By Stephanie Martin, January 13, 2026
When you think of Portland, what comes to mind? Coffee, bikes, bridges… maybe even a food cart pod or two. But have you ever stopped to wonder what those five little numbers at the end of our addresses actually mean?
Let’s take a quick trip back in time.
The Birth of the ZIP Code
The ZIP code system was introduced by the United States Postal Service in 1963 as a way to streamline mail delivery in a rapidly growing country. “ZIP” stands for Zone Improvement Plan—because let’s face it, no one wanted their mail taking the scenic route.
Before 1963, cities like Portland used postal zones, usually just one or two digits. For example, if you lived in Southeast, your mail might have been addressed to “Portland 6, Oregon.” It worked—kind of—but it wasn’t exactly built for efficiency.
Portland’s ZIP Code Personality
When the new ZIP codes rolled out, Portland’s were grouped under the 972 prefix, which covers most of northwest Oregon. That’s why nearly every Portland ZIP code starts with “972”—it ties us to our regional postal hub.
The second and third digits in our ZIPs often follow a geographic pattern. For example:
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97201–97210 cover the inner west side.
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97211–97230 stretch out across the east side, from North Portland down to Gresham.
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97266? That’s deep Southeast, practically where Portland whispers hello to Happy Valley.
Fun Fact: The Quirky 97229
ZIP code 97229 covers part of northwest Portland and unincorporated Washington County—and has been one of the fastest-growing areas in the metro in recent decades. It’s a great reminder that ZIP codes don’t always play by city boundaries.
Why It Matters (Even in Real Estate!)
ZIP codes can say a lot about a neighborhood. From school zones to property taxes to lifestyle preferences, these five digits often tell a deeper story. They’re not just for mailing letters—they’re part of what shapes community identity.
So the next time you write your return address or pop something in the mailbox, take a second to appreciate those five digits. They’re a little piece of Portland history—and a big part of what keeps us connected.
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