Thinking about moving to Portland? As one of the best places to live on the West Coast and in the nation, the City of Roses has plenty to offer residents—including vast outdoor spaces, unique places to eat, affordable living, and more. Check out these five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Portland!
To compare how Portland’s cost of living compares to your current city, use our free average cost calculator tool.
Alameda
- Home Price: $711,033 median purchase price; $2,244 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 90% of Portland neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Historic Portland neighborhood Alameda oversees the Willamette River, Cascade Mountains, and Downtown Portland. This affordable neighborhood in Portland also is complete with tree-lined streets and homes built before the 1940s in a variety of styles like Craftsman, Tudor, Bungalow, and Colonial. Less than 15 minutes from the city center and sandwiched between the Alberta Arts District, Williams District, and Hollywood District, this safe Portland neighborhood offers residents plenty of fun things to do in Rip City, including artsy events like Last Thursday on Alberta Street. Plus, green spaces like Wilshire Park, Grant Park, and Irving Park are within walking distance, so families and retirees have several opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Things to Do in Alameda
Find your next vintage accessories, furniture, or closet staple at Antique Alley. Admire Native American art collections like Antler and Bone Carvings, Inuit Prints, and Navajo Tapestry Weavings at Quintana Galleries. Explore the Spanish-Colonial interiors of the Alberta Rose Theatre before taking a seat for an acoustic music show, art-house film, or live performance. Have date night at a Craft + Sip Session at DIY BAR, or take a craft kit home with you. Start your morning with a Chai Latte, Cortado, or Golden Milk at Guilder. Dig into Carnitas Quesadilla, Carne Asada Nachos, or Enchiladas at La Bonita. Find a cozy nook to read a book and eat a Turkey Melt, Pasta Puttanesca, or Hummus Plate at Rose City Book Pub. Or enjoy dishes like the Arrabbiata Pizza, Burrata & Toasted Focaccia, or Panna Cotta at Lucca.
Q: What is the safest place to live in Portland, Oregon?
A: Alameda is one of the safest neighborhoods in Portland, particularly when it comes to violent crime. Other safe neighborhoods include Bridlemile, Northwest District, and Southwest Hills.
Bridlemile
- Home Price: $631,700 median purchase price; $1,140 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 90% of Portland neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
If you are looking for a quieter, safe Portland neighborhood that’s still close to downtown, look no further than Bridlemile! Situated in Southwest Portland, this woodsy area is surrounded by well-kept trails and preserved green spaces like the 12-acre Albert Kelly Park and Hamilton Park, perfect for nature lovers moving to Portland. Many residents participate in community service efforts—like the Bridlemile Creek Stewards, who restore local plants and landscaping at the Fanno Creek Watershed. Residents also have the opportunity to get close with neighbors at events like the Party On, Portland! summer block party hosted by the Bridlemile Neighborhood Association. Along with the tight-knit community, families will love Bridlemile for its affordable bungalows, ranches, and modern apartments, along with its great schools like Portland Montessori Collaborative or Bridlemile Elementary School, one of the top-rated schools in the city for test scores.
Things to Do in Bridlemile
Put on your headphones and cycle around the 4.5-mile Fanno Creek Natural Area. Start your herb garden with Lemon Balm, Marshmallow Root, Mullein Leaf, or more than 400 bulk herbs and spices at the oldest apothecary in PDX, Dragon Herbarium. Get your cross-stitch materials, buy embroidered decor, or join a sewing class at Acorns & Threads. Learn how to make a flower arrangement while snacking on pie or sipping on pinot at Opal Blooms Urban Flower Farm & Design Studio. Get a self-decorating donut kit, or indulge in flavors like Raspberry Cream Cheese or Bavarian Cream at Sesame Donuts. Savor Red Curry, Pineapple Fried Rice, or Pad Kra Prow at Pepper Tree Thai Cuisine. Dig into Kalua Mojo Pork, Catfish Po’Boy, or Great Balls of Fire habanero cheese fritters at the tropical Salvador Molly’s. Or leave the kids at home to enjoy a specialty brew like the Oregon Gold or Comet Pale Ale and slices of Midnight Kiss pizza at Steeplejack Brewing Co.
Q: Is there affordable housing in Portland, Oregon?
A: Yes! While the city’s median rent and home prices are higher than the national averages, Portland homes are over half the price of other major West Coast cities like San Francisco. Budget-conscious residents can look to neighborhoods like Bridlemile and Northwest District for more affordable housing options.
Eastmoreland
- Home Price: $729,150 median purchase price; $2,430 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 79% of Portland neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Want to settle down in one of the best areas to live in Portland? Located on the east side of the Willamette River, Eastmoreland is ideal for those who want a quiet place to live while still having an easy city commute via SE McLoughlin Blvd or the MAX Light Rail Orange Line. With spacious Tudor and Colonial-style houses in the area, this affordable Portland neighborhood is perfect for families who need room to grow, or singles and young professionals looking to rent an apartment in Portland. This affordable place in Portland has many public and private schools like Lewis Elementary School, Duniway Elementary School, and Holy Family Catholic School. And older students don’t have to leave home for higher education since Reed College is within the neighborhood.
Things to Do in Eastmoreland
Join a shotgun tournament, sign your young ones up for junior golf lessons, or test your putting skills at the two-tiered driving range at Eastmoreland Golf Course. Stroll through nine acres of garden and wildlife at the beautiful Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. Take the kids to Westmoreland Park to play baseball, climb on the natural playground, have a family picnic, and more. Check out the latest staff picks or encourage your child to take up the Summer Reading challenge at the Woodstock Library. Try the grass-fed beef in signature burgers like the Hunt and Gather or Umami at Dick’s Primal Kitchen. Order Thai dishes like Kana Moo Krob with Fried Egg or Grilled Lemongrass Chicken at Chick & Pig Thai Street Food. Order Southern comfort food like a Catfish Bowl or BBQ Tofu Po’boy before indulging in weekly dessert specials at Delta Cafe. Or finish the night with a Vaporizer pilsner or Hop Lion IPA at Double Mountain Taproom.
A: Though Portland’s cost of living is higher than the national average, it’s still affordable compared to other major cities on the West Coast—including Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Diego. As a bonus, utility costs in Portland are 4% lower and income is 47% higher than the national average!
Northwest District
- Home Price: $608,590 median purchase price; $1,434 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 89% of Portland neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Want to live near Downtown PDX, but don’t want to pay downtown prices? Northwest District (also known as Nob Hill to locals) is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Portland with a vibe that matches Downtown Portland and the Pearl District. Residents can easily take the Portland Streetcar or the MAX Light Rail to get to the city, or find outdoor recreation on the North District’s east side or at Nob Hill’s heart, Forest Park. This safe Portland neighborhood also provides employment opportunities at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center—and with wonderful schools like Chapman Elementary School, Childpeace Montessori School, and nearby Lincoln High School, families of all ages can thrive here. To top it all off, Nob Hill offers a wide range of affordable housing options—from Victorian-style houses and refurbished condos, to newly-constructed townhomes and Contemporary apartments, making buying a home in Portland a budget-friendly option.
Things to Do in Northwest District
Hike or bike over 80 miles of trails in the 5,200-acre Forest Park. Discover all kinds of curious and spooky interactive exhibits, or bring home memorabilia like Bigfoot busts, alien posters, and more at the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium. Catch a Portland Timbers (MLS) or Portland Thorns (NWSL) game at Providence Park. Learn about the lives of Portland pioneers, Henry and Georgiana Pittock, at the 16,000-square-foot French Renaissance Pittock Mansion. Snack on baked goods like The Jambon, Ken’s Hero, or a Hazelnut Butter Cookie at Ken’s Artisan Bakery. Expand your palate with French dishes like Moules Mouclade, Steak Frites, and Poulet D’Arbois at St. Jack. Enjoy warm platters like Wagyu Kabobs, Crab Cakes, or Fresh Pretzels over a chat with friends at Fireside. Or choose between the Oregon Roll, Tuna Donburi, or Mio Spicy Chirashi at Mio Sushi.
A: Portland, Oregon, is safer than 3% of the United States. It’s also safer than many other large cities of similar sizes like Memphis and Detroit.
Southwest Hills
- Home Price: $831,817 median purchase price; $1,710 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 90% of Portland neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
With large green spaces like Marquam Nature Park and Washington Park bordering it, Southwest Hills is a natural paradise filled with mountain biking trails, hiking options, and other outdoor recreation. Beyond outdoor activities, this cultural hub gives residents plenty of things to do in Portland—like exploring art galleries, enjoying fine dining, and more. Just as it’s filled with greenery and artistic events, Southwest Hills is also full of famous homes like the Frank J Cobb House, Annand-Loomis House, the Maud & Belle Ainsworth House, and more. So, it’s common to see older styles like Victorian mixed with Colonial, Craftsman, and Contemporary homes throughout this historic and safe Portland neighborhood. While living in Southwest Hills, parents can send their kids to Ainsworth Elementary or nearby West Sylvan Middle School, and older students can still live at home while attending Portland State University.
Things to Do in Southwest Hills
Watch a screening at PAM CUT, purchase work from local artists in the Rental Sales Gallery, or explore exhibits like Global Impressionism and Rick Bartow: Storyteller at the Portland Art Museum. Play doubles on the tennis court, watch for wildlife on the trails, or spin on the merry-go-round with your kids at Portland Heights Park. Plan a picnic date with friends or your loved one at the Redwood Deck in Hoyt Arboretum. Admire animals on display like the elephants, tigers, monkeys, and otters at the close-by Oregon Zoo. Be comforted by Italian food like Spinach Ravioli, Garlic Pancetta Pizza, and Tiramisu at Vista Spring Cafe. Dine at Thai Yummy for Tom Yum Shrimp, Pad Kee-Mao, or Basil Fried Rice. See Asian fusion dishes at their finest with Breakfast Bento, Gyudon, or a Mr. Miyagi Sandwich at Phat Cart. Or fill up on appetizers like Moussette Charcuterie and Totten Inlet Mussels before your main course of Radiatore Pasta or “Caldo Verde” arrives at Higgins.
A: On average, a living wage in Portland for a single person with no children is $27.47 per hour, while a single parent with two kids needs to make $62.82 an hour to live comfortably. The ideal livable salary will vary depending on your needs, living situation, and lifestyle.
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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
