Moving to Portland? With a unique cityscape, booming job market, a wide range of local breweries, and variety of exciting things to do, it’s no wonder Portland is one of the best cities for singles in the U.S. Check out the five best Portland neighborhoods for singles and young professionals!
| Neighborhood | Buckman | Downtown Portland | Eliot | Northwest District | Pearl District |
| Safer than % of City | 35% | 25% | 63% | 89% | 78% |
| Median Home Price | $492,950 | $462,350 | $552,300 | $608,590 | $630,200 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,382 | $1,499 | $1,230 | $1,434 | $1,439 |
| Median Household Income | $65,544 | $49,632 | $66,836 | $76,223 | $102,361 |
| Median Age | 34.1 | 39.6 | 34.8 | 34.4 | 49.2 |
Use our cost of living calculator to see how Portland cost of living compares to your current city.
Buckman
The “Keep Portland Weird” slogan is alive and well in Buckman, with plenty of eclectic shops, unique eateries, fun boutiques, and more. Considered by many to be a haven for hipsters and other creative-minded individuals, Buckman is close to Downtown Portland, making this a walker’s and biker’s paradise. Buckman also has extensive public transportation options like the Portland Streetcar, TriMet bus service, and TriMet MAX light rail service. Accessibility isn’t the only thing Portlanders love about living in Buckman—the urban neighborhood also has an excellent residential experience. Buckman has a wide range of historic Portland homes, though most people rent Modern or Contemporary apartments with gorgeous views of the Willamette River. Another staple of the neighborhood is the Colonel Summers Community Garden, where residents grow their own affordable fresh fruits and vegetables and share them with one another!
Things to Do in Buckman
Stop by Hawthorne Shopping District for vinyl records, vintage clothing, or locally designed jewelry. Grab a BIKETOWN ride and cycle through the “floating path” at Eastbank Esplanade. Bring a friend for a one-on-one basketball game or a relaxing afternoon picnic at Colonel Summers Park. Grab a morning pick-me-up like a Matcha Latte, Honey Cappuccino, or Hot Chai brewed at Coava Coffee Roasters. Enjoy a plate of Burrata, Radiatori, or Grilled Beef Tagliata at Nostrana. Savor global cuisines with dishes like Chicken Liver Mousse, Steam Burger, and Wagyu Steak Tartare at Canard. Explore Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine like the Chicken Thigh Kabob Bowl, Tabouli Salad, and Shawarma Plate at Nicholas Restaurant. Or unwind after a long day of work with beers like the Downtown West Coast IPA, Party Time pilsner, or Flower in the Kettle Hazy IPA at Wayfinder Beer.
Downtown Portland
If you want to be in the heart of Portland’s vibrant hub, Downtown is the place for you. With such a large student population in the middle of the city thanks to Portland State University, there are plenty of exciting events for all ages to enjoy throughout the year—like art openings, outdoor movement classes, and concerts! This Portland neighborhood is very walkable and offers easy access to great food, tax-free shopping, and a wide variety of nature parks, making it perfect for singles and young professionals living in Portland. The city’s TriMet system provides a great mix of bus, light rail, and commuter train transportation, with the Hop Fastpass ensuring you’ll never have to spend more than $100 per month to get around. As for housing options, most residents in this Portland neighborhood rent modern studios and luxury one-bedrooms.
Things to Do in Downtown Portland
Show support for local vendors and get your fresh food from the Portland Farmers Market, hosted throughout the city! Tour collections of Asian and Native American art and artifacts at the Portland Art Museum. Catch a concert, hang out with friends, or enjoy any of the other 300 events at Pioneer Courthouse Square, also known as “Portland’s Living Room.” Grab a book at the world’s largest independent bookstore in Portland, Powell’s City of Books. Savor a plate of fresh seafood like Jake’s Famous Dungeness Crab & Bay Shrimp Cakes, Cedar Plank Salmon, or the Horseradish Crusted Steelhead at Jake’s Famous Crawfish. Enjoy comfort classics like Chicken or Vegan Tofu Stir-Fry, Mediterranean Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken Breast, or the Classic Macaroni & Cheese from Mother’s Bistro & Bar. Share a Smoked Seafood + Artisan Cheese Board while waiting for a plate of Grilled Swordfish or Manila Clams Tagliatelle at Southpark Seafood. Or wind down with cocktails made from the 2,000 spirits available at Multnomah Whiskey Library, which was a 2024 finalist for the World’s Best Spirits Selection by the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation.
Eliot
As one of Portland’s historic districts, Eliot offers a unique blend of old and new—with tree-lined streets, historic Victorian cottages, and new construction condos and apartment buildings. Located along the east bank of the Willamette River, Eliot has great walkability and bike infrastructure, like protected bike lanes and scenic paths. Residents can also access TriMet bus service and light rail to take advantage of the amenities in the downtown area. Eliot’s neighborhood association helps promote a strong sense of community in the form of block parties and other neighborhood events, often held at Portland parks like Lillis-Albina Park and Dawson Park. Plus, with access to healthcare nearby at Legacy Emmanuel Medical Center, live entertainment at the expansive Rose Quarter district, and a wealth of unique shops, cafes, and restaurants, Eliot is a well-rounded Portland neighborhood for singles and young professionals.
Things to Do in Eliot
Catch a live concert from acts like Lily Rose, Covet, French Police, and more at Wonder Ballroom, one of many live music venues in Portland. Head to the Moda Center to cheer on the Trail Blazers (NBA) or the Portland Fire (WNBA) as they dunk on the competition, or root for the Winterhawks (WHL) out on the ice. Get tickets to exciting events like Monster Jam and Nitro Circus “Off the Rails,” as well as live performances from artists like TobyMac and Brandon Lake at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Sign up for fitness classes, do a few laps in the pool, or make use of the sports courts at the Matt Dishman Community Center. Start your day with popular coffee drinks inspired by Filipino flavors like the Coconut Cold Brew, Honey Ginger Latte, or the Matcha Latte at Kalesa Coffee. Have a relaxing meal of a Lox Bagel or Vegan Sammy paired with a toasty Chai Latte at Twentysix Cafe. Treat yourself to Argentine-inspired dishes like the Beef Empanada, Sauteed Garlic Prawns, or the Asado Argentino for Two at Ox Restaurant. Or sip cocktails and enjoy Portland nightlife events like New Wave Night or Sunday Scaries: True Spooky Stories From Portland’s Comedians at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon—one of the oldest bars in Portland
Northwest District
If you’re not sure whether the Northwest District (also known as Nob Hill) is one of the best neighborhoods in Portland for singles and young professionals, just look at the statistics! With a median age of 34 and over half its residents single, the Northwest District is a great neighborhood to socialize and meet new people. In addition to its vibrant social life, Nob Hill is also known for its incredible walkability and bike-friendliness—nearby Forest Park features more than 80 miles of walking and biking trails in Portland to explore. Residents can also easily stroll to popular events nearby like Portland Saturday Market, the largest continuously operating open-air market in the U.S. Though the rent is somewhat higher than other Portland neighborhoods, residents can choose from modern luxury apartments or renovated, multi-family Colonial homes.
Things to Do in Northwest District
Just minutes away from Downtown Portland, start your day with a walk around Washington Park‘s “living museum,” the Hoyt Arboretum. Take the Wildwood Trail to visit “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan” at the Portland Japanese Garden. Enjoy Oregon’s sales tax-free shopping along NW 23rd Ave and check out Portland shops like Betsy & Iya for handmade jewelry and curated goods. Pore over volumes of books on spirituality and the metaphysical at Portland bookstore New Renaissance. Grab a bite of delicious Portland Chinese food with the Cherry Sauce Chicken Wings, Hunan Pork, or Braised Tofu served at Kung Pow! Restaurant. Try a Pork Belly Truffle Mac, Steel Kitchen Burger, or Chicken Katsu Sandwich, and wash it down with a specialty cocktail at Urban Steel Kitchen + Bar. For a sweet treat—like Hazelnut Butter Cookies, Canele, or Seasonal Fruit Galette—test out Kens Artisan Bakery. Or cheers your friends with brews like Kells Irish Red Ale, Kells Lager, or a Shetland Pony cocktail at a traditional Portland Irish pub, Kells Brewery—one of the primary venues for the Kells Portland Irish Festival.
Pearl District
The Pearl District is another cool neighborhood in Portland, excellent for young professionals to call home. Several upscale businesses, as well as art galleries and the historic theater, bring Portland’s art scene to the neighborhood. This urban area has many commercial and industrial buildings, though many have been remodeled into modern loft-style apartments, perfect for singles and young professionals. Despite rising prices, Pearl’s upscale amenities and proximity to both the riverfront and downtown make it a great pick for singles and young professionals in Portland. Plus, The Pearl is a walkable neighborhood perfect for quick jaunts to Portland coffee roasters, jobs, and more fun in the city. Or, residents in the Pearl District can hop on public transportation options like the Portland Streetcar, TriMet bus, or light rail service.
Things to Do in Pearl District
Immerse yourself in the local flavor of Portland’s art scene and visit one of the art galleries in The Pearl District—like Waterstone Gallery or Blue Sky Gallery. Get concert tickets and jam out to artists like Garbage, Stereolab, or The Wombats at the McMenamins Crystal Ballroom. Grab a friend or two and enjoy a classic or contemporary play like Primary Trust, Little Women, or The Play That Goes Wrong at Portland Center Stage. Tour educational exhibits like Oregon Jewish Stories or Discrimination and Resistance, an Oregon Primer at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education. Enjoy freshly-made brunch delights such as the Berry Parfait, Lovejoy Grilled Cheese, or the Baker’s Plate at Lovejoy Bakers. Experience mouth-watering Peruvian food in Portland like the Kiwicha Pancakes, Humita, or Empanadas to the beat of live music at Andina Restaurant. Stop by Oven and Shaker for a slice of wood-fired pizza like the Maple Pig pizza, The Pearl, or Spicy Salami pizza. Or indulge in a variety of Italian fusion cuisine like the Tuscany Farm Scramble, Firenze Omelette, or Sunrise in the Pearl Benedict at Via Delizia.
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The goal of Extra Space Storage’s Best Places to Live selections is to help diverse audiences at varying stages of life make informed decisions about where to live. To provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area, we consider factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, education, and more. Learn more about our methodology today.
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
