Portland

Hillside, Portland Neighborhood

Hillside offers diverse housing options, including single detached homes and various apartment sizes, catering to different preferences. The neighborhood features numerous bike lanes that enhance cycling convenience throughout the area. There are several local restaurants and cafes conveniently located nearby, adding vibrancy to daily living. Educational institutions, including primary and high schools, are accessible from all parts of the neighborhood. Residents have access to peaceful green spaces like Pittock Acres Park, perfect for relaxation. The area showcases energetic streets with a notable selection of entertainment venues and nearby bars, creating a balanced environment between liveliness and tranquility.

Hillside is a "jack-of-all-trades" when it comes to the feel of this part of Portland. This neighborhood has a large number of areas to enjoy. Despite the fact that there are usually many people around, there is a wide variety of entertainment venues, and with the nightlife venues in nearby neighborhoods, it is very easy to find a place to grab a drink because they are generally located very close by. Hillside is very quiet overall, as there isn't a lot of street noise or city clamor. There are a few parks close by for residents to visit, like Adams Park and Forest Park South, which makes it very easy to access them from numerous locations within the neighborhood.

Highlights of Hillside

Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special

🏞️ Hillside Community Center & Park

Situated on NW Hillside Drive, this vibrant community hub features tennis courts, a playground, indoor recreation facilities, and lush open fields, making it a gathering point for neighborhood events, classes, and family activities year-round.

🎡 International School of Portland

Located just off NW Cornell Road, the International School of Portland offers an acclaimed language immersion program, drawing families to the area and contributing to Hillside’s global-minded, tight-knit community.

🍞 Stepping Stone Café

A beloved neighborhood institution on NW Quimby Street, Stepping Stone Café is famous for its cozy ambiance and hearty breakfasts, serving up ‘Mancakes’ and local flavor to Hillside residents and visitors since 1983.

🛶 Lower Macleay Trailhead

Found at the edge of Hillside near NW Upshur Street, this popular trailhead offers direct access to Forest Park’s extensive trail system, making it a favorite spot for hikers, runners, and nature lovers who want outdoor adventure steps from home.

🏠 Unique Hillside Architecture

Hillside is renowned for its distinctive mid-century modern and Northwest contemporary homes perched along winding streets like NW Macleay and NW Hermosa, providing stunning views and a unique architectural character that defines the neighborhood.

Hillside

This September in Hillside

Things to do, events, and what's happening this month

September 8, 2026

Pittock Garden Tuesday Volunteer Day

Pittock Mansion grounds • 9:00 am–11:30 am

A great opportunity for Hillside residents to get involved in their neighborhood green spaces—tending the historic Pittock Mansion gardens fosters community pride and offers a pleasant mid‑morning outdoor activity.

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September 13, 2026

Sunday Parkways – Downtown Portland

Downtown Portland (South Park Blocks, Director Park, etc.) • 11:00 am–4:00 pm

Residents from Hillside can easily bike, walk or roll into downtown to enjoy car‑free streets, live entertainment, vendor booths, and parks on this free, family‑friendly community block‑party style event.

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Sundays, Sept 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026

Pearl District Culinary Farmers Market

NW 13th Avenue, Pearl District • 10:00 am–2:00 pm

A vibrant weekly market just a short ride away offering live music, chef demos, and a wide selection of local food and farmers—a perfect weekend outing for Hillside families and food lovers.

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September 9, 2026

Trill LeBeau at Kenton Farmers Market

Kenton Farmers Market, North Portland • 5:00 pm–7:00 pm

Enjoy Indigenous‑inspired acoustic soul music from Trill LeBeau while browsing fresh local produce—an engaging midweek evening outing easily accessible for Hillside neighbors seeking local culture and food.

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Through September 19, 2026 (workshop on September 17)

“I Am More: Facing Stigma” Photography Exhibit

Downtown Branch, Portland Public Library • Library hours; workshop 5:30 pm–6:30 pm on September 17

A thoughtful, free exhibit of portraits and stories challenging stigma—Hillside residents can visit during library hours and join the community workshop to reflect and connect through art and dialogue.

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September 5, 2026

Puzzle Exchange

NE Portland (tool libraries network listing) • 11:00 am–1:00 pm

A community puzzle swap hosted in NE Portland where Hillside families and puzzle enthusiasts can trade and discover new puzzles—great for fostering low‑cost entertainment and neighborly interaction.

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From the Neighborhood

Stories, updates, and things to know in Hillside

Know Your Neighborhood

Local characteristics and demographics for Hillside

Neighborhood Characteristics

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Demographics

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