Median Price
$545,000
Walk Score
92
Schools
B+
Where it sits
Kerns is bordered by NE Sandy Blvd and NE 28th Ave to the west, NE 32nd Ave and NE Glisan St to the east, East Burnside St and E 20th Ave to the south, and I-84 to the north. Anchored by bustling thoroughfares and leafy side streets, Kerns is known for its creative mix of historic homes, vibrant local businesses, and a walkable, lived-in feel that combines old Portland with a fresh, energetic edge.
The Neighborhood
Kerns features early 1900s Craftsman bungalows, Old Portland foursquares, and classic duplexes intertwined with mid-century apartment buildings and a few renovated modern infills. Homes line tree-shaded streets, displaying details like big front porches, original woodwork, and gardens filled with native plantings.
Life in Kerns orbits around NE 28th Avenue, East Burnside, and Sandy Boulevard, where you’ll find coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, and bars within easy reach. Daily rhythms are set by strollers, cyclists, and neighbors walking dogs, lending the area a friendly, dynamic energy. Nearly everything you need is walkable, and there’s always something happening, from food cart pop-ups to craft markets.
“Creative mix of historic homes, vibrant local businesses”
Parks, Trails & Green Space
Top 5 places to get outside
Oregon Park — A spacious neighborhood green space with towering maples, new playground equipment, accessible walking paths, basketball courts, and plenty of open grassy areas for picnics and relaxing. Known as a gathering spot for local families and friends.
Buckman Field Park — A large field just southwest of Kerns, popular for pickup games, running, and dog walking, with a running track, soccer fields, and open lawns shaded by mature trees.
Couch Park — Nestled at the western edge of Kerns, this park is beloved for its accessible play area, picnic tables, and regular neighborhood events in a cheerful, urban setting.
Laurelhurst Park — A few blocks east of Kerns, this historic park offers walking trails, a tranquil pond, and picturesque lawns for lounging, drawing residents from all over the area.
Da Vinci Schoolyard & Garden — A lesser-known green spot beside the neighborhood’s arts-focused middle school, where gardens, shade trees, and play structures create a peaceful pocket for neighbors.
Coffee Shops
Top 5 places for a coffee
Crema Coffee + Bakery — A longtime neighborhood favorite, Crema offers expertly crafted coffee, house-baked pastries, and a bright, lively atmosphere on SE Ankeny St. Known for its banana bread and friendly service.
Heart Coffee Roasters (Eastside Café) — Serving meticulously sourced and roasted coffees in a stylish space on E Burnside, Heart is a reliable spot for espresso drinks and pastries from local bakers.
Oblique Coffee Roasters — Located on SE Stark, Oblique brings a vintage vibe and house-roasted beans, with cozy corners for reading or catching up with friends. Famous for strong cold brew and community feel.
Sterling Coffee Roasters — A compact shop off NE 28th Ave with expert baristas and beans sourced and roasted with care. Known for pour-overs, single-origin espresso, and sidewalk seating.
Good Coffee on 12th — A warm, modern café with a focus on quality blends, simple food, and curated vibes. Popular for morning catch-ups and high-quality brews.
Restaurants & Food Carts
Top 5 places for a bite to eat
Screen Door Eastside — A Portland institution for Southern comfort food, brunch classics, and locally sourced ingredients. Famous for crispy fried chicken and stacks of praline bacon.
Navarre — A cozy, locally owned spot on NE 28th offering European-inspired small plates with an ever-changing seasonal menu. Known for fresh ingredients and an extensive wine list.
Le Pigeon — A celebrated, intimate bistro on East Burnside serving inventive French-inspired fare with local ingredients. Recognized for creative tasting menus and a lively open kitchen.
Kali Kitchen PDX (Food Cart) — A vibrant Nepali food cart known for momos (dumplings), curries, and authentic flavors. Located at the food cart pod on NE 28th.
Lucca — Family-friendly and laid-back, Lucca serves wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas, and hearty salads right on NE 24th Ave.
Bars
Top 5 places for a drink
Migration Brewing (Kerns Taproom) — A laid-back brewery and pub pouring house-made craft beers and ciders, with a dog-friendly patio and rotating food trucks. Well known for its IPAs and casual neighborhood vibe.
The Wurst — A stylish bar offering local beers, craft cocktails, and an energetic happy hour. Known for bratwurst, shuffleboard, and a lively afterwork scene.
The Slammer Tavern — Classic Portland dive bar with pinball machines, cheap drinks, and a no-frills atmosphere. A local standby for late nights and friendly bartenders.
Turn! Turn! Turn! — Part bar, part live music venue, this Burnside haunt serves up craft cocktails and local beer while hosting DJs, trivia, and themed dance nights.
Paydirt — A hip, welcoming whiskey-focused bar inside the Zipper complex with a deep spirits menu, creative drinks, and a relaxed, get-to-know-your-neighbors energy.
Things To Do
Top 5 things worth your time
Laurelhurst Theater — A restored 1920s movie house screening indie and classic films with pizza, beer, and cozy vintage seats. Known for its local tap list and affordable tickets.
Burnside Skatepark — Iconic, DIY-built skatepark under the Burnside Bridge, beloved by skaters worldwide and open to all. Come to watch or join in.
Portland Rock Gym — Popular indoor climbing facility offering bouldering, top-rope, and classes for all skill levels—great for rainy Portland days.
Fringe Vintage — Curated vintage shop offering clothing, records, and housewares with a funky Portland vibe. Known for unique finds and friendly staff.
Da Vinci Arts Fair — Annual event hosted by Da Vinci Middle School—neighbors gather for student performances, art sales, and family activities every spring.
Community Resources
Local services & organizations
Kerns Neighborhood Association — Community group coordinating events, advocacy, and local improvement efforts.
USPS Portland NE 28th Post Office — Full-service postal branch for shipping, mail, and passports.
Buckman Portland Farmer’s Market — Seasonal outdoor market (spring to fall) with local produce, food stalls, and music.
Marilyn Moyer Meditation Chapel (The Grotto) — Serene spot for reflection and community events, just northeast of Kerns.
Oregon Metropolitan Firefighters Museum — Family-friendly museum preserving Portland's fire service history, open for tours and events.
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Is It Right For You?
How Kerns 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…
- People who want a walkable, urban neighborhood with an independent spirit.
- Foodies and coffee lovers eager for variety within a few blocks.
- Homebuyers seeking historic charm blended with an active, engaged community.
It might not fit if…
- Limited street parking and occasional traffic, especially near 28th Ave and Burnside.
- Older homes may need updates or come with vintage quirks.
- Popular nightlife and buzzing energy can mean late-evening noise.
Kerns FAQ
The questions we hear most about Kerns — and honest answers from people who know it.
Ask us anything →You’ll find early 1900s Craftsman bungalows, Old Portland foursquares, and a scattering of mid-century duplexes and modern infill across the neighborhood.
Absolutely. With a Walk Score of 92, Kerns offers easy access to cafes, restaurants, parks, and shopping—all within a few blocks.
Parking can be limited, especially on weekends and evenings near popular dining or entertainment spots. Residents often rely on street parking or choose homes with driveway space if available.
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