Median Price
$537,000
Walk Score
78
Schools
B
Where it sits
Creston-Kenilworth stretches from SE Powell Blvd (north) to SE Holgate Blvd (south), bounded by SE 26th Ave (west) and SE Foster Rd/SE 52nd Ave (east), placing it between Division and Woodstock in inner Southeast Portland.
The Neighborhood
Classic Portland craftsman bungalows, 1920s cottages, and a scattering of midcentury ranches dominate most blocks, with some newer infill and multifamily options along main corridors. Garages are rare, and lush tree canopies, deep front porches, and gardens reveal a history of owner care.
Life centers on SE Powell Blvd and SE Gladstone St, but residential streets are quieter. Creston Park acts as a neighborhood hub. Traffic hums along Powell and Holgate, but much of the district is walkable. Expect local cafes, food carts, and groceries within a few blocks of nearly any address.
“Classic craftsman homes and park-centered living with local pockets of flavor”
Parks, Trails & Green Space
Top 5 places to get outside
Creston Park — A large, multipurpose public park with pool, playground, sports fields, and summer gatherings.
Kenilworth Park — Historic community park with tall trees, picnic spots, and a playground at the southern boundary.
Union Manor Mini Park — Small community space offering a quiet garden retreat just east of SE 26th Ave.
Brooklyn School Park — Nearby, north of Powell, it serves many Creston-Kenilworth families.
Errol Heights City Park — Wetland trails, wildlife, and restored perennial creek area just southeast of the neighborhood.
Coffee Shops
Top 5 places for a coffee
Heart Coffee Roasters — Light, modern cafe on Powell at SE 22nd, serving expertly roasted coffee and pastries.
Yoshida Food Group Cafe & Bakery (formerly Kenilworth Coffeehouse) — Local mainstay in a historic building on Gladstone with new bakery/coffee bar, popular with neighbors.
Portland Ca Phe — Vietnamese coffee shop serving both traditional and creative specialty drinks along SE Powell Blvd.
Nodes Espresso Bar — Micro-cafe near SE 50th & Powell, appreciated for its espresso and small-batch bakes.
Starbucks – SE Powell Blvd — Full-service Starbucks at SE 39th & Powell for reliable early mornings or remote work.
Restaurants & Food Carts
Top 5 places for a bite to eat
La Taq — Quick-service taqueria inside Los Gorditos, offering classic burritos and tacos with vegan options. Cuisine: Mexican.
Otto’s Sausage Kitchen & Meat Market — Family-run since 1922, known for grilled sausages and deli sandwiches right at the southern edge. Cuisine: German/American.
Gado Gado — Acclaimed modern Indonesian restaurant near 28th and Burnside, drawing locals from Creston-Kenilworth. Cuisine: Indonesian/Asian fusion.
Holy Trinity Barbecue — Traditional Texas barbecue served from a food truck lot near 64th & Powell. Cuisine: BBQ.
Shut Up and Eat — Signature East Coast-style sandwiches and breakfast fare at the corner of Gladstone & 39th. Cuisine: Sandwiches/American.
Bars
Top 5 places for a drink
Slingshot Lounge — Unfussy neighbor bar with retro booths, pool tables, and all-day happy hour.
Starday Tavern — Classic dive bar with covered patio, shuffleboard, and local beer handles at SE Powell & 65th.
The Trap — No-frills watering hole popular for sports TV and Friday karaoke.
Shifty’s — Former Lucky Horseshoe, revamped as a cocktail lounge with outdoor tables on Gladstone.
Bar Maven — Cozy Mediterranean bar for small bites, whiskey, and house infusions at SE 31st & Division.
Things To Do
Top 5 things worth your time
Creston Pool — Seasonal outdoor public pool beloved by families and lap swimmers.
Essex Park Pickleball — Pickleball and tennis at nearby Essex Park draw locals.
Open Mic Night at Slingshot Lounge — Weekly open mic and trivia draw a neighborhood crew.
Portland Mercado — Latin American food cart pod and community center just southeast of Creston-Kenilworth.
Creston-Kenilworth Neighborhood Association Events — Seasonal meetings, movie nights, and clean-ups coordinate via the neighborhood group.
Community Resources
Local services & organizations
Creston-Kenilworth Neighborhood Association — Volunteer-run group connecting residents, advocating for livability, and hosting events.
Creston Elementary SUN Community School — Community school hub offering after-school programs and family services.
Portland Mercado Business Resource Center — Focusing on business incubation, language-access support, and entrepreneurship for the local community.
Portland Tool Library — Lending library for tools and DIY equipment serving Southeast neighborhoods.
Southeast Uplift — Coalition for neighborhood advocacy, leadership training, and small grants.
Impact NW — Social services and resources for families, with outreach into local schools.
Schools & Libraries
Education in the neighborhood
Creston Elementary School — K-8 neighborhood school offering dual language and SUN programs. Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools).
Franklin High School — Zoned public high school with a strong reputation for academic and extracurricular offerings. Rating: B (Niche).
Winterhaven School — PPS magnet school focused on science, math, and tech, serving K-8 students by lottery. Rating: 10/10 (GreatSchools).
Cleveland High School — Alternative high school zone for some addresses, valued for arts and AP offerings. Rating: B (Niche).
Woodstock Library — Full-service Multnomah County Library branch a few minutes south, with storytimes and computer access. Rating: N/A.
Help Us Keep This Current
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Is It Right For You?
How Creston balances out.
Every neighborhood trades one thing for another. Each scale is drawn from real data — price, walkability, era, and architectural character.
Everyday comfortA trade-off to weigh
Who it suits
You’ll likely love it if…
- You want classic Portland homes near large parks.
- You want walkable access to food carts and local cafes.
- Buyers who value public pool, playgrounds, and an active neighborhood association.
It might not fit if…
- Traffic noise along Powell and Holgate might bother sensitive buyers.
- Limited multifamily or new condo options compared to some close-in neighborhoods.
- Parking can be challenging near popular spots or along main arterials.
Creston-Kenilworth FAQ
The questions we hear most about Creston-Kenilworth — and honest answers from people who know it.
Ask us anything →Predominantly 1920s–1940s craftsman bungalows, with a mix of older cottages, a few stately foursquares, midcentury ranches, and scattered new infill.
Most daily needs are walkable, especially near Powell, Gladstone, and around Creston Park, but parts of the neighborhood have hilly blocks or heavier car traffic.
Yes. While there are no large chain supermarkets inside the boundaries, Green Zebra Grocery was nearby until its 2023 closure; several minimarts, produce stands, the Portland Mercado, and multiple options within a short drive serve most needs.
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