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Nestled 4 miles from downtown Portland is Woodstock, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. With houses dating back to the 1800s, its quaint, small-town feel is the perfect place to put down roots if you’re relocating to Portland. Don’t let the historical buildings fool you, Woodstock is home to many young professionals, students, and families.
Located in Southeast Portland, Woodstock is lively, convenient, and walkable. You get the convenience of a busier part of the city – grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and vintage shops – with the coziness of suburban living – public parks, dog runs, neighborly residents, and community events. It’s also home to Reed College and Eastmoreland Public Golf Course, which are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
If you’re new to Portland, you can easily find a community in Woodstock. The Woodstock Community Center is welcoming to all – if you live in the neighborhood, you’re automatically a member! They provide recreation activities and enrichment classes throughout the year, including their famed neighborhood potlucks, the Woodstock Fall Festival, and their annual Spring Plant Sale.
Long-standing neighborhood businesses are the soul of Woodstock. Family-owned restaurants and stores line the streets, providing you with all the amenities of Downtown Portland (without the traffic). We recommend you visit the Woodstock Farmer’s Market – A central gathering place where you can support local farmers and enjoy amazing fresh produce, flowers, and baked bread.
Outdoor recreation is also a big part of what Portland is famous for. Not only is Woodtsock a tree-lined walkable neighborhood, but it is perfectly wedged between Woodstock Park and Brentwood Park. Both city parks have paved biking paths, dog parks, playgrounds, and open areas for play or neighborhood gatherings. The tennis courts, volleyball nets, and merry-go-round are also open to the public.
A must-see is the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. Located on the west side of Woodstock, Crystal Springs has over 2,500 plants that bloom in the spring and summer, plus year-round water features and trails. With an entrance fee of only $5 (and children under 10 free), it’s a beautiful way to spend your afternoon. If you love to hike, the Spring Water Trail that cuts through the southwest corner of the neighborhood is worth exploring.
The Woodstock neighborhood offers a wide range of cuisine for any craving. It’s hard to narrow down the list, but we can personally recommend Shop Halo Halo for delicious Filipino Baked goods (that just opened this July!), Viking Soul Food for some killer Norwegian meatballs or smoked salmon, and Cloud City for a late-night frozen treat. Additionally, you should check out Nudi Noodle Place for pan-asian fusion, Bridge City Pizza for a Chicago-style pie, and Papaccino's for one of Portland’s only coffee shops with a cereal bar… that also sells draft beer.
Sticking with the theme of enjoying a nice cold one, check out Double Mountain Taproom or Proper Pint Taproom for a local night out. If you’re more of a coffee connoisseur, look no further. Woodstock is home to countless cafes, including our favorites Heart Coffee, Woodstock Cafe, and Keeper Coffee Co. It’s hard to go wrong when choosing a place to drink or dine in Woodstock.
The character, heart, and vibrance of Woodstock is felt by anyone who passes through. If you want to be a tourist off the beaten path or if you’re relocating to Portland, we highly recommend taking a detour just a stone’s throw away from downtown. Woodstock has a slower pace with just as much to explore.
If you’re looking to escape the busyness of the city and crave the community of the suburbs, Ori Semi-Furnished Expandable Apartments are available in the heart of it all. Check out our Ori Expanded episode to see our Expandable Apartments in Woodstock, Portland. (And with rents $140 below average, it's a great bargain too!)
