Median Price
$425,000
Walk Score
27
Schools
C+
Where it sits
Sunderland is located in Northeast Portland, bordered to the west by NE 33rd Drive, to the north by the Columbia River Slough, to the east by NE 47th Avenue, and to the south by the NE Portland Highway (US 30 Bypass). This largely industrial and green neighborhood is best known for its tucked-away urban forest and nearly hidden residential enclaves, with strong connections to Portland’s logistics and riverfront industries.
The Neighborhood
Sunderland’s residential pockets are small but distinctive, with a mix of mid-century ranches, modest newer homes, and a scattering of older cottages tucked between green areas and light industrial businesses. You’ll also find manufactured homes and larger properties backing onto forestland, lending an “urban-edge meets countryside” vibe to the neighborhood’s housing stock.
On a daily basis, much of Sunderland feels quiet and somewhat secluded, with residential zones distanced from main thoroughfares. NE Columbia Boulevard and NE 33rd Drive are the main arteries, lined more by warehouses and trucking centers than by destination retail. For most errands, especially coffee and dining, neighbors drive or cycle to nearby Kenton, Cully, or Concordia, while local parks and natural spaces offer everyday retreat close to home.
Parks, Trails & Green Space
Top 5 places to get outside
1. Whitaker Ponds Nature Park — A peaceful 24-acre park, Whitaker Ponds Nature Park offers nature trails, pond views, and birdwatching just south of the Sunderland-D&H border. It's a favorite spot for school field trips and local families seeking water views and wildlife sightings.
2. Columbia Slough Trail — This multi-use trail follows the Columbia Slough through Sunderland’s green southern edge, offering miles of walking, biking, and wildlife observation along water and marshlands. Access points run along NE 47th and nearby streets.
3. Johnson Lake Property — Though privately owned and with limited public access, this tucked-away lake features informal birdwatching spots and serene natural scenery. Neighbors enjoy lakeside strolls and quiet reflection near NE 47th Ave.
4. 33rd Avenue Wetlands — A hidden habitat for migratory birds, the 33rd Avenue Wetlands sits along the west side of Sunderland and draws local nature enthusiasts and ecology volunteers for birdwatching and restoration work.
5. Sacajawea Park — Located just south in the neighboring Cully area, Sacajawea Park is a large green space with multi-use fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas, drawing many Sunderland residents for everyday recreation.
Coffee Shops
Top 5 places for a coffee
1. Parkrose Coffee House — A friendly, independent café located just east of Sunderland in Parkrose, serving small-batch coffee, pastries, and light fare. Known for its comfortable seating and welcoming staff.
2. Mudd Works Roastery — Located on NE Columbia Boulevard just outside Sunderland, Mudd Works offers locally roasted coffee and grab-and-go pastries. The industrial-chic space is popular with commuters and truck drivers in the area.
3. Miss Zumstein Bakery & Coffee Shop — A neighborly bakery-café just south in Cully, popular for its scratch-made pastries, high-quality espresso, and cozy atmosphere.
4. Jet Black Coffee Company — A short drive southwest in Concordia, Jet Black is an LGBTQ-owned café serving thoughtfully sourced coffees and light vegan snacks.
5. Cully Central — This Laos-inspired taproom and coffee bar combines Southeast Asian coffee drinks with a menu of snacks and community events, found just south in the Cully neighborhood.
Restaurants & Food Carts
Top 5 places for a bite to eat
1. El Burrito Loco — A staple on NE Portland Highway near Sunderland, El Burrito Loco serves up reliable Mexican classics like burritos, tacos, and tortas in a no-frills setting—beloved by local workers and neighbors alike.
2. Mack’s BBQ Cart — Located just south of Sunderland in Cully, this local food cart is known for its smoked meats, house-made sides, and friendly service.
3. Banh Mi Up — A Vietnamese food cart in the Parkrose area east of Sunderland, offering fresh banh mi, pho, and bubble tea; popular for quick lunch runs.
4. Sa Bai Thai Cuisine — A warm, family-run Thai restaurant just outside Sunderland in Parkrose, appreciated for flavorful curries, noodle dishes, and friendly atmosphere.
5. Addis Ababa Ethiopian Restaurant — Found in Parkrose, Addis Ababa specializes in authentic Ethiopian cuisine including injera platters and stews, with a focus on community and tradition.
Bars
Top 5 places for a drink
1. The Billboard Lounge — Located on NE 42nd Avenue just south of Sunderland, The Billboard Lounge is a low-key, locals' bar with karaoke, video poker, and casual drinks.
2. Bradford’s Sports Lounge — A sports bar at the northeast boundary on NE 112th Ave, Bradford’s is a favorite for big games, wings, and cold beer, within a quick drive for Sunderland locals.
3. Breckie’s Bar & Grill — Positioned in the neighboring Cully area, this laid-back spot features a classic bar menu, pool tables, and plenty of TVs for sports fans.
4. Y’Bar — A contemporary neighborhood bar in Parkrose offering local taps, cocktails, and a relaxed setting with regular trivia and live music nights.
5. Our Place Tavern — A longstanding dive just east in Parkrose, Our Place Tavern is known for friendly bartenders, classic drinks, and a welcoming, unpretentious vibe.
Things To Do
Top 5 things worth your time
1. Whitaker Ponds Nature Tours — Join a monthly birdwatching walk or a volunteer-led ecological restoration day at Whitaker Ponds, connecting residents with local wildlife and green initiatives.
2. Columbia Children’s Arboretum — Just west of Sunderland, this unique riverside arboretum offers trails, picnic spots, and outdoor learning spaces popular with families and school groups.
3. Sunderland Community Clean-Up — An annual tradition, Sunderland neighbors team up for litter removal and greenspace restoration efforts—a fun way to meet neighbors and give back.
4. Local Urban Farms — Sunderland is home to several small-scale urban farms and gardens; seasonal open houses and harvest days highlight sustainable agriculture and fresh produce.
5. Oregon Rail Heritage Center Tours (Nearby) — While not within Sunderland itself, the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in adjacent East Portland offers an immersive look at Portland’s train and transit history, popular with families and rail enthusiasts.
Community Resources
Local services & organizations
Sunderland Neighborhood Association — Hosts meetings and community events, discusses land use and green space issues.
Portland Fire & Rescue Station 14 — Serving Sunderland and surrounding areas from a base on NE 33rd Drive.
Portland Community College Workforce Training Center (NE 42nd Ave) — Offers job training and educational resources, just south of Sunderland.
Parkrose Post Office — The primary USPS branch serving Sunderland residents, located on NE Prescott St.
Midland Library Book Locker (Parkrose-Argay) — 24/7 holds pickup and returns for library users, hosted at Parkrose Community Center.
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Is It Right For You?
How Sunderland 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…
- Nature lovers wanting easy access to green spaces and birdwatching
- Those seeking a quiet, low-traffic enclave with a semi-rural feel
- Residents who need proximity to highways and industrial employment centers
It might not fit if…
- Limited walkability and lack of concentrated retail/restaurants in the immediate area
- Noise from nearby industrial activity and major roads
- Fewer traditional neighborhood amenities compared to more central Portland areas
Sunderland FAQ
The questions we hear most about Sunderland — and honest answers from people who know it.
Ask us anything →Sunderland’s housing is a mix of mid-century ranches, modest bungalows, and newer manufactured homes, with some larger properties along woodland edges. The area’s scattered residential pockets reflect both older Portland styles and more recent construction.
With a Walk Score of 27, Sunderland is considered mostly car-dependent. While there are some trails and parks nearby, daily errands usually require a car or bike, and there are few retail or dining spots within walking distance.
Yes, the Sunderland Neighborhood Association regularly organizes community clean-up days, green space restoration projects, and informational meetings. Local parks and urban farms also host open houses and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
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