Best Neighborhoods in Portland, OR
Portland is one of the most livable cities in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you are relocating from out of state or moving across town, choosing the neighborhood shapes everything about your daily life. O’Neill Transfer & Storage has helped Portland families move for over 100 years, and we know these neighborhoods well. Here is our guide to the best neighborhoods in Portland, OR.
Best Portland Neighborhoods for Families
For families moving to Portland, the priorities are consistent: good schools, safe streets, access to parks and a strong sense of community. These five neighborhoods consistently rise to the top.
Eastmoreland
Eastmoreland sits in Southeast Portland and is one of the most consistently recommended neighborhoods for families in the city. It is home to Duniway Elementary and sits close to Reed College, with strong school ratings and active academic support.
Families appreciate the low crime rate, as well as green spaces like Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden and Eastmoreland Golf Course. The neighborhood features early 20th-century homes and long-term residents who contribute to a stable, close-knit community.
Sellwood Moreland
“A neighborhood to love and live in.” Sellwood Moreland combines excellent schools, strong walkability and easy access to nature. Family-friendly attractions include Oaks Amusement Park, Sellwood Park and the Springwater Corridor Trail.
It has a small-town feel within the city that appeals to families who want community without sacrificing urban convenience. Homes here are in steady demand with a median sale price of around $682,000.
Hillsdale
Hillsdale is one of the safest neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon. With a violent crime rate approximately 31% below the national average and 49% lower than the Portland city average. It is walkable, has a strong community feel and offers close access to Marquam Nature Park, Hillsdale City Park, and George Himes City Park. Craftsman-style homes and a suburban atmosphere make it a natural fit for families settling in Southwest Portland.
Alameda
Alameda is a quiet, established neighborhood in Northeast Portland with top-rated Alameda Elementary and nearby Grant High School. Early 20th-century homes, walkable streets and panoramic views from Alameda Ridge give it a distinctive character. It’s located only 3 miles from downtown Portland, and it consistently earns high marks for safety, livability and community engagement.
Multnomah Village
Multnomah Village blends suburban charm with urban convenience in Southwest Portland. It features strong schools, a welcoming community atmosphere and a walkable main street with local shops and family-friendly events. Gabriel Park anchors the neighborhood with a playground, dog park and walking trails for year-round outdoor activity.
Moving Between Portland Neighborhoods and Surrounding Cities
Portland’s metro extends well beyond the city limits. Many families relocate between Portland and surrounding communities like Hillsboro, Beaverton and Lake Oswego as their needs change. These moves require the same level of coordination and care as any urban relocation.
A customer who moved from Hillsboro to Beaverton shared this:
“The crew showed up on time and were very polite and handled our goods with care. The cost was reasonable, and we were very happy to support a local business.”
Via Google Review, October 2024
Whether you are moving within Portland or to a neighboring city, O’Neill Transfer & Storage handles logistics so you can focus on settling in.
Professional Packing Makes Every Portland Move Easier
Choosing the right neighborhood is only part of the equation. How you move matters just as much. Professional packing protects your belongings, saves time and significantly reduces the stress of moving day.
A customer who moved a 6,000-square-foot multi-level home described their experience this way:
“They were professional, courteous, on time, careful with delicate and valuable items and expeditious. The final cost came under what they quoted me.”
Via Google Review, January 2025.
Ready to Move to a New Portland Neighborhood?
O’Neill Transfer & Storage has served Portland residents for over 100 years and has completed more than 50,000 moves across the region. Whether you are moving to Sellwood-Moreland, Eastmoreland, or anywhere else in the greater Portland area, our team handles every detail of your local move.
Call us now at (503) 270-3393 or request a no-obligation estimate today.

















