The Homebuyer's Guide to Portland's Neighborhoods: West Side Version
If you’ve spent any time in Portland, you know that its many diverse neighborhoods are a big part of what makes the city so special. Each neighborhood is its own little universe with a different brand of unique Portland charm. Today, we’re covering Portland’s west side.
Quick answer:
Portland's west side is split into three quadrants: South, Southwest, and Northwest; each with a different price range and personality. In 2025, average home prices ran from $711,394 in Southwest Portland to $780,394 in Northwest Portland. South Portland has only two neighborhoods, with the aptly named South Portland neighborhood averaging $596,800, while Dunthorpe takes the title of Portland’s most expensive neighborhood with an average home price of $2,049,924.
Northwest Portland borders the 5,200 ace Forest Park and has some of Portland’s most walkable, European-feeling neighborhoods as well as some of its priciest, with incredible views of the city from the Northwest hills.
Southwest Portland is large and encompasses both Downtown Portland and some of the city’s most suburban, family-friendly and forested neighborhoods.
South Portland is the city’s newest quadrant, and its namesake neighborhood is a beautiful newly developed mixed-use area with high rise condos, greenspaces, and shopping, all centered around the OHSU waterfront campus and the aerial tram that connects it to the OHSU campus in the SW hills.
Portland has more than 90 neighborhoods, organized into six sections called quadrants: North, Northeast, Southeast, South, Southwest, and Northwest. And why are we calling a group of six a foursome? We don’t know! Maybe this nomenclature was decided by the same decision-making body who chose the pronunciation for Couch street! Regardless, it’s giving classic Portland quirk, and we love her for it.
This guide covers the three west side quadrants: South, Southwest, and Northwest Portland. It includes average home prices, housing styles, standout neighborhoods, queer-owned businesses, and our favorite spots.
At a Glance: West Side Portland Home Prices (2025)
South Portland
Average Sale Price: $1,323,362
Highest-Priced Neighborhood: Dunthorpe ($2,049,924)
Lowest-Priced Neighborhood: South Portland ($596,800)
Southwest Portland
Average Sale Price: $711,394
Highest-Priced Neighborhood: Healy Heights ($1,420,000)
Lowest-Priced Neighborhood: Goose Hollow ($417,931)
Northwest Portland
Average Sale Price: $780,394
Highest-Priced Neighborhood: Arlington Heights ($1,285,082)
Lowest-Priced Neighborhood: Old Town-Chinatown ($240,000)
Source: PDX Monthly
South Portland Quadrant
Where is South Portland?
South Portland sits south of I-405, west of the Willamette River, and is bordered by Barbur Blvd on the west and Lake Oswego to the south.
What is South Portland known for?
South Portland is the city’s newest quadrant, and has been transformed by an urban redevelopment initiative. The OHSU waterfront campus and the aerial tram that transports students, staff and patients to and from the upper and lower OHSU campuses is the heart of South Portland. What once was an overlooked industrial area has been transformed into a walkable, bikeable utopia just south of downtown Portland, full of high-rise condos with stunning views of the city, as well as urban greenspaces and Tilikum Crossing, which is the city’s only car-less bridge. A quick drive South on Highway 43 takes you to Dunthorpe, one of Portland’s most exclusive neighborhoods full of private estates with pools, tennis courts, and all the luxury (and privacy!) money can buy.
How much do homes in South Portland cost?
The average home in the South Portland neighborhood sold for $596,800 in 2025, while the average home in Dunthorpe sold for $2,049,924.
Source: PDX Monthly
What style of homes will I find in South Portland?
In South Portland proper, almost all of the homes are luxury high-rise condos. In Dunthorpe, you’ll find primarily colonial and Georgian mansions, with some midcentury ranches sprinkled in.
Things to Do in South Portland
Head to the South Waterfront and take a walk through Elizabeth Caruthers Park, and let the kids cool off in the splash pad. You can also walk or bike across the Tilikum crossing bridge for stunning views of the city (and, at Christmastime, it also serves as a great place to watch the Christmas Ships crossing the Willamette!). Grab an Old Fashioned at Blue Star once you’ve worked up an appetite. Then, take the aerial tram to rest your feet and take in some of the best views of the city.
South Portland Landmarks & Activities
Tilikum Crossing: the coolest no-car bridge you’ll ever experience.
Willamette Park: Launch your kayak into the river and spend a day on the Willamette.
Southwest Portland Quadrant
Where is Southwest Portland?
Southwest Portland encompasses the area west of the Willamette River and South of Burnside/ Barnes (Burnside turns into Barnes Road as you head west). It includes downtown Portland and it borders the suburbs of Beaverton and Tigard to the west, and Lake Oswego to the South.
What is Southwest Portland known for?
The Downtown Portland neighborhood is very different from most of the rest of Southwest. Downtown is known for some of Portland’s most famous places, like Pioneer Square and the Park Blocks, which is where you’ll find the Portland Farmer’s Market every Saturday. Downtown has excellent dining and shopping, especially in the West End. On the edges of Downtown, Goose Hollow and Homestead are home to beautiful Victorian homes within a stone's throw of city life.
As you move away from the city center and up into the area often referred to as the West Hills, Southwest Heights is where this side of town begins to feel more suburban. This residential neighborhood is perched in the hills above downtown and it’s full of gorgeously customized Victorians, four square, colonial, Spanish revival, and Craftsmans, placed on a grid with sidewalks. As you move even further out, neighborhoods like Multnomah Village, Hayhurst, and Raleigh Hills are known for having a more suburban, in-the-woods feel, with winding roads and fewer sidewalks. You’ll find tons of midcentury modern and split-level gems tucked away in the forests of these neighborhoods.
How much do homes in Southwest Portland cost?
The average home price in SW Portland in 2025 was $711,394. Healy Heights had the highest average at $1,420,000, while the Goose Hollow had the lowest at $417,931.
Source: PDX Monthly
What style of homes will I find in Southwest Portland?
The closer you are to the downtown center, the more historic and older the homes. In the inner Southwest neighborhoods, you’ll find lots of Tudors, Victorians, Colonials and Craftsmans, as well as some newer high-rise condos in the downtown areas. In the further reaches of Southwest, bungalows, ranches, split-levels, and mid-century modern homes are much more common.
Best Neighborhoods in Southwest Portland
Multnomah Village
Tucked away in the more suburban and forested part of Southwest, you’ll find this charming, family-friendly oasis of small businesses and bungalows. Multnomah village is one of the few west side neighborhoods with it’s own small ‘downtown’ area, and it does not disappoint. Between pita at Yalla, pizza at Tastebud, cinnamon rolls at Fat City Cafe, and the many food carts, you’ll never go hungry. Find your next read at Annie Bloom’s Books, sell your clothes at Consign Couture, and find your kids’ next toy obsession at the magical Thinker Toys. Make sure to head to Gabriel Park for the inclusive playground, walking trails, and dog park.
Portland Heights
One of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Portland, these hill-topping homes offer stunning views of the city, a 5 minute drive NW 23rd, and historic architecture galore. Nestled in the hills just above downtown, you’ll find sprawling mansions commissioned by Portland’s early tycoons of industry next to more modest (but only slightly so) cottages and tudors, sprinkled in with homes on the national historic register, and even some homes built to look like replicas of the White House. A day in Portland Heights has to begin at COTTA coffee cart, followed by a walk down Vista toward 23rd. On your way down the hill, you will see breathtaking views next to historically significant homes, and you can see what early Portlanders once saw as they rode the city’s first streetcar up and down Vista. Once you hit 23rd, you can find some of Portland’s best food and shopping. Don’t miss Gem Set Love for unique jewelry or Fisherman's Daughter for vintage.
Queer-Owned Businesses in Southwest Portland
Adorn Body Art, Wildfang, CAMP, Collier, Pinkham Millinery, Maloy’s Jewelry.
Southwest Portland Landmarks & Activities
Washington Park: A massive park that encompasses the famed Portland International Rose Test Garden, the Portland Japanese Garden, and the Oregon Zoo, as well as a playground, walking trails, and stairs and hills galore.
Tryon Creek: step out of the city and into a beautiful forested oasis with walking, biking, and horseback trails.
Northwest Portland Quadrant
Where is Northwest Portland?
Northwest Portland is the area West of the Wilamette River, north of Burnside/Barnes, and south of Sauvie Island. The west border of NW Portland is not as clearly defined, though much of it lies within Forest Park. Northwest Portland encompasses the majority of Forest Park as well as Nob Hill, The Pearl District, Chinatown, and Hillside and Kings Heights.
What is Northwest Portland known for?
Northwest Portland is known for the sprawling 5,200 acre urban forest that is Forest Park, home to a plethora of wildlife and enjoyed by runners, hikers, and bikers, and horseback riders. Anchored by the 11-mile Leif Erickson trail and the 30-mile Wildwood trail, the park is home to iconic locations like the Pittock Mansion and Witches Castle.
Northwest Portland is also known for Chinatown, Portland’s Oldest neighborhood and its original downtown, as well as the Pearl District - a former industrial neighborhood that has been transformed by upscale shopping and high rise condos into a mixed use urban area - but which still shows hints of its past in the Belgian block-paved streets and large loading docks.
The large homes in the hills of Northwest Portland come with expansive views and unbeatable access to the trails of Forest Park and Washington Park.
How much do homes in Northwest Portland cost?
The average home price in 2025 in Northwest Portland was $780,394. Arlington Heights had the highest average at $1,107,251, while Old Town-Chinatown had the lowest at $241,392.
Source: PDX Monthly
What style of homes will I find in Northwest Portland?
Much of Northwest Portland is full of historic Victorian, Queen Anne, Craftsman, and Four Square homes, and Art Deco apartment buildings, while the Pearl District is home to many new high-rise condo buildings and some converted loft buildings from the early 1900s.
Best Neighborhoods in Northwest Portland
Nob Hill
Often referred to as the Alphabet District or simply Northwest district, Nob Hill is one of Portland’s most charming neighborhoods. Walkable streets, picturesque Queen Anne and Victorian homes, detailed Art Deco apartment buildings, and excellent shopping and dining on NW 23rd and 21st are the hallmarks of this part of town. It’s also easy to navigate thanks to the alphabetical layout of the streets, beginning with Ankeny (which is actually the only alphabet street on the South side of Burnside) and ending with Vaughn Street. No culinary visit to this neighborhood is complete without stopping at Negociant to cosplay an afternoon in Paris, Ken’s Artisan Bakery to grab a life-changing chocolate croissant, Palomar to enjoy Cuban food and incredible cocktails, and Phuket Cafe to dine on Thai and soak in the tropical vibes. Don’t even get us started on the shopping - Yellowstone Vintage, The Yo Store, Fisherman’s Daughter, Gem Set Love, and Superette are some of our favorites. Despite the abundance of urban life, you’re never more than 10 minutes from the peace and quiet of Forest Park when you’re in Nob Hill.
The Pearl District
Once a warehouse district populated by lumberjacks, shipyard workers, and rail workers, the Pearl has been transformed into a mixed-use area full of condos and commerce, while retaining the charm of its industrial roots. Many of the former warehouses have been converted into lofts - some residential, some commercial - all with unique charms and period details like original brickwork. New high-rise condos are sprinkled throughout The Pearl, offering modern amenities and some of the best views in town. A visit to the Pearl isn’t complete without a trip to the famous Powell’s Books. We also love Silk Road for happy hour, Mediterranean Exploration Company for dinner, Pretty Ugly for cocktails, and HG Provisions for an unbeatable lunch sandwich. Cool off at Jamison Square Park’s splash pad.
Queer-Owned Businesses in Southwest Portland
Skyline Restaurant, PDX Sanctuary, Stag PDX, Silverado, Rainbow Room, CC Slaughter’s, Roots & Crowns Apothecary, Betsy & Iya, Fresh Faces RX, Awakened Heart PDX, Greenhouse Hair Collective.
Northwest Portland Landmarks & Activities
Forest Park: Steps away from the city, a massive forest full of trails and magic to discover.
Pittock Mansion: Touring the preserved French renaissance chateau-style mansion from Portland’s early days is every historic architecture lover’s dream.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the six quadrants of Portland?
North, Northeast, Southeast, South, Southwest, and Northwest.
Which west side Portland quadrant is most affordable?
Southwest Portland had the lowest average home price in 2025 at $711,394, though individual neighborhoods vary widely across all three west side quadrants.
What is the most expensive neighborhood on Portland's west side?
Dunthorpe had the highest average sale price in 2025, at $2,049,924.
What is the cheapest neighborhood on Portland's west side?
The Old Town-Chinatown neighborhood in Northwest Portland had the lowest average sale price in 2025, at $240,000.
What kind of homes are common on Portland's west side?
The inner west side is heavily populated with townhomes and condos. Neighborhoods on the outskirts of downtown are populated with historic Victorian, Craftsman, Tudor, and Foursquare homes. In the more suburban west side neighborhoods and the west hills of Portland, you’ll find many split level, midcentury modern, bungalows, and ranch homes.
Is South, Southwest, or Northwest Portland better for families?
All three have family-friendly pockets, but Multnomah Village in Southwest Portland is one of our favorites for walkability, proximity to downtown, and access to Gabriel Park and restaurants. Dunthorpe in South Portland is home to Oregon’s best school scores* and the homes are priced accordingly.
*Source: US News
