SW Portland  History The SW hills and the surrounding neighborhoods were originally home to settlers who ran the dairy and produce farms in order to help sustain the rapidly growing town of Portland. This part of town is still as varied, as it was when it was established. Each section of SW Portland has its own identity from the local small town vibe of Multnomah Village to the upscale homes on Sylvan Hill; there are many options for those looking to live in the SW neighborhoods of Portland. Description The first historic district in Portland was founded here; the Corbett-Terwilliger-Lair Hill neighborhood runs along the Willamette, with the popular Johns Landing area there as well. There is tons of shopping and restaurants on SW Macadam, and for local antiques and those great small town finds be sure to try Multnomah Village. There are many great schools in the area, and much of it is very hilly and more like a forest than a neighborhood. One neighborhoods name, Sylvan, literally means "wooded", so it gives you an idea of what the terrain is like. This area is also home to many hospitals, earning it the nickname of "Pill Hill". One of the most highly respected teaching hospitals is located here, OHSU, Oregon Health Sciences University. Southwest Portland is conveniently located between Beaverton and Downtown Portland, so access to either is very practical. This is a popular place for people to live if the work downtown as the commute isn't as difficult as it is from the major suburbs to the west. With many different options as far as rental types and each small neighborhood providing its own feel and character, SW is a great choice for those looking to live close to downtown but not quite in the suburbs either. Our Favorite Spots The Oregon Zoo is a great family outing. With nearly every kind of animal you can think of and dozens of exhibits, the Oregon Zoo is a highlight of the SW hills. One of the most popular times to visit the zoo is near Christmas when they put up thousand of lights for the annual Zoo Lights attraction. Its one of the best times of the year to head to the zoo. Also in the same vicinity are the Japanese Gardens, which was opened in 1967, as well as the approximately 175-acre Hoyt Arboretum. Two great spots to wander and enjoy the peacefulness of nature. Located right off I-26, just minutes from Downtown and the Sylvan Hill neighborhood. Residents Lots of businessmen and businesswomen, most folks living in this area are college graduates, who drive sensible cars, enjoy eating out, but also staying healthy. You find most people living here enjoy outdoor activities, lots of runners, hikers, that maybe because of the terrain. People are drawn to SW Portland for its sense of community as well as its convenience to downtown Portland. Rental Housing Some parts of SW are definitely renter areas, while homeowners dominate some sections. For instance, the Corbett-Terwilliger-Lair Hill area is predominately populated by homeowners, as is the Sylvan Highlands. In the Multnomah area you'll find some of the newer apartment communities, offering amenities like fitness centers, pools, etc. Apartment complexes are scattered here and there in Southwest Portland, but there isn't one main area that is dominated by them. Fun Stuff Another great feature of the Oregon Zoo is their annual Summer concert series. Each year the zoo puts on one of the best concert series in the Northwest. 2004 is the 25th anniversary of this great series and will feature artists like Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, and John Hiatt. Each year promises some of the best music you'll find in Portland.