Portland has a reputation as a quirky and unique community, and Downtown absolutely matches that description. The local population represents a patchwork quilt of backgrounds—a stroll down any given street will likely involve seeing buttoned-up corporate professionals, bohemian artists, and everything in between. The result is a wild menagerie of sophisticated urban amenities, beautifully preserved history, original art, and the inimitably laid-back Pacific Northwest personality.
The relatively compact layout makes this part of town excellent for pedestrians and cyclists, with relatively small city blocks housing businesses and apartments in very close proximity to one another. The city’s experimental spirit influences virtually every aspect of Downtown, from the meticulous craft found in the local coffeehouses, restaurants, and cocktail bars to the thriving art and music scene to the often-iconoclastic style that many locals embrace.
