OR Portland
University Park
University Park wraps around the University of Portland campus on the bluff above the Willamette River, mixing pre-1940 Craftsman bungalows and foursquares with one of North Portland's strongest elementary schools (Astor K-8, rated 9/10). You get a walkable N Lombard commercial strip anchored by New Seasons, quick MAX Yellow Line access, and homes that still trade below the district median
LISTINGS
Living in University Park
A quiet, tree-lined pocket on the Willamette bluff with pre-war bungalows, a top-rated K-8 school, and walkable access to N Lombard's New Seasons and the University of Portland campus.
Updated April 2026 by Joe SalingWhat University Park Is Really Like
University Park sits on the bluff above the Willamette River, wrapping around the University of Portland campus between N Lombard Street to the north and the river to the south. The neighborhood feels quieter than its North Portland neighbors: fewer commercial corridors, more tree-lined residential blocks, and the kind of mature street canopy you usually have to pay a premium for in other Portland districts.
The character comes from pre-1940 Craftsman bungalows and foursquares on 5,000 to 6,000 square foot lots, mixed with a handful of mid-century ranches and newer infill. University Park is one of the few North Portland neighborhoods where you can walk the kids to a 9/10 rated elementary school (Astor K-8), grab groceries at New Seasons on Lombard, and still be at Pioneer Courthouse Square in 22 minutes on the MAX Yellow Line.
Looking for broader context on the area? Read my full North Portland relocation guide for how University Park fits into the wider district.
Homes and Prices in University Park
University Park's housing stock skews older than most of North Portland, with the median year built around 1955 based on active and sold listings. Expect to see Craftsman bungalows, foursquares with basement apartments, and a handful of Tudor-style homes mixed in. Newer construction is limited and usually appears on infill lots or closer to Lombard, where townhomes and a few condo developments have filled in recently. Current average sales price sits around $557,000, which is below the Mississippi and Williams corridor premiums but above the Portsmouth entry point.
- Craftsman bungalows
- Foursquares
- Mid-century ranch
- $425K to $650K typical
- 5,000 to 6,000 sq ft lots
Dining, Parks, and Getting Around
New Seasons Market (University Park)
Full-service grocery with local produce, deli, and a cafe. This is the daily-errand anchor for the neighborhood and one of the reasons University Park stays walkable for residents on the Lombard side.
Blue Moon Camera & Machine
One of the last full-service analog film shops in the country, just a few blocks west on Lombard. Worth the walk even if you do not shoot film.
Pier Park
One of North Portland's largest parks sits on the neighborhood's northwest edge with loop hiking trails, a seasonal outdoor pool, an 18-hole disc golf course, and a skate park. The forested canopy makes it feel like you left the city.
Getting Around
The MAX Yellow Line runs along Interstate Avenue a few blocks east, putting downtown Portland about 22 minutes away by train. Drivers hit I-5 in five minutes for direct downtown access in 12 to 15 minutes off-peak. Lombard and Portsmouth Avenue handle the east-west connections.
Joe's Take on University Park
When buyers tell me they want North Portland character without the Mississippi and Williams corridor price tag, University Park is usually the first neighborhood I suggest. You get the same pre-war bungalows, the same walkable grocery, and arguably the best public elementary school in the district, all at prices that typically run $100,000 below the corridor blocks three miles south.
The honest trade-off is commercial density. You have Lombard and one stretch of small shops and restaurants, not six blocks of packed corridors. If walking to a dozen restaurants on a Friday night is the top priority, look at Boise or Overlook. If you want a tree-lined block with a top-rated school and five-minute access to both I-5 and the MAX, University Park is hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions About University Park
What is the average home price in University Park, Portland?
The average sales price in University Park is approximately $557,000 as of early 2026, with typical single-family homes trading between $425,000 and $650,000 depending on condition, lot size, and proximity to Lombard Street. Condos and smaller bungalows occasionally sell below $425,000.
Which schools serve University Park?
University Park is served by Portland Public Schools. The default elementary is Astor K-8 (GreatSchools 9/10), with middle and high school students continuing to George Middle School and Roosevelt High School. Portland Public Schools uses open enrollment, so residents can apply to any PPS school regardless of address, though acceptance at oversubscribed schools is not guaranteed. Verify assignment with the PPS boundary finder before relying on it.
What is the housing stock and amenity access like in University Park?
Housing stock is predominantly pre-1940 Craftsman bungalows and foursquares on 5,000 to 6,000 square foot lots, mixed with some mid-century ranches and limited newer infill. Amenity access includes Pier Park (approximately 80 acres with trails, a seasonal outdoor pool, and an 18-hole disc golf course), New Seasons Market on N Lombard, and the University of Portland campus. The neighborhood sits on the Willamette River bluff with mature street trees throughout most residential blocks.
How long is the commute from University Park to downtown Portland?
Downtown Portland is typically 12 to 15 minutes by car via I-5 outside of peak hours, or about 22 minutes on the MAX Yellow Line from the nearby Kenton or N Rosa Parks station. Peak-hour drives can stretch to 20 to 30 minutes, which is why many University Park residents rely on the MAX for daily commutes.
Is University Park walkable?
Walkability is moderate overall and strongest near N Lombard Street. Homes within three to four blocks of Lombard can walk to New Seasons, coffee shops, and restaurants. Interior residential blocks are quieter and more car-dependent, scoring lower on Walk Score but higher on curb appeal and tree canopy.
Thinking About Buying in University Park?
I help buyers navigate North Portland neighborhoods every week. Let's talk about what you need, what you can afford, and whether University Park is the right fit.
Schedule a Free Consultation Or call Joe directly: (503) 910-7364Joe Saling · Saling Homes at eXp Realty · 20+ 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.
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Joe Saling
joe@sellingpdxhomes.com





