Finding an affordable neighborhood in Portland to call home means doing some serious budgeting. What can you really pay each month in rent? Where do you need to live to keep things convenient? As you ponder these questions, don’t forget to consider what an ideal Portland apartment would look like for you outside the walls of the apartment itself.
Aside from location, amenities matter as well. You may want a sleek fitness center or a luxurious lounge up on the roof. What’s also important to think about is what you’ll see out your window. The right view can really take any apartment to the next level.
The verdict is still out as to where the best view in Portland actually is, but these excellent apartments are all great places to begin the search.
Ladd
Source: Rent. / Ladd
An open floor plan with stark-white walls and floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to see out into Portland with ease when you live at the Ladd. The modern finishes and industrial touches bring the urban landscape indoors as you enjoy the scenic view of Northwest Portland. These massive windows are in almost every room, giving you great views no matter what you’re up to at home.
Situated within the heart of Portland, you’ll find this community surrounded by dining, shopping and entertainment options that include the Portland Art Museum and Pioneer Square. You’ve also got a prime view of the city’s best green space. Ladd faces South Park Blocks, Portland’s own “Central Park” and Cultural District. These 12 city blocks, just outside your door, put you in one of Portland’s most unique spots and gives you quite the view.
The Rodney
Source: Rent. / The Rodney
A funky rooftop with an exquisite view of Portland awaits you at The Rodney. This is not an understatement. This view is killer, with an urban cityscape giving way to soft hills of trees. Hang up here on the oversized couch or at the bar-height tables with their bright yellow chairs. There are also high-backed woven chairs in this scenic rooftop space, perfect for getting cozy while socializing with old friends and new neighbors.
Sitting among some of the best shopping and entertainment options in the city, this Pearl area community is all about the view. You’ll see the buildings of Downtown Portland as well as the sweeping landscape of West Hills. Step right outside your front door and you’ll find yourself in one of the city’s most fashionable districts, where all the indie boutiques, craft breweries, galleries and artisan coffee shops cluster together. This is also the area where you’ll find Powell’s City of Books, the largest used and new bookstore in the world.
The Union
Source: Rent. / The Union
See Portland from a whole new perspective when you live at The Union. This Northeast Portland community is yet another spot that offers up big building views, which you can see perfectly from the central patio. Grab some shade under an umbrella or sit in the sun in the plush chairs. Either way, you’re enjoying the wonderful outdoors with great city sights to boot.
Northeast Portland is one of the city’s many diverse and quirky neighborhoods. It includes the Alberta Arts District which features shops, galleries and a regular street fair. There are also plenty of live music venues and bars to enjoy. Wandering around this area promises some great sights and a deeper dive into the local arts and cultural scene; a true taste of Portland.
Harrison Tower Apartments
Source: Rent. / Harrison Tower Apartments
Not only can you see across Northwest Portland from your private balcony at Harrison Tower Apartments, but if you’re up high enough, that view goes all the way to the water. You’ll get a complete picture of what the city has to offer when you call this community home. And, the Southwest Waterfront, which is right outside your door, is full of amazing places to hang out and explore.
Living in this busy part of town gives you access to just about everything, from coffee shops to bars, restaurants and shops. You’re close to eclectic food stalls and the marina as well. Get around on foot, or hop on the streetcar for easy movement through Northwest Portland. This scenic and fun neighborhood is really the place to be.
North Hollow
Source: Rent. / North Hollow
See the cityscape of Portland from up high at North Hollow. You can stand against the paneled, glass railing or take a seat on the modern-inspired patio furniture. A massive tabletop fireplace lets you use this space even when temperatures begin to drop, and stings of lights hang overhead to illuminate the night. You can also grill and eat up here as you soak in the view at an alfresco dining table.
Situated in Goose Hollow, living here puts you in a perfect spot. You’re within walking distance of Downtown, but right beside Washington Park. The 80 miles that make up this impressive green space will give you a lot to look at, too. Whether you are hiking, smelling the roses (there are 10,000 rose bushes) or visiting the Japanese Gardens, this is a beautiful place to live.
The Strauss on Burnside
Source: Rent. / The Strauss on Burnside
The outdoor view at The Strauss on Burnside is great, but the most impressive views are actually on the inside of this special community. It’s all about the decor when you live here, and the pop-art style murals that adorn the walls of the common spaces set the tone of serenity. You’ll find cool, long pieces of original art along the hallways and even in the fitness center. They tell the story of what you can expect when you decide to settle into this cool apartment complex.
You’ll find this community to the east of the city center in Kerns. This neighborhood really has it all, from micro-distilleries to restaurants to streetcar access. It’s a one-minute walk to Downtown, but you also have access to miles of waterfront trails along the Willamette River. Living in this artsy and hip area, full of green space, provides an ideal combination of natural beauty and fun.
Elm Row
Source: Rent. / Elm Row
Get the grill going and those burgers and dogs cooking with a view at Elm Row. Not only will you have two grills to use up on the roof, and plenty of seating for dining alfresco, but everything is perfectly angled to see the sights of Northwest Portland as well. Look out onto a stunning collection of buildings and trees, dotting the hills that seem to rise up to the sky. It’s urban living with a picturesque twist that’s oh so pretty.
Gaze at the giant elms, oaks and maples that fill this space, and line the city streets all around the community. While you’re taking in the view, don’t forget to enjoy a little swim. The elevated pool is also up on the roof, along with a sunbathing deck full of lounge chairs.
Hassalo on Eighth
Source: Rent. / Hassalo on Eighth
For an unobstructed panoramic view of Portland, look no further than Hassalo on Eighth. Up at the top of this impressive apartment community, you’ll find a clear view of the city that stretches off into the mountains. It’s the wide view any city-lover would want to have, reminding you of all Portland has to offer from its urban amenities to its natural attributes.
Another gem in Northeast Portland, the community features here continue down to the ground floor where you’ll find a fun courtyard that’s perfect for hanging out with friends on a lazy day. A patch of grass keeps the cornhole games at the ready, and a little grilling/dining area is perfect for an accompanying barbecue.
Northpointe
Source: Rent. / Northpointe
Even though it’s possible to see the city, especially when it’s lit up at night, what you really get out your window at Northpointe are the trees. Even from the roof, your eye line is full of greenery as you look out. This view will take you out of the bustle of the city and put your right into a natural, relaxing space. The roof will keep you busy too, with a ping pong table and plenty of spots to sit down with neighbors.
To the north, you’ll find the Overlook neighborhood, the home of Northpointe. This area backs up to the east shore of the Willamette River and is a perfect home base for getting around the city. For the best views in the neighborhood, head over to Overlook Park, where you can see the West Hills and Downtown. It’s also a great place to have a picnic, play some sports and let your pup run free in the off-leash dog park.
Yacht Harbor Club
Source: Rent. / Yacht Harbor Club
Consider yourself lucky if you can nab this view from your apartment. Otherwise, you’ll just have to go for a stroll or head over to the pool, to capture this particular Portland view. The combination of boats and the sparkling Columbia River creates a soothing and beautiful sight, something you too can have if you live at Yacht Harbor Club.
As the only island neighborhood in Portland, you definitely get a unique experience calling Hayden Island home. Situated in the middle of the Columbia River, you can see Portland looking one way and Vancouver, Washington when you look another. You also have direct access to the marina and are close to Downtown Portland.
Make sure you have the best view in Portland
Going on the hunt for your perfect Portland apartment can be a lot of fun thanks to all the amazing neighborhoods the city has to offer. But, as you’re looking around at the inside of all these places, don’t forget to stop and check out what’s on the outside. Having the best view in Portland possible is totally worth the effort.
