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 | Northwest District | Pearl District | Richmond |
| Safer than % of City | 35% | 25% | 89% | 78% | 70% |
| Median Home Price | $492,950 | $462,350 | $608,590 | $630,200 | $570,560 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,382 | $1,499 | $1,434 | $1,439 | $1,521 |
| Median Household Income | $65,544 | $49,632 | $76,223 | $102,361 | $97,974 |
| Median Age | 34.1 | 39.6 | 34.4 | 49.2 | 37.5 |
Buckman
Photo via @wildwellnessguide
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. Though, 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 handcrafted 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. Make a trip to find your next favorite roast at Coava Coffee Roasters. Enjoy a plate of Capellini, Radiatori, or Grilled Beef Tagliata at Nostrana. Savor global cuisines like Chicken Liver Mousse, Steam Burger, and Wagyu Brisket at Canard. Explore Lebanese and Mediterranean Cuisine like the Chicken Thigh Kabob Bowl, Tabouli Salad, and the Shawarma Plate at Nicholas Restaurant. Or down some favorite beers like Retro Gold – West Coast IPA, Luna Muerta – Vienna Style Lager, or Flower in the Kettle – Hazy IPA at Wayfinder Beer after a long day of work.
Downtown Portland
Photo via @portlandcreatives
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, there are plenty of exciting events for all ages to enjoy throughout the year—like art openings, outdoor movement classes, and concerts! This area is very walkable, and it offers easy access to great food, tax-free shopping, and a wide variety of nature parks, which makes it perfect for any single and young professional living in Portland. Most singles and young professionals in this Portland neighborhood rent modern studios and luxury one-bedrooms. Portland’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.
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 largest new and used bookstore in Portland at Powell’s City of Books. Savor a plate of fresh seafood like Jake’s Famous Dungeness Crab, Bay Shrimp Cakes, or the Horseradish Crusted Steelhead at Jake’s Famous Crawfish. Enjoy comfort classics like Chicken or Tofu Stir-Fry, Lemon-Herb Chicken Breast, or the Classic Macaroni & Cheese from Mother’s Bistro & Bar. Share an Artisan Cheese Board while waiting for a plate of Malaysian Spicy Shrimp & Grits or the Bacon Wrapped Cod at Southpark Seafood. Or wind down with an Alternate Timeline, Hey-Bay-Bay, or an Old Fashioned made with any of the 1,500 spirits at Multnomah Whiskey Library.
Northwest District
Photo via @dustinwaine
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 36 and over half of the district’s population 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—featuring plenty of walking and biking trails, this Portland neighborhood is often called a “Walker’s Paradise.” Though the neighborhood’s rent is somewhat higher than other Portland areas, 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. Experience tax-free shopping along NW 23rd Ave and check out Portland shops like Betsy & Iya for handmade jewelry and curated goods. Visit “the largest metaphysical bookstore in the country” and the oldest metaphysical bookstore in Portland at New Renaissance. Grab a delicious plate of Biscuits and Gravy, Blueberry Pancakes, and Savory Brunch at Meriwether’s Restaurant. Try a Pork Belly Sandwich, Steel Kitchen Sandwich, 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 have a pint or two of local brews at a traditional Irish and family-run pub, Kells Brewery, while enjoying live music in Portland.
Pearl District
Photo via @valfairlight
Portland’s Pearl District is another popular and fast-growing area 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 Portland 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 friendly atmosphere 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 Pearl’s art galleries—like Waterstone Gallery or Blue Sky Gallery. Get concert tickets and jam out to artists like Alec Benjamin at the McMenamins Crystal Ballroom. Grab a friend or two and enjoy a classic or Contemporary play at Portland Center Stage at the Armory. 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 fresh-made Cream Puffs, Chocolate Croissants, or a Lemon Danish at Lovejoy Bakers. Experience mouth-watering Peruvian dishes to the beat of live music in Portland at Andina Restaurant. Stop by Oven and Shaker for dinner to share plates like the Maple Pig pizza, The Pearl, or Spicy Salami pizza. Or indulge in a variety of Italian fusion cuisine like Fettuccini Alla Pesto, Caprese Panini, or Chicken a la Plancha at Via Delizia.
Richmond
Photo via @pieceofpdx
With Division Street and Powell Boulevard marking this Portland neighborhood’s southern border, Richmond delivers an urban, energetic atmosphere, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Portland. These main Portland streets are hot spots for new businesses, boutiques, and other fun activities—which also provide plenty of opportunities to meet new people. Richmond’s urban makeup does provide a bit of greenery, with dog-friendly Sewallcrest Park offering ball fields, playgrounds, and more. Plus, with housing styles including comfy American Foursquare and Craftsman bungalows, Richmond is a perfect home for Portland singles and young professionals hoping to leave behind apartment complexes.
Things to Do in Richmond
Invite a buddy to watch a movie from the comfort of a recliner at boutique movie theater, Studio One Theater. Support local artists and small businesses in Portland while walking through Sevigny Studio. See The Lincoln Street Kayak & Canoe Museum, which educates visitors about a wide variety of Indigenous watercraft. Gather for brunch with friends and have a savory Sausage Pannenkoek or sweet Apple Pie Waffles at The Waffle Window. Begin your day with Bee Gee Breakfast, Biscuit Benedict, or The French Connection at The Hazel Room. Chow down gluten-free dishes like Powerhouse Parfait, Hawthorne Mac, or Walnut Chorizo Quesadilla at Harlow. Devour authentic Cuban dishes like Mojo Pork, Spicy Mojo Shrimp, or Beef Picadillo at Cubo. Or have an Ice Cold Shrimp Cocktail with a classic 5-oz. Flat Iron Steak or Smoked Half Chicken at The Woodsman Tavern.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
