Discover Portland: A Welcoming Home for All
Look, there’s almost no wrong choices when you live here. But don’t you want a neighborhood that’s uniquely you? Here’s a primer:
Alberta Arts District
The Alberta Arts District is Portland’s heartbeat of creativity and inclusivity. Known for its vibrant street murals, quirky galleries, and the monthly ‘Last Thursday’ art walk, it’s a hub where LGBTQ+ folks feel celebrated. With welcoming cafés, live music venues, and a diverse mix of food carts and restaurants, Alberta offers a perfect mix of community spirit and artistic flair. It’s colorful, walkable, and full of personality.
(The Community Cycling Center is non-profit bike repair shop who fixes up bikes for disadvantaged kids)
St Johns
St. Johns feels like its own little town within Portland, with a strong sense of community and pride. LGBTQ+ folks are drawn to its laid-back vibe, walkable downtown, and the stunning views from Cathedral Park beneath the iconic St. Johns Bridge. Independent shops, cozy pubs, and riverside trails make it both welcoming and adventurous. It’s quirky, charming, and a bit more affordable than many inner Portland neighborhoods.
(The majestic St. Johns bridge (Photo by Simon Hermans on Unsplash)
Buckman & Sunnyside
Anchored by Hawthorne and Belmont in inner SE Portland, Buckman and Sunnyside are where Portland’s quirky soul shines. Here you’ll find vintage shops, indie bookstores, craft cocktail lounges, and cozy coffeehouses that double as community hubs. LGBTQ+ folks are drawn to the inclusive nightlife, rainbow-friendly cafés, and vibrant street festivals. With walkable streets and a laid-back, bohemian feel, it’s a place where creativity and community thrive side by side.
(The Columns of Creativity project by Kyra Watkins for Portland Street Art Alliance)
Mississippi Avenue
Mississippi Avenue is alive with music, food, and community spirit. The Mississippi Studios music venue brings in incredible live acts, while Por Qué No? Taqueria serves up legendary tacos in a colorful, welcoming setting. The street itself is lined with indie shops, beer gardens, and rainbow-friendly cafés, making it a lively hangout for Portland’s LGBTQ+ community.
(Jet Black Pearl on stage at Mississippi Studios)
Montavilla
Once a quiet eastside pocket, Montavilla blends village charm with creative energy. The Stark Street corridor anchors the neighborhood with indie cafés, vintage shops, microbreweries, and the historic Academy Theater. Tree-lined streets, cozy bungalows, and easy access to transit make it relaxed but well connected. For those seeking a community-minded, quietly queer corner of Portland, Montavilla is a natural fit.
(Brunch-loving Portlanders find innovative cuisine and adventurous Bloody Marys at the Redwood Cafe in Montavilla)