Living Along the Bluffs in The Overlook, Portland

The Overlook, Portland welcomes locals looking for a more laidback-vibe, community vibe without leaving the city. The neighborhood still retains some urban grit with a shipyard turned industrial area on Swan Island. A mix of gorgeous bungalows, craftsman style homes and new apartment complexes houses residents looking for a more affordable cost of living than nearby neighborhoods.

Cafes, shops and quirky pubs make up the neighborhood’s social fabric, along with the community Overlook House. The sunsets over the West Hills from the Overlook Park with Downtown’s stunning views and the Willamette River.

Where is The Overlook?

The Overlook is situated in North Portland across the Willamette River from the Forest Park Northwest District. It’s also bordered by University Park and Arbor Lodge and is close to the University of Portland. The area is more secluded in other parts of Portland, which is a win or inconvenience depending on who you ask. The Max light rail makes it more accessible.

History

During the 1800s, the Overlook was a desirable option for its perch above the Willamette River on gently rolling bluffs. The area continued to grow when a passenger railroad came through the neighborhood and eventually turned into a streetcar system.

The Overlook’s Swan Island was originally an island in the Willamette that held a moonshine business in 1899. It was eventually connected to the east bank and housed Swan Island Municipal Airport, the city’s first airport. Later, the island was used to build navy ships during World War II and today stands as an industrial area.

By the 1960s, Interstate 5 ran through the area and cut North Portland off from the rest of the city. The Overlook fell into neglect until Portland’s urban renaissance revived the neighborhood. Today, the MAX light rail brings more foot traffic and convenience to the community to make it a more convenient place to work, live and play.

Lifestyle

What to Do

The Overlook has fewer urban amenities than areas like Downtown Portland but still offers shops, eateries and plenty of biking options. Historic gems can be found in The Overlook, including the Historic Overlook House built-in 1928. The venue is also a popular spot for weddings and the headquarters for the Overlook Women’s Club.

You’ll find shops and retail stops scattered throughout the neighborhood. The Overlook is also home to a rare hobby store where you can still buy items like radio control plane kits and rockets.

Overlook Park is the place for views, off-leash dog areas and recreational fields. There’s also a community garden at Patton Square Park and Beach Community Garden. Swan Island is a changing industrial area that offers a boat launch, shops and a port. It also has a surprisingly quaint beach to enjoy views of the Willamette River.

Where to Eat & Drink

For hand-crafted pizza, Pinky’s serves pizza and cocktails in a low-key setting. They also offer eclectic eats like Korean BBQ and Sriracha pickled eggs. The long-standing Alibi Tiki Bar is an eclectic haunt with punch bowls and alcohol-infused slushies. You can also order pints and cocktails while joining in on its famous karaoke nights.

Sports fans gather at Satellite Tavern on game days with outdoor seating areas and an open-air fire pit. Happy hour drink and food specials include pub fare like wings and burgers. Although you can find veggie options, Satellite Tavern is known for its Blue Cheese Steak Sandwich and burgers.

 

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Milk Glass Mrkt serves pastries, soups and sandwiches in a quaint deli setting. At the bottom of the bluffs, the industrial area of Swan Island also houses a park and beach. Swan Island is also the home to Tilt, a sandwich and burger lover’s dream with oversized, innovative options.

 

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You can also grab something to go and enjoy the views around The Overlook. Locals stop by Eisenhower Bagelhouse for fresh, boiled bagels on their way to Overlook Park.

 

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For dinner under the stars, Spitz served Mediterranean style street food, cocktails and sangria. Inside dining is a colorful experience with an emphasis on art and color.

 

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Moving to The Overlook

Real Estate Snapshot

The Overlook features a mix of restored homes, new apartment complexes and structures that need updating. The neighborhood also boasts a blend of gorgeous architecture from Craftsman to Old English Tudor and New Orleans French. Renters should expect to pay an average of $1,651 on apartments for rent in The Overlook, which is higher than the average $1,484 rent around the rest of the city.

The Overlook is growing and proposals are on the table for mixed-use developments and hundreds of apartments and shops. As the rest of Portland continues to expand and more businesses come to the Overlook, the neighborhood is poised to see more development and growth.

Transportation

The neighborhood is convenient to I-5, Willamette Blvd and the St. John’s Bridge. The MAX train also serves the area and takes commuters to downtown Portland in minutes.

The Overlook isn’t as walkable as the rest of Portland, although it’s still easy to get around the neighborhood. Locals usually need to take the MAX, rideshare or bike to get to the rest of Portland. The bike score here is 94 and makes it easy to explore and sail into Downtown Portland.

Schools & Employment

The Overlook is a family-friendly community that feels laid back and tight-knit. It’s common to see locals strolling their babies around area parks or walking to school.

Locals send their kids to neighborhood schools or private options in nearby communities. The closest colleges and universities also aren’t far, including the University of Portland and the Portland Community College.

Most locals commute into Downtown or the rest of the city for employment. However, industrial jobs can be found in Swan Island, or restaurant jobs in the eateries peppered throughout the neighborhood.

Ready to live along the Willamette River in Portland for a mix of industrial and cozy community living? Start exploring the eateries, shops and bluffs in The Overlook.