What To Know Before Moving To Southeast Portland

October 9, 2023 by 3 Comments

Southeast Portland, often abbreviated as SE Portland, is known for its eclectic vibe, rich history, and diverse neighborhoods. This part of the city offers a blend of residential areas, commercial districts, and varied cultural influences.

Here’s a list of some neighborhoods in Southeast Portland:

  1. Buckman: Known for its vibrant arts scene and historic homes.
  2. Hawthorne: Recognized for its bohemian ambiance and vintage shops.
  3. Sellwood-Moreland: Offers a laid-back, family-friendly environment with antique shops.
  4. Lents: A residential area with parks and community initiatives.
  5. Mt. Scott-Arleta: Known for the Mt. Scott Community Center and local dining options.
  6. Brooklyn: A small, accessible neighborhood with a strong sense of community.
  7. Richmond: Home to a portion of the bustling Division Street, known for its eateries and shops.
  8. Creston-Kenilworth: A residential area with parks and schools, conveniently located near commercial districts.
  9. Reed: Known for Reed College and the surrounding residential and natural areas.
  10. Woodstock: A family-friendly neighborhood with shops, eateries, and Woodstock Park.
  11. Foster-Powell: Often referred to as FoPo, known for its triangular shape and community events.
  12. Eastmoreland: A picturesque residential area with a well-known golf course.
  13. Montavilla: Offers a mix of residential and commercial areas with a vintage movie theater and farmers’ market.
  14. Brentwood-Darlington: A largely residential area with a community-focused atmosphere.
  15. Sunnyside: Overlaps with Hawthorne and Belmont streets, known for its walkability and local shops.
  16. South Tabor: A primarily residential area neighboring Mt. Tabor Park.
  17. Mt. Tabor: Named for the iconic city park and offering sweeping views of downtown Portland.
  18. Mill Park: Features residential spaces, schools, and proximity to shopping areas.
  19. Powellhurst-Gilbert: Encompasses a large area with diverse housing options and green spaces.
Image // Reddit

Family-Recommended Neighborhoods In SE Portland

For families with children, several neighborhoods in SE Portland might be particularly appealing due to their schools, parks, community vibes, and family-friendly amenities. Here are a few neighborhoods that are commonly recognized as being great for families:

1. Sellwood-Moreland

  • Why: The neighborhood hosts numerous family-friendly events throughout the year.
  • Features: A variety of parks and an antique amusement park, Oaks Amusement Park.
  • Schools: It’s known for having good schools and a library, offering resources for families.

2. Eastmoreland

  • Why: Noted for its picturesque and peaceful environment.
  • Features: The Eastmoreland Golf Course, abundant green spaces, and proximity to Reed College, offering cultural and educational events.
  • Schools: Known for strong community schools.

3. Woodstock

  • Why: It has a tight-knit community and a tranquil, family-friendly atmosphere.
  • Features: Woodstock Park, local shops, and an easy-going main street that hosts various events.
  • Schools: Offers several school options and is home to the Woodstock Elementary School which has a popular Mandarin immersion program.

4. Mt. Scott-Arleta

  • Why: Known for the Mt. Scott Community Center, which offers a range of recreational options.
  • Features: A pool, roller-skating rink, and other facilities that cater to family recreational activities.
  • Schools: Proximity to diverse school options.

5. Creston-Kenilworth

  • Why: The Creston Park and Kenilworth Park provide excellent outdoor spaces for families.
  • Features: Spacious parks with playgrounds, sports courts, and family-friendly activities.
  • Schools: Nearby elementary and high schools provide convenient options for families.

6. Sunnyside

  • Why: With Hawthorne Blvd providing an eclectic range of shops and eateries, there’s always something to explore.
  • Features: A pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with a variety of dining and shopping options that cater to all age groups.
  • Schools: Access to Sunnyside Environmental School which has a focus on outdoor and environmental education.

7. Reed

  • Why: Proximity to Reed College provides a range of cultural and academic events.
  • Features: Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden and the Reed College Canyon offer beautiful, educational outdoor explorations for families.
  • Schools: A range of public and private schools in and around the neighborhood cater to various educational needs.

8. Brentwood-Darlington

  • Why: Offers a community-centric atmosphere with a range of family-focused events.
  • Features: Various parks and community gardens promote outdoor activities and family involvement.
  • Schools: Access to several school options within and around the neighborhood.
Image // Reddit

Shopping & Dining In Southeast Portland

Shopping

  1. Hawthorne Boulevard:
    • Red Light Clothing Exchange: Offers a vast array of vintage and used clothing.
    • House of Vintage: A massive space hosting numerous vendors, each offering unique vintage finds.
  2. Division Street:
    • Tender Loving Empire: A local chain that carries handmade goods from Portland artisans.
    • Adorn: A boutique that offers stylish, high-quality clothing and accessories.
  3. Sellwood-Moreland:
    • Stars Antique Mall: Home to a multitude of vendors selling various antique and vintage items.
    • Sellwood Antique Collective: Another haven for antique lovers.
  4. Woodstock:
    • Collage: A craft store offering a range of art supplies, unique gifts, and craft workshops.
    • Cloud Cap Games: A shop catering to board game enthusiasts, from novices to seasoned gamers.

Dining

  1. Hawthorne Boulevard:
    • Harlow: A health-focused restaurant offering a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
    • Apizza Scholls: Well-regarded for its delicious, high-quality pizzas.
  2. Division Street:
    • Pok Pok: Internationally recognized Thai restaurant known for its inventive menu and authentic flavors.
    • Ava Gene’s: Offers Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
  3. Sellwood-Moreland:
    • Gino’s: An Italian restaurant and bar, known for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious menu.
    • A Cena Ristorante: A spot that brings gourmet Italian dining with a Pacific Northwest twist.
  4. Clinton Street:
    • Clinton Street Pub: A laid-back bar serving up a range of beverages and classic pub fare.
    • Fifty Licks: An artisanal ice cream shop that experiments with unique, exciting flavors.
  5. Woodstock:
    • Heart Coffee: Offers superbly roasted beans and elegantly crafted espresso drinks.
    • Double Mountain Taproom: Renowned for its wide selection of locally brewed beers and hearty pizzas.
  6. Belmont Street:
    • Sweedeedee: Famous for its breakfast and brunch menu, offering wholesome, hearty meals.
    • Horse Brass Pub: A traditional English-style pub that offers a range of beers and classic British dishes.