swimming, basketball, climbing, dance, gymnastics and volleyball. Portland’s professional soccer teams, the Thorns and the Timbers, play just south of the neighborhood in Providence Park.
Play basketball at Wallace Park on NW 25th Ave in Portland.
Colorful sculptures at Lower Macleay Park in Portland, OR.
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Vaux’s Swift watching at Chapman Elementary
Students across the Northwest District may attend Chapman Elementary School, which receives a B-plus grade from Niche. In addition to academics, the school is known for being a stop along the Vaux’s Swifts’ yearly route south in September. Thousands of dark, sparrow-sized birds form a vortex around the school’s smokestack before settling there for the night, drawing a crowd of observers to the school grounds every year.
After Chapman, students may attend West Sylvan Middle School, which receives an A-minus, before finishing their secondary education at A-rated Lincoln High School, which was rebuilt and reopened in 2022.
A grand entrance welcomes students to the Emerson School on NW 20th Ave in Uptown Portland.
Chapman Elementary School is committed to student success in Uptown Portland.
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Streetcars, TriMet buses and Interstate 405
One of the Northwest District’s main draws is its walkability—particularly to the trendy boutiques and staple Portland restaurants lining 21st and 23rd avenues. However, single-family homeowners may find on-street parking difficult. One of the Portland streetcar’s routes loops through the commercial section of the neighborhood, connecting it to downtown, though several TriMet buses stop throughout the Northwest District as well. Burnside Street marks the neighborhood’s southern area, running across the width of Portland and separating the city on its north and south sides. The neighborhood’s eastern boundary takes the form of Interstate 405, which separates it from the famous Pearl District and crosses the Willamette River to the east side of Portland.
Proximity to I-405 and Hwy 30 make commuting around town a breeze in Uptown.
Tri-Met has several bus and light rail lines that run through the Uptown Neighborhood.
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Boutiques, bars and bites on 21st and 23rd
The boutiques, eateries, cocktail bars and coffee shops along 21st and 23rd avenues, commonly known as Nob Hill, are considered some of the most popular in Portland. “There’s a couple of main drags where you could just window shop and sort of stumble through all day, grab snacks and keep going,” Dua says. “There’s a lot to do for every age, whether you’re young and just looking for a fun time, antique shopping or looking for home goods.”
The Dragonfly Coffee House is a popular spot to settle into a weathered leather sofa and enjoy the coffee the Pacific Northwest is famous for. The aroma of freshly baked bread slips out of Ken’s Artisan Bakery—and often, there’s a line of patient customers in the mornings. The crowd at The Pharmacy PDX starts to pick up around 10 or 11 p.m. on weekends. Bamboo Sushi offers classic and more experimental rolls, sashimi and craft cocktails in a sleek, modern interior with an emphasis on sustainable fishing. Though Papa Haydn has a full dinner menu, it’s widely known for Viennese-style cakes and other elaborately plated desserts. The neighborhood is also filled with walkable grocery options, from Trader Joe’s and New Seasons Market to Fred Meyer.
Burmese dishes served by cute robots at Top Burmese Burma Joy in Uptown Portland.
Unique toys, books and gifts at MudPuddles Toys and Books in Uptown Portland.
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
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Parks in this Area
Couch Park
Trails
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Jamison Square
Picnic Area
Trails
Forest Park
Tanner Springs Park
Trails
The Fields Park
Picnic Area
Multi-Purpose Field
Wallace Park
Baseball/Softball
Dog Park
Multi-Purpose Field
Lower Macleay Park
Transit
Airport
Portland International
22 min drive
Subway
Nw 18Th & Northrup
Subway
Nw 18Th & Lovejoy
Subway
Nw 21St & Northrup
Subway
Nw 21St & Lovejoy
Subway
Nw 22Nd & Northrup
Subway
Nw 22Nd & Lovejoy
Subway
Nw 23Rd & Marshall
Bus
NW 21st & Pettygrove
Bus
NW 27th & Vaughn & Montgomery Park
Bus
NW Cornell & Westover
Bus
NW Everett & 21st
Bus
2400 Block NW Westover
Bus
NW Thurman & 23rd Pl
Bus
NW Thurman & 32nd
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Northwest District
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
8
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
8
4
Larceny
8
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Northwest District Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Northwest District, Portland sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Northwest District, Portland over the last 12 months is $425,000, down 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Prime NW Portland 4-Plex—On the pulse of NW 23rd Avenue’s electric scene—brimming with trendsetting cuisine, boutique shopping, and an unmistakable city vibe. This well-maintained 4-plex offers a rare chance to own an income-generating property in one of Portland’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Each unit offers hardwood floors, a cozy fireplace, and period details that exude timeless
Vintage Charm Meets Urban Convenience in the Heart of the Alphabet District. Discover timeless character in this serene corner unit at the Historic Tudor Arms, ideally situated in Portland’s vibrant Nob Hill/Alphabet District. This thoughtfully designed floor plan offers flexibility throughout the seasons, easily reconfigure your bedroom and living areas to suit your lifestyle and needs. The
Live in the heart of one of Portland’s most iconic neighborhoods in this stylish northwest-facing corner unit at The Vaux. With two bedrooms and two full bathrooms, this condo combines urban accessibility with private, grounded comfort—including its own street-level entrance and a spacious, gated patio perfect for morning coffee or evening gatherings. Inside, the gourmet kitchen is a dream for
This exceptional 3-bedroom (plus office), 2.5-bath condo offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience — just two blocks from NW 23rd Ave’s renowned boutique shops and restaurants. A true walker and biker’s paradise! Step inside to find a spacious and light-filled layout, featuring expansive living, dining, and family rooms, plus a versatile office/flex space. Large
OPEN Sun 6/8 1-3 Exquisite Victorian! Portland's historic Nob Hill/Alphabet District, blending classic elegance with modern comforts. The stunning, bright, spacious 2-level upper residence (more than 1800 sq ft) exudes charm and character & the flavor of NW Portland. Live here and rent the 2 main floor apartments, or use as single family home, or rent all (projected rents $6200 long term, or
* Great location and opportunity to own your own space along the waterfront in NW Portland at Riverscape. The space is an office but could possibly be a live work.
Millhouse is where hard work is rewarded with a stately home filled with tasteful indulgences. Where urban energy is met with social club comfort. And where every day begins and ends in a place that is as stylish as it is soulful. Studios, one-, and two- bedroom apartments located in the Slabtown neighborhood of Portland, OR.
Slabtown Square is as it sounds: the central gathering place in Slabtown in Northwest Portland. Anchored by a public square and distinguished by thoughtful culinary offerings and curated local retail, Slabtown Square is your center of gravity and an extraordinary place to call home.Here, you belong to a vibrant community and enjoy insider perks and access. From designer-personalized spaces to
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Peter Cutile,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
18,134
Median Age
37
Population Density
20 ppl/acre
Population under 18
14.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$76,877
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$101,419
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.2%
College Graduates
70.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
28.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
77.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
31°F
Average Summer High Temperature
78°F
Annual Snowfall
3''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
93/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
96/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
50/ 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.
