University Park Neighborhood in Portland, Oregon

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University Park is known for its many parks, the beautiful University of Portland, its charming homes and the active locals. I realized it was so active, when I noticed there was always someone that was either riding their bike along N Willamette Boulevard, playing tennis in the courts at Columbia Park, or taking their children to lessons at the local swimming pool. Along with many runners, the neighborhood is definitely a great place to stay active. It seems as if locals stay active either by motivation of having an ending point at the beautiful St. Johns Bridge, or by seeing the calves of the other locals who get out daily. There aren’t any excuses to stay inside within this neighborhood, with its many parks, the view of industrial Portland leading to downtown along the Willamette, and the main roads that lead to exciting destinations.

Location

University Park neighborhood is located in north Portland next to the Cathedral Park, Arbor Lodge and Portsmouth neighborhoods. It’s about a fifteen minute drive from downtown, as the freeway is conveniently located a short distance from the neighborhood, off of Lombard. This is an upcoming location to move, as people are discovering the great value of homes in north Portland, for cheap prices.

University Park Vibe

There are tons of parks within the neighborhood, that are constantly in use by locals who are walking their dogs, playing with their children, relaxing on the grass with an open book, etc. Though there aren’t tons of attractions in the neighborhood such as a SE Portland neighborhood with quirky boutiques and cafes, the locals of University Park make their own fun by getting outside and being active. Most of the locals are single 20 somethings, students that attend the beautiful University of Portland in the neighborhood, young families, and a fair share of elderly couples that have lived in the neighborhood their whole lives. It’s a safe environment for children to grow up in around the parks and family-friendly neighborhoods with sidewalks and front yards.

Parks of University Park

Columbia Park is a large beautiful park with shaded covering, sunny space to lay on grass and relax, a community pool, tennis courts, a baseball field, playground, soccer field, softball field and volleyball court. There is something for everyone to do at Columbia Park.

Columbia Annex is a small park that includes a football field, softball field and playground. Located directly off of N Willamette Boulevard, there is a bus stop that runs right along the border of the park, and there are always runners and bikers going down the popular road.

McKenna Park includes a basketball court, paved paths, picnic tables, a playground, soccer field, and softball field. Another great place to come with kids or by yourself and relax.

Portsmouth Park is another great park with a large landscape to play and relax. Named after Portsmouth neighborhood, north of University Park neighborhood, ironically Portsmouth Park is located in the University Park neighborhood.

University Park and Community Center are technically located in Portsmouth, but hold events and community programs for all surrounding neighborhoods, including University Park.

University Park Coffee

I met Kelly at University Coffee, located at 4800 N Lombard St. She gave a short video interview, telling me about the locals that come into the coffee shop on a typical day, sharing that the general group of people aren’t as trendy as you will find in other areas of Portland. The coffee shop’s atmosphere is relaxing and unpretentious. The service is very friendly, and I felt comfortable being there. Kelly said that a lot of students from University of Portland come in to study or take a break from classes with some Bridgetown Coffee.

University of Portland

It makes sense that the neighborhood would be called University Park, as the University of Portland is within it, and the streets have been given names like Harvard, Yale, Syracuse and Oberlin. And though it is a college town, the mentality isn’t like that of a college town such as Corvallis which is home to Oregon State University and its 22,000 students. No, University of Portland has about 3,500 students including undergrads and those in the graduate programs. So the neighborhood definitely does not have the typical vibe of other college towns, where there are monstrous parties every night and families are annoyed by this college activity. It’s actually quite contrary to the typical college campus.

Schools

Students that live in University Park go to Astor elementary, Clarendon/Portsmouth Park Elementary/Middle School and Roosevelt High School.

Homes and Real Estate

There are a lot of old, charming homes in this area that offer styles such as the typical Portland craftsman bungalow, cape cod, cottages and Victorian homes.

Beautiful home in University Park

University Park is a charming neighborhood with an active community that has a lot of high energy. It’s a great neighborhood for families, singles, twenty somethings and students. There really is an eclectic mix of ages and personalities in this neighborhood, that all offer something to the University Park vibe, and together it gives off a safe, fun and active neighborhood vibe.

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This post was written by...

Scott Krager – who has written 11 posts on Portlanders.

Scott Krager is the founder of portlanders.com. He lives in Portland, Oregon, spending most of his time writing, coding, and avoiding the rain. Scott doesn't like to run but forces himself at least once a week. Google+ | Twitter | Quora | LinkedIn