I’ve also just moved from Portland to Europe and I couldn’t agree more with your recommended n’hoods…to experience the “portland” everyone speaks so highly of, one must live as Kateasaurus states "I lived in Sellwood also. Totally great I really loved it, I would totally live there again. Nice, slightly older houses, some funky some boring. Nice neighborhood with shops and interesting restaurants, etc.
The other areas I would personally consider living: the area bounded by SE Powell and SE Burnside (including SE Hawthorn, Division, and Belmont which are very trendy and popular areas) between 20th and 50th"
Pretty much sums it up!
If you do one thing in Portland, go for a walk in Forest Park (the largest urban park in the U.S.), it’s a rainforest in the middle of the city. Go to Powell’s Books, check out the Pearl District, walk over the Hawthorne Bridge to the Eastbank Esplanade and then go to a brewpub in the evening to sample the finest brew in the U.S. Portland is best explored on foot but is nicely viewed through the windows of its streetcars.
Best of Luck and enjoy!
Jupiter Hotel is a hipster hotel if that’s what you’re aiming for. If you have the money stay at the Westin which is central to everything downtown and an excellent hotel.
