As of September 2020, the median home sale price in Portland was at $451,000. In this post, I’m sharing Portland’s 5 most expensive neighborhoods so you know where the fanciest houses are in our Pacific Northwest city!
Keep in mind that determining what the “most expensive” neighborhoods are is somewhat subjective—of course, I used neighborhood median price points to inform these decisions, but Portland has A LOT of neighborhoods so this is certainly not a comprehensive list. (However this is an excellent place to get started!)
As you spend more time exploring Portland’s many neighborhoods with homes at a higher price point, you’ll find that they all have a few things in common. Things like beautiful greenspace, larger lots, and historic homes are all common themes. You’ll also find that if you use any of the conventional school rating websites out there, these expensive neighborhoods will show up as having great Portland schools with high rankings. (However, whether or not a school is “good” is a big hot button issue—click here to read what I think about how to find a school in Portland.)
Also, all of the featured homes in this post were sold in 2020.
1. Hillside
In 2019, the median home sale price in Portland’s Hillside neighborhood was at $800,000. The Hillside neighborhood is very exclusive and offers excellent views, yet it’s just up the hill from rad shops and amazing restaurants on 23rd. The Hillside neighborhood aptly named, and this east-facing neighborhood has the best chance of buying a home with views of Mt. Hood and the Willamette River.
Here is an excellent example of a recently sold home in the Hillside neighborhood:
Hillside Home – Sold for $910,000
Listed by Steve Nassar with Premiere Property Group, LLC
2. Eastmoreland
In Portland’s Eastmoreland neighborhood, the 2019 median home sale price was $757,000. Eastmoreland is just an absolutely gorgeous neighborhood filled with greenspace, streets lined with huge trees, big beautiful estates, and historic homes. It’s pretty close to Reed College and there aren’t many straight streets in the neighborhood, so streets just kind of meander along here. Eastmoreland is the epitome of picturesque Portland beauty!
Here is an excellent example of a recently sold home in the Eastmoreland neighborhood:
Eastmoreland Home – Sold for $1,095,000
Listed by Veronica Story with Keller Williams Realty Profes.
3. Arlington Heights
In Portland’s Arlington Heights neighborhood, the 2019 median home sale price was $757,000. Arlington Heights is literally surrounded by greenspace (not exaggerating here… look at the neighborhood on a map!), and this east-facing neighborhood is a truly stunning place to live. Here you’ll find the renowned Portland Japanese Garden, Washington Park, miles of scenic trails and more. You can feel like you’re lost in nature and removed, yet you’re still in the middle of the city and just up the road from all of the great amenities on 23rd.
Here is an excellent example of a recently sold home in the Arlington Heights neighborhood:
Arlington Heights Home – Sold for $1,050,000
Listed by Shea Steel with RE/MAX Equity Group
4. Alameda
In 2019, the median home sale price in Portland’s Alameda neighborhood was at $744,250. This neighborhood is up on Alameda Ridge and this west-facing community is ALL about the views! Searching for a home to buy in Alameda will give you a better chance of getting a great view, including views of Downtown Portland and the Willamette River. Alameda is also super close to the Beaumont-Wilshire business district, giving you great access to shops, restaurants, coffee shops and more. (Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai is my fave spot here.)
This recently sold home represents quintessential Alameda; Tudor homes are what Alameda is all about!
Alameda Home – Sold for $1,275,000
Listed by C. Morgan Davis with Keller Williams-PDX Central
5. Laurelhurst
In Portland’s Laurelhurst neighborhood, the 2019 median home sale price was $725,500. Laurelhurst is in the middle of everything giving you an easy commute to things, yet you’re surrounded by picturesque greenery. Huge leafy trees, lots of historic homes, quick access to Laurelhurst Park, and tons of amazing restaurants are all part of Laurelhurst. Also, if you’re searching for a Colonial or Craftsman home, Laurelhurst is the neighborhood for you.
Here is an excellent example of a recently sold home in the Laurelhurst neighborhood:
Laurelhurst Home – Sold for $1,544,000
Listed by Listed by Aimee Virnig Windermere Realty Trust