Powellhurst-Gilbert

Average Sales Price

$410,999

Total Listings

110

Walk Score

Powellhurst-Gilbert is one of East Portland's largest neighborhoods by area, stretching from SE Powell Boulevard south to Johnson Creek with a mix of mid-century ranches, pre-war cottages, and 1990s and 2000s subdivision infill. The neighborhood offers access to Leach Botanical Garden, the Springwater Corridor rail-trail, and quick I-205 connections to both downtown Portland and Clackamas Town Center.

LISTINGS

$139,999

3 Beds2 Baths1,650 SqFt

4682 SE 134TH DR, Portland, OR 97236

Listed by eXp Realty, LLC
$441,583

3 Beds2 Baths1,272 SqFt

14707 SE BUSH ST, Portland, OR 97236

Listed by Works Real Estate
$299,900

3 Beds1 Bath972 SqFt

13137 SE FRANCIS ST, Portland, OR 97236

Listed by eXp Realty, LLC
$449,999

3 Beds2.1 Baths1,597 SqFt

11812 SE HANNAH LN, Portland, OR 97266

Listed by Keller Williams Sunset Corridor
$149,900

3 Beds2 Baths1,512 SqFt

12420 SE BUSH ST #1, Portland, OR 97236

Listed by Keller Williams PDX Central
$324,901

3 Beds1.1 Baths1,234 SqFt

4363 SE 130TH AVE, Portland, OR 97236

Listed by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices NW Real Estate

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RECENTLY SOLD

$405,100

$364,500 11.1%

12910 SE CENTER ST, Portland, OR 97236

3 Beds1.1 Baths1,040 SqFt

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Listed by Real Broker

$449,000

11824 SE LIEBE ST, Portland, OR 97266

3 Beds2 Baths1,702 SqFt

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Listed by Harcourts Real Estate Network Group

$350,000

$375,000 6.7%

13510 SE STEELE ST, Portland, OR 97236

4 Beds2.1 Baths1,801 SqFt

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Listed by KJK Properties PC

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East Portland Neighborhood Guide

Living in Powellhurst-Gilbert

One of East Portland's largest neighborhoods, stretching from SE Powell Boulevard south to Johnson Creek with mid-century ranches, newer infill, and access to Leach Botanical Garden and the Springwater Corridor.

Updated April 2026 by Joe Saling

Neighborhood Overview

What Powellhurst-Gilbert Is Really Like

Powellhurst-Gilbert is one of the largest neighborhoods by area in East Portland, stretching from SE Powell Boulevard on the north to Johnson Creek on the south, and from roughly SE 106th Avenue on the west to SE 136th on the east. The neighborhood was annexed to Portland in stages between the 1980s and early 1990s, and much of its character comes from that history: a patchwork of older farm-era homes, mid-century ranches built when the area was still unincorporated Multnomah County, and more recent infill developments on former large lots. The terrain rolls gently toward Johnson Creek along the southern boundary, with Gilbert Heights rising slightly in the eastern portion.

A weekday morning here is arterial traffic on Powell Boulevard and SE Foster Road, school buses on the interior residential streets, and the hum of commuters heading for I-205. The commercial life is spread across the edges rather than concentrated in one walkable corridor: Powell Boulevard handles the north-side services and fast food, Foster Road carries the diagonal commercial stretch including Portland Mercado and Foster-Powell-adjacent businesses, and SE 122nd and SE 136th handle grocery and big-box. Inside the neighborhood itself, the pace slows noticeably, with tree-lined residential pockets that feel separate from the arterial activity.

On residential blocks you will see gardeners tending vegetable beds, walkers looping toward Leach Botanical Garden or Gilbert Heights Park, and Springwater Corridor cyclists heading east toward Gresham or west toward Sellwood. The neighborhood association is active on Powell safety improvements and the ongoing SE Foster streetscape work. Many streets lack sidewalks, which is common for post-annexation East Portland and something to verify block by block. The mix of housing eras gives different pockets noticeably different feels, with the southeast blocks near Johnson Creek holding the most greenery and the pre-war cottages, and the central sections leaning heavily mid-century.

Looking for broader context on the area? Read my full East Portland relocation guide for how Powellhurst-Gilbert fits into the wider district.

Housing & Style

Homes and Architecture in Powellhurst-Gilbert

The housing stock here reflects the neighborhood's long pre-annexation history as unincorporated Multnomah County. The oldest layer is small 1920s and 1930s cottages and farmhouses, scattered on what were originally larger lots. The dominant layer is 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s ranch and split-level homes, built during the post-war push outside Portland's city limits. A third significant layer is 1990s and 2000s subdivision infill, often with newer roofs, vinyl windows, and attached two-car garages. Lot sizes vary widely: older parcels can run 7,500 to 10,000 square feet or more, while newer subdivision lots tend to be 4,000 to 6,000 square feet.

When you shop here, expect a wider range of condition and quality than you would see in more consistent inner-Southeast neighborhoods. Long-term owners have often deferred updates, and bank-owned or estate sale properties still come through the MLS. Competitive dynamics are generally less intense than inner Southeast, which is part of the appeal for price-conscious buyers but also means you should pay close attention to what is priced in. Two items worth underwriting carefully: foundation condition on the older cottages (some sit on post-and-pier or shallow concrete and show settling), and sewer laterals on pre-1970s homes. Also check whether the street has city sidewalks and whether there is a pending local improvement district assessment.

1950s to 1970s ranch & split-level
1920s to 1930s cottages
1990s to 2000s subdivision infill
4,000 to 10,000 sq ft lots
Entry point for Portland

Around the Neighborhood

Geography, Amenities, and Getting Around

Johnson Creek & Gilbert Heights

Defining Geography

The neighborhood's southern boundary is Johnson Creek, a salmon-bearing stream with an associated greenway and natural area. The eastern portion rises slightly through Gilbert Heights, which gives some streets territorial views toward Mount Hood. The combination of creek-valley greenery on the south edge and elevation on the east sets Powellhurst-Gilbert apart from flatter East Portland neighborhoods.

SE 122nd & Foster Road

Nearest Amenity Hub

Daily errands distribute across the edges. Fred Meyer at SE 122nd and Stark is about 5 to 8 minutes by car for full-service grocery, pharmacy, and gas. Foster Road to the southwest carries Portland Mercado (a Latino food hall at SE 72nd) and a growing string of independent restaurants. The 82nd Avenue corridor is 8 to 10 minutes west with additional grocery and international markets. No single walkable commercial stretch sits inside the neighborhood itself.

Leach Botanical Garden & Springwater Corridor

Outdoor Access

Leach Botanical Garden, located on SE 122nd Avenue at the southern edge, offers 17 acres of curated gardens, a restored historic estate, and an elevated aerial tree walk. The Springwater Corridor paved rail-trail runs along the Johnson Creek boundary, connecting east to Gresham and west to Sellwood and downtown. Gilbert Heights Park and Gilbert Primary Park add neighborhood-scale playgrounds and fields within the interior.

Getting Around

Transit & Commute

I-205 is 2 to 4 minutes west for most of the neighborhood, putting downtown Portland about 20 to 25 minutes by car off-peak and Clackamas Town Center about 10 minutes south. The MAX Green Line runs along I-205 with the nearest stations at SE Flavel and SE Division. TriMet bus service runs on Powell, Foster, Division, 122nd, and 136th. Peak-hour drives to downtown can stretch to 35 to 40 minutes. The Springwater Corridor gives bike commuters a flat, paved option.

From Your Agent

Joe's Take on Powellhurst-Gilbert

When buyers tell me they want single-family housing in Portland at the lowest honest entry point, with some lot size, and are willing to drive for most errands, Powellhurst-Gilbert is one of the first neighborhoods I put on the short list. You typically pay the least per square foot of any Portland neighborhood here, you get real outdoor access through Leach Botanical Garden and the Springwater Corridor, and you get freeway proximity that suits a Clackamas-side or downtown commute. The honest trade-off is that this is not a walk-to-everything neighborhood. The commercial life happens on Powell, Foster, 122nd, and 82nd, all of which are arterial-scaled rather than pedestrian-scaled, and many residential blocks lack sidewalks entirely.

The housing stock and location suit buyers who want more square footage and more lot for the money, who can live with driving to most shops and restaurants, and who value the outdoor access the southern edge offers through Johnson Creek and the Springwater Corridor. It works well for remote workers without a daily downtown commute, for anyone who wants entry-level Portland pricing on single-family housing, and for buyers who prioritize lot size over walkability. It is less of a fit for buyers who want a walkable commercial corridor outside their front door, or who need consistently newer systems without the variability the mixed housing stock here brings.

Before you write an offer in Powellhurst-Gilbert, there are several specifics worth checking. Pull the sewer scope on any pre-1970s home; older cast-iron laterals are common and tree-root intrusion has shown up on many inspections here. Check the foundation carefully on pre-war cottages, since some sit on post-and-pier or shallow footings and may show settling. Verify whether the street has city sidewalks and check for any pending local improvement district assessments at portland.gov. Confirm the school boundary at the David Douglas, Centennial, Parkrose, or Reynolds district websites depending on address, since Powellhurst-Gilbert is split across multiple districts and the assignment surprises buyers used to Portland Public. Finally, drive the block at different times of day; proximity to Powell, I-205, or a busy church parking lot can shift the feel of a specific address noticeably.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Powellhurst-Gilbert

How do home prices in Powellhurst-Gilbert compare to the rest of East Portland?

Powellhurst-Gilbert typically prices at or near the entry point for East Portland on a per-square-foot basis, running roughly in line with Centennial, Pleasant Valley, and Lents, and generally below Montavilla, Hazelwood, and Mill Park. Prices here also tend to run below most inner Southeast Portland neighborhoods. The outer location, the mixed housing stock, and the multiple school district assignments all contribute to the lower entry point. The current average sales price and active listing count are shown at the top of this page and update automatically with the market.

What are property taxes like in Powellhurst-Gilbert?

Multnomah County property taxes in Powellhurst-Gilbert run at an effective combined rate of approximately 1.3% to 2.1% of assessed value, in line with the rest of the county. Because home values here tend to be lower than inner Portland neighborhoods, typical annual property tax bills are also lower on average. Oregon Measure 50 caps assessed value growth at 3% per year, so long-held homes often pay less than their market value would suggest. Some newer subdivisions may fall under additional local improvement district or urban renewal overlays that affect the final rate. Verify current rates and the specific assessment for any address you are considering at multco.us/assessment-taxation.

Which schools serve Powellhurst-Gilbert?

Powellhurst-Gilbert is split across multiple school districts depending on address, which surprises many buyers. Most of the neighborhood is served by the David Douglas School District, with portions assigned to Centennial, Parkrose, or Reynolds depending on exact location. This is different from the Portland Public Schools assignment most inner-Portland buyers are used to. Verify the specific address assignment at the relevant district website (davidouglas.k12.or.us, centennial.k12.or.us, parkrose.k12.or.us, or reynolds.k12.or.us) before making assumptions. Boundaries can change.

What is the housing stock like in Powellhurst-Gilbert?

Housing stock is mixed across three main eras: a small layer of 1920s and 1930s cottages and farmhouses, a dominant layer of 1950s to 1970s ranch and split-level homes built during the unincorporated Multnomah County era, and a significant layer of 1990s to 2000s subdivision infill. Lot sizes range widely from 4,000 square feet in newer subdivisions up to 10,000 square feet or more on older parcels. Amenity access includes Leach Botanical Garden (17 acres on SE 122nd), the Springwater Corridor rail-trail along Johnson Creek, and Gilbert Heights Park in the east portion. Many residential streets lack sidewalks.

How long is the commute from Powellhurst-Gilbert to downtown Portland?

Downtown Portland is typically 20 to 25 minutes by car outside of peak hours, using I-205 north to I-84 or Powell Boulevard west. Peak-hour drives can stretch to 35 to 40 minutes, and Powell Boulevard can back up significantly during commute windows. The MAX Green Line, with stations along I-205 at SE Flavel and SE Division, offers a transit option to downtown. TriMet bus service runs on Powell, Foster, Division, and multiple north-south arterials. Clackamas Town Center is about 10 minutes south, which matters for buyers working on the Clackamas side.

Is Powellhurst-Gilbert walkable?

Powellhurst-Gilbert is not a walkable neighborhood in the inner-Portland sense. Many residential streets lack sidewalks, commercial amenities are concentrated along arterial corridors (Powell, Foster, 122nd, 82nd) rather than in a walkable pedestrian core, and daily errands typically require a car. Walk Scores in the neighborhood are generally in the 30s to low 60s depending on proximity to Powell or Foster. Outdoor walking options lean toward Leach Botanical Garden paths, the Springwater Corridor paved trail, and Gilbert Heights Park rather than commercial-corridor strolls. Bike access is strong along the flat, paved Springwater Corridor.

How does Powellhurst-Gilbert compare to nearby East Portland neighborhoods?

Powellhurst-Gilbert typically prices roughly in line with Centennial and Pleasant Valley to the east and Lents to the west, and generally below Montavilla, Hazelwood, and Mill Park to the north. Lents has similar pricing but more commercial density at the Lents Town Center. Pleasant Valley has newer housing stock and larger lot sizes but fewer amenities. Centennial runs nearly identical pricing with a different school district. Powellhurst-Gilbert is the pick when a buyer wants Leach Botanical Garden and Springwater Corridor access, the widest range of housing eras to choose from, and entry-level Portland pricing with room to grow into a larger lot.

Can I add an ADU or short-term rental in Powellhurst-Gilbert?

Most Powellhurst-Gilbert lots are eligible for an accessory dwelling unit under Portland's Residential Infill Project rules, which allow up to one ADU on a single-family lot. The larger lot sizes on many older parcels can make ADU construction more flexible than tighter inner-Portland sites. Short-term rentals require a City of Portland STR permit; Type A permits require owner-occupancy, and Type B permits (non-owner-occupied) have stricter limits and are harder to obtain. Verify both ADU eligibility and STR permit type for your specific address with Portland Bureau of Development Services (portland.gov/bds) before counting on rental income.

Thinking About Buying in Powellhurst-Gilbert?

I help buyers navigate East Portland neighborhoods every week. Let's talk about what you need, what you can afford, and whether Powellhurst-Gilbert is the right fit.

Schedule a Free Consultation Or call Joe directly: (503) 910-7364

Joe Saling · Saling Homes at eXp Realty · 10+ years serving Portland metro buyers and sellers

Saling Homes at eXp Realty is committed to the principles of the Fair Housing Act and Equal Housing Opportunity. Licensed in the State of Oregon. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Verify all data independently before making real estate decisions.