Woodlawn, illustrated

Northeast Portland

Woodlawn

Median Price

$462,000

Walk Score

72

Schools

B

Craftsman BungalowModern InfillRiver AccessGreen & LeafyQuiet

Where it sits

Woodlawn is defined by NE Columbia Blvd to the north, NE 22nd Ave to the west, NE Ainsworth St to the south, and NE 15th Ave to the east, with the core of the neighborhood nestled around Woodlawn Park. Once its own independent town, Woodlawn today is known for its distinctive triangular park and a lively village-like central hub that fosters strong community ties.

The Neighborhood

Woodlawn’s housing scene is full of early-century charm, with a significant number of classic Portland Craftsmans, cozy bungalows from the 1920s-1940s, and thoughtful infill. Larger lots, mature trees, and varied home types create a lived-in feel that speaks to the neighborhood’s history as a rail suburb and later Portland annex.

The heart of daily life centers on Woodlawn Park and the surrounding Woodlawn Triangle, where a handful of businesses anchor neighborhood gatherings. Tree-lined streets lead to corner coffee shops, markets, and quiet play spaces—a walkable, almost "small town inside the city" feeling that remains one of Woodlawn’s defining traits.

Distinctive triangular park, a lively village-like central hub

Top 5 places to get outside

  • Woodlawn ParkSpanning almost eight acres, this central green space features a playground, basketball court, splash pad, and picnic tables embedded within mature firs—serving as Woodlawn’s key gathering place.

  • Holman City ParkA small, neighborhood park with open grass fields, picnic benches, and a play structure, located just east of Woodlawn.

  • Ainsworth Blocks (East & West)These two adjacent stretches of green along NE Ainsworth offer paths for walking, open sport play, and shaded benches.

  • Albina GreenA pocket park at the neighborhood’s southern edge, offering benches and artist-installed features for a restful stop.

  • Columbia Slough Trail (entrance at N Denver Ave)Just north of Woodlawn, the Slough’s trail network opens up a different side of Northeast Portland, with serene wetlands, walking, and birdwatching paths.

Top 5 places for a coffee

  • Cafe ElevenA neighborhood coffee shop tucked in the heart of the Woodlawn Triangle, serving espresso drinks, pastries, and light bites in a welcoming space with plenty of seating.

  • Good Neighbor CoffeeLocally owned and focused on sustainable practices, this shop is known for small-batch brewed Stumptown Coffee and a rotating pastry menu.

  • Queens Table Coffee HouseAn independent spot near the park, recognized for friendly service and strong drip coffee, plus occasional pop-up food events.

  • Groovin’ Grounds Coffee BarPart café, part neighborhood gathering space, offering house-made pastries, local art, and specialty lattes.

  • Sugar Street Bakery & CoffeehouseFamily-run bakery and coffeehouse serving sweet and savory treats along with espresso drinks, with a welcoming, family-friendly feel.

Top 5 places for a bite to eat

  • Firehouse RestaurantSet in a restored 1913 firehouse, this spot is known for wood-fired pizzas, creative seasonal plates, and a cozy yet roomy dining space.

  • Tamale Boy DekumRelaxed eatery offering Oaxacan and Puebla-style tamales, tacos, and other Mexican favorites, with plenty of outdoor seating.

  • The Oregon Public HouseA nonprofit pub serving pub eats and house brews, where all profits go to local charities; a Woodlawn anchor since the early 2010s.

  • Cabo Delight Food CartLocated at the corner of NE Dekum and Durham, this cart serves Baja-inspired tacos, burritos, and specialties, drawing regulars for quick lunches or dinner-to-go.

  • Woodlawn Farmers Market (seasonal)Sundays from spring through early fall, the market runs in the park plaza with vendors selling locally made foods, pastries, and snacks.

Top 5 places for a drink

  • Breakside Brewery – DekumWoodlawn’s own branch of the acclaimed Portland brewery, offering a rotating tap list, a friendly pub menu, covered patio, and lively gathering spot steps from the park.

  • The High Water Mark LoungeA music-friendly bar with frequent live shows, local brews, pub grub, and a welcoming sense of place just west of the Woodlawn border.

  • P’s & Q’s MarketNeighborhood market and beer bar hybrid, well stocked with specialty groceries, charcuterie, and a handful of rotating regional taps you can enjoy on-site or to-go.

  • The Old GoldCozy spot for whiskey and conversation, with cocktails, small plates, and a rotating menu of local spirits.

  • The Firehouse LoungeTucked adjacent to the Firehouse Restaurant, this bar offers cocktails and local microbrews inside a converted fire station—perfect for laid-back evenings.

Top 5 things worth your time

Local services & organizations

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How Woodlawn 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

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

Who it suits

You’ll likely love it if…

  • Buyers seeking early 20th-century homes with character and larger lots
  • Enjoying a local, walkable village feel with central green space
  • Families and neighbors seeking community events and vibrant park life

It might not fit if…

  • Some through-traffic and airplane noise due to proximity to Columbia Blvd and PDX
  • Limited nightlife compared to more commercialized NE neighborhoods
  • School ratings are generally solid but not the city’s very top tier

Woodlawn FAQ

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

Ask us anything

Woodlawn features a mix of early-century Portland Craftsmans, classic 1920s bungalows, Foursquare homes, and a small number of mid-century cottages. There are also some new infill constructions that add to the neighborhood’s diversity of styles.

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Interested in Woodlawn?

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

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