Kenton Portland Neighborhood Guide
Just south of North Portland Harbor, the Kenton neighborhood is a charming, lively community nestled in a central location bordered by other beloved Portland neighborhoods St. Johns, Arbor Lodge, Portsmouth, and Piedmont.
If you’re considering moving to the area and you love the unique, quirky charm of North Portland’s walkable neighborhoods, Kenton is a must-see. Keep reading to learn all about the Kenton neighborhood in Portland and what it’s like to live there.
Neighborhood Home Styles
In keeping with many of Portland’s sought-after neighborhoods, real estate in Kenton is in high demand. In 2019, Kenton homes sold after an average of just 29 days on the market, and it isn’t hard to see why.
Every home on every street in Kenton is unique. Within walking distance to some of Portland’s best restaurants and coffee shops, the neighborhood’s homes are reminiscent of a simpler time. In fact, much of Kenton’s architecture has remained largely unchanged since the 1950s. A variety of native evergreens and deciduous trees are scattered throughout the neighborhood, giving it a mature, timeless feel.
Each with their own charm and character, small- and medium-sized bungalows, cottages, and craftsman-style homes line the neighborhood streets surrounding Kenton’s main road, N Denver Avenue.
Schools, Public Spaces, and Safety
Kenton is part of the Portland Public Schools system. Its public schools include:
The Portland area is also home to a variety of alternative education options. For information on Kenton schools, check out School Finder, an interactive online map tool that allows you to search by location or address to find basic information about Portland’s school boundaries and local schools.
Other public spaces in the area include Kenton Library (a branch of Multnomah County Library), which is centrally located on N Denver Avenue, and Kenton Park, which has a newly renovated playground area.
Portland as a whole is a relatively safe place to live, with lower violent and property crime rates than other metropolitan areas of a similar size and population. The City of Portland maintains publicly available monthly crime data by neighborhood for the whole of Rose City.
Things to Do in Kenton
Like many Portland neighborhoods, Kenton is home to a wide variety of cafes, coffee shops, eateries, and activities.
Coffee Shops & Cafes
Portland in general is known for its abundance of coffee shops, and the Kenton neighborhood is no exception. Head to Posie’s Bakey & Cafe or Presso Coffee Bar for a latte and brunch or stop by Good Karma Rose food cart for a delicious coffee, smoothie, or pastry.
Restaurants & Bars
One of the best things about living in Portland is the near unlimited access to mouthwatering food and delicious craft beer, and Kenton certainly does not disappoint in this area. From the hearty BBQ ribs at Po’ Shines Cafe De La Soul to the delicate “Nicoise” salad at Swift & Union, there truly is something for everyone.
Here are some of our other favorite local restaurants and bars:
Shopping
Kenton is home to a few small, yet convenient and well-stocked grocery stores. Triple Crown Food Market is a small family-owned corner store that offers a good selection of food, wine, beer, and cider. For all your produce and deli needs, head over to Green Zebra Grocery on Lombard. If, like many Portlanders, you’re a fan of international cuisine, check out Fiji Emporium, a hub for Fijian, Indian, New Zealand, and Australian foods. 
The neighborhood also hosts a number of small, trendy shops that cater to a variety of interests. Here are a few of our favorites:
Annual Street Fair and Weekly Farmer’s Market
In addition to the many shops, restaurants, and other year-round activities, Kenton hosts an annual street fair (usually held on the third Sunday in May) with local vendors, live music, car races, and other family-friendly activities.
During the summer months (typically June through September), you’ll find fresh produce and other food products from local vendors every Wednesday at the Kenton Farmers Market on the corner of N McClellan Street and N Denver Avenue. The market also features live music and kid’s activities and you can even bring your well-behaved pets!
Relocating to a Portland neighborhood?
Make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible by hiring a full-service local residential moving company. If you’re considering moving to the Kenton neighborhood or another nearby community, we can help! We offer full-service pack-and-moves and we can also provide storage bays to store your items between moves.
Our professional, qualified movers will treat you and your belongings with the respect you deserve. Contact us today for a free estimate.
