The Top 8 Most Walkable Neighborhoods In Portland
October 11, 2023
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Portland, Oregon, is known for its walkability, with many neighborhoods offering excellent amenities, green spaces, and lively commercial districts within an easy walk.
All of the below neighborhoods have a walking score of 100, as well as a bike score of 99. This means that they are within the top 1% of US neighborhoods in terms of walkability.
Most Walkable Neighborhoods In Portland
- Pearl District
- Overview: Once an industrial area, the Pearl District has transformed into a hip, upscale neighborhood filled with galleries, boutiques, and renowned restaurants.
- Walkability: With wide sidewalks, compact blocks, and a plethora of shops and restaurants, it’s effortless to navigate on foot.
- Highlights: Powell’s City of Books, numerous art galleries, and a range of dining options.
- Downtown Portland
- Overview: As the city center, downtown Portland offers a mix of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
- Walkability: It features well-connected streets, parks, and a variety of attractions close to one another.
- Highlights: Pioneer Courthouse Square, the Waterfront Park, and a variety of museums and theaters.
- Nob Hill / Northwest District
- Overview: Known for its Victorian architecture and tree-lined streets, Nob Hill is a charming and vibrant neighborhood.
- Walkability: The main thoroughfare, NW 23rd Avenue, is packed with shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it easy and enjoyable to explore on foot.
- Highlights: Boutique shopping, eclectic dining options, and historic homes.
- Belmont / Hawthorne
- Overview: Situated in Southeast Portland, these adjacent neighborhoods are known for their bohemian vibe, with plenty of vintage shops, quirky cafes, and diverse dining options.
- Walkability: With many local businesses and eateries situated along the main streets of Belmont and Hawthorne, these areas are very pedestrian-friendly.
- Highlights: The Bagdad Theater, numerous vintage shops, and a variety of food options.
- Alberta Arts District
- Overview: Located in NE Portland and known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse culinary offerings, the Alberta Arts District is a lively and colorful neighborhood.
- Walkability: Alberta Street, the main thoroughfare, offers a linear and walkable layout filled with galleries, shops, and restaurants.
- Highlights: Last Thursday art walks, unique local shops, and a myriad of dining and drinking establishments.
- Sellwood-Moreland
- Overview: A family-friendly neighborhood with a laid-back vibe, Sellwood-Moreland features numerous antique shops, casual eateries, and parks.
- Walkability: Antique Row on SE 13th Avenue and the main streets of Sellwood are easily walkable, offering a variety of businesses and parks in close proximity.
- Highlights: Oaks Amusement Park, antique shopping, and the Sellwood Riverfront Park.
- Mississippi / Williams
- Overview: These parallel streets in North Portland are known for their indie spirit, with many local shops, breweries, and eateries.
- Walkability: Both streets provide a linear layout filled with an array of attractions that are easy to explore on foot.
- Highlights: Live music venues, innovative restaurants, and numerous boutiques.
- Division / Clinton
- Overview: A foodie paradise with numerous eateries, food carts, and boutique shops.
- Walkability: With main commercial areas clustered along Division Street and SE Clinton Street, it’s an appealing neighborhood for a stroll.
- Highlights: Division Street’s restaurant row, independent shops, and cozy cafes.
Each of these neighborhoods showcases a different aspect of Portland’s varied character and all are welcoming to pedestrians, making it easy to explore the city’s charms on foot.