South Waterfront offers award-winning homes, healthcare and cuisine
South Waterfront, Portland is a high-rise retail and urban residential neighborhood in the heart of the largest redevelopment project in Portland’s history. South Waterfront is in mid-transformation to become a high-density, mixed-use urban community with an emphasis on sustainable development and living. When completed, the neighborhood will be home to about 5,000 residents. Launching at Waterfront Park, South Waterfront’s anchor is the historic Ross Island Bridge, known as one of the few cantilevered deck truss bridges in Oregon. Greenspace and paved walking trails line the riverfront, just as trendy and highly-rated restaurants welcome residents.
Buildings in South Waterfront range from six stories to 35 or more, with the tallest being condominiums, apartment buildings or medical research towers for Oregon Health and Science University’s Center for Health & Healing. Realtor Christy MacColl, a real estate agent with Windermere Realty Trust for more than 15 years, explains the neighborhood’s appeal. “South Waterfront is very convenient to OHSU, our teaching hospital, and it offers unbeatable walkability for an urban, waterfront neighborhood. Buyers come here for its location next to downtown Portland but also for its exciting, outdoor-friendly vibe.”
Media attention and awards praise the dining scene in South Waterfront
While the neighborhood is still relatively young, it’s already home to well-regarded restaurants, like Al-Hawr, which has established itself as the best Lebanese spot in town. Award-winning and super-trendy Comedor Lilia offers Pacific Northwest items with accents of Mexican cuisine. The Growler Guys are leaders in the West Coast craft beer industry and may be more passionate about what they sell than their buyers. Urbana Market offers everything from convenience items and fresh foods to a well-stocked wine and beer alcove.
Waterfront condominiums are the stars of South Waterfront
The newest condominiums in South Waterfront include Mirabelle, Atwater Place, The John Ross Tower and The Meriwether. Prices range from $300,000 to more than $1,500,000. Two-bedroom condominiums have recently sold from $540,000 to $1,400,000, while one-bedrooms have sold from $325,000 to $450,000.
Downtown Portland sets a high bar for outdoor festivals year-round
From the Portland Folk Festival in January and the Cascade Festival of African Films in February, to the UFO Festival in May and the India Festival in August, it’s no wonder that Portland ranks in the top 20 most festive cities in America, according to Katiecouric.com.
Riverfront walking paths are just outside of condominiums in South Waterfront
Locals of all ages regularly enjoy the bocce courts, splash pad and flowering herb gardens at Elizabeth Caruthers Park. Tom McCall Waterfront Park and Greenway is a short walk from most residences and offers almost 5 acres of paved walking paths along the Willamette River. It is an environmentally certified site notable for its water-saving and eco-preservation efforts. It’s also one of the best places in the area to view the city, Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens.
From trains to trams, Portland offers easy ways to get around South Waterfront
Portland is known for its energy-efficient public transportation, miles of bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly city streets. Many residents own cars, but they find they can often forego driving for bus, Portland Streetcar and MAX Light Rail service. Residents who work at Oregon Health and Science University – and those who want to take in the best scenery of Portland from the sky – can hop on the Portland Aerial Tram, which connects the neighborhood to the University campus. South Waterfront is bordered on the west by Interstate 5, making it easy to get in or out of the neighborhood.
Highly-rated schools and one research university serve local students
Students can attend schools in the Portland Public School District. While there aren't any schools inside the neighborhood itself, more than 25 public and private schools are within a 5-mile radius. Ainsworth Elementary earns an overall Niche grade of A-minus, while Jackson Middle earns a B-plus. Ida B. Wells-Barnett High earns an 8 out of 10 ranking from Great Schools and offers 27 Advanced Placement courses. Oregon Health and Science University, in South Waterfront is a public research university anchored to two nearby hospitals.
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
Coveted Atwater Place Condo with Amazing Willamette River Views! Take in the Stunning River Views from Your New Deck! Beautifully Updated in Summer 2025: Paint|Carpet|Refinished Hardwood Floors. Entertain your Family + Friends in this Lovely One Level Condo with Covered Deck and River Views. Enjoy Your River Days all Year + Christmas Ship Views for the Holidays. Stroll South on the River Walk
Jen WileyCascade Hasson Sotheby's International Realty
This is not your typical condominium! The mid-tower location blends the Mount Hood view with the Willamette River view in equal proportions. It's a home filled with remarkable upgrades selected at the time of construction and meticulously maintained. It sets itself apart with a fully custom Valcucine kitchen of Italian design, a full granite slab and backsplash, a Sub-Zero refrigerator,
Sunny south facing home with river views in the highly coveted Atwater Place. Thoughtfully designed for both style and function, this light-filled home boasts an efficient & open floor plan - situated as the closest one bedroom home to the river. The expansive primary suite includes an ensuite bathroom with double sinks, a walk-in shower & soaking tub, along with two closets for exceptional
Experience carefree days by the Willamette River every day. At Willamette Tower, coming home feels like a permanent vacation by the water's edge. With impressive finishes and resort-quality amenities, our apartments allow you to live a life that exceeds expectations. With so much to do in the South Waterfront, our perfect location offers a vibrant new lifestyle with endless activities to enjoy.
Book a virtual tour on our website today!* Discover the home of your dreams at Osprey Apartments where you can truly have it all! Proximity to downtown allows you to simplify your commute and add more enjoyment to your day. Eagerly return home and allow the river current to soothe you into serenity. Become known for entertaining groups of friends. Host a cocktail party in the chef-equipped
There’s no city quite like Portland – and there’s no apartment quite like The Dylan. In the heart of the South Waterfront District, infused with the neighborhood’s unique energy and unforgettable soul, The Dylan offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments for the free spirits who call Portlandia home. Find yourself satisfied. Find yourself rewarded. Find yourself exactly as you deserve
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ernest Cooper,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
4,469
Median Age
40
Population Density
30 ppl/acre
Population under 18
11.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$116,708
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$138,467
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.9%
College Graduates
85.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
49.3%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
2''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
98/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
89/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
79/ 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.
