Sunnyside - Portland, OR

With the introduction of the railroad in 1870, the area that is now Sunnyside saw a growing influx of ship workers and an expansion of east Portland. A streetcar linked Mount Tabor with downtown Portland in 1891, making the area more suburban. By the 20th century, Hawthorne Street was lined with small businesses.

The street became an enclave for the countercultural movement during the 1960s and today continues to evoke those freewheeling days despite commercial development. There are many independent artists, galleries, craft stores and other creative outlets throughout the neighborhood. Annual events include the Hawthorne and Belmont street fairs and the Taste of Sunnyside Neighborhood Food Festival.

Sunnyside is far from lacking when it comes to restaurants, cafes and a vibrant night life. The twin streets of Hawthorne and Belmont are stacked with great dining options, from Thai and Middle Eastern cuisine to classic American fare.

For the most authentic Hawthorne experience, try the Aztec Bowl from newcomer Harlow, a restaurant dedicated to healthy and delicious food. After lunch, head to a local coffee shop and sample some hand-crafted espresso. Decaffeinated readers can skip the coffee and head straight for desert at the quirky and adorable Waffle Window, which offers European-style Liege sugar waffles in sweet and savory varieties, including peanut butter chocolate and the Three B's: bacon, basil and brie. Portland's coffee culture is on display in the Sunnyside neighborhood, most notably at Stumptown Coffee Roasters ' popular Belmont location and the original Fresh Pot on Hawthorne.

Nightlife is abundant in the neighborhood as well, with many lively bars, pubs and wine bars plus a movie theater and a fantastic music venue. The expansive Bagdad Theater & Pub, originally opened in 1927, offers first- and second-run movies, beer and wine, and a "balcony menu" of pub favorites. For the musically inclined, the Hawthorne Theater is a favorite spot to catch national touring acts as well as local heroes. Stop by on a Wednesday for "rock star karaoke."

Transportation is one of the key factors that makes Sunnyside so appealing. The neighborhood is extremely walkable, there are bike-dedicated streets and several bus lines intersect the area. Residents enjoy the ability to walk to wherever their heart desires, be it an organic grocery store or local pet supply shop. As with much of Portland, Sunnyside isn’t the easiest place to hail a cab, but Uber is making it easier to pick up rides on the go or as needed.

For those who don’t yet want to trade in their Subaru for a bike, there are still plenty of reasons to settle in Sunnyside. Parking is available, although on the weekend it can be hard to find a spot on or near Hawthorne or Belmont. Interstate 84 is only a mile or two away, linking Sunnyside to downtown Portland to the west, and Gresham and the Columbia River Gorge to the east.

The lovely Laurelhurst Park borders the Sunnyside neighborhood boundary line, and Mount Tabor -- an extinct volcanic cinder cone -- lies just to the east. Laurelhurst is a very green park with lots of trees and nature access, a central pond, park amenities such as basketball courts and an off-leash dog area. The park is very popular with runners, dog walkers and those looking for a respite from the city.

The impressive Mount Tabor is a fantastic place to ride a bike, go for a hike, run or bike ride, or to catch the setting sun. It’s a great place to take Fido as well, with many paths and open spaces to explore. Even better, take your significant other and/or family to one of the many expansive grassy areas and have a picnic. Both parks are extremely kid-friendly and dog-friendly and can be enjoyed year-round for no cost. Laurelhurst is a featured site of Portland’s Movies in the Park during the summer months.

Overall, the cost of living in Sunnyside is higher than average, but there are many housing options available. The median cost for a one-bedroom residence can be found for $1,000-$1,200, but housing shares are common for those who can’t afford these rates. Rents are rising in the area, as well as property values due to the long-term popularity of the neighborhood.

As for other costs, a beer at the local pub with run you about $3-$5 for a can/bottle or $4-$6 for a tasty local draft from the tap. Riding the bus costs $2.50, which includes transfers for other buses and MAX light rail for up to two hours. Gas prices in the neighborhood sit around 5 percent higher than the national average.

For the shopping-inclined, Sunnyside delivers an amazing range of boutiques, clothing, and jewelry stores and other local businesses to choose from. All of the action is on Hawthorne and Belmont between 30th and 50th avenues. In addition to a range of high-end and thrift store offerings and specialty stores, local favorite Powell’s Books on Hawthorne has row upon row of new and used books from international and local authors. Take a peek into any of the great clothing boutiques for ideas and accessories for your next big night on the town.

All that shopping is bound to make you hungry, but there are tons of options when it comes to groceries. Several local chains have outlets here. Locals visit Fred Meyer on Hawthorne Blvd for their selection of greens and veggies.