This Northeast neighborhood gets its name from the 2020-shuttered Concordia University. First established in 1905, the campus got new life last May when it re-opened as the University of Oregon Portland. But that’s not what most Portlanders know the neighborhood for. Despite its namesake, the real gem of Concordia is the Alberta Arts District. (In fact, you’ll find many Concordia businesses referring to their neighborhood simply as Alberta.) This vibrant cultural hub bustles with technicolor murals, local shops, galleries and restaurants along Alberta Street.
We’d be remiss if we also didn’t recognize Concordia’s rich history by, and for, the Black community. The area, along with North Portland, was once the thriving nucleus of the city’s Black community, but gentrification led to the displacement of many Black families. Visit Alberta Arts District today, and you’ll spot Black Heritage Markers on the sidewalks between 11th and 24th avenues. Made by Black storytellers, the markers spotlight the area’s history and significance.
The eclectic and cultural spirit of the arts district have influenced Concordia beyond Alberta Street (as well as the surrounding neighborhoods of Alameda, Sabin and Vernon). You’ll find it encapsulated in art walks, street fairs, farmers markets and more. But this close-knit community, perfect for families, comes with a higher-than-city-average price tag for homebuyers and renters. Nestled amongst modern houses and newer, airy lofts are Craftsman bungalows and Tudor homes from the early 20th century, giving residential streets that iconic Concordia flair.
What Neighbors Say
“Raising children in Concordia is so easy,” says resident Rebecca Tangman. Tangman, her husband, 8-year-old son and daughter moved to the neighborhood right after her daughter was born three and a half years ago. Tangman says her family loves the village-like atmosphere of the neighborhood, while still being in the city. That and the walkability; the family can walk to shops, parks and restaurants from their house and Tangman walks the kids to school and preschool.
Family-friendly events are also a big draw, like the egg hunt at Fernhill Park and trick-or-treating at McMenamins Kennedy School. University of Oregon purchasing Concordia’s campus has been a major change, she says, but adds that it has “breathed some wonderful energy into the space,” like the children’s library and a farmers market. The Tangmans also enjoyed the Portland Bangers soccer team’s home games on the campus. “My kids loved watching the games and visiting with the mascots.”
Tangman says the biggest challenge isn’t really that big at all: The traffic going down 33rd Avenue. “As anywhere, Portland continues to navigate changes and challenges, but this neighborhood bands together to make sure everyone is looked out for,” she says. “We see ourselves staying in this neighborhood indefinitely; we couldn’t imagine leaving our neighbors. We have all we could hope for right here.”
Play Here
Concordia loves showing off its artsy side with vibrant, colorful murals dotted along Alberta Street. Created by local artists, they help tell the story of Northeast Portland; they often illustrate themes of social justice and environmentalism, showcasing Portland’s progressive values. Another shining example is Alberta Abbey, a former historic church that “aims to nurture the creative, visual and performing arts in North and Northeast by amplifying opportunities for Black and underrepresented communities.”
Neighbors love getting fresh air at Fernhill Park. Here you’ll find all the standard Portland Parks amenities like a playground; picnic tables; soccer, baseball and softball fields; volleyball and basketball courts; a splash pad and even a horseshoe pit.
One of McMenamins’ coolest Portland locations is in the area: Kennedy School. An actual former elementary school, the campus-turned-hotel serves up McMenamins classics in restaurants and bars throughout. But the gems of this spot are the soaking pool and the movie theater showing second-run flicks and Baby Blockbusters showtimes, where it’s perfectly acceptable to bring a fussy baby into the theater.
Additional regular spots for Concordia families include Grasshopper Boutique, a cute shop filled with clothes, toys, books and more for children and Green Bean Books. Pro tip: Don’t miss their weekly storytime on Tuesdays at 11 am!
Eat Here
Concordia has no shortage of places to satisfy your hunger, and many of them are not only kid-friendly, but welcome families. For breakfast, there’s Tin Shed Garden Cafe. The vibe is cozy — sit in the enclosed patio with the fireplace in the fall and winter months — and the food is hearty and delicious. Neighbors also love that it’s kiddo and dog friendly; Tin Shed has menus for both. Don’t miss Pine State Biscuits, known for, you guessed it, buttery, flakey, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits, served with all the fixins. Lunch and dinner options abound in Concordia, too. Smashed burger devotees love Bless Your Heart Burgers on 33rd Avenue. The menu has a variety of burgers, hot dogs and chicken (including smaller portions on the kids’ menu), plus ice cream. Neighbors also love Great Notion Brewing’s flagship location, which boasts a spacious outdoor beer garden, large taproom, and has partnered with Matt’s BBQ to serve can’t-beat tacos. For carboloading of the pasta kind, there’s Gabbiano’s, an adorable Italian-American eatery.
Live Here
$652,500: Median home price
$1,910: Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment
Sources: Realtor.com and Zumper.com