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Kenton

Kenton

Neighborhood in Portland, Oregon

Multnomah County 97203, 97217

Neighborhood Reviews
4.0
$493,199 Average Value
$329 Average Price per Sq Ft
15 Homes For Sale

An amenity-packed north Portland neighborhood

Once a company town built up to serve employees of the Union Meat Company, Kenton is now a north Portland neighborhood popular for its unique mix of amenities, which include the city’s raceway and expo center. “There’s a lot going on there,” says Claire Paris, Realtor and owner of Paris Group Realty and a top seller in the neighborhood. “There’s one big main street with sidewalks that are flat and easy to walk that has all kinds of things like shopping, dining, a library. And the Kenton Club has some pretty cool shows.” In residential sections of the neighborhood, rows of early-twentieth-century homes that have been well-cared for are particularly popular among young professionals, mostly due to their petite floorplans.

Match skinny homes in the Kenton Neighborhood.
Match skinny homes in the Kenton Neighborhood.
The Portland Expo Center hosts various events throughout the year in Kenton.
The Portland Expo Center hosts various events throughout the year in Kenton.
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Early-twentieth-century homes

The residential part of the neighborhood, located south of Columbia Boulevard, features a charming mix of early-twentieth-century styles. “Because Kenton was started so early, most of the houses are Craftsmans or bungalows,” Paris says. “It was a modest area where blue-collar employees lived, so while there are a few humongous ones, mostly it’s two-bedroom, one-bathroom homes.” Streets are laid in grids, and usually lined with sidewalks, trees, and extensive landscaping. The smallest move-in ready homes start around $300,000, while the largest and often newer ones can list as high as the $800,000s. Condo and townhouse units, often carved out of single-family homes, can range from around $165,000 to $750,000.

New homes built on narrow lots in the Kenton neighborhood.
New homes built on narrow lots in the Kenton neighborhood.
A brightly colored door and matching lawn art in Kenton.
A brightly colored door and matching lawn art in Kenton.
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The shopping and dining scene

Kenton has plenty of shopping and dining residents can walk to in the neighborhood, particularly along North Denver Avenue. King Burrito’s diner-style Mexican food has been a local favorite for over fifty years. Residents can catch up with their friends at dive bars like Mouse Trap Tavern, which has been one of Kenton’s favorite watering holes since 1985, or treasure-hunt at shops like Kenton Antiques and Collectibles. When it’s time to stock up the fridge, the local Fred Meyer has all the necessities. For just about anything else, the Hayden Meadows Square shopping center is minutes away and boasts retailers like Lowe’s Home Improvement, Dollar Tree, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

King Burrito has delicious Mexican food in Kenton.
King Burrito has delicious Mexican food in Kenton.
Shopping on North Denver Avenue in the Kenton Neighborhood makes running errands easy.
Shopping on North Denver Avenue in the Kenton Neighborhood makes running errands easy.
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A major event hub in the neighborhood

While there are a few live music joints on the south side of Kenton, including the popular Kenton Club, the neighborhood’s big-ticket entertainment is found to the north. Portland International Raceway has been the city’s premier racetrack since the early 1960s and hosts Indycar and Nascar events, along with drag racing and motocross. Residents can also check the event schedule at the Portland Expo Center, which has everything from boat shows to the Portland Seafood & Wine Festival.

The Portland Expo Center hosts various events throughout the year in Kenton.
The Portland Expo Center hosts various events throughout the year in Kenton.
Shopping on N Denver Ave in the Kenton Neighborhood makes running errands easy.
Shopping on N Denver Ave in the Kenton Neighborhood makes running errands easy.
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Walkable to the local elementary school

Students in the neighborhood attend Portland Public Schools like Peninsula K-5 School, which is graded C by Niche; Ockley Green Middle School, graded C; and Jefferson High School, graded B-minus. Peninsula K-5 School is walkable from many houses in the neighborhood and offers before and after-school programming via the nonprofit Camp Fire Columbia.

Peninsula K-5 School is committed to student success in the Kenton neighborhood.
Peninsula K-5 School is committed to student success in the Kenton neighborhood.
Portland Village School is helping students grow in Kenton.
Portland Village School is helping students grow in Kenton.
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A recreational hotspot

The northern part of Kenton is comprised of large swaths of green space. The Heron Lakes Golf Club is home to two championship courses with 36 holes, bound to keep golfers entertained in perpetuity. Just next to the course is the Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area, a scenic retreat from the city where residents can explore the habitats of birds, otters, turtles, and more by foot or by boat. Other city parks, like Kenton Park, offer traditional amenities like playgrounds, ball fields, and paved paths.

Smith Bybee Natural Area offers residents a chance to be with nature in Kenton.
Smith Bybee Natural Area offers residents a chance to be with nature in Kenton.
A dog walker enjoys the open park early in the morning in the Kenton neighborhood.
A dog walker enjoys the open park early in the morning in the Kenton neighborhood.
Plenty of outdoor sitting on N. Denver Ave. in front of Casa Maya in the Kenton Neighborhood.
Plenty of outdoor sitting on N. Denver Ave. in front of Casa Maya in the Kenton Neighborhood.
Shopping on N Denver Ave in the Kenton Neighborhood makes running errands easy.
Shopping on N Denver Ave in the Kenton Neighborhood makes running errands easy.
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Getting to and from Kenton

Residents can hop on Interstate 5 and follow it south for about 7 miles to get downtown by car. The light rail also runs through Kenton and heads straight to downtown. Vancouver, Washington, is only a five-minute drive from Kenton when heading north across the river.

Air quality and noise concerns

Portland International Raceway, a city-operated venue in the neighborhood, allows the use of leaded fuel, and residents are concerned about the potentially dangerous effects on the air quality as a result. A group of concerned citizens have been petitioning the city to ban the sale and use of leaded fuel at the raceway. The city maintains there is no issue with the air quality. On summer nights, Paris says, sometimes residents can hear noise from events at the raceway. While it’s not something that would bother everyone, buyers may want to take note when looking in the neighborhood.

Katelin Hill
Written By
Katelin Hill
Tim Acock
Photography Contributed By
Tim Acock
Jackson Nacey
Video By
Jackson Nacey

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Nikki Gardner, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Portland International

29 min drive

Subway

Kenton/N Denver

Subway

Delta Park/Vanport

Subway

Expo Center

Bus

N Willis & Washburne

Bus

N Lombard & Peninsular

Bus

N Willis & Chautauqua

Bus

2600 Block N Marine

Bus

N Willis & Bayard

Bus

N Denver & Watts

Bus

N Denver & Russet

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.0 3 Reviews
4.0 Current Resident
12/29/2018 Niche Review
Kenton is a lovely neighborhood with unique shops and restaurants; here you can find antique shops, a bar, breakfast spots and even a huge statue of Paul Bunyan. The only negative I have for Kenton being that everything closes earlier than I would like; being in my late 20's I'd like to have places to meet up with friends other than a bar.
Are you familiar with the Kenton neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Kenton US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$465,000
Median Single Family Price
$494,750
Median Townhouse Price
$511,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$314,900
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$219,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$329
Number of Homes for Sale
15
Last 12 months Home Sales
143
Months of Supply
1.30
Median List Price
$465,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
0%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,850
Median Year Built
1949
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,495
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,631
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
903
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
555
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    10am - 12pm

    7516 N Brandon Ave, Portland, OR 97217

    $630,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,612 Sq Ft
    • 7516 N Brandon Ave
    • New 1 day ago

    Welcome to this beautifully updated 1926 bungalow, perfectly positioned on the border of Arbor Lodge and Kenton—two of North Portland's most vibrant neighborhoods. This home effortlessly blends classic charm with modern updates.Step inside to find timeless details like original wood molding, built-in cabinetry framing a cozy wood-burning fireplace, classic archways, and gorgeous hardwood floors.

    Jordyn Jones Cascade Hasson Sotheby's International Realty

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 2pm

    8502 N Hamlin Ave, Portland, OR 97217

    $450,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 984 Sq Ft
    • 8502 N Hamlin Ave
    • New 3 days ago

    Mid-Century Gem in the Heart of Kenton! This light-filled home is as cute as a button. With original hardwood floors and generously sized bedrooms, this is the one you have been looking for!The kitchen is a true gathering space, featuring beautiful countertops and backsplash, updated fixtures, stainless steel appliances, plenty of storage, and room for a table. A laundry room with a utility sink

    Kathleen Myers RE/MAX Equity Group

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Nikki Gardner, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
7,979
Median Age
40
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.2%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$91,629
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$106,557

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.2%
College Graduates
50.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
17.5%
% Population in Labor Force
77.4%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
31°F
Average Summer High Temperature
78°F
Annual Snowfall
3''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

47 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

9 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

42 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Kenton
Nikki Gardner
ELEETE Real Estate
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