Making Your Next Home in Portland’s Fifth Quadrant

You may not realize this, but there are technically five quadrants in Portland. Never you mind that there are only supposed to be four as the word quadrant suggests. More importantly, this fifth quadrant is maybe the most Portland neighborhood of all.

Of course, by this, we mean that some of the best of what Portland has to offer is located in this fifth and most “magical” quadrant. And chief among the magic is the neighborhood (known as the “Boise” neighborhood) surrounding North Mississippi and North Williams Avenues.

In this post, we’ll take a look at this fantastic neighborhood and give you the inside scoop on how to navigate the area landmarks, local schools, and restaurants and retail establishments throughout the greater area. Whether you’re considering making North Portland your home or you already live in the neighborhood, you’re sure to uncover something worth discovering in our profile of the Mississippi/Williams neighborhood.

Getting Around the Neighborhood

First of all, the Boise neighborhood’s walk score is an absolutely phenomenal 92, putting it at number seven in a city with pretty fantastic walk scores all around. And if you think that is something, then its bike score is sure to grab you, at a whopping 99!

Unfortunately, the neighborhood’s transit score is only a 55. But with its proximity to downtown and its many amenities, the area’s bike and walk scores more than make up for any transit challenges it may have.

Neighborhood, Schools, Parks, and Other Local Landmarks

The neighborhood is home to several fantastic parks and has some of Portland’s better schools, as well. Just north of the neighborhood, following Mississippi as it jogs a block over to become Albina, you’ll find Jefferson High School, and Portland Community College’s park-like Cascade Campus. Just a few blocks further up the street, there’s also Peninsula Park, with a public pool, playgrounds, sports courts, a fountain, and one of the city’s best rose gardens.

Just south of the neighborhood, you will find Emmanuel Hospital, Dawson Park, and Lillis Albina City Park. Right smack in the middle of the neighborhood, you will find Denroval Unthank City Park and Community Center. The neighborhood is also served by Boise-Elliot Elementary School, Humbolt Elementary, and Harriet Tubman Middle School.

Restaurants, Retail, and N. Mississippi Neighborhood Amenities

This neighborhood is home to many of Portland’s fantastic independent retail shops and restaurants. It is also served by a few of the city’s best grocery stores – having two New Seasons Market locations within a quick walk of its boundaries at Fremont and Williams, and North Interstate and Rosa Parks Boulevard.

There are also multiple brew pubs in the neighborhood, several wine bars, restaurants helmed by James Beard Award winners, a fantastic ice cream shop, a handful of great tattoo shops, and two of the city’s best smaller independent music venues –Mississippi Studios and the Wonder Ballroom.

Make Your Home in One of Portland’s Best Neighborhoods

The areas surrounding N. Mississippi and N. Williams in Portland’s fifth quadrant represents one of Portland’s best developed and most exciting neighborhoods to live in. Rich in terrific amenities, loaded with fantastic boutiques and restaurants, and conveniently located and easily navigable, it is well worth checking into if you’re looking to purchase your next home near the heart of what’s happening in this funky and welcoming town.

If you already happen to be lucky enough to live in the neighborhood, congratulations are in order – you’re near the center of the best of what’s happening all over Portland!

[image via: By Jmchuff - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0]