Northwest Portland is the place to live if you’re seeking a true urban lifestyle. Young singles, couples, and families choose this neighborhood for its wealth of shopping, restaurants, and transportation options. Out of state transplants are particularly prevalent. Although formally named the Alphabet District, this section of Portland is also known as Nob Hill after the famous San Francisco neighborhood.

The northwest section of Portland was planned and developed by Captain John Heard Couch. Couch was an accomplished seafarer who also started Oregon’s first newspaper, The Spectator. Couch’s naval background led him to believe that the intersection of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers would one day become a great commercial center, surpassing then-rival Oregon City. Couch’s decision to found the Lovejoy-Pettygrove land site was a key milestone in early Portland history. Couch is the one who laid out the streets of today’s Northwest Portland with the letters of the alphabet. The streets were originally known as A Street, B Street, etc. from 1865 to 1891 when the streets were given their current names. Fans of The Simpsons television show will recognize the names of several streets in the Alphabet District like Flanders and Lovejoy. The main thoroughfare, Burnside, was perhaps an inspiration for Oregon native Matt Groening’s Mr. Burns?

Northwest Portland contains much notable architecture including the Temple Beth Israel, Trinity Cathedral, and family dwellings from some of Portland’s earliest elite residents. There are a large number of apartments here; many were built in the first half of the 20^th century. Period details have remained largely intact on the older buildings. This neighborhood has the highest population density in the city. Home styles include many Victorians and luxury condos. There are fewer acres of parks here than other areas of Portland, but this area is closest to one of the largest urban parks in the United States, Forest Park. Proximity to the Oregon Zoo, the International Rose Test Garden, and the Japanese Garden are also benefits of living here.

Northwest Heights/Kings Heights is the neighborhood in the hills just above NW 23^rd Street. This cluster of houses is primarily owner-occupied (95%) and the public schools are exceptional. 

Further up the alphabetized streets is a small mirco-community with NW Thurman as the core has developed.  NW Thurman is also the gateway into Willamette Heights and a popular entrance to Forest Park; the country's largest city park inside of an urban city..

The shopping districts along Northwest 23^rd and Northwest 21^st Streets are the most popular in Portland. People from around town and in the suburbs flock here for notable restaurants like Papa Hadyn and upscale shopping outlets like William Sonoma Home. Many of Portland’s independent high fashion boutiques are located along NW 23rd.

Within the neighborhood, but off the beaten path, those in the know visit Saint Cupcake for delicious cupcakes and World Cup Coffee & Tea for outstanding coffee. During spring and summer, sports fans flock to PGE Park, just off Burnside, for minor league baseball (The Portland Beavers, or minor league soccer games (Portland Timbers). MLS soccer is coming in 2011.  Theatre lovers attend performances at Artist’s Repertory Theatre at SW 15^th & Morrison. Neighborhood markets include Trader Joe’s, Zupan’s, Food Front and Fred Meyer. Good Samaritan Hospital is located on Northwest 23^rd.

Cinema 21 shows art house and classic films like Singin’ in the Rain or this year’s Oscar Best Picture contenders. And, Ken’s Artisan Bakery is a can’t miss spot along NW 21^st. (Monday’s popular pizza night inspired Ken to open Ken’s Artisan Pizza on the eastside of Portland.)

The pedestrian reigns supreme on both streets.  The posted speed limit is 20MPH and every intersection, whether signed or not is considered a crosswalk.  Street parking can be at a premium at peak hours but for those with patience a space should open up.  There are numerous pay-to-park lots as well.

Chapman Elementary on NW 25th is rated as outstanding (2008-2009) by the Oregon Department of Education. West/East Sylvan Middle School and Lincoln High School are also rated as outstanding. Multnomah County Library opened a branch at NW Thurman and NW 23^rd in 2001. The library has many programs and materials for children including specialized events for teens, toddlers, and pre-school students.

The good news is that living in most of Northwest Portland without a car is more than feasible. Public transportation to and from here is fantastic. The Portland Street Car, MAX Light Rail, and several bus lines serve the neighborhood. Getting to downtown Portland takes mere minutes. Driving to the Portland International Airport clocks in between 20 and 30 minutes depending on time of day. The neighborhood benefits from being relatively close to area freeways without the noise and hassle of being too close for comfort.