Downtown and Northwest Portland are the most urban of Portland neighborhoods with a high concentration of restaurants shopping nightlife and cultural institutions. It’s easy to get around on foot or by public transportation here and drivers are known for obeying our pedestrian right-of-way making it safe and relatively stress-free to walk the downtown streets.
Portland’s downtown city blocks are an eclectic collection of both older grittier institutions like the Portland Outdoor Store in Old Town and high-end shinier options like the two-story REI in The Pearl.
Forest Park
For those who want easy access to nature Forest Park lies just west of downtown. Hikers, joggers, bikers and dogs enjoy 70 miles of recreational trails weaving through Douglas fir, western hemlock and western red cedar. Most of the forest is second growth but you’ll still find a few patches of old growth giants.
The sprawl of houses in the hills is considered the Northwest Heights where you’ll find some of Portland’s most expensive properties. The sweeping views of downtown and Mt. Hood in the distance as well as its proximity to Forest Park make this a premium spot for those who can afford it.
Victorian facades and boutique stores dominate Nob Hill also known as the Alphabet District where sophisticated come to play. The narrow streets are filled with storefronts from the uniquely Portland Moreland House which displays an impressive selection of gifts and collectibles for the dachshund lover in your life to well-known chains like Pottery Barn and Urban Outfitters.
The Portland streetcar connects Nob Hill to the Pearl District for a 4.8 mile shopping loop that will leave you in need of a lift. You wouldn’t want to walk with all those bags!
There’s plenty of variety within this part of town where downtown meets miles of trees shoppers quickly shift to hikers and the grittier sections of downtown quickly meet some of the trendiest streets in Portland. For those looking for variety activity and plenty of style Northwest might be the place for you.
Neighborhoods in Downtown/Northwest Portland
- Arlington Heights
- Downtown
- Forest Park
- Goose Hollow
- Hillside
- Linnton
- Lloyd Center
- Northwest Heights
- Northwest Industrial
- NW 21st & 23rd Avenue – Nob Hill
- Old Town/Chinatown
- Pearl District
- South Waterfront
- Sylvan Highlands
City of Portland: 503-823-4000 www.portlandoregon.gov
Portland Business Alliance: 503-224-8684 www.portlandalliance.com
Pearl District Business Association:503-227-8519 www.explorethepearl.com
