Sometimes it is fun to dream about what life would be like if you could live among the most elegant homes and manicured neighborhoods.  Sure, most of us probably won’t get the chance, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do a little “virtual window shopping”!  With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of the  the 5 most expensive neighborhoods in Portland, including each area’s most expensive home currently on the market.

5. Northwest Heights:

On the west side of the West Hills, Northwest Heights offers scores of new developments, which boast large new homes, most with views of the Coast Range. The neighborhood’s main thoroughfare is NW Skyline Boulevard, which snakes along the spine of the hills, with pockets of residential development cascading down the slopes to the east. While the neighborhood itself can’t boast of many amenities, it’s close to Northwest Portland and offers the seclusion and peace of living in a forest and perhaps the best sunsets in Portland. Read more about Northwest Heights Real Estate…

• Average Home Price:$566,300
• 5 year appreciation: -3%
• Population: 4,762
• Median Age of residents: 42
• Home Ownership %: 83
• Acres of Parks and Open Space: 275

• Most expensive home on the market right now: $999,000
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 3 full, 1 partial
• Property type: Single-Family Home
• Size: 6,637 sqft
• Lot: 11,761 sqft
• Price/sqft: $151/sqft
• Year built: 2003

4. Forest Park:

Forest Park is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Portland, mainly because of the massive park, aptly named Forest Park. The park is the largest of its kind within city limits anywhere in the US, boasting 5,170 acres and over 40 miles of trails. The area combines rolling green pastures, stunning views East and West, and fine homes in both new developments and on existing large lots. Read more about Forest Park real estate…

• Average Home Price: $628,900
• 5 year appreciation: 12%
• Population: 3,882
• Median Age of residents: 44
• Home Ownership %: 81
• Acres of Parks and Open Space: 5,347

• Most expensive home on the market right now: $2,199,000
• Bedrooms: 5
• Bathrooms: 5 full, 1 partial
• Property type: Single-Family Home
• Size: 5,983 sqft
• Lot: 19,166 sqft
• Price/sqft: $368/sqft
• Year built: 1932

This is a Roscoe Hemenway original. Magnificently restored in 2005, this estate offers perfected, light-filled rooms, marble entry, 6 fireplaces, expansive views, world-class gardens, all new 3rd floor suite & separate nanny/in-law living quarters. Finished basement features theater/recreation room, exercise room and sauna. Adjacent to Forest Park trails; minutes to downtown Portland.

3. Arlington Heights:

As the neighborhood’s name suggests, Arlington Heights is perched 1000 feet above the city on a beautiful ridge and boasts excellent views of Downtown, the Eastside and the Cascades. It’s also home to theInternational Rose Test Garden because of it’s perfect climate for roses. There are over 700 breeds of roses, giving Portland its nickname, “the City Of Roses”. Read more about Arlington Heights Real Estate…

• Average Home Price:$669,700
• 5 year appreciation: 5%
• Population: 505
• Median Age of residents: 45
• Home Ownership %: 54
• Acres of Parks and Open Space: 1

• Most expensive home on the market right now: $1,494,000
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 2
• Property type: —
• Size: 2,283 sqft
• Lot: —
• Price/sqft: $654/sqft
• Year built: 1962

Interior FeaturesMaster bedroom is on Upper Level, Finished basement, Kitchen island, Laundry room, Sound system/wiring, Washer/dryerExterior FeaturesDeck, Garden area, Patio, Private/secluded lot, Public sewer service, Public water supply, Second residence, WoodedListed by: World Wide Realty Inc

2. Hillside:

Hillside is a genteel retreat high above a sophisticated city. Its breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Willamette and the Cascades and proximity to Forest Park (which boasts 5,170 acres) remind you of the wild, rugged nature of the city’s surroundings. If you want both nature and culture, Hillside is an excellent choice. The neighborhood consists of narrow streets and older homes with well manicured lawns shaded by old-growth trees, and an 8 minute commute to downtown. Read more about Hillside Real Estate…

• Average Home Price: $671,700
• 5 year appreciation: 87%
• Population: 2,032
• Median Age of residents: 49
• Home Ownership %: 71
• Acres of Parks and Open Space: 131
• Most expensive home on the market right now: $1,500,000

This stunning traditional on large lot remodelled with elegance and style. Beautiful music room off living room, lge dining room with bay windows looks out to big comfortable porch and magnificent city and 4 mtn view. Spaciousness downstairs family room plus separate playhouse.

1. Southwest Hills:

The history of the Southwest Hills is one of the more interesting and extreme of all of Portland’s neighborhoods. Being a naturally hilly area, in the 1800′s it was virtually impossible to travel to because of the muddy roads. The Portland Cable Railway gave access to the area in 1892. The train service originated in downtown Portland on 5th and Jefferson, and traveled to Canyon Road. It then went from Canyon to approximately Kingston Avenue, then to somewhere around about Fairview Boulevard. The construction of the Vista bridge led to dramatically increased access. Read more about Southwest Hills Real Estate…

• Average Home Price: $718,700
• 5 year appreciation: 14%
• Population: 5,365
• Median Age of residents: 47
• Home Ownership %: 76
• Acres of Parks and Open Space: 176

Most expensive home on the market right now: $7,850,000
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 6.3
Property type: Single-Family Home
Size: 10,685 sqft
Lot: 5.97 acres
Price/sqft: $735/sqft
Year built: 1940
This is a Country estate in the city, located on historic Blueberry Hill, in the heart of the West Hills. Complete with pool, tennis court, separate guest house, formal gardens, manicured lawns, classic details throughout. Upper sq. ft includes 4th level.

Located high in the West Hills, Forest Park is named, obviously enough, for Forest Park, which extends northward from the neighborhood for miles. With hiking trails aplenty, a true feeling of natural serenity and proximity to amenities, Forest Park is a great choice for the nature-lover who doesn’t want to be too isolated.

Forest Park Real Estate

Forest park real estate comes in fourth among Portland’s most expensive neighborhoods behind Southwest Hills, Hillside and Arlington Heights with an average home price of $628,900 .  The 5 year price gain was 12% which is very good, considering that most home prices fell in the housing slump.  44 is the average age of ownership and 81% of the homes are owner occupied.   Forest Park came in #2 our of 100 neighborhoods in Portland on walkscore.com for the best walking areas.

Parks and Recreation

• Forest Park

Schools

• Skyline Elementary School
• West Sylvan Middle
• Lincoln High
• Portland Public Schools District Map

Because school district boundaries do not necessarily correspond to neighborhood boundaries, verify which school your child will attend by clicking here and entering your address or prospective address.

Statistics

• Click Here to view demographics, property tax information and more for Forest Park.
• Click Here to compare Forest Park to other Portland neighborhoods.
• Click Here to view crime statistics for Forest Park.