Montavilla
One of the Best Portland Neighborhoods for First-Time Home Buyers
Median Household Income
$62,887
Median Home Value
$457,500
Average Rent
$1,304
Walk Score
76
About Montavilla
In the shadow of Mt. Tabor, Montavilla is one of the best neighborhoods in Portland for first time home buyers. It distills all the elements of a great Portland neighborhood—a charming business district, proximity to parks, a mix of older Portland architecture, and easy access to public transportation—into one of the city’s most affordable packages.
The lively cafes and shops along Stark Street lie at the heart of Montavilla. On Sunday mornings, make your way to the neighborhood’s weekly farmers market. This vibrant market features fresh local produce, sustainably raised meats and eggs, and artisanal foods. Afterwards, linger over the newspaper with a cup of coffee and a slice of made-from-scratch pie at the Bipartisan Café or indulge with a specialty cupcake from the Hungry Heart Bakery. For dinner, you have your pick of options, including well-crafted comfort food from Redwood, exotic Lebanese dishes from Ya Hala, and fresh sushi from Miyamoto. For libations, you can shake things up with craft cocktails at Vintage Cocktail Lounge, a glass of wine from Vino Veritas, or a local brew from the decades-old dive bar, Roscoe’s. A cinema lovers’ paradise, the restored 1948 Academy Theater anchors the strip, serving up cheap, second-run films with pizza and microbrews on tap.
On a hot summer day, cool off in the pool at Montavilla Park and then grab a marionberry milkshake from Burgerville across the street. Montavilla Park is also where you can cheer on the kids at their soccer games or join a pick-up game on the new futsal field. The park’s community center offers kids’ camps and classes in martial arts, dance, and gymnastics. The 190-acre Mt. Tabor Park is also nearby, offering miles of forested hiking trails and incredible 360-degree views of the city.
You’ll find a mix of Old Portland and mid-century architecture in Montavilla, ranging from Craftsman bungalows to ranch homes. Neighborhood bike lanes and public transportation via light rail and bus make for an easy commute into downtown.
