By Stephanie Martin, January 13, 2026
Portland, Oregon is a city defined by its neighborhoods. With more than 90 (who knew?) distinct communities across six major geographic areas, Portland offers an exceptional variety of lifestyles, housing styles, and local culture. Whether you are relocating, buying your first home, or investing in real estate, understanding Portland’s neighborhoods is the key to finding the right fit.
How Portland Is Organized
Portland is divided into six main sections:
North, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and South Portland.
Each area includes a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, parks, and cultural hubs, creating a wide range of living options—from walkable urban condos to quiet tree-lined streets with single-family homes.
Popular Portland Neighborhoods
Some neighborhoods are especially well known for their lifestyle appeal, walkability, and housing demand.
Downtown Portland
The heart of the city, Downtown offers easy access to shopping, offices, public transportation, parks, and cultural attractions. It’s ideal for buyers who want an urban, car-free lifestyle.
Pearl District
A former warehouse district turned upscale urban neighborhood, the Pearl is known for modern condos, art galleries, boutique shopping, and award-winning restaurants.
Northwest District (Nob Hill)
This historic, highly walkable area features Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, and a vibrant shopping and dining scene along NW 23rd Avenue.
Alberta Arts District
One of Portland’s most creative neighborhoods, Alberta offers colorful street art, local boutiques, community events, and a strong neighborhood identity.
Division and Clinton Streets
Located in Southeast Portland, this area is known for its trendy restaurants, cafes, breweries, and close-knit residential streets.
Neighborhoods by Area
North Portland
North Portland blends historic residential neighborhoods with waterfront parks and growing commercial corridors. It offers a strong sense of community and relatively accessible home prices compared to some central areas.
Northeast Portland
Northeast Portland is culturally diverse and home to some of the city’s most dynamic districts, including Alberta and the Lloyd District. Buyers here find a mix of charming older homes and newer developments.
Northwest Portland
Northwest Portland combines city living with easy access to nature. Residents enjoy walkable neighborhoods, upscale condos, and immediate access to Forest Park’s hiking and biking trails.
Southeast Portland
One of the largest and most popular areas of the city, Southeast Portland is known for its eclectic shops, food scene, and family-friendly neighborhoods like Sellwood-Moreland and Eastmoreland.
Southwest Portland
Southwest Portland includes downtown, Goose Hollow, and Multnomah Village. This area offers everything from luxury condos to quiet, residential neighborhoods with strong community character.
South Portland
Located along the Willamette River, South Portland is a newer, fast-growing area with riverfront paths, parks, and a mix of modern apartments and townhomes.
Why Portland Neighborhoods Matter for Home Buyers
Every Portland neighborhood offers a different lifestyle. Some buyers prioritize walkability and nightlife, while others want parks, schools, and quiet streets. From vibrant urban hubs to peaceful residential communities, Portland has something for every stage of life.
Understanding neighborhood character helps buyers make smarter real estate decisions—whether they’re purchasing a starter home, upgrading to a family house, or investing in rental property.
Stephanie Martin
Broker | OR
she/her
Originally from the Bay Area, Stephanie is a wife, mom of two, and daughter navigating the realities of aging parents. After moving more times than she can count, she became a professional problem-solver long before becoming a real estate broker.
As a transplant herself, Stephanie understands what it truly takes to uproot your life and start fresh in a new place. She and her husband have moved across the country—west to east, east back to west—and ultimately put down roots in Portland. They’ve relocated with kids, without kids, for work, for family, and in pursuit of a better quality of life. When they moved to Portland, they toured 30 homes in a single weekend, called school districts, mapped commutes, researched neighborhoods, and did everything possible to find the right place to land. Those experiences shaped Stephanie deeply, building resilience, resourcefulness, and a firsthand appreciation for the value of having a knowledgeable, supportive guide by your side.
Today, Stephanie brings that same clarity, empathy, and lived experience to her work as a Portland real estate broker, Certified Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA), Certified Staging Expert (CSE), and Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES). Caring for aging parents gives her a personal connection to her SRES training, allowing her to help older adults and their families navigate transitions with dignity, understanding, and confidence. Her PSA certification equips her to deliver data-driven pricing strategies and clear, thoughtful guidance at every stage. Stephanie believes a home is more than square footage—it’s where life is lived.
Before entering real estate, Stephanie built her career in people-centered roles, including hairstyling, pastry work, real estate administration, and transaction coordination. Each chapter strengthened her ability to listen deeply, anticipate needs, communicate clearly, and support people through meaningful life moments.
Whether clients are buying their first home, relocating to Portland, upsizing, downsizing, or preparing a longtime property for market, Stephanie approaches every goal with warmth, strategy, and a deeply service-driven mindset. She loves bringing people together—matching clients with the right home, neighborhood, resources, and even the perfect local coffee spot. As a Certified Staging Expert, she also helps sellers elevate their home’s presentation to maximize value and leave a lasting impression.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys hiking, yoga, exploring Portland’s food scene, thrifting, and adventuring with her family and their pit bull, Vince. Portland has given her a true sense of home, and she would be honored to help others find theirs.
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- T: 510-926-7721
- stephaniemartin@livingroomre.com