Moving to Portland with your family? The second-largest city in the Pacific Northwest is a great place to settle down and raise kids—thanks to its friendly neighborhoods, great outdoor recreation, and top-rated schools. If you’re looking to live in The Beaver State, here are the five best neighborhoods in Portland for families!

• Eastmoreland
• Forest Park
• Hillsdale
• Sellwood-Moreland
• Southwest Hills

Eastmoreland

• Home Price: $455,088 median purchase price; $687 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 79% of Portland neighborhoods

Looking to raise your family in a quiet neighborhood in Portland? Check out Eastmoreland! Located in Southeast Portland, Eastmoreland is a safe, affordable neighborhood filled with Tudor and Colonial-style homes, lush green yards, and tree-lined streets. This PDX neighborhood offers a suburban feel with ample green space nearby, and neighborhood events like Gathering in the Garden to keep you and your family busy. Parents can choose from several Portland public and private schools for their kids, like Duniway Elementary and Holy Family Catholic School. College students looking to stay close to home can attend Reed College, located on the northern edge of the neighborhood.

Things to Do in Eastmoreland

Practice your swing at the driving range or schedule a tee time at Eastmoreland Golf Course. Walk through 9.5 acres of blooming rhododendrons, azaleas, and more at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. Play a game of doubles tennis, watch the kids go down the slides, or have a family picnic at Berkeley Park. Located along Johnson Creek, enjoy walking the trails at Tideman Johnson Natural Area. Stop for a Maple Turmeric Latte or Matcha Latte paired with a Ham Breakfast Bagel at Woodstock Cafe. Try authentic Chinese food in Portland like Spring Rolls, Egg Flower Soup, or Ginger Beef from Jumbo Restaurant & Lounge. Looking for seafood in Portland? Order Halibut Fish & Chips, Oyster and Chips, or Salmon Fish & Chips from Portland Fish Market. Or get the Grilled Lemongrass Chicken, Crispy Papaya Salad, or Fried Chicken w/ Yakisoba paired with Watermelon Bubble Tea from Chick & Pig.

Forest Park

• Home Price: $664,927 median purchase price; $900 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 90% of Portland neighborhoods

If your family loves spending time outdoors, give the Forest Park neighborhood a look! This Multnomah County neighborhood runs adjacent to the Forest Park Conservancy—one of the largest urban parks in Portland—so you’re never far from incredible outdoor activities! The area also offers a variety of housing options, with condos, townhomes, and large single-family homes. Good education isn’t tough to find in Forest Park either, as families have access to top Portland schools like Forest Park Elementary, Stoller Middle School, and Cedar Mill Elementary. And college students living in this Portland neighborhood can drive across the St. Johns Bridge to attend the University of Portland.

Things to Do in Forest Park

Explore 5,200 acres of woodlands, trails, and green spaces with the family at Forest Park. Take your kids bird-watching or learn how injured and orphaned animals are cared for at one of Oregon’s oldest wildlife hospitals, Portland Audubon. Head over to Pittock Mansion—Portland’s House on the Hill—to tour the home and grounds of influential newspaper publisher Henry Pittock and take in views of the Cascade Mountain Range. Go for a hayride, wander the corn maze, pick fresh pumpkins in the fall—or choose a Christmas tree in the winter at Plumper Pumpkin Patch & Tree Farm. Order monthly specials or try the Double Patty Burger with Gravy Fries and a Chocolate Shake at family-friendly diner Skyline Restaurant. Grab takeout favorites like Bok Choy Beef, Curry Tofu, and Kung Pao Chicken from local Chinese restaurant Joy Wok. Play a game of pool and devour Midwestern Mom Tacos, Sticky Tofu Bahn Mi, or Babyback Ribs at Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar. Chow down American and Chinese favorites like the Decoy Chili Burger, Mongolian Beef, or Sweet & Sour Chicken at Decoy.

Hillsdale

• Home Price: $458,562 median purchase price; $1,261 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of Portland neighborhoods

Want a family-friendly neighborhood close to Downtown Portland? About 11 minutes from the city center, Hillsdale has everything families could want! Not only does this Southwest Portland neighborhood have access to the multiple trails at Marquam Nature Park, but it also offers housing options like quaint cottages, spacious Craftsman-style houses, and plenty of new construction. In addition, this safe PDX neighborhood is home to several great schools, including Rieke Elementary, Robert Gray Middle School, and Ida B. Wells High School, so kids won’t have to go far for their K-12 education!

Things to Do in Hillsdale

Grab your swimsuit and get ready for a fun day of sun at Ida B. Wells-Barnett Outdoor Pool. Hike the trails, have a picnic, and experience incredible city views at George Himes Park. Attend Pajama Storytime with the little ones, or check out one of your favorite books at Hillsdale Library. Shop for fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and more every Saturday in spring, summer, and fall, and every other Saturday in the winter—at Hillsdale Farmers’ Market. Stop by for a Butter Croissant, Morning Bun, or Cream Tart at Baker & Spice. Try “a world of flavors” at beloved local restaurant, serving up dishes like La Cubana, Drum Pan Jerk BBQ, and the Catfish Po’Boy, Salvador Molly’s. Sample different kinds of waffles like Maple Bacon, Cornbread Jalapeno, or Strawberries & Cream at Gigi’s Cafe. Or take the family to Seasons & Regions Seafood Grill for favorites like the Dungeness Crab Bisque, Oregon Rockfish and Chips, or Seafood Basil Pesto Linguine.

Sellwood-Moreland

• Home Price: $413,850 median purchase price; $1,022 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 71% of Portland neighborhoods

Located along the Willamette River is the quaint and affordable Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood. Surrounded by green spaces like Westmoreland Park Nature Playground, Sellwood Riverfront Park, and the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, this kid-friendly area is perfect for families who love the outdoors! Parents will also appreciate proximity to great schools like Llewellyn Elementary School, St. Agatha Catholic School, and Sellwood Middle School. And Portland residents settling down in Sellwood-Moreland can find a good mix of apartments, small cottages, Victorian homes, and new builds.

Things to Do in Sellwood-Moreland

Play a game of basketball, hit the tennis courts, or let the kids loose on the playground at Sellwood Park. Attend events like Toddler Storytime or Read to the Dogs at Sellwood-Moreland Library. Sign the kids up for roller skating lessons, play a round of mini golf, or try classic carnival games like Balloon Bust at one of the oldest amusement parks in the U.S., Oaks Amusement Park. Shop for fun vintage artwork, textiles, furniture, and more at Stars Antique Mall. Try the Prosciutto + Apricot Toast or Bolo + Ham Sandwich with a Latte for you and Hot Cocoa for the kids from Fairlane Coffee. Grab a seat at the counter and enjoy a twist on classic diner dishes with the Chicken Fried Pork Chop or the Bertie Cristo at Bertie Lou’s Cafe. Order the Loaded Philly Fries, Sellwood Burger, or Tilikum Sandwich from PDX Sliders. Or plan a date night with eats like Pecan, Pear, & Gorgonzola Salad, a Croque Monsieur, or the Ravioli paired with a bottle of wine at Papa Haydn.

Southwest Hills

• Home Price: $622,364 median purchase; $1,069 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 90% of Portland neighborhoods

With safe streets, large Colonial homes amidst new construction, and a close-knit community, Southwest Hills is an excellent choice for Portland families! Residents appreciate the neighborhood’s close proximity to tons of fun attractions at Washington Park—including the International Rose Test Garden—as well as Downtown Portland, which is directly northeast. Parents can choose to send their kids to Portland schools like Ainsworth Elementary School, and Lincoln High School, and college students interested in the medical field can stay close to home by attending Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU).

Things to Do in Southwest Hills

Have a family picnic while enjoying panoramic views of The City of Roses at Council Crest Park. Stroll through the Tea Garden, Flat Garden, or Natural Garden while visiting the Portland Japanese Garden. Buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and more every Saturday year-round at the PSU Farmer’s Market. See polar bears play in the snow, get an up-close look at the California condor, and watch sea otters swimming in tide pools while spending the day at the Oregon Zoo. Order weekend brunch favorites like Classic Eggs Benedict, Biscuits and Gravy, or a Belgian Waffle from The Leaky Roof Gastropub. Order Italian staples with a twist like the Palm Springs Pizza, Spaghetti Bolognese, or Focaccia Marinara at Vista Springs Cafe—and save room for a piece of Tiramisu! Try Rachel’s Reuben, Goose Hollow Pizza, and Traditional Potato Salad when dining at The Goose Hollow Inn. Or treat yourself and your family to sweet Filipino snacks like the Buko Pie, Spanish Sweet Bread, or Leche Flan from St. Barbra Pinoy Bakery.

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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes