Known as one of the hippest communities in Portland, the Pearl District bursts with vibrancy, offering locals a one-stop shop for galleries that reflect years of artistic trends and an array of popular local eateries that span the world's different regional flavors. Remnants of the district's past, including cobblestone pathways and loading docks, offer reminders that this community was once a railroad and warehouse district. It was along the historic 13th Avenue, in these older warehouses, that the artistic community began to flourish, reflecting this neighborhood's commitment to repurposing spaces. While housing development in the Pearl District's early days started with mid-rises, as the Pearl District transformed into a popular gathering spot, offering a mecca of conveniences and events, more contemporary glass high-rises began to appear. "I discovered the Pearl District in its early stages when nobody knew it was even here," says Judie Dunken, the owner and principal broker of Judie Dunken Real Estate LLC, who is on the neighborhood association's board and has lived in the community for over 20 years. "I was intrigued by the idea that it was an area where you could live, work and enjoy recreational activities. As people discovered the Pearl District, it became a trendy area to hang out and live."
Pearl District, Portland, Oregon shot of the city with lots of commercial and residential.
The Pearl District offers shopping, dining and daily essentials all within walking distance.
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A hot spot for shopping, dining and art
One of the main highlights of the Pearl District is its array of unique eateries and shops, many of which sit along 13th Avenue. Dunken recommends Andina, an upscale Peruvian eatery known for its creative tapas and moody lighting. Another of her favorites is Ovation Coffee & Tea, a Moroccan-influenced café “always running out of scones. They’re so good that you have to stand in line,” she says. Nearby is Butterfly Bellow Asian Cuisine, which is locally renowned for its long-simmering pho broths and gluten-free options. The community is not short on pubs, either. One popular option is Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House, where patrons can enjoy made-in-house beers in a former auto-body repair shop. The Pearl District is also home to unique shops like Powell’s City of Books, known as the world’s largest new and used bookstore. Those wanting to further indulge their creative side can catch a show at Portland Center Stage or visit one of the Pearl District’s many art galleries, like Adams and Ollman, which features contemporary pieces and work from self-taught 20th-century artists. For groceries, Pearl is conveniently home to two Whole Foods locations and Safeway.
The community comes together for the great food & friendly atmosphere at The Fields Bar & Gril.
Blackfish Art Gallery has some amazing wall fixtures to visit and see some talented work.
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Housing options: Condos and penthouses galore
While most of the Pearl District’s housing is made up of apartment complexes, the neighborhood is also home to some mid-rises dating back to the early 20th century and modern glass high-rises. Prospective residents can find a number of vintage studios and chic penthouses, some of the latter offering concierge amenities. Also in the community are some brick townhouses, but these are less readily available. There are even some refurbished warehouses that have been converted into housing options. Prices typically range from $278,000 to $3 million. Prospective residents can find one-bedroom condos on the lower end of the scale, while properties that go for multimillions are often luxury penthouses, some of which sit right by the Willamette River. The community also offers several affordable housing options. Some residents here enjoy attached garages, but people also often park on tree-lined streets that feature sidewalks. Most people in the Pearl District are renters, with just 30% owning their properties, and many of these residents have to abide by HOA guidelines. Like other urban communities, the Pearl District has a pretty active sound score.
Modern apartments and condominiums are recently build in Pearl District, Portland, Oregon.
Modern condominiums are as tall as commercial skyscrapers in Pearl District, Portland, Oregon.
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Green spaces in an urban environment
The Pearl District's green spaces offer residents places to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Those with furry friends head to The Fields Park. In the summer, many locals cool off in Jamison Square's wading fountain, which is especially popular among children. Joggers here can plan their route through North Park Blocks, a tree-lined greenbelt also home to a food cart pod that makes for easy picnics in the park. Many runners also explore waterfront paths like the Willamette River Greenway Trail. Perhaps the district's most unique recreational space is Tanner Springs Park, which offers a relaxing wetland pond that gives the abundant rainwater from adjacent streets a place to go. Bordering the pond is an art wall made of fused glass pieces and railroad tracks. For other recreational opportunities, locals will be less than 3 miles away from Washington Park, home to the Oregon Zoo. Also nearby, at less than 10 miles away, is the 5200-acre Forest Park, where hikers head on steep trails that wind along creeks and through wooded areas.
Relax in the grass or play with your pups at The Fields Park in The Pearl District.
Relax and watch the ducks on the steps of Tanner Springs Park in The Pearl District.
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Pearl District Neighborhood Association and the Northwest Community Conservancy
A key contributor to the Pearl District's community-oriented culture is its involved neighborhood association, which advocates for a clean and supportive environment. The association recently installed cigarette receptacles throughout the area, and residents can also help keep the streets looking nice by becoming one of the PDNA Clean Team's volunteers. "We even have a person who has gone out every day of the week for the past 18 years, removing graffiti," Dunken says. The neighborhood association also works to address crime; the Pearl District receives a CAP Index score of 7 out of 10. Volunteers on the Foot Patrol take scheduled walks around the neighborhood streets, working to increase safety. "They even answer questions when people are out walking. They're kind of like ambassadors," Dunken says. The Northwest Community Conservancy (NWCC) also works to address crime, offering responses to security action requests. NWCC also provides humanitarian services, partnering with organizations like Loving One Another, which works to address the needs of people without housing.
We Stand Together sign at Keen
Locals come together on the Historic 13th Ave pedestrian street.
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First Thursday in the Peal and other events
Events, many of which the Business Association (PDBA) creates or promotes, bring residents together and attract people from nearby neighborhoods. First Thursday in the Pearl is among the community's most popular offerings. This monthly district-wide event started as an art collector gathering and has now evolved into a celebration that showcases local art and food along 13th Avenue. Musicians also serenade the thousands of people who come to check out the local vendors. Another popular event is the Art in the Pearl Festival, where people can head to Northwest Portland Park every Labor Day to explore hands-on art activities and local creations. The Pearl District Neighborhood Association often hosts other events. "We recently had two jazz events at the old Umpqua Bank. It was the kind of good stuff that feeds the soul," Dunken says. "We’re using that as a starting place." There is potential for more gatherings; many businesses and locals have been advocating to make Northwest 13th Avenue a pedestrian-only plaza, which could be a space for new events.
13th Ave. is a popular pedestrian only shopping and dining street in the Pearl District.
Grab some new hiking apparel at the KEEN Garage store on 13th Ave. in the Pearl District.
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Portland Public Schools and nearby higher learning opportunities
Children can enroll in Portland Public Schools, like Chapman Elementary School, which receives a B-plus rating from Niche. Chapman offers after-school opportunities, some of which are fee-based; in the past, the school offered Spanish. To continue their schooling, students can attend A-minus-rated West Sylvan Middle School, which features an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program and various activities, including community service options and a dance program. To finish their schooling, students can attend A-rated Lincoln High School. They’ll be able to take career and technical education courses in various fields, including audio engineering, computer science and design. For higher learning opportunities, locals will be near a couple of options, including Portland Community College’s downtown campus and Portland State University, both of which are less than 3 miles away.
West Sylvan Middle School is finished with a red brick facade.
Chapman Elementary School zoomed out shot of the area and surrounding buildings.
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Important to Know: Public transportation, employers and more
While some people drive, "many people get rid of their cars when they move here," Dunken says. "People love the Streetcar." The NS Line can get Pearl District residents to the heart of downtown Portland in just around 12 minutes. Lots of people will walk or bike to nearby areas, but they can also take advantage of TriMet's public bus systems. Some residents work in the neighborhood, which is home to various real estate offices and a couple of hotels. "Amazon is also buying up office space in the district," Dunken says. She adds that people may work in the tech industry or at one of the Portland area's biggest employers, Nike, whose headquarters are around 9.5 miles west via U.S. Route 2 or about an hour-long ride that will require multiple transfers. Another nearby employer is the Providence Portland Medical Center, which is 5.5 miles east via Interstate 84 or around a 40-minute ride on NS Line and Line 19. Locals can also take I-84 to the Portland International Airport, which is 11.5 miles east or around an hour-long ride on the MAX Red Line.
Hop on Hwy 205 or I-5 for easy access around Portland.
The Max lightrail and Tri-Met buses can take you anywhere you need to go in the Pearl District.
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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Parks in this Area
North Park Blocks
Trails
Playground
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
Transit
Airport
Portland International
22 min drive
Subway
Nw 10Th & Couch
Subway
Nw 11Th & Couch
Subway
Nw 10Th & Everett
Subway
Nw 11Th & Everett
Subway
Nw 10Th & Glisan
Subway
Nw 11Th & Glisan
Subway
Nw 10Th & Johnson
Subway
Nw 11Th & Johnson
Subway
Nw 10Th & Marshall
Subway
Nw 12Th & Northrup
Subway
Nw 14Th & Northrup
Subway
Nw 13Th & Lovejoy
Bus
W Burnside & NW 10th
Bus
W Burnside & NW 12th
Bus
NW Everett & 14th
Bus
NW Naito Parkway & 9th
Bus
NW Glisan & 12th
Bus
NW Everett & Park
Bus
NW Glisan & 14th
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.33 Reviews
4.0Current Resident
3/13/2018Niche Review
The Pearl District is the downtown place where lovers of art, farmers markets, food, music, and community go to support one another and have a good time. A common tourist spot with the park blocks.
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BEST PRICE IN THE BUILDING!!! Welcome to this exceptional top-floor penthouse in the historic Marshall Wells Lofts. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by an open floor plan with stunning 14' ceilings made from old-growth timber, all illuminated by abundant natural light streaming in from the courtyard. The unique cork flooring adds warmth and character to the space.This home has been
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jennifer Smeller,
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
12,079
Median Age
42
Population Density
49 ppl/acre
Population under 18
12.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$110,892
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$135,787
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.7%
College Graduates
76.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
37.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.7%
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®
99/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
98/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
87/ 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.
