Humboldt - Portland, OR

This culturally rich neighborhood evolved into its present-day state during the late 1800s, when the city of Portland officially annexed the East Portland area into the city limits. This sudden 26-mile expansion along the eastern border of the Williamette River filled up quickly with West Portland residents yearning for a distinct-yet-familiar change of pace. Over the years, a collective entrepreneurial spirit propelled the evolution of Humbolt into its thriving, tight-knit community of self-made businesspeople and artists.

View the collections of local artists, photographers and sculptors at the Portland Museum of Modern Art on North Albina Avenue. Situated in the basement and stairwell of the Mississippi Records compound, this museum features a never-ending stream of solo and group displays.

When visiting in mid-summer, soak up more of the local flavor by visiting neighboring Mississippi Avenue Street Fair, which features live music, microbrews and arts and crafts from local artisans.

True to the heart of Humbolt, the local dining holes are laid-back, independently owned establishments with an eccentric twist that keeps you just as mentally engaged as you are filled to the brim.

When night falls, head over to Saraveza Bottle Shop & Pasty Tavern for a pint and a Midwest comfort food fill-up. Named by Draft Magazine as one of the best beer bars in the country, this bar and grille's claim to fame lies in its unparalleled Humbolt-area beer selection, bottled and on draft. Start out with the brew of your choice and wash it down with Saraveza's famous pickled deviled eggs. Try a Reuben pasty to experience an otherworldy dining event that puts a whole new spin on the corned beef, sauerkraut and housemade Russian salad dressing concoction. End the night with a righteous rice crispy treat to experience a decadent end to dinner.

Your lazy weekend days are best spent at Sweedeedee on North Albina Avenue. With a presence defined by the restaurant's almost complete absence of decor and an unmistakable spirit of camaraderie, this brunch eatery holds nothing back in terms of culinary creativity and portion size. Raise your mimosa glass to your brunch buddies as you delicately peel back the layers of the ridiculously addictive pecan rolls or tackle the enormous mound of sumptuous corn cakes -- served with seasonal greens, bacon, and eggs your way.

A great number of Humbolt residents pride themselves on their dedication to preserving natural resources by walking and biking in lieu of driving. Bike lanes abound on almost every street in the neighborhood, helping to make the daily ride through the area a safe and easy feat. Scooters are also widely popular transportation options in this progressive, sustainability-minded area. Daily commuters also utilize the three available bus lines that run almost continuously throughout the neighborhood.

The area's close proximity to Interstate 5 and Highway 99W makes it easy for you to zip in and out of town with minimal delay. While meandering through the city in your car, look for free street parking along the more densely populated residential streets. Several cab lines, including Radio Cab and Yellow Cab, run throughout the city, making an easy ride just a phone call away.

Sunny leisure days never go to waste in Humbolt's Peninsula Park and Community Center. This family friendly park houses the area's oldest public rose garden and community center. This expansive park also features the neighborhood's oldest playground, a softball field, tennis courts and bike paths. Your on-leash dog is welcome in any area of the park, and you can let your pooch run wild in the designated off-leash area.

Peninsula Park's annual Summer Free for All event features arts and crafts for kids and adults, and community-center-sponsored sports activities for children. This free park is also an outdoor wedding hot spot and a host for the annual Rose Festival that displays numerous varieties of the beloved flower.

Humbolt residents experience a slightly-higher-than-average cost of living, with one-bedroom rental residences averaging about $950 per month. A bus ride to the city center costs approximately $2.50, while gas prices fall about 2 percent below the national average. Expect to fork out about $6.50 for a pint at the local watering holes.

Remaining true to the neighborhood's enterprising spirit, Humboldt is void of typical chain retail stores and overflowing with independently owned, funky boutiques and corner grocery or convenience stores. High-end, high-value stores are also not part of this area's down-to-earth vibe. You'll find a multitude of clothing, antique, shoe, accessory and gift shops scattered throughout the town, with moderately priced selections for men, women and children.

Check out the ultra-trendy Chapter Four on North Albina Avenue to find pieces of clothing that make for conversation starters and inject a bit of oomph into your wardrobe. The store's off-the-wall men's and women's selection is unparalleled in Humboldt.

Gypsy Chic on Mississippi Avenue in North Portland dresses local women with bohemian flair. One peek and you can see this place is rife with both casual and dressy attire and accessories. Locals talk about the fun, funky atmosphere, great prices and friendly service, and they check here frequently, as items often go on sale. Many Humboldt residents and visitors buy fresh, locally sourced produce from Cherry Sprout Produce Market on North Sumner Street and grab the rest of their edible goods from corner grocery stores, such as Cullen's Corner grocery on North Albina. Chain grocery stores, such as New Seasons Market in Eliot and Safeway in King, are just minutes away from Humboldt's center. The King Portland Farmer's Market, also a short drive from Humboldt, has a wide array of seafood, meat, fruit, and veggies each weekend throughout the year.