Median Price
$478,000
Walk Score
63
Schools
B
Where it sits
Madison South is bounded by NE 82nd Avenue to the west, the Banfield/I-84 to the south, NE 102nd Avenue to the east, and Rocky Butte State Park/NE Fremont Street to the north. Characterized by its rolling hills and the iconic Rocky Butte, the neighborhood blends mid-century residential quiet with easy access to transit and green spaces. Madison South is known for its mix of tucked-away homes and hillside views, making it “the Northeast neighborhood where nature and convenience intersect.”
The Neighborhood
Madison South’s housing stock draws from the late 1930s through the 1970s, with a noticeable presence of ranch homes, sturdy Cape Cods, and some post-war traditional styles. The streets wind gently up and around Rocky Butte, and many homes have large lots and mature landscaping.
Along its commercial corridors—especially near NE 82nd and Sandy—residents find a mix of independent businesses, food carts, and everyday necessities. The area balances a residential calm with walkable access to parks, trails, and diverse eateries, while frequent bus lines and MAX service make commuting straightforward. The hillside parks draw both neighbors and visitors on sunny days, and the neighborhood association remains active in local planning.
“Mix of tucked-away homes, hillside views, making it “the Northeast neighborhood”
Parks, Trails & Green Space
Top 5 places to get outside
Rocky Butte Natural Area — Rocky Butte Park’s expansive green space is anchored by the summit viewpoint and Joseph Wood Hill Park, with hiking trails, picnic areas, and sweeping panoramic city views. Especially popular for sunset walks and quiet morning rambles.
Glenhaven Park — Located on NE 82nd Avenue at Siskiyou, Glenhaven Park features ball fields, a skatepark, accessible playgrounds, tennis courts, and a beloved summertime splash pad.
Gateway Green — Just east of Madison South, Gateway Green is a bike-focused park offering mountain biking trails, pump tracks, and natural areas perfect for adventure and picnics.
Roseway Parkway — A series of landscaped medians with walking paths and ornamental plantings, the Parkway adds greenery along NE Sandy between 72nd and 82nd.
Frazer Park — A pocket park on NE 52nd and Hassalo, Frazer Park offers grassy areas and playgrounds in a quieter residential setting.
Coffee Shops
Top 5 places for a coffee
Jet Black Coffee Company — An independent cafe located on NE 82nd Avenue, Jet Black blends a punk sensibility with a rotating menu of locally roasted coffee and vegan pastries.
Jim & Patty’s Coffee People (Gateway) — A locally loved PNW chain, this Gateway district outpost is a short walk east and offers their signature espresso drinks, baked goods, and relaxed, community-focused atmosphere.
Coffee Beer — Sitting just at the neighborhood’s edge on NE 81st, Coffee Beer is known for craft coffee in the mornings and a curated beer taplist later in the day, with a cozy, living room feel.
Cultured Kindness Cafe — Attached to a vegan cheese shop on NE 82nd, this friendly spot serves plant-based coffee drinks and light bites with a welcoming community ethos.
Evergreen Cafe — Tucked into a converted house near NE 92nd, Evergreen serves classic coffee and teas, housemade pastries, and breakfast plates, favored by nearby residents.
Restaurants & Food Carts
Top 5 places for a bite to eat
Pho Oregon — A longtime Vietnamese spot on NE Sandy, Pho Oregon is known for its flavorful broth, huge portions, and casual atmosphere.
Namaste Indian Cuisine — At NE 82nd and Fremont, Namaste serves classic North and South Indian dishes, including a popular buffet and à la carte menu in a warm, welcoming space.
Fire on the Mountain (Glenhaven) — A PNW chain renowned for wings and housemade sauces, the Sandy Blvd. location offers table service, local beers, and TV sports.
La Plaza Food Cart Pod — On NE 82nd, this food cart pod brings together diverse offerings—Mexican, Thai, and burgers—in a casual, outdoor atmosphere with covered seating.
Sushi Ohana — This small, locally owned sushi restaurant has conveyor-belt service and offers classic rolls, sashimi, and lunch specials in a no-frills setting.
Bars
Top 5 places for a drink
Oaks Bottom Public House (Roseway) — Technically just over the border, Oaks Bottom’s NE 82nd Avenue taproom offers a local brewpub vibe with craft beers, pub food, and regular trivia nights.
Biddy McGraw’s Irish Pub — A classic local Irish spot near NE 60th, Biddy’s is known for its live music, hearty bar menu, and friendly, eclectic crowd.
Moon and Sixpence British Pub — At Sandy and NE 67th, this boisterous British-style pub offers imported beers, darts, and a cozy, wood-lined atmosphere.
Glass House Tavern — On NE Fremont at 82nd, the Glass House offers sports on TV, billiards, and a straightforward beer-and-burgers menu in an unpretentious setting.
The Bye and Bye (Gateway) — Beloved for its vegan-friendly menu and creative cocktails, this lively spot on NE Prescott draws a diverse, friendly crowd.
Things To Do
Top 5 things worth your time
Joseph Wood Hill Park (Rocky Butte Summit) — Hike or drive to this historic WPA-built park at Rocky Butte’s summit for spectacular 360-degree views and a tranquil vibe above the city bustle.
The Grotto — The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother offers serene walking paths, meditation gardens, a cliffside chapel, and religious art displays.
Gateway Discovery Park — A modern park just east of Madison South, Discovery Park hosts summer events, an interactive fountain, skate areas, and public art.
Madison South Neighborhood Association Events — The neighborhood association regularly holds block parties, plant swaps, and seasonal meet-ups, fostering a strong sense of local connection.
Rocky Butte Natural Climbing Area — Rocky Butte's basalt walls are a longtime favorite spot for urban climbing, with various routes for different skill levels and a friendly local climbing scene.
Community Resources
Local services & organizations
Madison South Neighborhood Association — Provides advocacy, hosts community events, and acts as a local resource hub.
Gregory Heights Library — The closest Multnomah County Library branch, offering books, computer access, and neighborhood programs for all ages.
Glenhaven Community Center — Meeting spaces, preschool programs, and recreation activities for kids and seniors in the area.
Madison South Community Garden — Neighborhood-run, this small garden space offers residents a place to grow food and build community.
Madison South Post Office (NE 82nd) — Full-service USPS branch serving the area.
Help Us Keep This Current
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Is It Right For You?
How Madison South 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…
- Outdoor enthusiasts who love hiking, parks, and urban nature (thanks to Rocky Butte and Gateway Green)
- Families seeking quiet residential streets with convenient city access
- Those who value a diverse, engaged neighborhood with easy transit options
It might not fit if…
- Some commercial corridors feel busy and car-centric, with stretches of 82nd Avenue less walkable
- Housing stock is older; remodels vary widely in quality
- Fewer nightlife options compared to inner-eastside neighborhoods
Madison South FAQ
The questions we hear most about Madison South — and honest answers from people who know it.
Ask us anything →Most homes in Madison South are mid-century ranches or Cape Cods built between the 1940s and 1970s, featuring single-story layouts, broad front lawns, and simple, functional details. Some streets also showcase bungalows and post-war traditional houses.
With a Walk Score of 63 (walkscore.com, June 2026), Madison South offers moderate walkability. Commercial corridors such as NE 82nd and Sandy provide access to cafes, restaurants, and markets, though some stretches require crossing busy arterial streets.
Rocky Butte is a volcanic cinder cone that anchors the northern part of the neighborhood, offering hiking trails, a scenic summit park, and one of the best hidden viewpoints in the city. It’s a local favorite for sunset walks, picnics, and photography.
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