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 (Japanese Gardens in Portland - photo by Glorifying on web shots.com)
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The city of Portland is divided into seven main locations. These are: Central, Southwest, Northwest, Southeast, North, East, and Northeast Portland. Within these locations, there are many different smaller communities that make Portland an eclectic, unique city. On the right side under Portland Links, there is a link to "Guide to Portland Neighborhoods". This has a lot of information for each smaller community within each main location.
Within the Central Portland area is downtown Portland. The jewel of the city, Portland offers one of the most beautiful downtowns of any city, anywhere. Portland's downtown area is vibrant and alive. Neighborhood concerns are focused on improvements to the downtown area while maintaining a balance of quality urban living space, a thriving business community, unique shopping, and natural beauty offered along the riverfront, in the Park Blocks, and other integrated green spaces. "Portland's Living Room", Pioneer Courthouse Square, is a centralized community hangout where millions visit annually. Downtown is home to the Portland Saturday Market, where local artisans sell a variety of arts and crafts. Portland State University is Oregon's largest, most diverse, and only urban university.
One of the most popular areas within the Southwest region is known as Portland. The hilly terrain and lush nature parks in this area create stunning views from many of the homes. Depending on which area you are in, you may have a panoramic view of downtown Portland,and on a clear day it is possible to see Mt.Hood, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Saint Helens in the distance. Homes are typically larger custom designs built over years in many different architectural styles from Ranches, two-story Traditionals, Colonial, Craftsman, Contemporary, and even the occasional Victorian. Many of the homes are built on the side of the hill and are cantilevered over the forest floor below. As many of the streets in this area wind through the tree-lined forest, this makes the West Hills an interesting place to drive, and a serene and beautiful place to live.
The most popular community within the Northwest borough, is the Nob Hill neighborhood, also known as NW 21st and 23rd Avenue neighborhood (with street signs also referring to the area as the Historic Alphabet district). This is a very popular and trendy area to shop, dine, walk, and generally just hang out. Many restaurants, coffee shops, and specialty retail shops and boutiques line the two main drags of NW 21st and NW 23rd Avenues. You'll also find some great bars, spas, salons, and local markets...all with a creative flair. There are some homes above the shops, as well as older homes surrounding the shopping areas.
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 (Map provided by lonelyplanet.com)
| In the Southeast, the Brooklyn neighborhood is uniquely situated to enjoy the wonderful city of Portland. Brooklyn is still a quiet, quaint, and safe place to live, but it remains in close proximity to all that the Portland metro region has to offer. The newly built Eastbank Esplanade and the OMSI-to-Springwater extension allows the Brooklyn Neighborhood to embrace the Willamette river front once again. In addition, the riverside trail will link the Brooklyn neighborhood to the entire 40 Mile Loop trail system. The neighborhood board has been working with city officials to design a more direct access to the Springwater Trail from Brooklyn.
In North Portland, the Boise neighborhood, sometimes referred to as "Boise Eliot" and most commonly referred to as the Historic Mississippi District or just simply "Mississippi", is located on the East side of the Willamette River. It is bordered by the Overlook, Humboldt, King and Eliot neighborhoods in North Portland. Boise is in a fantastic location for both commuting, as well as getting to many other great Portland neighborhoods. Major freeway ramps located nearby include I-84 and I-5. Drive over the Fremont or Broadway bridge to get downtown or to the Pearl District, and Old Town/Chinatown in mere minutes. The "MAX" light rail is only minutes away on foot.
In East Portland, the Hazelwood neighborhood offers quiet, tree lined residential streets in the midst of several busy Portland roads such as Burnside Street and 122nd Ave. The TriMet MAX line runs through the area (Gresham-Portland line, and to the airport), making this a fairly easy commute for those residents riding the train. Hazelwood does have a mix of residential and commercial areas. The largest area employer is the Adventist Hospital -- and there are a lot of other medical related businesses in the area (mostly closer to 102nd Ave). You'll find Mall 205 and the Gateway Shopping Center, many retail shops, and some automobile-related businesses such as car dealerships, which are primarily located along 122nd Ave. Important issues in the area for Hazelwood neighbors include the Gateway Urban Renewal Project and the 122nd Avenue Station Area Study.
Finally, in Northeast Portland is the Alameda neighborhood. Alameda is a gorgeous neighborhood with quiet, tree-line streets, and some incredible homes, many on larger lots. Homes that are located on Alameda ridge have a stunning view of Portland and the West hills. Alameda is a popular and prestigious community, with a strong sense of community. Nearby (Beaumont-Wilshire) you will find coffee shops, a brewpub, and some nice residential and commercial areas to take a stroll. Alameda overlaps on one side with Irvington, also an older historical neighborhood with grand homes. Homes in Alameda consist of older East Portland styles of Craftsman, Bungalow, and larger custom designs, as well as some more modest cottages and ranch style homes.
The market of Portland OR Homes for Sale, then, is as varied as Portland’s current and eventual residents. If you’re a young, single professional, you’re sure to find an appealing loft, condominium, or town home near the city center, where you can have easy access to restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and Portland’s famous tax-free shopping. If you’ve got a family, the market of Portland OR Homes for Sale includes plenty of spacious single-family dwellings close to great schools and including amenities such as yards and garages.
One of the best ways to find an appropriate home in Portland, Oregon is to use Portland Oregon Real Estate Agents. Why? Simple. Buying a home is a long, arduous, and expensive proposition – and the timeline can dramatically increase when you’re trying to do things on your own. Simply open the paper on Sunday mornings and you’ll be awash in real estate listings: scanning through these listings can take hours, and you’re likely to head out on a large number of showings for properties that turn out to be a far cry from what you want and need. With the help of a Portland Oregon Real Estate Agent, you’ll be able to, quite literally, cut right to the chase: a fully trained real estate agent will listen to what you want and need in a home (four bedrooms, a new kitchen, and a two-car garage) and do the research for you. This means you’ll only be visiting homes that have been pre-screened for features and price by someone who has your best interests in mind. Plus, when it comes time to make an offer and start signing contracts, Portland Oregon Real Estate Agents can help ensure that all your if’s are dotted and your tm’s are crossed – meaning you won’t have to waste time with inaccurate paperwork.
Purchasing a home in Portland, Oregon, then, is well worth the effort. This stunning American city offers everything a homebuyer could want in a spectacular natural setting. Whether you’re looking for a sleek new condo or a vintage single-family home with plenty of character, the city of Portland is sure to have what you need.
(Information provided by portlandneighborhood.com)
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