| The neighborhood is home to many historic homes from all decades of the 19th century. Its considered one of the best preserved Victorian neighborhoods in the country. Other great qualities to Portland’s West End include its convenient access to Downtown and Old Port, strong walkability, safety, mixed use and dense character, and expansive Western Promenade Park hugging its western edge. The major downside to the neighborhood is its expensive housing where for-sale options start at 200K for a modest condo and generally exceed 400K for a SF home. Surprisingly the neighborhood manages to have great economic diversity likely indicating a large cost burdened population. This is certainly not a great district for modern architecture lovers as its almost non-existent. |
URBAN STRENGTHS
| * Very convenient access to Downtown. * Expansive bike system connect the district to downtown and other adjacent areas. * Great economic diversity. * Nice array of smaller diverse parks and the expansive Western Promenade * Great Tree Canopy. * Gorgeous brick sidewalks fill most of the neighborhoods. * Very safe district. * Culturally many historic houses, convenient access to several Dwtn museums, music venues and cinemas; also many restaurants and some cafes and bars. * Neighborhood amenities includes a couple smaller groceries, several drug stores, and a good amount of boutiques, and several book stores. The Congress Biz District is nearby and contains a good amount of retail amenities as well. * North Light Mercy Hospital located here. * Gorgeous historic architecture from all decades of the 19th century. * Urban massing is generally good throughout except the Commercial St. on the West End’s southern border. |
URBAN WEAKNESSES
| * Public transit is decent but not great. * Limited racial and generational diversity. * Rentals are plentiful but generally expensive. One-bedrooms range in the $1,000s. 2-bedrooms in the high $1,000s and low $2,000s. * 1-bedroom condos generally sell in the $200ks, 2-bedroom condos often in the $200s but plenty of product in the 300ks. 3-bedrooms homes anywhere from 300Ks-600Ks. Larger homes are easily over 600K. * Curbs cuts at all intersections but generally not ADA standard. * No art galleries in the district * Modern architecture is very limited here. |
Evaluating our Urban Communities [with a focus on America] 