Montavilla - Portland, OR

Originally named Mt. Tabor Village in the 1890s, the neighborhood eventually adapted the abbreviation after travelers simply used the shortened “Mt. Ta. Villa” that appeared on the neighborhood’s streetcar signs. During this time, its acres were used mainly for farming and orchards. After farmers sold their land to speculators, growth radiated outwards and numerous residential divisions appeared so quickly that the area was a full-blown community by 1900. In the years following, Montavilla remained a small neighborhood but has put itself on the map with a surge of new restaurants, services and facilities.

Montavilla promotes culture with cinemas, art venues and frequent performances. The Academy Theater is a charming venue with cheap snacks and the latest flicks. Portland Metro Arts provides locals with dance classes and puts on lively shows. The neighborhood also hosts a calendar full of free summer events in the park each year.

Montavilla may be a small area, but it's home to a variety of foods and goods for every appetite and palette. From fresh and vegan to hearty and home-style, the neighborhood does not disappoint. Vegans and vegetarians will rejoice at the affordable fare of Bui Natural Tofu. Salad rolls, varieties of tofu, and Vietnamese desserts are top-notch here.

Check out the Country Cat for a Sunday brunch and fill up on quality comfort food. Another cozy place is East Glisan Pizza Lounge, which isn't your typical pizza joint. It serves gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, features classic films instead of sports, and bakes unique dishes like Beef Tongue Pizza.

For evening fun, The Observatory is the perfect spot for a late night out alongside the locals. Grab a charcuterie plate and order from the happy hour menu before heading to the attached Over and Out bar to play pool and sip on a rosemary cocktail.

Meanwhile, Vintage Cocktail Lounge provides a nice place to sit and relax with a crafted Prohibition-inspired cocktail. Overall, Montavilla contains classic dives, lounges, and pubs, all easygoing yet lively places buzzing with local residents.

The main roads of Stark, 82nd, Burnside, and Gilsan see thousands of commuters each day. Montavilla is bordered by the 205 and 84 freeways, providing easy access to the rest of the city. Parking isn’t always available in public spots, so planning ahead or relying public transportation is the way to go. The TriMet takes travelers around the city easily and at afforbale rates, and local taxi services provide another option. Also, local residents find is easy to get around on bikes, while most errands can be accomplished on foot.

Montavilla features two main parks, both great for relaxing, exercising, having picnics, and playing with the kids. Head to the community center at Montavilla Park if you need an event space or to use the pool in the summertime. Competitive kickball leagues, pick-up rugby games, and outdoor swimming are just a few of the activities happening here daily. The park is popular and located at a busy intersection, so planning ahead to park close is a must.

Barrydale Park is ideal for a quick breath of fresh air or free neighborhood happenings. With lots of trees and shade for summer gatherings, the park also hosts free concerts. It’s secluded with a community garden, a small play area and picnic tables, and it also has an open field, perfect for team sports. With ample parking, it’s a great place for a family picnic.

Pet owners will find numerous options in the area to bring the family dog for some fun and exercise. Mt. Tabor Park, for example, features a large off-leash space in a secluded and wooded area, separated from any traffic.

This neighborhood is a fairly affordable part of Portland, with the median house price at $272,000 and an average rent of $1,300 for a one-bedroom apartment. Local gas prices average approximately 8 percent higher than the national average. You can easily get to the city center for around $5 and can grab a beer for about $6. Overall, the cost of living here is above average but is lower than the city of Portland's.

Boutiques, vendors, and shops of all kinds thrive on SE Stark St. The shopping center holds a handful of stores with gifts, crafts and vintage and consignment pieces you won’t find elsewhere.

Grab everything for sewing and other art projects at Kraft Kitty, and peruse costume jewelry and other delicate wares at Monticello Antique Marketplace. If you’re looking for a wardrobe update, check out Branch and Birdie. It’s the perfect place to find a piece for you and gifts for others. Beyond Beauty at 82nd has all of your cosmetic needs covered, as well as esthetician services. This area also has local art galleries, like Mile Post 5, in addition to other specialty stores located on Gilsan Street. Head to both Gilsan and Stark to poke your head into small shops, browse and find anything you’re looking for.

Montavilla includes an array of choices for groceries and produce. Organic foods, delivery service, halal food, international product suppliers, and Asian goods are all within reach here. The best place to pick up ingredients is the widely popular Montavilla Farmers Market, which features numerous vendors selling fresh produce and homemade items for your culinary needs. Head to SE Stark every Sunday to get inspired for your week’s meals.