Why Live in South Waterfront
South Waterfront in Portland is a burgeoning high-rise retail and urban residential neighborhood, part of the city's largest redevelopment project. This area is transforming into a high-density, mixed-use community with a focus on sustainable living. The neighborhood, anchored by the historic Ross Island Bridge, features greenspaces and paved walking trails along the riverfront. Buildings range from six to over 35 stories, including condominiums, apartment buildings, and medical research towers for Oregon Health and Science University’s Center for Health & Healing. South Waterfront is known for its walkability and proximity to downtown Portland, making it a convenient location for residents. Dining options include the highly-rated Lebanese restaurant Al-Hawr, the award-winning Comedor Lilia, and The Growler Guys, known for their craft beer selection. Urbana Market provides a variety of convenience items and fresh foods. The neighborhood hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the Portland Folk Festival and the India Festival. Elizabeth Caruthers Park and Tom McCall Waterfront Park offer recreational spaces with bocce courts, splash pads, and walking paths along the Willamette River. The area is well-served by Portland's public transportation, including buses, the Portland Streetcar, and the MAX Light Rail. The Portland Aerial Tram connects residents to the Oregon Health and Science University campus. While there are no schools within the neighborhood, Ainsworth Elementary and Jackson Middle are highly rated and located within a 5-mile radius. South Waterfront is bordered by Interstate 5, facilitating easy travel in and out of the neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Waterfront a good place to live?
South Waterfront is a good place to live. South Waterfront is considered fairly walkable and a biker's paradise with great transit options. South Waterfront is a suburban neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. South Waterfront has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is very dense in population with 29.2 people per acre and a median age of 40. The average household income is $138,467 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 85.5% of residents. A majority of residents in South Waterfront are renters, with 79.3% of residents renting and 20.7% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving South Waterfront can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
South Waterfront neighborhood guide.
Is South Waterfront, OR a safe neighborhood?
South Waterfront, OR is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in South Waterfront?
The median home price in South Waterfront is $625,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $125,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.21%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,070 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $132K a year to afford the median home price in South Waterfront. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in South Waterfront is $138K.
What are the best public schools in South Waterfront?
The best public schools that serve South Waterfront are:
What are the best private schools in South Waterfront?
The best private schools that serve South Waterfront are:
What are the most popular zip codes in South Waterfront, Portland, OR?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near South Waterfront, Portland, OR?
Home Trends in South Waterfront, OR
On average, homes in South Waterfront, Portland sell after 102 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in South Waterfront, Portland over the last 12 months is $600,000, up 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$600,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$785,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$397,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$442
Number of Homes for Sale
23
Last 12 months Home Sales
45
Median List Price
$625,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
17%
