Markham - Portland, OR

Portland's rich and varied history includes everything from dramatic period of organized crime in the 1940s and 1950s to an influx of passionate young people during the dot-com boom of the early 20th century. Today the city enjoys a reputation as one of the most artistic and livable places in the country.

The mid-1990s saw such a distinct increase in the number of Portland artists, independent galleries, site-specific shows and general public discourse about the arts that the period has been officially described and written about as the Portland millenial art renaissance. Markham enjoys access to much of the local art scene through its trendy adjacent neighborhood, Multnomah Village.

In absence of any neighborhood museums, Markham proudly preserves several historic houses including the Victorian-age Markham Home in the south.

Although mostly residential, Markham does provide prime access to bountiful restaurants and unique bars. Clusters of unique restaurants are situated just across Interstate 5 in Multnomah Village, all less than two miles from the neighborhood. Visit Otto and Anita's European Restaurant for authentic German tastes and a mom-and-pop experience like no other. Slurp down the dill pickle soup alongside tender, perfectly seasoned pork schnitzels, and save room for the coconut cake at the end of your meal. The nearby Down to Earth Cafe offers all natural, made-from-scratch breakfasts and lunches as well as fresh organic vegetable juices. A menu packed with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices illustrates why no one goes hungry in this trendy neighborhood. Order the beloved tofu scramble or the salmon eggs Benedict, and come back at night for the Persian dinner cuisine. When you're in a hurry, grab Japanese takeout at Bentoz Teriyaki to taste the finest bento in town. Add gyozas to the spicy chicken special for a combination that keeps the regulars coming back for more.

At night, popular local bars include Kask and Renner's Grill. Ten minutes away in downtown Portland, entertain options are plentiful. Locals love the Crystal Ballroom for fun theme dance nights and quality music shows. Aside from the non-stop party, the Crystal Ballroom's house-brewed brews also draw in the crowds.

For those considering giving up their cars, the decision has never been more convenient. Consistently voted the top biking city in the country, Portland has over 300 miles of bikeways on the ground and over 5,000 public bike racks. As such, street bikers are a common sight throughout all of Portland's neighborhoods, and Markham is no exception.

In addition, Portland's metro transit service, TriMet, connects Markham to the rest of the city via Route 43. Pay just $2 to ride any combination of buses, light rails, commuter rails and streetcars for 2.5 hours. Just remember your walking shoes when you step off the bus; in contrast to Markham's residential nature, the immediately surrounding areas are highly walkable, with shops and restaurants thickly scattered and clustered every few blocks. In fact, Portland itself is the 12th most walkable city in the U.S.

Be aware that very few cabs circle the streets of Portland looking for fares, so it is unlikely that you will hail one. Instead, register with Uber to enjoy a classy ride along with the added convenience of ordering and paying from your smartphone or computer.

Residents who wish to keep their cars enjoy the convenience of 9,000 metered spaces within the city of Portland, with hourly parking rates ranging from $1 to $1.60 during the week, free weekends and a number of free holidays. Interstate 5 forms one of Markham's neighborhood borders and provides reliable, convenient freeway access.

Within the official neighborhood borders of Markham, the Maricara Natural Area provides 17 acres of wetland, second-growth forest, native plant species and protected streams. With over a mile of natural surface hiking trails and plenty of opportunity for wildlife- and bird-watching, the park draws patrons from many surrounding neighborhoods, all seeking a natural respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Dogs are also very welcome in this beautiful woodsy area. Just be aware that some trails are limited access in order to preserve the natural habitat.

Less than a half-mile outside the neighborhood, Marshall Park offers picnic areas and more rustic hiking trails, along with a waterfall. In the summer, the Portland Parks Foundation schedules and organizes a range of concerts, movies and events throughout all the city's parks, while working to keep them all free through the Summer Free for All Program.

Markham residents pay for a little extra space and the natural beauty of their immediate surroundings as the cost of living in this neighborhood is 12 percent higher than the average cost of living in Portland. A one-bedroom residence rents for an average $800.

You can get from Markham to Portland's city center for $2 via public transportation, while a pint at a local bar costs around $5. Neighborhood gas prices average 8 percent higher than the national average.

A significant number of independent shops and specialty stores lie in Markham's immediate surroundings without even touching the packed area of downtown Portland. Stay close and start with the shops clustered near the intersection of Southwest Capitol Highway and Southwest Multnomah Boulevard.

For a thoughtful and beautiful selection of clothing from local designers alongside one-of-a-kind artwork, stop by Anne Bocci Boutique & Gallery. Go ahead and ask for the story behind each piece of her handmade jewelry. Nearby, Indigo Traders offers local home decor and everything from apothecary items to pottery. While you browse, enjoy the tasty Turkish coffee the owners serve all their customers.

Nearby grocery stores include Safeway, Barbur World Foods and Market of Choice. A mile from Markham, the Hillsdale Farmers Market runs year-round.