St. Johns is a stunning, up-and-coming neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. If you haven’t ventured across the St. Johns Bridge you need to plan a trip right away. You can’t go anywhere in Portland without seeing photography of the iconic Bridge plastered all over restaurants and local businesses. If you live in this community, that picturesque view is right in your backyard to enjoy every single day. St. Johns has a quaint, small-town vibe but is just a hop, skip, and jump away from the big city lights. There are plenty of reasons for moving to the St. John’s area of Portland, but here are our top five.
- Parks. Cathedral, Pier, and Forest Park surround the neighborhood. First off, Cathedral Park is located immediately under the St. Johns Bridge. Enjoy the off-leash dog park, picnic areas, lengthy beach on the shore of the river, and a ton of space for activities. You can even find a small amphitheater with hillside seating where concerts are held in the summer. The park is usually filled to the brim with photographers, fishers, and joggers. Pier Park is just north of Cathedral park but takes on a completely different role in the community. Pier Park has a five-star disc golf course that is often the site for professional tournaments. You will also find a huge dog park sectioned off within Pier Park, known as Chimney park. The park isn’t just for frisbee golfers and dogs, there is also a skate park and public pool. Lastly, Forest Park is perfect for the true adventurer. Just across the St. Johns bridge, you’ll find a multitude of hiking trailheads right within city limits. No matter what your preference, St. Johns has a park for your lifestyle.
- Breweries. In Portland, there are breweries on every street corner, and St. Johns is no different with two very distinct brewers. Storm Breaker Brewing is located along the downtown strip. The brewery boasts a brand-new outdoor patio, delicious food, and you can even book Axe Throwing parties. Tucked away close to the shore you’ll find yourself at Occidental Brewing. Occidental focuses on continental beers rather than your traditional Portland IPAs. They have German food fare and yet another amazing view of the St. Johns Bridge, check it out during the sunset.
- Roosevelt High. If you have young ones, education is a very important feature when it comes to deciding where to live. St. Johns has many elementary schools and childcare facilities, but Roosevelt High School is the star of the show. Rebuilt in 2017, it contains a 15-acre campus and a 500-seat theatre. It truly is one of the most beautiful schools in the city.
- Downtown Strip and Great Eats. The storefronts of downtown St. Johns appear to have come straight from a small town in a storybook, but the unique offerings will remind you that you are still in a metropolitan area. Stop at Blue Moon Camera and Machine, a camera shop and museum. Consign Couture, Etcetera, the Salty Teacup, and the Hound and Hare are perfect for a day of shopping for clothes and antique jewelry. St. Johns is a hot spot for authentic Mexican eats so grab lunch at the hidden gem that is Tienda Santa Cruz, Rose City Tacos, or El Coyote. Are designer cocktails your thing? Stop at The Garrison for a nightcap by their outdoor fireplace or Wood Fired Eats for a delicious brunch. In the summer don’t miss the St. Johns Bizarre and of course the Farmer’s Market. Finally, If you are a fan of food carts, the St. Johns beer porch is surrounded by an underrated pod of mobile restaurants.
- Grocery Availability. One of the worst parts of city living is getting to your preferred grocery store. Some neighborhoods are food deserts, while others are the home to high-end stores that are just out of your budget. In St. Johns you have a choice of markets up and down Lombard street. No more than a five-minute drive from wherever you live in the area you’ll find New Seasons, Fred Meyer, Grocery Outlet, and Green Zebra.
If you are interested in a quieter side of Portland with its own unique charm but don’t want an extremely long commute to the hustle and bustle of the city center, St. Johns may be the perfect spot to buy your next home. Contact one of the agents at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate to tour a few homes and open houses in the area!
