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If you’re planning to buy a home in Portland, Oregon, you might be struggling with the urban versus suburban dilemma.
It’s an important decision that could affect everything from your daily life to your finances and long-term investment potential. And there are urban vs. suburban pros and cons to consider.
This Portland home buying guide can help you determine the best type of neighborhood to buy in. We’ll examines the key distinctions between Portland’s urban vs. suburban living, from a real estate and home buying perspective.
When people talk about “urban” Portland, they’re usually referring to the areas closest to the city center. These neighborhoods are characterized by higher density, walkability, and a lot of convenient amenities.
Portland’s more urban neighborhoods often boast historic architecture, bustling streets, and a diverse mix of residents.
Home buyers seeking an urban vibe should consider the following locations:
At the heart of the city, Downtown serves as a hub for business, culture, and entertainment. Home buyers can find everything from high-rise condos to historic buildings repurposed into modern living spaces. You’ll also be close to theaters, museums, restaurants, and public transportation like the MAX Light Rail and Streetcar.
The popular Pearl District is a former industrial area transformed into a chic and upscale neighborhood. It’s known for converted warehouses, art galleries, boutiques, upscale dining, and beautiful parks like Jamison Square. It’s incredibly walkable as well.
Located in the northwest section of Portland, the Nob Hill neighborhood features Victorian-era homes and tree-lined streets, interspersed with trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants. This area is prized for its walkability and classic Portland vibe. Nob Hill is part of the Alphabet District, named for the alphabetical order of its street names (from Burnside to Wilson).
Located on the east side of the Willamette River, Hawthorne is known for its bohemian and eclectic atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of vintage shops, locally owned businesses, and quirky restaurants in this walkable neighborhood. It’s also home to the historic Bagdad Theater.
These and other urban neighborhoods in Portland offer walkability, access to public transit, proximity to employment centers, and a dizzying array of cultural and dining options.
If living in the middle of “the action” doesn’t appeal to you, you’ll be happy to know there are many charming suburbs located around downtown Portland. The best Portland suburbs for families tend to have a lower population density, more green space, and an emphasis on single-family homes.
Some of the best neighborhoods in Portland in more suburban areas include the following:
Located west of Portland, Beaverton is a large suburb known for having family-friendly neighborhoods, good schools, and major employers like Nike. On the housing side, Beaverton offers a mix of established neighborhoods and newer developments.
Fun fact: In addition to being home to Nike’s world headquarters, Beaverton also has a fantastic farmers market that’s one of the largest in the Portland metro area.
Further west of Beaverton, the city of Hillsboro is another major suburban area within the Portland metro. Hillsboro is sometimes called the “Silicon Forest” due to its concentration of tech companies like Intel. Hillsboro offers more affordable housing options compared to areas closer to Portland, along with parks, trails, and a growing downtown area.
Fun fact: Hillsboro is also home to the historic Venetian Theatre, a beautifully restored 1920s movie palace that now hosts live performances.
South of Portland, Lake Oswego is an affluent suburb known for its beautiful lake, upscale homes, excellent schools, and picturesque downtown. It offers a more exclusive and serene suburban environment, with a focus on outdoor recreation and a high quality of life.
Fun fact: Lake Oswego has one of the highest-rated public library systems in Oregon.
Located on the south side of the Willamette River, West Linn is another desirable suburb known for its excellent schools, large lots, and natural beauty. It provides a peaceful and family-oriented setting with gorgeous views and access to riverfront parks.
Fun fact: West Linn sits atop the Willamette Falls, the site of the first long-distance electrical power transmission in the U.S. in 1889.
Southwest of Portland, Tigard is a well-established suburb with a mix of residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, and parks. Tigard provides a more affordable suburban option within close proximity to Portland.
Fun fact: Tigard is home to the only professional musical theater company in the Portland metro area, Broadway Rose Theatre, making it a great place for arts and culture lovers.
East of Portland, Gresham is a larger suburb offering a more diverse range of housing options and price points. It offers easy access to the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood National Forest. Gresham combines a budget-friendly suburban lifestyle with outdoor recreation.
Fun fact: The city of Gresham is the eastern gateway to the scenic Columbia River Gorge, making it a perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts.
In addition to affecting your quality of life, choosing between urban and suburban areas in Portland can have a direct impact on your real estate experience.
The more urban and central neighborhoods of Portland generally command higher home prices per square foot, when compared to suburban areas. Demand tends to be higher in the urban core due to convenience, lifestyle, and other factors.
However, Portland home prices within the suburbs can vary greatly based on school districts, proximity to amenities, and neighborhood desirability. Affluent suburbs like Lake Oswego and West Linn can be just as (or more) expensive than certain urban areas.
The urban Portland real estate market is typically more competitive. Limited inventory and high demand mean you might face multiple offers and potentially bidding wars, especially for desirable properties in popular neighborhoods.
Suburban markets can be less competitive, but desirable suburbs with excellent schools can still see strong competition.
| Urban Living | Suburban Living | |
| Home Prices | Higher | More affordable |
| Cost of Living | Higher overall expenses | More affordable daily expenses |
| Housing Types | Apartments, condos, townhomes | Single-family homes, larger lots |
| Public Transportation | Extensive transit options | Limited transit, more reliance on cars |
| Entertainment & Nightlife | Abundant dining, bars, arts, and events | Fewer nightlife options, more family-oriented activities |
| Outdoor Access | Parks, biking, urban trails | More access to hiking, nature, and suburban parks |
If you’re considering a move, it’s wise to do a little comparison between Portland’s urban vs. suburban living to decide where to call home.
Some of the more affordable neighborhoods near Portland include Fairview, Gresham, and Newberg.
Buying a home in Portland offers convenience, walkability, and vibrant city life but comes with higher home prices and taxes. Suburban living provides more affordable housing, larger spaces, and better schools but may require a longer commute. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities
Commute times in Portland’s urban core average around 25-30 minutes, with heavier traffic congestion during peak hours. Suburban areas generally have slightly longer commutes, averaging 30-40 minutes, depending on distance. Public transportation options and alternative commuting methods are more accessible in the city, reducing car reliance.
Are you thinking of buying a home in Portland, OR? If so, Sammamish Mortgage can help. We’ve been helping Portland-area home buyers for many years. We offer a wide range of loan options and the most transparent pricing you’ll find anywhere. We’ll help you navigate the world of mortgage rates in Portland, OR to help make your loan as affordable as possible. Please contact our staff if you need a loan to buy a home in Portland, or visit our website to get an instant rate quote.
Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.
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No Obligation and transparency 24/7. Instantly compare live rates and costs from our network of lenders across the country. Real-time accurate rates and closing costs for a variety of loan programs custom to your specific situation.