Minutes from downtown, this charming and quintessentially Portland neighborhood centers around a main street that boasts breakfast joints, gift shops, bakeries, a beloved toy store and much more. And a yearly summer parade and street fair is a much-cherished community event. Pro tip: Fans of the ultra-family-friendly split-level home style will find an assortment in the neighborhood.
The neighborhood has recently become a safe haven for people experiencing homelessness. In June of 2022, 30 tiny houses opened their doors for people transitioning out of homelessness in the Village’s former Sears Armory site. Prior to its opening, some neighbors spoke out against the Multnomah Safe Rest Village’s (SRV) location. But by October of 2022, many neighbors acknowledged that the Multnomah SRV was a quiet and peaceful site, and support for it has spread. At a recent neighborhood association meeting, residents discussed how they could help Safe Rest Village residents keep warm through the winter. The organization Friends of the Multnomah Safe Rest Village, a group of neighbors, churches, schools and businesses, has also sprung up to support the SRV’s success.
What Neighbors Say
Sara and Courtland Childers have lived in Multnomah Village for 14 years and love that it offers plenty of outdoor spaces for their three sons ages 12, 10 and 7 to romp through, as well as neighbor-owned businesses and restaurants. “We take Pokéman Go walks for hours, stopping in for breaks at Level Brewing, Annie Bloom’s Books or Come Unity,” says Sara, co-owner of Potted in Portland. “We shop for every birthday at Thinker Toys and Peachtree Gifts. There are so many community-centric businesses here! On the weekends we love walking through Gabriel Park’s woods to the newly built inclusive playground.”
The Childers family also looks forward to the yearly events organized by Multnomah Village Business Association, a Holiday Gala in December and Multnomah Days Street Festival in August. “It is so fun to enjoy live music and celebrate with neighbors,” says Sara.
Sara does note that a downside to life in the Village is lack of sidewalks, something families with mobility challenges should keep in mind.
Eat Here
Neighbor Sara Childers recommends Grand Central Bakery for weekend pastries, Tastebud (pictured above) for killer wood-fired pizza and bread (currently to-go only), and Yalla Mediterranean plates for a date night. Another fun option in the neighborhood is the French Quarter food carts where families can find cinnamon rolls, gyros, pad thai, sushi and more.
Play Here
This walkable neighborhood packs the fun in. There’s plenty of space to play at two recently revamped parks: Spring Garden Park and the 89-acre Gabriel Park (pictured above) that features a new inclusive playground. Families love splashing at the Southwest Community Center’s indoor pool, also at Gabriel Park, which features a slide and an interactive play station. In the heart of the village, PILEA Play indoor playspace, Thinker Toys, Annie Bloom’s Books and Portland Parks & Recreation’s Multnomah Arts Center are all popular with families.
Live Here
$600,000: Median home price
$1,695: Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment
To read about more fun neighborhoods like this one, check out the rest of our Neighborhood Guide.
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