Portland offers a variety of neighborhoods ranging from urban‑core lofts to leafy, quiet residential areas. Whether you’re after walkability and nightlife or tree‑lined streets and calmer surroundings, there’s likely a neighborhood that fits your style. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to rent in Portland based on the following factors:
- Rental availability
- Average rent relative to other neighborhoods in the city
- Proximity to points of interest like work hubs, universities, downtown areas, shopping centers, or major parks
- Niche.com’s neighborhood report cards
The five best neighborhoods in Portland for renters are:
Goose Hollow
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Portland: $1,521/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Goose Hollow: $1,640/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Goose Hollow: 631 square feet
Why Goose Hollow is good for renters
Goose Hollow offers a mix of apartment-living convenience and close proximity to downtown, making it easy to access work, restaurants, and public transit. It tends to attract renters who want a city lifestyle without being deep in its core. Many buildings in the area provide a variety of floor plans, giving flexibility depending on what you prioritize.
|
Exceptionally Walkable |
Exceptional Public Transit |
Fairly Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
100Goose Hollow has a walkability score of 100 out of 100 |
90Goose Hollow has a transit score of 90 out of 100 |
40Goose Hollow has a drivability score of 40 out of 100 |
60Goose Hollow has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Because Goose Hollow mixes older and newer buildings, available units vary widely in size, condition, and price, meaning you may need to shop around to find what works best.
Pearl
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Portland: $1,521/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Pearl: $1,924/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Pearl: 728 square feet
Why Pearl is good for renters
Pearl is known for its trendy vibe — art galleries, boutiques, cafés, and easy access to nightlife. City renters who enjoy a lively environment, walkability, and a high-density neighborhood often gravitate here. It’s a good option for those who want to be in the mix of the city’s social scene and close to central Portland amenities.
|
Exceptionally Walkable |
Strong Public Transit |
Fairly Drivable |
Very Bikeable |
100Pearl has a walkability score of 100 out of 100 |
80Pearl has a transit score of 80 out of 100 |
50Pearl has a drivability score of 50 out of 100 |
80Pearl has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Because of the demand and buzz, rental prices tend to be higher, and availability can fluctuate. Units may be smaller or more expensive relative to outer neighborhoods.
Sullivan's Gulch
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Portland: $1,521/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Sullivan's Gulch: $1,552/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Sullivan's Gulch: 696 square feet
Why Sullivan's Gulch is good for renters
Sullivan’s Gulch offers a more residential feel while still being fairly central. It balances quiet streets with easy access to the city’s core and transit lines. If you want a calmer neighborhood but still want to stay connected to the city, this neighborhood offers a good compromise.
|
Exceptionally Walkable |
Good Public Transit |
Fairly Drivable |
Very Bikeable |
90Sullivan's Gulch has a walkability score of 90 out of 100 |
60Sullivan's Gulch has a transit score of 60 out of 100 |
50Sullivan's Gulch has a drivability score of 50 out of 100 |
80Sullivan's Gulch has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
While the neighborhood is well-connected by bus and light rail, some rentals may sit farther from major stops, so it’s worth checking commute routes before signing a lease.
Laurelhurst
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Portland: $1,521/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Laurelhurst: $1,341/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Laurelhurst: 609 square feet
Why Laurelhurst is good for renters
Laurelhurst is often favored by those who appreciate green spaces, charm, and a quieter neighborhood atmosphere. With tree-lined streets and a more residential feel, it suits renters who prefer calm over hustle but still want access to city amenities within reasonable distance. It’s a solid pick for those seeking comfort and a neighborhood that feels more like home.
|
Very Walkable |
Good Public Transit |
Moderately Drivable |
Very Bikeable |
80Laurelhurst has a walkability score of 80 out of 100 |
60Laurelhurst has a transit score of 60 out of 100 |
60Laurelhurst has a drivability score of 60 out of 100 |
80Laurelhurst has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Rentals in Laurelhurst often prioritize character over convenience, so features like smart home tech, elevators, or secure package lockers may be harder to come by.
Richmond
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Portland: $1,521/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Richmond: $1,449/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Richmond: 571 square feet
Why Richmond is good for renters
Richmond offers a balanced neighborhood feel: a mix of residential calm, easy access to local shops and cafés, and reasonable proximity to the parts of Portland that draw people citywide. If you’re looking for a midlevel option—not too quiet, not too hectic—Richmond can offer a nice middle ground.
|
Exceptionally Walkable |
Good Public Transit |
Moderately Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
90Richmond has a walkability score of 90 out of 100 |
60Richmond has a transit score of 60 out of 100 |
70Richmond has a drivability score of 70 out of 100 |
70Richmond has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
While Richmond has a cozy, residential vibe, some areas are less walkable than central Portland neighborhoods, so running errands or accessing transit may require a short drive or bike ride.
Ready to Make the Move?
If Portland has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Whether you’re looking for a short-term lease or hoping to settle long-term, Apartments.com offers tools to help you filter by price, amenities, and floor plan, letting you tailor your search to what matters most.
No matter what neighborhood you choose, there are options waiting — and your perfect place may be just a few clicks away.
Methodology
Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, drivability, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic.
This article was originally published on December 12, 2025, and has been updated to reflect April 2026 data.
FAQs
Is Portland a good place to live?
Yes, Portland is a strong option for renters who value a mix of urban convenience, access to green spaces, diverse neighborhood vibes, and walkability. With neighborhoods that run from energetic and bustling to calm and residential, there's flexibility depending on what you want your lifestyle to look like.
Is Portland an expensive place to live?
Portland tends to be moderately expensive compared with many U.S. cities. The cost of living is 16.2% higher than the national average, and rents tend to be higher, especially in popular or central neighborhoods. If you're on a tight budget, there are plenty of affordable neighborhoods to start your search.
What’s the average rent in Portland, OR?
The average rent in Portland is about $1,521 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, which is 7% lower than the national average rent of $1,640 per month.
What salary do you need to live in Portland?
According to our cost of living data, a comfortable salary for a single adult with no dependents to cover housing, utilities, groceries, and goods and services in Portland would be around $97,000 before taxes.
