About Downtown
America’s Best Bike City, Portland’s downtown is a mecca for bustling bicycle and pedestrian-friendly activity and is where Tri-Met’s light rail and streetcar, the lifeblood of the city’s elegant public transportation system, are centered.
Founded in 1843 and nestled on the west bank of the Willamette River, Portland is often referred to as “Bridgetown” because of its eight bridges, that carry travelers across the river and into the downtown’s city center, where scenic parks, plazas and public art adorn the downtown cityscape.
The 20-acre Tom McCall Waterfront Park, which runs alongside the Willamette River, is home to Portland’s renowned Saturday Market. Enjoy three downtown movie theaters, Farmer’s Markets, an intimidating variety of Portland’s best restaurants, food carts, and bars. Downtown nightlife has something for everyone from plays, ballet and Broadway shows, to dancing, live music, and Dante’s Inferno.
Small, easy to navigate blocks, lead you home from a day’s outing at Pioneer Courthouse Square (Portland’s “living room”), shopping at Pioneer Place or at one of hundreds of boutique shops along the way or from a visit to the west coast’s oldest art museum (Portland Art Museum).
Catch a trolley, bus or light rail at the transit mall and transport even further to outlying neighborhoods, greater Portland suburbs, or to Union Station and Portland’s International Airport.
Want to be in rhythm with the heartbeat of the city? Call or email us today to see about making your home in Portland’s vibrant downtown.