Sellwood-Moreland in SE Portland has the feel of a small town’s Main Street. This neighborhood is located on a bluff South of Brooklyn on Holgate Street and North of Sellwood proper at Tacoma Street and the town of Milwaukie, just East of the Willamette River and West of East Moreland. Sellwood-Moreland is a great place to check out historically significant architecture and is a mix of Victorian homes, Portland four squares, and vintage apartment buildings. You’ll find the sporadic modern apartment buildings and a few developments in progress. There are excellent places to eat, a historic movie theater, and antique shops by the handful. While there you can head to Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge for a walk along the Willamette River and Oaks Park, a vintage amusement park. Oaks Park has a roller rink and rides and a carousel.
By Bus, Bike, Train or Car
While Sellwood-Moreland is only five miles from Portland’s city center, it’s quaint charm and town like qualities make it seem further away. You can get here by bus by jumping on TriMet’s #19, #17 or #70. You can also ride the MAX on the Orange Line to the 17th & Holgate stop and ride the #70 from there. Driving on Milwaukie will take you to the center of the neighborhood. There are bike routes dotted throughout the neighborhoods bordering Milwaukie.
Who Lives and Works in Portland’s Sellwood-Moreland
This neighborhood is a mix of single-family homes and apartments. You’ll find some of the most well maintained and beautiful older homes in Portland here. There are roughly 5,300 households and about half of them are rentals. Sellwood-Moreland is an easy commute to OHSU and Lewis & Clark College in SW of Portland via the Sellwood Bridge, making it a desirable spot for those who want to spend time on both sides of the Willamette River. Sellwood-Moreland has a mix of residents but certainly has a family-friendly feeling.
Where to Eat and Shop in Sellwood-Moreland
Milwaukie Avenue is the center of Sellwood-Moreland. You can easily spend a day here and will find everything you need, plus a little more. The vibe is laid back and busy but not crowded. If you’re looking for a great patio and pub, make Relish your first stop. Papa Haydn is a Portland classic and they have yummy desserts. The Laurelwood Public House has a great selection of craft beer and grub. For comfort food and cocktails try the historic Kay’s.Cosmo Lounge or the Limelight. For excellent burritos, hit San Felipe, the wildly popular Saburos for sushi, Fat Albert’s for really good breakfast. Pizzicato for Pizza and salad. Try Fairlane Coffee, a newer kid on the block serving local Water Avenue Coffee and Lauretta Jean’s pastries. For more sweets, head to Nectar Frozen Yogurt Lounge.
If you like to shop vintage and antiques, you’ll love Sellwood-Moreland. Head to Stars Antiques Mall, Sellwood Antique Collective, Unique Antique, and Sellwood Antique Mall. For a mix of accessories, jewelry, and mid-century decor, Tilde is a good stop and if for shoes, visit Clogs and More. And if you need an 80s inspired Portland or Oregon t-shirt or hat, you must go to Grafletics.
Community Events in Sellwood-Moreland
Probably the most popular community event in Sellwood-Moreland is the weekly Moreland Farmers Market. It’s one of the best in the city and operates from May-October. If you live or own a business locally, you can also personalize a brick. Other faves in Sellwood-Moreland include an annual easter egg hunt and sundae in the park.