Close to the city, close to nature (Portland, Phoenix: neighborhoods, to live)

[dent_arthur_dent]

What might be a good neighbourhood in or near Portland that offers decent access to downtown but also isn't far from walks, trails etc.? I know it's hard to have both, but I figure there might be a few options that offer a good balance.

[sezzam]

Eastmoreland and Forest Park (NW) to name a couple. If you are thinking about housing, as usual it will help to know the price range. For example, many consider Eastmoreland expensive.

[skiffrace]

Take a look at Google maps and seek out large,green spots. That's where the trails are.
Forrest Park in NW Portland is the biggest city park in the US. It has dozens if not hundreds of miles of interwoven trails and paths. The most famous - Wildwood Trail is long enough to run a marathon. Some of the trails are flat, and some are steep - Forrest Park stretches much of the West Hills range.
Another outstanding and large green area on the West Side is Marquam Park - it is a long, steep climb to the top of Council Crest Park, where you get (on a clear day) the view of 5 snow-capped volcanoes on the horizon.
The best and most famous green area on the East Side is Powell Butte - site of a former volcano. It is basically a mountain, sticking out of the plain, with some spectacular views of the city.
You can get quickly to a green area from almost anywhere in the city, though the Forrest Park due to its size is the runaway winner.
Accidentally, the neighborhoods adjacent to Forrest Park are some of the most desirable in the city. For example, both Northwest District and Goose Hollow are steps away from the park, as well as short walk to the downtown.

[Steve Pickering]

Downtown has all of this to offer also. This isn't Phoenix, it's Portland, and Portland is a walkable green city in the middle of a forest. Pretty much anywhere you want to live would meet these needs.

[doggiemama]

Originally Posted by Steve Pickering

Downtown has all of this to offer also. This isn't Phoenix, it's Portland, and Portland is a walkable green city in the middle of a forest. Pretty much anywhere you want to live would meet these needs.

Agreed. It's unbelievable the number of parks here.

[eabcan]

We live in the Arnold Creek neighbourhood and can walk to a few different entrances to Tryon Creek State Park. We are also less than 10 minutes to downtown by either I-5 N or SW Barbur Blvd. We love it!

[hamellr]

Originally Posted by doggiemama

Agreed. It's unbelievable the number of parks here.

I haven't seen it for a while, but there used to be claims of "most parks in a city per capita."

[sezzam]

Originally Posted by Steve Pickering

Downtown has all of this to offer also. This isn't Phoenix, it's Portland, and Portland is a walkable green city in the middle of a forest. Pretty much anywhere you want to live would meet these needs.

Yup, Park blocks for one. Parking becomes expensive, but trails are accessible by bus/light rail

[oldtintype]

I second the recommendation for NW. The area above NW 23rd near Thurman and Chapman Elementary in particular.

[NickyBilly]

John's Landing