The Hillsdale Neighborhood: A Perfect Portland Spot
For a perfect mix of urban and suburban, Hillsdale cannot be beaten. Just south of downtown Portland, this quiet, comfortable enclave attracts families and working professionals with the amenities of city life and a small-town, friendly vibe. Offering top-rated schools, parks, restaurants, and shopping all centrally located with easy access to the metro region, Hillsdale is THE spot to be if you’re considering a move to Portland, Oregon!
Homes in Hillsdale
Hillsdale is one of Southwest Portland’s formally designated neighborhoods. Most houses here were built post World War II as the city expanded into what had been farmland. Today well-kept homes line winding, tree-lined streets on generous lots with lush green lawns. The rolling hills that give “Hillsdale” its name offer stop-and-look views of the city, the mountain, and the valley below.
Hillsdale’s eclectic mix of housing styles includes bungalows, ranch, split level, mid-century, and occasional modern construction. Looking at rentals? Condos and apartments will give you options.
Getting Around Hillsdale
One of the terrific advantages of Hillsdale is its central location. You’ll find yourself within convenient driving distance of Portland and the waterfront, surrounding metro communities, PDX airport, Mount Hood, and the Oregon Coast. Public transportation keeps Hillsdale well connected; take a TriMet bus line into downtown Portland or to nearby Portland Community College Sylvania Campus and other locations.
Living in Portland’s Hillsdale Neighborhood
Hillsdale’s central retail area on Capital Highway (between SW Sunset Blvd and SW Bertha Blvd) draws locals with a variety of small shops, breweries, cafes, and services. “Downtown” is an easy walk for many residents; ample parking makes shopping and dining a pleasure for everyone. Take Capital Highway to nearby Multnomah Village for a similar friendly, village-like feel and unique eating and shopping experiences.
Hillsdale schools consistently rank high, making it a great community for growing families. Three local public schools welcome students K-12: Mary Rieke Elementary School, Robert Gray Middle School, and Ida B. Wells-Barnett High School. Portland Jewish Academy is a private school for PK, K-8.
Love to walk? Like to bike? Hillsdale is your kind of place. There are trails throughout the neighborhood. And the Southwest Trails organization promotes and organizes hiking and biking opportunities around the area. Just be ready for hills – with views as your payoff!
Hillsdale Park, Dewitt Park, and George Himes Park are scenic settings for soccer games, playground play, and picnics. Walk, bike, and hike the trails at George Himes Park. Four-legged friends are welcome at off-leash dog areas.
Three nearby community centers, Mittleman Jewish Community Center, Southwest Community Center (check out the pool for swim lessons!), and The Fulton Community Center, offer cross-generational opportunities for classes, meeting space, special events, and exercise. Visit the newly renovated Hillsdale Library, a cornerstone of the community, for special events, tutoring, and storytelling.
Movies, concerts, theatre, museums, galleries, and more are within minutes of Hillsdale. Take your pick from Portland’s vibrant entertainment and cultural scene!
Eating in Hillsdale
Foodies from around Portland know and love Hillsdale’s popular neighborhood eateries.
McMenamin’s Hillsdale Brewery and Public House, Oregon’s first brewpub, and Sasquatch Brewing Co. serve up tasty brews and burgers. Oak & Olive is a favorite Italian eatery that brings family and friends together in a comfortable setting. Verde Cocina Hillsdale offers deliciously fresh, gluten-free Mexican and Seasons & Regions, Portland’s #1 razor clam restaurant, is an excellent choice for a memorable seafood meal. Still hungry? Check out Salvador Molly’s or the eclectic Hillsdale Food Cart Park. For a quick pick-you-up, grab a coffee and bagel from Einstein Bros Bagels.
The Hillsdale Farmers Market goes year-round, hosting over 50 local farmers and food artisans every Sunday. Meet friends, neighbors, and other Portland-area residents as you enjoy fresh produce and baked goods.
For working professionals, families, and people of all ages, Hillsdale is a quiet, beautiful place to settle – a peaceful suburban community with an urban flavor, conveniently close to Portland. Walkable, bikeable, and highly likable!
Josh & Rudy made my move go much more smoothly than I imagined it would! They were prompt and efficient, professional and personable! I couldn’t be more pleased with their service. Thanks!
-Jan Ball | Location, OR
Our move went so smooth due to Kevin, Richard and Ryan. They were very professional and efficient as well as just good guys. Your estimate was right on target so no surprises. Thanks for making our move a positive experience.
Name of Customer | Location, OR
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