Best and Worst Neighborhoods in Portland, OR: Most Dangerous & Top Areas to Live

The metropolitan area of Portland, Oregon, beautiful, eclectic, and community-oriented, has neighborhoods that house its many desirables and undesirables. Portland has many beautiful, charming neighborhoods that, in terms of safety, amenities, and quality of life, are some of the best. Portland, unfortunately, is also home to some of the worst neighborhoods and is often plagued by basic safety and crime metrics that concern its reputation. The reports of the available data and crime in the area primarily fuel this. Like all areas, neighborhoods are subject to change, and what is considered good or bad often depends on individual priorities.

What Makes a Neighborhood “Best” or “Worst”

I will first explain what the ‘best’ and the ‘worst’ neighborhoods mean, respectively, before I state more of my observations.

• Best neighborhoods: The areas of lower crime have schools that are rated highly and have a strong sense of community, as well as good access to parks; the neighborhoods are walkable, and the housing is of good quality.
• Worst neighborhoods: These neighborhoods have property crime and violent crime in the area, have a lower socioeconomic status and/or illicit drug issues, as well as other factors that make the area more dangerous and make residents or visitors to the area more cautious.

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Top “Best” Neighborhoods in Portland

Many Portland neighborhoods are desirable for families, professionals, and long-term residents due to their safety, quality of life, and amenities. These neighborhoods have well-maintained homes, tree-lined streets, parks and recreational areas, strong community engagement, and convenient shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. Lower crime rates, good schools, and walkable streets make living comfortable. Each neighborhood has its own personality, but they all offer a stable, safe, and vibrant Portland lifestyle.

Southwest Hills/Healy Heights

The Southwest Hills/Healy Heights area is one of the most residential and upscale neighborhoods, known for its safety. The area is very appealing for families and professionals looking for a peaceful environment close to downtown. There are elegant houses on tree-lined streets with beautiful views of the hills.

There are a large number of green spaces as well as parks and the large Forest Park, which has multiple miles of trails for running, walking, and biking. There is also a strong sense of community with local associations that are very involved with the neighborhood. The area is very peaceful and safe, which makes it perfect for long-term residence.

Eastmoreland

Few areas of the city capture this distinctively old Portland character as beautifully as Eastmoreland, with its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and tranquil atmosphere. For families wanting a quiet, yet connected, home base, Eastmoreland is a perfect fit.

Residents enjoy the local schools and parks, and Eastmoreland is known as a very safe neighborhood. With a wonderful harmony between its peaceful character and vibrant community life, Eastmoreland is very attractive for families looking for a high quality of life.

Laurelhurst

Laurelhurst is a beautiful neighborhood rich in history and character, and it has a nice combination of classical buildings and natural scenery. One of the features this neighborhood boasts is an excellent sense of community, which attracts many families and working professionals.

Within this community are several shops and a few parks, which allow residents to walk around and be active in their neighborhood. With its low crime statistics and an active neighborhood association, Laurelhurst is consistently recognized as a Safe and Quality community.

Alameda

Alameda is situated in Northeast Portland and is characterized by older homes and winding streets on a hillside. The neighborhood has a nice balance between residential atmosphere and the ability to access urban services, creating great appeal to many.

Neighborhood Alameda has relatively low crime rates and is a highly engaged and civically active community. The area is quiet, and Alameda has excellent schools and is close to a number of parks, drawing in families and professionals and creating a comforting and balanced living environment.

Hillsdale

Hillsdale is a calm area, ideal for raising a family, and it provides a relaxed atmosphere. It is an easy trip to downtown Portland and has an excellent location for accessibility. This area is known for its strong sense of community, safety, and friendly approach to newcomers.

Several parks, such as Hillsdale City Park and George Himes City Park, provide the area with outdoor recreation and activities. Hillsdale has a great safety record. It is considered an incredible place to live, offering a great variety of residential and commercial services.

Sellwood-Moreland

Sellwood-Moreland is an area noted for its history, where the residents can walk around the entire accessible area. The residents are able to walk along the Willamette River. The area also gives a small-town warm atmosphere with the streets, along with the small shops and local business amenities.

This area is liked for its balance for families and professionals. This neighborhood is desired because it is tight-knit with the community and is family-friendly, along with its low crime rate. With all of these qualities, it is consistently known to be one of the highest-ranking neighborhoods in all of Portland.

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Neighborhoods to Be Cautious About (“Worst” by Crime or Safety)

While Portland has many safe and wanted neighborhoods, some neighborhoods are repeatedly included in crime reports and surveys that present higher risk factors. These neighborhoods may have to deal with higher proportions of certain property crimes, violence, or general safety issues. Additionally, residents may face socioeconomic challenges or issues related to drug use. However, it needs to be clarified that “worst” does not mean unlivable. Many people live, work, and frequent these neighborhoods with no issues. Understanding the neighborhoods and taking basic safety precautions can keep residents and visitors safe.

Lents

According to local averages, Lents is indeed one of the more dangerous neighborhoods in the city, with higher than average crime rates of both violent and property crimes, resulting in negative perceptions and responses from some members of the surrounding community.

Connected to the previous issues, Lents has lower than average economic resources, impacting the overall health of the community, but even so, the people who call this neighborhood home and the community members who choose to work here do so with great care in order to keep the area safe and contribute to the small but important stable residential, local economic, and community integration.

Centennial

Centennial is situated in Portland East. The neighborhood in question has a reputation for high levels of all types of crime, which range from property crime to violent crime to drug-related offenses. Some areas may be more affected than others, but overall, there is a need for extreme caution when considering a visit to or residing in the neighborhood.

There is a relatively high crime rate; however, there are also longtime residents and community organizations striving to improve neighborhood safety and quality of life. Affordable housing is also available, and the community offers amenities that the city has, which obviously draws in individuals looking for economically viable housing in Portland.

Hazelwood

Hazelwood records criminal offenses well above the average for the city, particularly concerning property crime, vehicle theft, and sometimes violent crime. This is still one of the higher-risk areas of Portland.

At the same time, Hazelwood demonstrates a strong residential community and several community initiatives and programs aimed at assisting families and local businesses. Some still live responsibly and enjoy the community benefits of access to schools, parks, and public transport, which demonstrates the neighborhood is not completely undesirable.

Sunderland

Sunderland, a small residential borough, has a limited area, yet it has a notable crime rate, and, specifically, within the area there have also been recorded instances of drug crimes and violent crimes that occur near the area’s industrial zones. For the aforementioned reason, a reasonable amount of caution is advised.

Contrary to such problems, Sunderland has extensive community organizations, and many neighborhoods show considerable stability. While there are conditions that may cause concerns, many residents are able to devise means to live in safety and enhance the value of the community.

Lloyd District

In close proximity to downtown Portland, the Lloyd District experiences higher-than-average property crime rates. The mixture of commercial space, nightlife, and housing causes the area to be complex and have safety issues.

In spite of the high crime, the area is still a bustling center of business, services, and entertainment. Many residents and employees take some level of public safety precautions, and there are active community and business organizations that focus on safety and increasing the livability of the community.

Old Town–Chinatown

Like all neighborhoods, Old Town/Chinatown also has its share of crime, particularly after business hours and during the night: property crime and drug-related activity. Citizens and employees are encouraged to exercise caution during nighttime hours.

Despite the crime, the community has a number of established businesses, historical sites, and a variety of longtime community members. A multitude of individuals move through the area without issue and as safely as possible thanks to being observant and community members taking part in initiatives to improve the area.

Mill Park

Due to its higher rates of both violent and property crime, Mill Park has developed a reputation as a less safe neighborhood. The area’s proximity to both freeways and industrial zones contributes to its higher crime rates and reputation as dangerous.

Mill Park, however, is a residential area. There are community involvement and local programs to improve the area’s safety and quality of life. A variety of residential participants act responsibly and use safety precautions to mitigate the area’s risk and to safely enjoy the neighborhood.

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Portland has many neighborhoods with different characteristics, amenities, and safety concerns. Southwest Hills/Healy Heights, Eastmoreland, Laurelhurst, Alameda, Hillsdale, and Sellwood-Moreland have low crime, strong community engagement, and a high quality of life, but Lents, Centennial, Hazelwood, Sunderland, Lloyd District, Old Town–Chinatown, and Mill Park may have higher crime rates or socioeconomic issues. What makes a neighborhood “best” or “worst” depends on personal preferences and lifestyle. Residents and visitors can make informed decisions and enjoy Portland’s diverse, vibrant, and welcoming neighborhoods by researching local conditions, staying aware, and participating in community initiatives.

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FAQs

What makes a neighborhood in Portland “best” or “worst”?

A “best” neighborhood in Portland typically has low crime rates, good schools, walkable streets, access to parks, and strong community engagement. Conversely, a “worst” neighborhood tends to have higher rates of property or violent crime, socioeconomic challenges, or drug-related issues, making residents and visitors exercise more caution.

Which neighborhoods are considered the safest in Portland?

Some of Portland’s safest and most desirable neighborhoods include Southwest Hills/Healy Heights, Eastmoreland, Laurelhurst, Alameda, Hillsdale, and Sellwood-Moreland. These areas offer a combination of low crime, quality housing, parks, and strong community engagement, making them ideal for families and long-term residents.

Are Portland’s “worst” neighborhoods unlivable?

Not necessarily. Neighborhoods like Lents, Centennial, Hazelwood, Sunderland, Lloyd District, Old Town–Chinatown, and Mill Park have higher crime rates or socioeconomic challenges, but many people live, work, and visit these areas safely by staying aware and taking standard precautions.

What are some common safety tips for living in higher-risk neighborhoods?

Residents and visitors in higher-risk neighborhoods should stay alert, secure their homes, avoid poorly lit areas at night, participate in community safety programs, and stay informed about local crime reports. Being aware of surroundings and connecting with local community groups can significantly reduce risk.

Can neighborhoods in Portland change over time?

Yes, neighborhoods are dynamic and can improve or decline over time. Factors such as community initiatives, economic development, increased policing, and urban planning can enhance safety and livability. Similarly, changes in local conditions can impact a neighborhood’s reputation, so it’s important to consider current data and personal priorities when evaluating an area.