Median Price
$460,000
Walk Score
80
Schools
C+
Where it sits
Foster-Powell ("FoPo") runs east of SE 52nd Ave to SE 82nd Ave, bordered north-south from SE Powell Blvd to SE Foster Rd, with Holgate Blvd cutting through the southern section.
The Neighborhood
Foster-Powell is made up of early- to mid-20th century cottages, bungalows, and modest ranch homes, plus a smattering of newer infill. Yards are midsize, tree cover is strong, and several houses still show vintage details from the area’s first big building booms.
The neighborhood’s daily rhythm is shaped by its regular grid, a growing food cart scene, and pedestrians on their way to coffee or groceries. SE Foster, Powell, and Holgate anchor most of the activity, with more residential calm and big parks just a few blocks away in every direction. Expect a mix of long-timers, artists, families, and newer arrivals drawn by relative value and varied dining.
“Grid streets, global eats, and close-knit community near the pulse of SE Portland”
Parks, Trails & Green Space
Top 5 places to get outside
Essex Park — Foster-Powell’s main park, with generous lawns, splash pad, playground, basketball and tennis.
Kern Park — Small urban park with trees, playground, and open space off SE 66th.
Firland Parkway — Narrow, leafy median-park great for dog walks and shaded strolls.
Creston Park — Just outside FoPo’s north edge; pool, fields, and big playground.
Arleta Triangle — Tiny volunteer-tended traffic triangle with native plants and public art.
Coffee Shops
Top 5 places for a coffee
Speedboat Coffee — Friendly mainstay with a lively deck and drive-thru on SE Foster.
Azure Coffee — Compact shop on SE Powell with strong espresso and seasonal specials.
Driftwood Coffee — Wood-accented shop attached to Hammer & Jacks, welcoming all ages.
Carnelian Coffee — Cozy, airy spot with local art and quality beans near Powell and 68th.
FOPO Coffee Co. — Walk-up hut on Foster pouring Stumptown and smoothies.
Restaurants & Food Carts
Top 5 places for a bite to eat
An Xuyen Bakery — Local Vietnamese bakery and banh mi shop renowned for sesame buns and affordable lunch. Cuisine: Vietnamese/French.
Bar Carlo — Brunch and dinner on Foster with creative takes on American and Mexican fare. Cuisine: Latin-American diner.
Tov Coffee & Tea — Double-decker Egyptian bus serving strong espresso, Turkish coffee, and meze. Cuisine: Egyptian café.
Portland Mercado — SE Portland's essential Latin American food cart pod and market featuring eight+ businesses. Cuisine: Latin American.
Bar Maven — Global comfort food menu plus happy hour standards. Cuisine: Mediterranean/American fusion.
Bars
Top 5 places for a drink
O'Malley's Saloon & Grill — Established bar with a divey look, pool, patio, and lively regulars.
Slingshot Lounge — Large bar with pinball, local drafts, and popular karaoke nights.
C-Bar — Classic Foster watering hole known for craft beers and a sizable, leafy patio.
Foster Outdoor — Dog-friendly patio bar serving local taps and simple snacks.
Mad Hanna — Quirky former house turned bar with backyard, pool, and board games.
Things To Do
Top 5 things worth your time
Hammer + Jacks — Independent toy store with a cheerful indoor playroom.
Foster Night Market — Seasonal evening street market with food vendors, makers, and music.
Portland Mercado Events — Ongoing calendar of live performances, tastings, and local celebrations.
The Slingshot’s Karaoke — Regular karaoke nights attracting locals and neighborhood characters.
Arleta Triangle Activities — Volunteer gardening days and small public art pop-ups.
Community Resources
Local services & organizations
Foster-Powell Neighborhood Association — All-volunteer group hosting meetings and focused on local advocacy.
South Tabor Family Medical Clinic — Primary care clinic serving SE neighborhoods.
SE Uplift — Coalition supporting neighborhood groups, small grants, and community events in SE Portland.
Portland Mercado Small Business Incubator — Program supporting food entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds.
Sunshine Division (SE Pantry) — Free food box pickup available to neighbors in need.
Holgate Library Meeting Room — Free reservable space for community use inside Holgate Library.
Schools & Libraries
Education in the neighborhood
Arleta School (K–8) — Main K–8 for most of Foster-Powell; known for its dual-language Spanish program. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools).
Marysville School (K–8) — Serves south and east edges of FoPo; wellness and social justice focus. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools).
Franklin High School — Large PPS public high, east of the neighborhood; established athletics and arts. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools).
Wild Lilac Child Development Community — Nonprofit early childhood center on Foster for infants through pre-K. Rating: Not rated.
Holgate Library — Multnomah County Library branch serving Foster-Powell with expanded study space and kids’ activities. Rating: N/A.
Help Us Keep This Current
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Is It Right For You?
How Foster 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 seeking single-family options
- You want cultural diversity and street food
- You want community events without high traffic
It might not fit if…
- You want top-rated public schools
- You want nightlife past midnight
- People bothered by main street traffic or city noise
Foster-Powell FAQ
The questions we hear most about Foster-Powell — and honest answers from people who know it.
Ask us anything →Cottages, Craftsman bungalows, and post-war ranches are most typical, with some mid-century infill and remodels scattered throughout.
The inner grid and business hubs make most amenities walkable, especially around SE Foster, Powell, and Holgate, though some residential sections are quieter and less dense.
There isn’t a traditional farmers market, but the Portland Mercado regularly hosts produce vendors and small pop-up events, especially in summer.
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Interested in Foster-Powell?
We know this neighborhood in detail — what’s available, what’s coming, and what the data misses.