SE 25th [Towers] (1418)

Commonly known as “Foodie Row,” the Hawthorne/Buckman District puts you within walking distance to a wide variety of top-notch local flavors (no chain restaurants here!) Make new friends over some vegan poutine fries and grilled PB&Js at the Cartopia food cart pod, share a pie at Apizza Scholls (consistently voted Portland’s favorite pizza), or opt for a fancy night out at Castagna - all within a 1.5 mile stretch. But Portland isn't just for foodies. There’s vibrant indie spirit in Hawthorne, with lots of made-in-Oregon shops and boutiques to explore here in hipster heaven. Or, catch a movie at Bagdad Theater and Pub, a revamped 1920s theater turned view-and-brew venue serving local McMenamins food and microbrews. And if bar hopping through neighborhoods isn’t your idea of recreation, head up to Mt. Tabor, a 196-acre city park on top of a dormant volcano vent, where you’ll find miles of hiking trails and incredible panoramic views of the city. If you just plan on galavanting around the city and checking out Portland's diverse neighborhoods, there's really no need for a car. The Hawthorne area is a walker's paradise, with a 87/100 WalkScore®, and there are city busses and MAX Light Rail stops close by that can take you all over town, to the 'burbs, and even the airport. You'll also have BIKETOWN hubs within reach (Portland's Bike Share program), and of course, there's always Uber. If you do plan on making the trek to the Columbia Gorge for a waterfall hike (35-minute drive), the Oregon Coast for a day trip (1.5hr drive), or iconic Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood (1hr and 40-minute drive), a car would certainly come in handy. Free street parking is available in the majority of the SE neighborhoods.