Median Price
$369,500
Walk Score
98
Schools
C+
Where it sits
Old Town sits at the north edge of downtown Portland, bounded by Burnside Street to the south, the Willamette River to the east, Naito Parkway to the southeast, and NW Broadway/NW 4th Avenue to the west. The neighborhood stretches north until it reaches the railyards and the edge of the Pearl District. Distinctly historic, Old Town is known for its mix of early 20th-century brick buildings, iconic Shanghai Tunnels, and a vibrant blend of nightlife, Asian culture, and Portland landmarks.
The Neighborhood
Old Town’s housing is predominantly historic: converted warehouse lofts, classic brick apartment buildings, and the occasional new condo over retail. Units often feature exposed brick, tall windows, and industrial touches, appealing to those who value architectural character and city living over large private yards.
Life here is urban and bustling, with most daily needs accessible on foot. The main corridors — NW 2nd, NW 3rd, and the historic intersection at NW Davis and NW Couch — are lined with coffee shops, noodle houses, bars, and quirky retailers. The waterfront park and Saturday Market add to the lively, diverse street scene, drawing visitors alongside longtime locals.
“Mix of early 20th-century brick buildings, iconic Shanghai Tunnels”
Parks, Trails & Green Space
Top 5 places to get outside
Tom McCall Waterfront Park — Hugging the eastern edge of Old Town, this riverside park offers paved walking and biking paths, city views, and frequent festivals. Known for cherry blossoms in spring and the bustling Portland Saturday Market nearby.
O’Bryant Square (Under Renovation as "Ankeny Square") — Located at SW Park and Washington, this historic square is being reimagined as a community plaza with new green space, gathering areas, and public art in a compact downtown parcel.
North Park Blocks — Running north from Burnside through Old Town, these leafy blocks feature tall trees, open lawns, playgrounds, and art installations, offering a relaxing spot amid the bustle.
Japanese American Historical Plaza — Part of Waterfront Park at NW Naito and Couch, this landscaped plaza honors the legacy of Portland’s Japanese American community, with interpretive art, cherry trees, and riverfront views.
Skidmore Fountain Plaza — More urban than green, this historic plaza is a gathering place for markets, performers, and festivals, centered around Portland's oldest piece of public art.
Coffee Shops
Top 5 places for a coffee
Stumptown Coffee Roasters (Old Town/Chinatown) — Renowned Portland-based roaster with a bright café, offering direct-trade espresso drinks and pastries in the heart of Old Town at 128 SW 3rd Ave.
Deadstock Coffee — A sneaker-themed café at 408 NW Couch St, known for creative lattes, house-roasted beans, and hip-hop-inspired ambiance. A community hub for sneakerheads and coffee lovers alike.
Society Cafe at The Society Hotel — Warm, all-day café inside a boutique hotel at 203 NW 3rd Ave. Offers local pastries, classic espresso, and comfortable nooks for working or relaxing.
Café Olli Express — Outpost of a local favorite, this grab-and-go window offers strong coffee drinks and quick bites from a Portland-beloved bakery at the edge of Old Town.
Case Study Coffee (Downtown/Old Town border) — Portland-founded specialty coffee shop known for single-origin brews and inviting indoor-outdoor seating, located at 802 SW 10th Ave — just a few blocks from the western edge.
Restaurants & Food Carts
Top 5 places for a bite to eat
Danwei Canting — Modern Chinese street food spot at 123 NW 4th Ave, serving Sichuan noodles, dumplings, and craft cocktails in a colorful setting.
Old Town Pizza & Brewing — Local landmark for classic pizzas, creative pies, and in-house beer, served in a historic brick space rumored to be haunted. A relaxed gathering spot at 226 NW Davis St.
Bing Mi! — Known for jianbing (savory Chinese crepes), this takeout window at 123 NW 4th Ave offers a unique grab-and-go breakfast and lunch option popular with locals.
Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen — Bustling, fast-casual Vietnamese eatery at 835 SW 2nd Ave (just at Old Town’s border), known for pho, rice plates, and late-night hours.
The Big Legrowlski — This Polish-inspired gastropub at 812 NW Couch St offers hearty pierogi, sausages, and local drafts in a relaxed, music-loving setting.
Bars
Top 5 places for a drink
Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade — A classic spot at 115 NW 5th Ave, combining a retro video game arcade with a bar menu of local beers and cocktails. Known for themed nights and a nostalgic vibe.
Voyager Bar — Nautical-themed neighborhood bar at 222 NW Couch St featuring tropical cocktails, creative takes on classics, and a lively but relaxed crowd.
Fortune — A DJ-driven dance bar and lounge at 1 SW 3rd Ave, offering inventive cocktails, themed nights, and a sleek, neon-lit interior.
The Hoxton Bar — Tope — Rooftop bar at 15 NW 4th Ave atop The Hoxton Hotel, serving signature cocktails, Mexican street food, and sweeping downtown views.
Juice Bar at Pépé le Moko — Basement bar at 407 SW 10th Ave (border area), celebrated for craft cocktails and cozy, speakeasy-like atmosphere.
Things To Do
Top 5 things worth your time
Lan Su Chinese Garden — An authentic, walled Chinese garden at 239 NW Everett St — tranquil pavilions, tea house, and cultural events year-round.
Portland Saturday Market — One of the country’s largest open-air markets operates every weekend under the Burnside Bridge, featuring artists, crafters, food stalls, and live music.
Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center — Japanese American museum at 121 NW 2nd Ave, interpreting Portland’s Nikkei history through exhibits and events.
Shanghai Tunnels / Portland Underground Tours — Guided tours delve into the city’s lore of bootlegging and labyrinthine underground passages, starting from NW 3rd and Couch.
Kickstand Comedy — Comedy club and creative gathering spot at 1006 NW Couch St, known for improv, stand-up shows, and community events.
Community Resources
Local services & organizations
Portland Saturday Market Pavilion — Venue for neighborhood events and community gatherings, under the Burnside Bridge at the waterfront.
Old Town Chinatown Community Association — Active neighborhood group organizing safety efforts, cleanup events, and cultural festivals.
Central Library (Downtown) — The region’s flagship library at 801 SW 10th Ave, serving Old Town with extensive resources and programming.
Lan Su Chinese Garden — Aside from being an attraction, the garden hosts classes and cultural workshops open to the local community.
NW Portland Post Office — Neighborhood postal service branch at 511 NW Broadway, offering full postal services.
Help Us Keep This Current
Did we miss a favorite spot?
Is It Right For You?
How Old Town 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…
- Living car-free with quick access to downtown and the MAX/Portland Streetcar
- Enjoying a mix of historic architecture, nightlife, and cultural attractions
- Being close to major events, festivals, and waterfront green space
It might not fit if…
- Housing is mostly apartment/loft living, with little single-family or private yard options
- Higher visibility of city challenges like homelessness and noise, especially near nightlife spots
- Limited school options within the immediate neighborhood; longer commute for families with children
Old Town FAQ
The questions we hear most about Old Town — and honest answers from people who know it.
Ask us anything →Old Town is distinct for its early 20th-century brick warehouses, former hotels, and cast-iron storefronts, many of which have been converted to lofts and live-work studios. Most residential options here feature exposed brick, tall windows, and urban industrial elements.
Yes — Old Town has a Walk Score of 98 and is considered a “Walker’s Paradise.” Daily errands, dining, transit, and entertainment are easily accessible on foot, with the waterfront and Pearl District just a short stroll away.
The neighborhood is lively and urban, with a dynamic mix of cultures and businesses. Residents enjoy proximity to restaurants, nightlife, the waterfront park, and frequent events, but should be prepared for city energy, late-night crowds, and a strong sense of Portland’s historic legacy.
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