The Portland realty market suffered the same fate during the pandemic. The “Shelter in Place” orders almost brought Portland’s real estate market to a halt less than two years ago. In just a few months, however, there are positive signs of activity, just like elsewhere in the country. Particularly, Portland’s housing market trends were the beneficiaries of continued buying and selling. Investors should be excited for 2022 and beyond, given the amount of activity that has been generated in recent years.
The most encouraging aspect of today’s market is the potential created by the Coronavirus disruption. Investors can capitalize on the new market landscape by finding the right exit strategies and knowing where to look.
As many people are more comfortable moving to suburban areas, prices will likely rise. COVID-19, specifically, has made it possible for more people to work remotely, eliminating the necessity to live near an office. People will also be avoiding Coronavirus hotbeds within the city limits. This should encourage more people to search for suburban alternatives. People are already moving to suburban areas in response to national trends. The Portland housing market is no exception.
Recent trends should be taken into consideration by the Portland real estate investment community. Even the most basic Portland housing market forecast predicts a migration from “suburbia” to city living. Prices may fall and vacancies could rise. People who want to benefit from the latest trends should consider suburban areas. For those who are in it for the long-term, prices may drop in the city. Apartments within the city may be available at a discounted price if they do.
Portland is the second-largest Pacific Northwest city and is an ideal place to settle down and raise children. It boasts friendly neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and outdoor recreation. These are the five best Portland neighborhoods for families!
- Forest Park
- Hillsdale
- Irvington
- Sellwood-Moreland
- Southwest Hills
Forest Park
- Home Price: $664,927 median purchase price; $900 median monthly rent
- Safety: More than 81% of Portland Neighborhoods are safer than the crime rate
Forest Park is a great place to live in Portland if you have kids. Forest Park is located adjacent to this neighborhood. This means that you can find great condos as well as larger single-family homes in the area. You are also close to amazing outdoor activities. Forest Park is a great place to get a good education. Families have access to top schools such as Stoller Middle School and Cedar Mill Elementary.
Things to do in Forest Park
Forest Park offers more than 5,000 acres worth of trails, woodlands and green spaces for you to explore with your family. You can take your children birdwatching with you or find out more about the care Portland Audubon provides for injured or orphaned animals. Oregon Zoo has everything you need, from red pandas to giraffes.
You can visit Pittock Mansion, Portland’s House on the Hill. Here you can tour the historic house and take in the views of the Cascade Mountains. Skyline Burger is a family-friendly restaurant that serves a BBQ Bacon Burger as well as a Chocolate Shake. Joy Wok, a local Chinese restaurant, offers takeout favorites such as Lemon Chicken and Kung Pao Chicken. Skyline Tavern offers Panini Grilled Cheese and Currywurst.
Hillsdale
- Home Price: $458,562 median purchase price; $1,261 median monthly rent
- Safety: More than 81% of Portland Neighborhoods are safer than the crime rate
You are looking for a safe, family-friendly area within walking distance of downtown Portland? Hillsdale offers everything families need! This neighborhood in Southwest Portland has access to large green spaces such as Marquam Nature Park. It also offers housing options such as quaint cottages and spacious Craftsman-style homes, along with plenty of new construction.
Hillsdale also has several schools that are highly rated, including Rieke Elementary, Robert Gray Middle School and Wilson High School. This means kids don’t need to travel far to get their K-12 education.
Hillsdale: Things to Do
Get ready to have fun at Wilson Outdoor Pool. Grab your swimsuit. Enjoy incredible views of the city from George Himes Park by hiking the trails or having a picnic. Hillsdale Public Library offers creative writing classes and allows you to borrow your favorite books.
Hillsdale Farmers Market offers fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, baked goods and much more. Baker and Spice sell sweet treats such as cookies, cakes, pies, and cookies. Salvador Molly’s is a favorite local restaurant that offers a variety of delicious dishes, including the La Cubana Sandwich and the Catfish Po’Boy. You can also stop by Gigi’s Cafe for breakfast, where you can choose from waffles such as the Maple Bacon or Monte Cristo.
Irvington
- Home Price: $488,486 median purchase price; $1,086 median monthly rent
- Safety: More than 81% of Portland Neighborhoods are safer than the crime rate
For families, Historic Irvington is a great place to live in Portland! The neighborhood is a mix of Victorian-style and Dutch Colonial homes. It also has great schools such as Irvington Preschool, Irvington Elementary School and other family-friendly activities. Irvington is located on the east side of the Willamette River, making it easy for residents to commute 15 minutes into Downtown Portland, or across state lines to Vancouver, WA.
Things to do in Irvington
Your children can have fun at Irving Park’s splash pad and soccer field. Enjoy a movie on the big screen at Regal Lloyd Center & IMAX with popcorn. Irvington Tennis Club is where you can join the gym, play tennis, and take your kids to the pool.
Breakfast joint Cadillac Cafe serves hearty meals like Biscuits & Gravy and Chicken Fried Steak. Saint Simon Coffee is a great place to get an afternoon boost. Thai Pod Restaurant offers Thai favorites such as Teriyaki Chicken and Pad Thai. Eb & Bean offers a variety of frozen yogurt flavors, including Vanilla Roasted Macadamia and Hazelnut Praline.
Sellwood-Moreland
- Home Price: $413,850 median purchase price; $1,022 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Portland Neighborhoods are safer than 71%
The charming and affordable neighborhood of Sellwood-Moreland is located in Southeast Portland, along the Willamette River. This family-friendly neighborhood is surrounded by green spaces such as Westmoreland Park Nature Playground or Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. You will find an excellent mix of houses and apartments, from small cottages to Victorians, here. There are also top-quality schools such as Sellwood Middle School and Llewellyn Elementary School.
Things to do in Sellwood-Moreland
Sellwood Park offers a fun family day where you can play basketball, use the tennis courts or let your kids run wild on the playground. Participate in events such as Toddler Storytime or Read to Dogs.
Mini Golf, classic carnival games such as Balloon Bust, or classic arcade games like Balloon Bust are some of the many activities offered at Oaks Amusement Park. You can also shop at Stars Antique Mall, which sells vintage artwork, textiles and furniture. Enjoy a new twist on classic diner meals like the Chicken Fried Pork Chop and the Bertie Cristo at Bertie Lou’s Café. Grand Central Bakery also offers fresh bread, pastries, sandwiches, and other goodies.
Southwest Hills
- Home Price: $622,364 median purchase; $1,069 median monthly rent
- Safety: More than 81% of Portland Neighborhoods are safer than the crime rate
Are you looking for the best Portland neighborhood for families? Southwest Hills is a great choice! Southwest Hills is a popular choice for Portland families because of its large Colonial-style homes, tons of new construction and plenty of green space. There are also top schools such as Lincoln High School and Ainsworth Elementary School right nearby.
Things to do in Southwest Hills
Enjoy a picnic with your family while taking in the panoramic views of the city from Council Crest Park. Portland Japanese Garden offers a variety of gardens, including the Flat Garden, Natural Garden, and Tea Garden. Every Saturday, you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables at
the Portland State Farmer’s Market.
Sweet snacks from St. Barbra Pinoy Bakery are a great treat for your family, including Spanish Sweet Bread and Chocolate Chip Cookies. Vista Springs Cafe offers the Oregon Bleu Burger, Ultimate Grilled Cheese, and Mac and Cheese of The Day. Verde Cocina is a Mexican restaurant that serves traditional Mexican cuisines like enchiladas and fajitas.