St. Johns, illustrated

North Portland

St. Johns

Median Price

$448,000

Walk Score

77

Schools

B

Craftsman BungalowMid-century RanchHistoricModern InfillRiver Access

Where it sits

St. Johns sits at Portland’s northern tip, bordered by the Willamette River to the east, the Columbia Slough and North Portland Harbor to the north, the Burlington Northern Railroad cut and North Columbia Blvd to the south, and the industrial corridor near Kelley Point Park to the west. Known for its independently spirited "main street within a village" feel and the iconic St. Johns Bridge, St. Johns feels both distinctly Portland and like its own small town.

The Neighborhood

The neighborhood’s housing stock is a mix of early 20th-century craftsman bungalows, mid-century cottages, and newer townhome infill, all lining tree-shaded streets. Yards are generous by city standards and many homes retain original details and front porches.

The heart of St. Johns pulses around North Lombard Street and the inviting St. Johns “Main Street,” where residents and visitors alike wander to coffee shops, grocers, pubs, and the indie movie house. The area is highly walkable in the core, especially on weekends when the farmers market, local shops, and events draw a steady community crowd.

“Independently spirited "main street within a village" feel, the iconic St”

Top 5 places to get outside

  • Cathedral Park — Perhaps St. Johns’ best-known green space, Cathedral Park sits beneath the soaring arches of the St. Johns Bridge and hosts concerts, the annual jazz festival, and community picnics along the water.

  • Pier Park — A forested 87-acre park with groves of Douglas fir, sports fields, an 18-hole disc golf course, and a beloved public pool in summer.

  • Baltimore Woods Corridor — A reclaimed natural area with walking trails and native plant restoration, linking neighborhoods and providing habitat for birds and pollinators.

  • Kelley Point Park — At the farthest tip of North Portland, this waterfront park offers sandy beaches and trails at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers—popular for hiking and distant ship-watching.

  • George Park — A small, neighborhood park with open fields and play areas tucked just off North Lombard, easy for impromptu walks or family outings.

Top 5 places for a coffee

  • The Great North — A bright, modern spot on Lombard, known for expertly brewed coffee, seasonal pastries, and an inviting communal table with workspace vibes.

  • St. Johns Coffee Roasters — A longtime neighborhood favorite roasting small-batch beans on-site, with a cozy café featuring local art and simple breakfast fare.

  • Adjacent Coffee — Located just off North Lombard, this indie shop is appreciated for its relaxed pacing, friendly staff, and thoughtful espresso drinks.

  • RoM’s St. Johns — An airy, high-ceilinged café space housed in the old firehouse, known for their single-origin espresso and stocked pastry case.

  • Anna Bannanas St. Johns — This friendly local outpost offers classic drip, good wifi, and a quirky, lived-in vibe—ideal for lingering mornings and people watching.

Top 5 places for a bite to eat

  • The Sudra — St. Johns — A veggie-forward Indian-fusion eatery popular for its rice bowls, samosas, and hearty plates, with options for omnivores and vegans alike.

  • Signal Station Pizza — Known for its retro firehouse setting and crispy, Northwest-style pies with inventive topping combos.

  • Homegrown Smoker Vegan BBQ — A neighborhood staple serving plant-based BBQ classics—think smoked tempeh, hush puppies, and mac ‘n’ cheese.

  • The Garrison — A casual bistro with a focus on simple, seasonal New American fare—burgers, house cocktails, and creative salads.

  • Tienda Santa Cruz — Local favorite for fresh, authentic Mexican eats; the taqueria counter inside the market is known for huge burritos and street tacos.

Top 5 places for a drink

  • The Fixin’ To — A lively, Southern-flavored watering hole with a roomy patio, regular music, and comfort food that pairs with creative drinks.

  • Slim’s Restaurant & Lounge — A retro spot on Lombard with pool tables, pub food, and decades of neighborhood history—a regular’s haunt as much as a newcomer’s welcome.

  • Occidental Brewing Co. — Across the cut from Cathedral Park, Occidental is locally loved for its German-inspired beers and welcoming, industrial taproom.

  • StormBreaker Brewing — St. Johns — Homegrown taproom with broad patios, known for a rotating selection of craft brews and a full menu of pub snacks and sandwiches.

  • Leisure Public House — A relaxed bar with shuffleboard, a back patio, and a rotating selection of local microbrews—families welcome by day, easygoing crowd at night.

Top 5 things worth your time

  • St. Johns Farmers Market — Held Saturdays in the plaza, featuring fresh local produce, flowers, and food carts—plus live music and familiar faces from around the neighborhood.

  • St. Johns Twin Cinema & Pub — A historic two-screen theater showing a mix of new releases and classics, complete with pizza, beer, and cozy couches.

  • Cathedral Park Jazz Festival — The city’s longest-running free jazz fest draws crowds beneath the bridge every summer, highlighting local and national talent in a scenic setting.

  • Vinyl Resting Place — A quirky, inviting record shop where crate-diggers can browse vinyl, discover Portland music, or catch a live in-store performance.

  • St. Johns Bridge — Walking or cycling the iconic Gothic-spired bridge provides sweeping Willamette views and a true “you are here” St. Johns moment.

Local services & organizations

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How St. Johns 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

PaceLively
QuietLively
EraHistoric
New buildEstablished
LotsComfortable
CompactSpacious
PriceAccessible
AccessiblePremium
CharacterModern
ModernTraditional
Getting aroundWalkable
Car-firstWalk & bike

Who it suits

You’ll likely love it if…

  • People seeking community events and a small-town vibe within the city
  • Those who love parks, riverfront trails, and an outdoorsy lifestyle
  • Shoppers and diners who value walkability and supporting local businesses

It might not fit if…

  • Farther from central/downtown Portland, with a 20–25 minute commute
  • Limited late-night options compared to inner eastside neighborhoods
  • Industrial edges mean some streets are less pedestrian-friendly

St. Johns FAQ

The questions we hear most about St. Johns — and honest answers from people who know it.

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You’ll find a mix of early 1900s craftsman bungalows, modest postwar cottages, and a growing number of modern townhomes throughout St. Johns, many featuring generous porches, wood siding, and mature landscaping.

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Interested in St. Johns?

We know this neighborhood in detail — what’s available, what’s coming, and what the data misses.

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