Northwest District

The Northwest District extends from the Tualatin Mountains to Interstate 405 and consists of tightly packed Craftsman houses and modern apartment buildings. NW 23rd Avenue serves as the neighborhood's main axis, where shops and homes sit side by side.

In the 1860s, Captain John H. Couch established the Alphabet District system, naming streets alphabetically from Burnside to Reed Street. This grid layout shaped how the neighborhood developed as the city grew.

NW 23rd Avenue hosts boutiques, independent theaters, and restaurants that shape the neighborhood's character. Local businesses and gathering spots reflect how residents and visitors spend their time here.

The Portland Streetcar NS Line connects the neighborhood directly downtown, while multiple TriMet bus routes provide additional transportation options. The area is flat and easy to explore on foot.

The creator of The Simpsons television series grew up here and named several characters after street names from the area. Characters like Lovejoy and Quimby came directly from these local streets.

Location: Portland

GPS coordinates: 45.53264,-122.69872

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:20