Irvington: Portland Neighborhood Guide

Head east of the Willamette River, and you’ll find one of Portland’s most well-loved and historic neighborhoods.

Welcome to Irvington! Discovering this serenely beautiful neighborhood is like stepping back in time.

History of Irvington, Portland, Oregon

Irvington was first established in the late 1800s. With the arrival of streetcar service to the area in 1890, Portland’s upper class took notice. And when the Broadway Bridge spanned the Willamette in 1911, making Irvington easily accessible from Portland’s downtown core, the neighborhood quickly gained a reputation as one of the metro’s most popular urban locales.

Commercial ventures were prohibited in Irvington early on, and from the 1890s to the 1920s a mix of homes were built in Queen Anne, Craftsman, Tudor, Arts and Crafts, and Colonial Revival styles. These large, gracious homes with lush lawns continue to grace Irvington’s green, tree-lined streets today.

Irvington was designated as a National Historic Place in 2010. It is the largest historic district in Oregon and one of the largest in the U.S. The character and quality of this charming neighborhood is federally protected and overseen by the local government. As is typical with historic districts, mandates against teardowns and thoughtfully scaled remodels save mature trees and promote stability, enhancing property values.

Irvington is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.

Trendy, upscale shops, boutiques, and eateries are within easy walking distance; grocery stores, coffee shops, banking, and public transit are located conveniently nearby. You’ll find everything you need along bustling NE Broadway that borders Irvington to the south, the Alberta Arts District to the northeast, and Mississippi Avenue on the west. Lloyd Center suburban shopping mall is nearby, providing additional shopping – and a year-round skating rink! Towards the northern edge of Irvington, Fremont provides a small selection of eating options. A Whole Foods store draws grocery shoppers looking for organics and other groceries.

Irvington is a great neighborhood for families – walkable, secure, and convenient, with a community vibe. Schools within the district include Irvington Elementary School, Alameda Elementary School. Beverly Cleary Middle School, Harriet Tubman Middle School. and the highly ranked Grant High School.

This well-established, community-minded neighborhood takes pride in its history. Residents come together for block parties, play dates, and local events. The Irvington Community Association (ICA), formed in 1966 to promote and preserve the neighborhood, helps present events like the annual Holiday Party, Movie Night in Irving Park, and First Thursday in December. The Annual Irvington Home Tour draws visitors from near and far.

Want to get out and play? Irvington Park sits in the northwest corner of Irvington. Enjoy ball fields, tennis and basketball courts, a playground, picnic tables, and an off-leash dog area.

Irvington Club, founded in 1898, provides other open space for exercise for up to 320 members. Get on the waitlist for “the prettiest spot in the pretty suburb.” (The Oregonian 1905) Members use the six tennis courts – four of them covered for year-round play – along with the pool and clubhouse. The Club Ballroom, built in 1912, is on the National Register of Historic Places and hosts events throughout the year.

Looking for a peaceful, connected urban move-to location? Irvington is a great place for people of all ages, from young families to working professionals to retirees.