Montavilla is one of Portland Oregon’s many close-in metro areas that feels more “neighborhoody” than urban while offering easy city access. This increasingly popular Northeast / Southeast neighborhood was even voted one of the ‘Top 10 U.S. Neighborhoods’ in 2017 by Lonely Planet.
Local History
Originally named “Mount Tabor Village” in the 1890s, the area served as a stopover for folks traveling between Portland and Mount Hood. Streetcars began servicing the area in 1892 and it was the abbreviated streetcar destination signs that inspired the neighborhood’s name: Mon (Mount) Ta (Tabor) Villa (Village).
Neighborhood Lifestyle
The main retail and commercial hub of Montavilla is SE Stark Street, specifically between 75th and 82nd Avenues. Neighbors can run errands, grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee, meet for drinks, see a second-run movie for just $4 at the historic Academy Theater, shop for groceries, and more on this busy strip.
Perhaps one of the best parts of the Montavilla neighborhood is the real sense of community and the celebration of diversity among the people who call this area home. One local summed it up, “Montavilla has a great friendly-neighborhood vibe… and there is a strong community/neighborhood feel.”
There’s also a burgeoning and equally diverse local food scene. Take a look at some of the most popular drinking and dining destinations in the area and you’ll notice there are flavors from all over the world on offer:
The Observatory Extensive, creative American menu, craft cocktails. A local favorite for late-night eats.
Blank Slate Popular neighborhood brunch, specialty cocktail bar, and open mic spot.
Little Saigon Highly-reviewed noodle joint, mostly Vietnamese food offerings with a few Thai options.
Master Kong Small dining area with an even tinier kitchen puts out great Chinese food. Famous locally for their Chinese crepes.
House of Bahn Mi Well-reviewed teeny, tiny neighborhood Vietnamese sandwich shop.
Giant Gyros Mediterranean spot serving up GIANT gyro sandwiches, falafel, eggplant. Rave reviews.
Heartbreaker Neighborhood kitchen dishing out home-cooked southern-style food and small-batch ice cream. Carnivore-friendly with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options as well.
Tienda Santa Cruz Considered a ‘neighborhood gem’ this little Mexican market and food-to-go spot is popular for its authentic burritos, tacos, and homemade Mexican pastries, cakes, and flan.
Secret Pizza Society Hole-in-the-wall vegan pizzeria deeply loved by neighborhood veg-only and meat-eaters alike.
For even more great places to eat and drink in Montavilla, visit this Eater PDX list.
The nearly 9.5-acre Montavilla Park has brought neighborhood families out to play since 1921. This popular neighborhood park includes a futsal field, a playground, as well as soccer and softball fields. You’ll also find Berrydale Park, Harrison Park, the beloved Vestal Community Garden, and of course Mt. Tabor Park all within the neighborhood. Montavilla Community Center offers plenty of activities and recreation as well, including seasonal swimming lessons and family swim at the outdoor Montavilla Pool.
Montavilla is ranked the 36th most walkable neighborhood in Portland with a walk score of 71 and very good public transportation options. Montavilla is also considered a ‘biker’s paradise’ with a bike score of 91. For commuters, three major arterials: Division, I-84, and I-2015 frame the Montavilla neighborhood, providing easy access to the city center and beyond. TriMet bus lines and the green, blue, and red Max lines also serve Montavilla.
Montavilla Real Estate
Consisting of mostly older homes (average build year is 1952) and plenty of old-growth trees lining the streets, Montavilla feels very suburban though it is technically considered a part of urban Portland.
Montavilla real estate cost is higher than the national average of approximately $185,000 but considerably lower than the Portland metro average of around $420,000 with neighborhood median home values landing around $350,000 and homes selling on average for slightly under asking price.
Montavilla Schools
The Montavilla neighborhood is served by multiple public and charter schools as well as some higher education institutions: Vestal Elementary School (K-8, public); Bridger Elementary School (K-8, public); Creative Science School (K-8, public charter); Grace Lutheran School (K-8, private) Multnomah University (Christian); and Portland Community College Southeast campus.
If you’re ready to start the home-buying process (in the Montavilla area or any other Portland, Oregon or Vancouver, Washington neighborhood) I’d love to help! Give me a call anytime, or start your home-loan prequalification now by submitting your info directly to me using this easy online mortgage application form.