Tour Fairfield's Best Places To Live in Portland

We invite you to join us for a different sort of tour: It involves Portland, some quirky, hip, diverse neighborhoods, 7 unique communities, and a whole lot of energy with plenty of slow-down time. Along our tour route, you’ll see some of the best places to live in Portland and can even read what some of our own residents have to say about life at Fairfield.

Portland Thrives in the Pacific North West

You will find Portland in the northwest part of Oregon, just south of Vancouver, in the Willamette Valley region, and roughly about a 90-minute drive from the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Northwest is known for its diverse landscapes, and Portland doesn’t disappoint. With easy access to a multitude of city parks and hiking trails, beaches, waterfalls, mountains and even desert terrain nearby, residents and visitors can find something that appeals to each.

If you’ve ever been to Portland, read about Portland, or wanted to be a Portlander, you must know that lush, cozy, exquisite landscapes, city lights, and breath-taking views take on deeper meaning here. Dining is truly a culinary adventure, and you can taste and smell the coffee before it’s served. It’s easy to see why Portland is a great place to live, but how do you decide which neighborhood is right for you? Let’s start our virtual tour!

The Best Places to Live in Portland

Goose Hollow: Collins Circle Apartments

The Goose Hollow neighborhood, adjacent to Downtown Portland, was established in 1845 and has the distinction of being one of the city’s original neighborhoods. And, yes, geese were once raised here! Today, you’ll find a charming mix of old and new, including a convenient, contemporary, urban lifestyle at Collins Circle Apartments. Collins Circle offers affordable and market-rate studio, 1, and 2 bedroom apartments in a pet-friendly community.

Why Residents Love It

Our residents love having the convenience of nearby shopping and dining. With a fitness center, rooftop deck with picnic area, and even a bike repair station inside the community, residents can live the lives they deserve at a price they can afford. An added convenience is Collins Circle’s proximity to public transportation. It’s only two blocks from the MAX Light Rail Blue and Red lines and just feet from the TriMet bus. Here’s what resident Louis has to say:   

“I have been a resident for 6 plus years and have enjoyed myself and the many amenities Collins Circle has to offer. Since I limit my driving, the public transportation is very convenient for me, with bus and Max services within short walking distance.”

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Fairfield does Portland in many other ways as well. If high-rise living in the tallest building in one of Portland’s most desirable neighborhoods better suits you, come on over to our next stop… 

Southwest Portland: 735 St. Clair Apartments

“Indie” and “native” are among the descriptive expressions for Portland’s variety of people, places, and things to do, and Southwest Portland is no exception. With stunning views of downtown Portland, West Hills, The Willamette River, and Mount Hood, the pinnacle of urban living is at 735 St. Clair Apartments, where our residents enjoy the comfort and convenience of spacious, newly remodeled studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments with a pet-friendly culture.

When your exploring nature takes hold, you can visit the Rose Test Garden, the Japanese Garden, many parks, and even the nearby Oregon Zoo. From what resident Taylor has to say, sight-seeing in this neighborhood never gets tiring:  

“Our building is in a nice neighborhood with lots to do nearby. We have had so much fun checking things out, walking our dog, and sightseeing nearby.”

Why Residents Love It

Whether looking out from their upper floor homes or enjoying the perks of the rooftop deck, residents truly enjoy 735 St. Clair’s spectacular views. This community puts you within walking distance of both casual and award-winning dining experiences, breweries, and even the world’s largest used and new bookstore, Powell’s City of Books. And your feet will love you if you’re in the market for some boots; a Dr. Martens store is an easy walk away.

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Looking for something different? Come on over to Slabtown…

Slabtown: Q21 Apartments

Don’t let the name fool you. Slabtown is a trendy area where residential and industrial buildings have replaced the lumber mills that provided slabs of log edges as fuel for laborers. Nestled between Portland’s Pearl District and Nob Hill and close to Forest Park, this neighborhood is becoming one of the most popular places to live in Portland.

With plenty of shopping, restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, craft distilleries, and art galleries, it’s no wonder Slabtown has a Walk Score of 96! And remember what we said about smelling the coffee before it’s served? The enticing aroma is hard to miss with Queue Coffee right in our Q21 building.

Why Residents Love It

At Q21 Apartments, quality begins in your home and never quits. This pet-friendly community offers choices of studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments and townhomes to meet your lifestyle needs. Whether you need bike storage or electric vehicle charging stations, options for socializing and playing games or just having laid-back moments in front of a fireplace, or even crave a thriving dining and entertainment scene or just need to go to the market, you can have it all with us here at Q21. Resident Sara agrees:

“Honestly I love having a place here. It’s easy, quiet (a big one for me) and the women downstairs have always been super helpful! It’s a cool spot with a nice gym…what’s there to complain about?!”

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Fairfield’s Portland still has much more to offer as we move up to North Portland…

Overlook: The Perch PDX

In Overlook, you’ll find The Perch PDX Apartments perched (sorry, couldn’t help ourselves) above the Willamette River. Our pet-friendly studio, 1, and 2 bedroom apartments echo the warmth of this cozy, lush neighborhood yet still capture the convenience of the urban setting. Resident Elena sums it up well:

“Staff here is very nice and helpful. Love the amenities and the size of the apartments. Would 100% recommend others to live here. It’s also very conveniently located near a bunch of grocery stores and schools. Everything you need is close by.”

Resident Olivia adds:

“Watching the sunsets over Forest Park from our balcony is one of the best features of this complex.”

Why Residents Love It

Speaking of “perched,” the views from the upper-level homes are breath-taking. Residents also enjoy those spectacular views from the seventh-floor lounge and outdoor terrace. It’s a great place to take time to contemplate or socialize with neighbors.

Convenience is right at your doorstep with on-site retail, a market in the building, and the MAX Light Rail right across the street. Plus, this area has a Bike Score of 100!

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If the urban feel isn’t quite your bag, Northeast Portland may be calling you…

Wilkes: Columbia Ridge Apartments

You can feel like you’re living amongst the treetops in this cozy community in Northeast Portland with stunning views right from your private patio or deck. Columbia Ridge Apartments is in easternmost Portland’s Wilkes neighborhood. Centrally located between Downtown Portland and Vancouver, WA, it’s one of Portland’s best places to live.

What’s it like living here? Here’s how one resident describes the location:

“I absolutely love living here. You feel like you are outside the city with Mt. Hood on the east side and the Columbia River just minutes away. We are sitting at the base of the Columbia River Gorge! Our place has a giant covered balcony that is completely protected from the weather…”

Why Residents Love It

Find serenity in a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment at this pet-friendly community where you’re close enough to Downtown Portland yet far enough away to be able to connect with nature. You’ll love taking in the beauty of the rolling waters of the Columbia River and exploring nearby hiking trails.

Don’t worry about everyday responsibilities, though. You’re still close to plenty of retail and grocery options and countless other conveniences and attractions. A bonus is that you’ll still have easy access to I-84, the MAX Blue Line, and Parkrose Transit Center.

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Fairfield’s Portland doesn’t end in the suburban Wilkes neighborhood. Next stop: Portland’s Inner Eastside…

Kerns: Sandy28 Apartments

Old and new blend uniquely here in the Kerns neighborhood, located between Portland’s northeast and southeast quadrants, and the Sandy28 apartment community takes the energy and charisma of the area and brings it under one roof.

Why Residents Love It

Besides the many local attractions, a thriving cultural and culinary scene and a neighborhood Walk Score of 90 and a Bike Score of 89, you still have plenty of attractions right at home at Sandy28.  This pet-friendly community of studio, 1, and 2 bedroom apartments offers such amenities as a high-tech fitness center, yoga studio, and a rooftop deck with outdoor TVs. Your pups will love the outdoor dog lounge and the on-site dog wash and grooming area.

Friendly neighbors, an active community vibe, and spectacular views all add to the ambience. Resident Jennifer sums it up well:

“I love living at Sandy28! Great apartments, great amenities, and great community! The building is comfortable and welcoming. I’ve never lived in an apartment where I didn’t hear my neighbors all the time!”

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Just like you, we can’t get enough of Portland and finding the best places to live. That’s why we keep developing new ones! The last stop on our tour of Portland’s best apartments is sneak peek of what’s coming to the Central Eastside…

Central Eastside: Skylar Grand Apartments – Coming Soon!

Portland’s Central Eastside is bustling with art, dining, and entertainment experiences. There’s something for everyone in this highly sought-after area – walkers, bikers, skateboarders, photographers, even graffiti aficionados enjoy the offerings here. We can assure you; Skylar Grand’s community of studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom homes will not disappoint.