Since Portland, Oregon has a little something for everyone, moving to this city with your family can be an excellent decision. With its friendly neighborhoods and outdoor recreation, the city is without a doubt a good place to live and raise a family.

So, which Portland neighborhoods are best for families? We’ve compiled a list of the best neighborhoods in the city for families (taking the factors we mention into account, of course). 

Most of our data and the letter grades for aspects of the various neighborhoods we selected are based on Niche’s. Without further ado, let’s start!

1. Pearl District

The Pearl District is literally one of the best places to live in Portland. It’s in the heart of downtown and is packed with chic boutiques, galleries, and dining options. However, it’s perhaps best known for its eclectic mix of regional and local breweries.

This area is close to Powell’s City of Books and the Art Institute of Portland, making it ideal for young people and children. During the monthly art walk, locals flock to this stretch of pavement.

Things to Do in the Pearl District for Families

The Pearl District, formerly an industrial area, is now one of the most exciting neighborhoods for young professionals and families. For local families, the options for entertainment are virtually limitless.

During the summer, children and families can be found splashing around in Jamison Square Tidal Pool. 

There is also a district-wide celebration every first Thursday of the month throughout the year. It’s known as “First Thursday Artwalk,” and many art galleries host free receptions, making it a great time for kids and parents to bond. 

Meanwhile, parents can get some much-needed grown-up time while their children jump in the foam pit at PlayDate PDX.

The Pearl District’s Ratings

Home Price: $599,189 median home value; $1,570 median monthly rate

Schools in the Pearl District

When it comes to education, Pearl’s public schools and private schools are both highly regarded. 

Deciding where to enroll your kids? Here are Niche’s top recommendations:

2. Sellwood-Moreland

Some of Portland’s top schools are located in this family-friendly neighborhood. Many Portland families call the historic Sellwood-Moreland home due to its convenient public transportation, adorable homes, and attractions. 

Living here feels like a blend of the urban and suburban because of the lovely residential streets and the abundance of city amenities.

If you didn’t know yet, the area is kid-friendly because it’s surrounded by green areas like the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge and the Westmoreland Park Nature Playground. So, if your family enjoys outdoor recreation, it’s a nice place to consider.

Things to Do in Sellwood-Moreland for Families

There are numerous things to do in Sellwood-Moreland for both adults and children. Along with riverfront woodlands and beautiful parks, it’s home to many amusement parks. 

Visit Sellwood Park for a fun-filled family day where you can play some basketball, hit the tennis courts, or let the kids run wild on the playground. 

The oldest amusement park in the United States, Oaks Amusement Park, also offers mini golf and traditional carnival games like balloon bust for you and your children to enjoy.

For parents, they can get their fix of vintage furniture, textiles, artwork, and more by browsing the streets that are lined with antique and independent stores like Stars and Fuchsia or the Stars Antique Mall.

After a fun-filled family day, you and your children can sample some of the neighborhood’s best local restaurants and cafes, such as Reverend’s BBQ, Bertie Lou’s Cafe, Grand Central Bakery, and Jade Bistro & Patisserie.

Sellwood-Moreland’s Ratings

Home Price: $554,449 median home value; $1,218 median monthly rate

Schools in Sellwood-Moreland

The quality of the local schools should be taken into account when deciding whether or not to relocate a family to Sellwood-Moreland. Fortunately, one of the main deciding factors for many people moving here is the reputation and rankings of the Sellwood-Moreland schools.

The following are the top schools in the area according to Niche:

3. Irvington

Families will love Irvington because it’s safe, convenient, and walkable with a strong sense of community. It’s conveniently located with quick access to freeways, close to downtown Portland.

With its mixture of older Victorian-style and Dutch-Colonial homes, this neighborhood provides a more suburban setting, making it a distinctive urban neighborhood.

There is a strong sense of community and a shared commitment to quality of life among Irvington residents, making it the ideal place for a growing family. This combination of people and environment gives Irvington a warm vibe.

Things to Do in Irvington for Families

There are numerous playgrounds and parks in the Irvington neighborhood for children to enjoy (don’t worry, you can bring your pet with you). Allow your children to play in the splash pad, kick a soccer ball around at Irving Park, or play basketball at Memorial Park. 

Also consider joining the Irvington Tennis Club, where you can work out in the gym, play tennis, or take the kids to the pool.

If your family enjoys the arts, take them to the Irvington Theater. Throughout the year, it hosts a variety of performing arts events.

Saturdays are farmer’s market days in Irvington. The Irvington Farmers Market, which is open on Saturdays all year, features fresh produce from local farms.

Irvington’s Ratings

Home Price: $730,562 median home value; $1,558 median monthly rate

Schools in Irvington

It is critical to living in an area with consistent high school ratings. To help you with that, here are the top schools in Irvington.

4. Goose Hollow

Goose Hollow, one of the city’s most walkable neighborhoods, provides families with easy access to downtown culture and activities.

Although there aren’t many restaurants and bars within the neighborhood, popular destinations such as the Portland Art Museum, the weekly farmers’ market in Shemanski Park, and Pioneer Square are all a short walk away. 

All of this, combined with affordable housing options, has attracted the attention of many young professionals and families in the area.

Goose Hollow has its own vibe, despite being only a few blocks away from the city’s bright and new renovations. It is a haven for sports fans, considering Providence Park and Multnomah Athletic Club are major hubs of activity in the area. 

The MAC is a large sports complex, and Providence Park Stadium is home to the Timbers and Thorns football teams.

Things to Do in Goose Hollow for Families

Goose Hollow is near Washington Park, the Oregon Zoo, and the Portland Japanese Garden, so there should be plenty of things to do for everyone.

Portland State University, located just east of Goose Hollow, offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, from playing soccer to attending one of the school’s many cultural events. 

Additionally, the Central Library in the area has one of the largest and most exquisite children’s collections in the entire city.

Families can also quickly walk to see performances at venues like the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, where the Oregon Symphony Kids’ Concerts are held and Oregon Children’s Theater productions at the Newmark Theater.

Goose Hollow’s Ratings

Home Price: $410,954 median home value; $1,279 median monthly rate

Schools in Goose Hollow

There are no elementary or middle schools in the neighborhood, but it is close to some of Portland’s best schools. Again, here are Niche’s picks here, along with their ratings:

5. Southwest Hills

Another family-friendly neighborhood in Portland is the Southwest Hills. 

Living in Southwest Hills offers residents an urban-suburban mix feeling with its large Colonial-style homes, a ton of new construction, and plenty of green space throughout the neighborhood. 

Most residents also own their homes. Plus, there are many parks, bars, restaurants, and coffee shops in this neighborhood, and many of the locals lean liberal.

Southwest Hills is a favorite among Portland families because it is so close to everything that Downtown Portland has to offer.

Things to Do in the Southwest Hills for Families

Many of the homes in this area have beautiful views thanks to the region’s hilly topography and lush natural parks. 

Because of this, you can see all of downtown Portland from anywhere in this neighborhood. In addition, on a clear day, Mount Hood, Mount Adams, and Mount Saint Helens can all be seen in the distance. While enjoying said viewpoints, a family picnic is possible in Council Crest.

Washington Park is technically outside the boundaries of Southwest Hills, but you can see it from many locations throughout the community because it is located just across Highway 26. 

The world-famous Portland Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Oregon Zoo are all nearby as well if you enjoy the outdoors and exploring new places.

Alternatively, you could treat your family and yourself to sweet treats from St. Barbra Pinoy Bakery or visit Vista Springs Cafe to try the Oregon Bleu Burger, Ultimate Grilled Cheese, or special Mac and Cheese. 

Verde Cocina, a Mexican eatery that specializes in traditional Mexican cuisine like enchiladas or fajitas, welcomes family dinner outings.

Southwest Hills’ Ratings

Home Price: $868,138 median home value; $1,575 median monthly rate

Schools in the Southwest Hills

Southwest Hills takes pride in making education accessible. In fact, this area might be a good place to establish long-term roots if you have kids and want to ensure that they have a stable educational experience as they get older. 

Here are Niche’s picks again: