Lane Lowry on The Perfect Portland Neighborhoods for Raising a Family

Portland is the second-largest city in the Pacific Northwest, just under Seattle, Washington. It boasts a populace of over 650,000 and has routinely been affectionately referred to as quirky and weird because of its magnificent diversity and uniqueness. Regardless of whether you are a young couple starting out, a millennial forging a life path, retirees looking to settle comfortably, or a family looking to raise their children, Portland has something for everybody in an environment full of culture and fun.

In addition to its distinct personality, Portland is known for its dedication to sustainability and eco-friendliness. Many public spaces encourage exercise and outdoor activities, such as parks and bicycle paths. For serious beer enthusiasts, there is no shortage of breweries and coffeehouses. Portland ranks #8 for having the most breweries per capita in the U.S. It is also the third most caffeinated city, hosting over 730 coffee shops.

Portland is also known for its top-rated education. Like Irvington, neighborhoods are an excellent choice for families with small children, thanks to the outstanding preschool and elementary school. This suburban-style area blends victorian-style architecture with dutch-colonial homes. For commuters, Irvington is conveniently located on the Willamette River’s east side, making for easy travel to downtown Portland. Irving Park is a safe and friendly place to let your kids play, and families love the IMAX big-screen movie theater. The Irvington tennis club offers family memberships to help the whole clan keep in shape. Local dining favorites are everywhere, as are coffee shops that will soon become part of your daily routine.

Hillsdale might be the perfect choice for a family moving to Portland for urbanites who still yearn for a community’s suburban feel. Activities-wise, there is plenty to choose from. Trail hiking, scenic picnics, and swimming at Wilson Outdoor Pool are a few of the locals’ favorite things to do. For something different and indoors, the Hillsdale Public Library offers creative writing classes. The fresh food options are in bountiful supply at the Hillsdale Farmers Market, but there are also plenty of delicious dining options. The housing is quaint and diverse in Hillsdale, with choices ranging from cottages to spacious American craftsman-style homes. The schools are top-rated as well and go all the way from elementary level to high school.

Originally published at https://lanelowry.org.