Median Price
$482,000
Walk Score
78
Schools
B
Where it sits
Montavilla is bounded by Interstate 84 and NE Halsey St to the north, SE Division St to the south, NE/SE 82nd Ave to the east, and I-205 to the west. Known for its historic business district along Stark Street and lush tree-lined residential blocks, Montavilla is a "neighborhood with a classic Portland spirit and a tight-knit community feel." Its strong local identity is shaped by independent shops, lively community markets, and a widespread sense of renewal and pride.
The Neighborhood
Classic Portland bungalows, Craftsman cottages, midcentury ranches, and postwar starter homes line Montavilla’s quiet residential streets. Yards are often generous for the city, and many homes have been lovingly updated while maintaining original character. Tree canopies shade blocks where neighbors tend gardens and porch swings are a common sight.
Daily life circles around the bustling Montavilla business district on SE Stark Street, where local bakeries, indie shops, and beloved eateries make it easy to live car-light. Streets feel lively but never crowded, especially on farmers market days or movie nights at the vintage theater. Whether grabbing coffee or strolling to Mount Tabor Park, Montavilla residents enjoy an atmosphere that balances urban energy with a neighborly pace.
Parks, Trails & Green Space
Top 5 places to get outside
Montavilla Park — A large, well-loved neighborhood park featuring sports fields, a playground, covered picnic areas, and the Montavilla Community Center. Kids enjoy the seasonal splash pad and basketball courts. _Known for_: Community events, playground, summer splash pad
Biarritz Park — A small, peaceful spot just south of Glisan, offering mature shade trees, open lawns, and a playground area for young children. _Known for_: Quiet strolls, family play area
Mt. Tabor Park — *(adjacent, direct access from Montavilla’s west edge)* Iconic Portland park with wooded trails, reservoirs, and panoramic city views. Many Montavilla residents use the east entrances for daily exercise. _Known for_: Hiking, city views, picnics
Harrison Park — Located just southeast of Montavilla, this community greenspace features sports courts, a playground, and paved walking paths. _Known for_: Basketball and tennis courts, family-friendly picnic spots
Montavilla Community Garden — Nestled near NE Hassalo and 86th St, this local garden offers residents plots for growing veggies and flowers, emphasizing Montavilla’s DIY, green-thumb spirit. _Known for_: Vegetable plots, gardening community
Coffee Shops
Top 5 places for a coffee
Fillmore Coffee — A neighborhood favorite with a bright, welcoming space, Fillmore serves locally roasted beans, creative espresso drinks, and a small menu of pastries and light fare. _Known for_: Friendly baristas, local roasters, sweet and savory snacks
Hungry Heart PDX — Dual-concept bakery and coffee shop, well known for excellent lattes, house-baked pastries, and breakfast sandwiches in a sunny, family-friendly setting. _Known for_: Biscuit sandwiches, creative pastries, local art
Lazy Susan Coffee Bar — A cozy, eclectic coffee nook tucked along Stark, offering expertly crafted coffee and a relaxed spot for catching up with friends or reading. _Known for_: Laid-back vibe, specialty mochas, community events
Tov Coffee & Tea — Located in a bright red double-decker bus, Tov serves Egyptian-inspired drinks and pastries for those seeking something a little different. _Known for_: Cardamom coffee, tea lattes, unique double-decker setting
Futura Coffee Roasters — Modern shop in the heart of the business district, focused on transparency and sustainability from bean to cup, with pour-overs and seasonal drinks. _Known for_: Ethically sourced beans, minimal aesthetic, rotating menu
Restaurants & Food Carts
Top 5 places for a bite to eat
Ya Hala — This beloved Lebanese restaurant is known for generous mezze plates, chicken shawarma, and classic Middle Eastern hospitality in a warm, inviting dining room. _Known for_: Falafel, house-baked pita, family recipes
Wajan Indonesian Food — Family-run spot serving flavorful Indonesian fare, with favorites like sate ayam, rendang, and nasi goreng. _Known for_: Homey dishes, spice-rich curries
East Glisan Pizza Lounge — Casual pizzeria and lounge offering creative pies and cocktails; popular for date nights and family dinners alike. _Known for_: Wood-fired pizza, Italian sandwiches
Sebastiano’s — Italian deli and bakery with all-day focaccia sandwiches, Sicilian pastries, and grocery staples in a cheerful, modern space. _Known for_: Focaccia, cannoli, olive oil cake
The Observatory — Bustling neighborhood restaurant with a diverse, locally sourced menu—think burgers, bowls, and creative seasonal entrees—plus a cozy vintage bar. _Known for_: Weekend brunch, cocktails, daily specials
Bars
Top 5 places for a drink
Blank Slate Bar — Low-key, stylish neighborhood bar on SE Stark, with a rotating selection of Oregon beers, house cocktails, and a welcoming patio. _Known for_: Rotating taps, friendly staff, happy hour
Fred’s Sound of Music Bar & Grill — A Montavilla classic, this music-forward bar features vinyl tunes, regular live shows, and a classic grill menu. _Known for_: Live music, burgers, retro decor
The Montavilla Station — Unpretentious local dive with pool tables, karaoke, and a loyal crowd; a centerpiece of the neighborhood’s laid-back nightlife. _Known for_: Pool, karaoke, stiff drinks
Roscoe’s — PNW-centric taproom and bottle shop with a deep selection of local craft beer, rotating guest taps, and frequent tap takeovers. _Known for_: Rare beers, beer events, casual atmosphere
East Portland Coffee Roasters Bar — A welcoming hybrid coffee bar and cocktail spot, popular for its seamless shift from espresso to craft cocktails as the day goes on. _Known for_: Coffee cocktails, relaxed evening scene
Things To Do
Top 5 things worth your time
Montavilla Farmers Market — Seasonal market (Sundays, May–October) that brings local produce, small-batch foods, and community together in the heart of the neighborhood. _Known for_: Produce, food trucks, neighborhood gatherings
Academy Theater — Vintage cinema restored to its retro glory, showing a mix of indie, family-friendly, and classic films—with pizza and beer service inside. _Known for_: Second-run films, historical setting
Portland Metro Arts — Community arts center offering classes in dance, music, and visual arts for all ages, plus regular performances and youth camps. _Known for_: Art classes, youth camps, performances
Montavilla Jazz Festival — Annual summer event showcasing Portland’s jazz scene with performances at several neighborhood venues—high-energy, creative, and uniquely local. _Known for_: Live jazz, local musicians
Therapeutic Associates Montavilla Physical Therapy — Community Workshops — Local physical therapy clinic regularly hosting free wellness workshops, running clubs, and movement classes for all ages. _Known for_: Wellness classes, movement clinics
Community Resources
Local services & organizations
Montavilla Community Center — Gym, classes, and rental spaces for neighborhood events
Montavilla Neighborhood Association — Grassroots group fostering community initiatives, advocacy, and block parties
Montavilla Branch Post Office — Full-service neighborhood USPS location
Venture Portland (Montavilla Business District) — Small business support, event organization, and local promotions
East Portland Community Office — City resource for neighborhood engagement and access to public services
Help Us Keep This Current
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Is It Right For You?
How Montavilla 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 value classic Portland architecture and a true neighborhood vibe.
- Walkability to coffee, parks, restaurants, and small businesses is high on your list.
- Community events and grassroots charm matter more than big-city bustle.
It might not fit if…
- Some pockets near busy arterials (like 82nd) can be louder and busier.
- Housing demand has pushed prices up, making entry-level homes harder to find.
- Limited nightlife variety compared to more central neighborhoods.
Montavilla FAQ
The questions we hear most about Montavilla — and honest answers from people who know it.
Ask us anything →Montavilla features a blend of early 20th-century Craftsman bungalows, postwar ranches, and a scattering of midcentury cottages, often with generous yards and lush gardens. Many homes have preserved original woodwork, porches, and historic character.
Yes, Montavilla is considered “very walkable” (Walk Score: 78) thanks to its thriving Stark Street business district, grocery stores, cafes, and parks all within easy reach of most homes.
Montavilla’s business district, centered on SE Stark Street, is known for its tightly grouped independent shops, eateries, coffee bars, and historic landmarks like the Academy Theater. The district hosts regular community events and is a gathering spot for residents of all ages.
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We know this neighborhood in detail — what’s available, what’s coming, and what the data misses.