seanbessorealty@gmail.com
    (503) 353-6673

Sean Besso RealtySean Besso Realty

Oregon Real Estate Lives Here

  • About
    • Sean Besso
    • Online Reviews
    • Leave Feedback
  • Buyers
  • Sellers
  • Communities
    • Beaverton
    • Downtown & the Pearl District
    • Happy Valley & Clackamas
    • NE Portland
    • North Portland
    • NW Portland
    • Oregon City
    • SE Portland
    • SW Portland
    • West Linn
  • Blog

PDX Neighborhood Spotlight: Mississippi

Highlighting a long stretch of restaurants, bars, shops and music venues, Mississippi Avenue is rich with cultural heritage, delicious food, and fun activities.

About Mississippi
This historic Portland neighborhood has undergone quite the transformation over the last few years. Like many inner suburbs, Mississippi experienced a steady decline in residents and businesses beginning in the 1950s. But then something amazing happened – the neighborhood rallied together and formed The Mississippi Avenue Business Association which raised enough money to save the last African American owned building. Today, this tight-knit community is a haven for locally owned eccentric businesses and some of the best food Portland has to offer.

Mississippi Street Fair
Featuring live music on multiple stages, Mississippi Street Fair is one of the city’s largest street fairs, bringing in 30,000+ visitors to the close-in North Portland street. The street fair usually occurs on a Saturday the beginning of July on North Mississippi Ave. between North Fremont and Skidmore. The whole street closes down for a day of food, more than 150 local vendors, music, a beer garden and more! There is usually a rib-off competition and a kid zone as well.

Photo From This Year’s Mississippi Street Fair

Food/Drink
Mississippi Pizza – One of the district’s oldest businesses, you can find delicious slices, karaoke, bingo, trivia, bingo, and live music all at Mississippi Pizza.
Miss Delta – Craving southern soul food? Definitely checkout Miss Delta. Chicken and waffles, crawfish etouffee, and shrimp and grits – you can’t go wrong!
The Rambler – Dog friendly and friendly staff! Sit on the outdoor patio with a pint of their Rambler Lager along with their infamous chicken strips and tornado potatoes.
Prost – Inviting neighborhood bar that features authentic German food and beer. It’s a great place to gather with friends!
Prost Marketplace – Directly next to Prost the bar is a parking lot filled cart food and cold beverages.

Photo from embracesomeplace.com

Shops/Things to Do
Mississippi Studios – Formerly a Baptist Church, Mississippi Studios and Bar Bar is an acclaimed music venue and home of great burgers! The venue has a homely feel, but you can find a lot of major acts there on any given night.
Pistils Nursery – This nursery offers a variety of indoor plants, outdoor plants, housemade living art pieces, and homewares.
Paxton Gate – Not only does Paxton Gate offer some of the most eclectic curiosities and oddities, they also offer a variety of classes like insect pinning and terrarium building.
Mississippi Records – This small independent record store features a friendly staff, a listening station, and an excellent range of records.
Rose City Comics – Rose City Comics stores thousands of graphic novels and a huge selection of Portland-based creators. It’s fit for the hardcore collector and the casual reader alike.

Market Stats
The Mississippi Ave. area is very competitive! On average, homes go pending in around 14 days or less. Last month, the median sales price of a home near Mississippi Ave. was approximately $652,500 with 3% of homes selling over asking price. Click here for a free home valuation.

References: VenturePortland &Ā TravelPortland.com

Posted in: Buying A Home, PDX Neighborhood Spotlight, Portland, Real Estate Tagged: Art, dive bars, drinks, food, Mississippi, N. Portland, Neighborhood, NoPo, Northwest, parks, PDX Neighborhoods, Portland, Portland Neighborhoods, Real Estate, restaurants, Sean Besso

PDX Neighborhood Spotlight: Northwest/Nob Hill

Photo by Sean Pavone from Getty Images Pro

Filled with restaurants, boutiques, and historic Victorian homes, Northwest/Nob Hill oozes Old Portland charm. Not only is it a very walkable neighborhood, it is also very close to downtown, Forest Park, and the Pearl District.

About Northwest/Nob Hill
Northwest/Nob Hill is such a densely populated retail and residential neighborhood and you don’t have to walk far for delicious food or fun activities. Whether you want to hike through Macleay Park or enjoy happy hour at a local watering hole, there is something for everyone in this neighborhood. Love to bird watch? Then you’ll definitely enjoy the Chapman Swift Watch. It’s a month-long viewing party at Chapman Elementary school where you can watch thousands of birds migrate through Portland. Unfortunately, the Swift Watch has been cancelled due to COVID-19, but hopefully they will be able to resume this year. As far as housing goes, you’ll find a sweet mixture of everything – historic homes, Victorians, Craftsman-style, Old Portland-style, grand old apartment buildings, and sleek new condominiums. Northwest has an abundance of homes that are in the National Register of Historic Places. The Architectural Heritage Center often puts on walking tours of various neighborhoods and I highly suggest taking one of their walking tours around Northwest Portland.

Macleay Park
One of Portland’s earliest city parks, Macleay Park spans almost 140 acres and is a green oasis close to the city’s core. You’ll find hiking trails, towering Douglas firs and western red cedars, and the infamous Stone House. The Stone House was built in the mid-1930s by workers with federal relief programs to provide a public restroom within the park. After being damaged by a storm and vandalism, park workers partially dismantled the restroom in the 1960s leaving what is now the “Stone House” or “Witch’s Castle”. Park trails connect to Forest Park and Audubon Society of Portland wildlife sanctuaries.

Photo of The Stone House/Witch’s Castle/Macleay Park Shelter by Anna Calvert / 500 px from Getty Images

Food/Drink
Caffe Mingo – Warm and welcoming italian restaurant serving the classics with a Northwest touch. Gnocchi is always a good choice šŸ˜‰ and don’t forget dessert!
Nob Hill Bar & Grill – A low-key tavern specializing in burgers. Delicious sliders (only $5!!!) and be sure to stop in on a Friday to try their delicious clam chowder.
G-Love – Dubbed Portland’s first ever “Reverse Steakhouse”, G-Love offers unique, locally grown produce with proteins playing a supporting role as side dishes. If possible, go for the family style tasting menu so you can try a little bit everything.
Paymaster Lounge – Very laid-back bar with affordable drinks and food. They even have outdoor pool tables to help with social distancing. Their Ginger Hot Toddy is delicious on a rainy day,
Dragonfly Coffee House – Cozy coffee shop on the northeast side of the Alphabet District. Their housemade chai is a must.

Illuminate Mural by Adam Brock Ciresi

Shops/Things to Do
Freakybuttrue Peculiarium – Truly one-of-a-kind art gallery with interactive art and installations. If you love sci-fi, horror, cryptids, and the mysterious, you definitely have to check it out, but maybe leave the kiddos behind.
betsy & iya – Boutique featuring handmade jewelry and curated goods on NW 24th Ave.
Tender Loving Empire – Tender Loving Empire is a local record label, music store, gallery, and arts collective that does pretty much everything. There you’ll find a collection of goods and music from hundreds of independent creators.
Cinema 21 – Specializing in classic, foreign, and art house films, Cinema 21 is a three screen multiplex where you can wine, dine and enjoy a movie in the heart of the Alphabet District.
New Renaissance Bookshop – The oldest metaphysical bookstore in Portland, you can find books, crystals, candles, trinkets, oils and more at New Renaissance.

Market Stats
Over the past few months, Northwest/Nob Hill’s market hasn’t been very competitive. On average, homes in Northwest District sell after 56 days on the market. Last month, the median sales price of a home in Northwest was approximately $585,000 with 2% of homes selling over asking price. Click here for a free home valuation.

References: Wikipedia &Ā TravelPortland.com

Posted in: Buying A Home, PDX Neighborhood Spotlight, Portland, Real Estate Tagged: Art, dive bars, drinks, food, Neighborhood, Nob Hill, Northwest, nw portland, parks, PDX Neighborhoods, Portland, Portland Neighborhoods, Real Estate, restaurants, Sean Besso

PDX Neighborhood Spotlight: Alberta Arts District

Photo by Sean Pavone from Getty Images Pro

Love live music, local art, and good food? If you haven’t already, you have to check out the Alberta Arts District.

About Alberta Arts District
Did you know that Alberta Arts District is named after Princess Alberta? Princess Alberta was the sixth child and fourth daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Alberta Arts District connects the Concordia, King, and Vernon neighborhoods in the Northeast quadrant of Portland. It’s lined with art galleries, restaurants, clothing boutiques and gift shops. The main street in Alberta Arts District is Alberta Street, which held its first art walk in 1997 – now known as “Last Thursday”.

Last Thursday
This lively street fair attracts independent artists, performers, local bands, troupes of acrobats, buskers, makers and more to celebrate their art on Northeast Alberta Street. Happening on the last Thursday of each month, this arts and culture experience shouldn’t be missed. This month’s Last Thursday is January 27th, 2022 from 6pm – 9pm.

Photo from “1859 Oregon’s Magazine”

Food/Drink
Tin Shed – One of Portland’s most popular (and most dog-friendly) brunch spots, Tin Shed was also featured on the Food Network Channel’s “Comfort and Soul”. I recommend the Everything Naughty or Everything Nice platters depending on how you are feeling that day. šŸ˜‰
The Bye and Bye – Known for their vegan comfort food, The Bye and Bye also has an array of delicious cocktails.
Urdaneta – Due to rising COVID-19 cases, Urdaneta is currently only doing takeout, but an excellent option if you are craving tapas from the comfort of your own home.
Expatriate – The American Standard burger plate is everything you want in a backyard burger and more.
Bollywood Theater – Like it’s counterpart on Division St., Bollywood Theater serves up authentic Indian street food like Kati Rolls, Paneer, and Paratha.

Photo from citybob.com

Shops
ECOVIBE – ECOVIBE has everything from plants and planters to home decor and apparel.
Collage – A well-stocked art supply store that has everything you need for your creative urges.
Demimonde – A boutique featuring trendy jewelry made by Portland designers, plus select vintage items.
Grasshopper – Grasshopper is a children’s emporium specializing in organic & American-made apparel, non-toxic toys, books & decor.

Market Stats
Because it’s such a sought after neighborhood, the Alberta Arts District market is very competitive. Last month, the average sale price of a home in Alberta Arts District is approximately $758,000 with 2.9% of homes selling over asking price. Click here for a free home valuation.

References: Wikipedia & TravelPortland.com

Posted in: Buying A Home, PDX Neighborhood Spotlight, Portland, Real Estate Tagged: Alberta Arts District, Art, dive bars, drinks, food, Neighborhood, parks, PDX Neighborhoods, Portland, Portland Neighborhoods, Real Estate, restaurants, Sean Besso

PDX Neighborhood Spotlight: Goose Hollow

Photo by Xiao Zhou from Getty Images

I’m back with another PDX Neighborhood Spotlight! This month I will be highlighting Goose Hollow in SW Portland.

About Goose Hollow
Goose Hollow acquired its distinctive name through early residents’ practice of letting their geeseĀ roam free in Tanner Creek Gulch and near Tanner Creek Canyon – a wooded ravine in the Tualatin Mountains. Tanner Creek was was buried 50 ft. underground over a century ago and Tanner Creek Gulch was infilled. The only remaining part of the hollow is Tanner Creek Canyon where the Vista Bridge spans. The neighborhood is adjacent to Downtown Portland, Arlington Heights, the Pearl District, Hillsdale, Northwest District, and Washington Park. The geese aren’t running free anymore, but you’ll still find a beautiful mixture of historic homes and modern condos.

Providence Park
Home of soccer teams the Portland Timbers and the Portland Thorns FC, Providence Park became a complete stadium in 1926, but it’s name wasn’t always Providence Park. It started out as Multnomah Field and became Multnomah Stadium once the stadium was built. Since then, Providence Park has gone by Civic Stadium, PGE Park, and most recently Jeld-Wen Field. Portland is a huge soccer city and it’s all thanks to the Timbers and the Thorns. Did you know that the Portland Timbers have sold out every single game at Providence Park since moving to MLS in 2011 and the Portland Thorns FC set a single-game National Women’s Soccer League attendance record in August 2019? Pretty impressive!

Vista Bridge – Image from i.imgur.com

Food/Drink
The Cheerful Bullpen – If you aren’t able to snag tickets to a soccer game, The Cheerful Bullpen is a great place to enjoy cheap wings, tasty beer, and watch the game alongside other die hard fans.
The Leaky Roof – Long-established restaurant with a delicious brunch menu. I’d go for the chicken and waffles with an irish coffee.
Kinara Thai – Currently open for takeout and delivery only, Kinara Thai offers comforting thai food such as blue crab wontons, panang curry, and drunken noodles.
Coco Donuts – If you haven’t had a mochi donut yet, you must check out Coco Donuts! Their mochi matcha and mochi oreo donuts are to die for.
Vtopia – Vegan? Vtopia, Portland’s only entirely dairy-free cheese shop, has you covered. Due to COVID-19, they can only accommodate pickup and delivery, but Vtopia is the perfect vegan option for your holiday cheese boards.

Photo from COURTESY ATOMAZUL/SHUTTERSTOCK

Shops
Portland Gear – Your one-stop shop for all your Rose City-themed goods.
Possession – Know a huge soccer fan? Possession has jerseys, wall art, coffee table books, and more.
Hammer & Vine – Beautiful plant store that offers drop-in classes where they walk you through planting your own terrarium, plant craft, or custom planting project.Ā 
The Civic Taproom & Bottle Shop – The perfect place to peruse towering refrigerators filled with your next favorite beer.

Market Stats
Right now, the median sales price of a home in the Goose Hollow area is approximately $361,500 with most listed homes seeing 50+ days on the market. Most of the Goose Hollow listings are typically condos. Click here for a free home valuation.

References: Wikipedia &Ā TravelPortland.com

Posted in: Buying A Home, PDX Neighborhood Spotlight, Portland, Real Estate Tagged: Art, dive bars, drinks, food, Goose Hollow, Neighborhood, parks, PDX Neighborhoods, Portland, Portland Neighborhoods, Real Estate, restaurants, Sean Besso

PDX Neighborhood Spotlight: Foster-Powell

Photo by photoquest7 from Getty Images

For this month’s PDX Neighborhood Spotlight, I’ll be highlighting Foster-Powell.

About Foster-Powell
Full of character, Foster-Powell is a neighborhood in SE Portland. The triangular neighborhood is bounded by three major transit arteries: Powell Boulevard, Foster Road, and 82nd Avenue. Foster-Powell is known for being very bike and pedestrian friendly and has been dubbed with the nickname “FoPo”. It’s believed that the neighborhood started around the same time as the construction of the Portland Streetcar in the 1890s.

Parks
Foster-Powell is home to three parks: Laurelwood Park, Kern Park, and Essex Park. Laurelwood Park was recently renovated and is largely complete. Kern Park’s amenities include a playground area, a softball field, and a basketball court.

Laurelwood Park Master Plan from portland.gov/parks

Food/Drink
Bar Carlo – Delicious Mexican-American brunch. Try the MIGAS and the Chilaquiles Verde.
An Xuyen Bakery – Perfect Pan-Asian bakery for steamed buns, bahn mi-style sandwiches, and macarons.
Bar Maven – A Mediterranean gastro-pub great for Happy Hour! The grilled kebabs and sumac sweet potato fries are a must!
Portland Mercado – With more than 16 businesses, this public market is sure to have something for everyone.
Starday Tavern – They call themselves “The Most OKest Bar” which really means that you feel like a regular once you walk in. Dog friendly, tasty pub food, and movie/game nights… what more could you want?!

Photo from Travel Portland – Christine Dong for Portland in Color

Shops
Foster Outdoor – Local outdoor shop for all your outdoor equipment needs.
Glasshaus Gardens – Popular indoor plant shop that also carries pottery and gifts. Their knowledge of plants and plant care is insane!
Hammer & Jacks – An independent mother-owned toy store with books and toys for all ages and interests.
Bread & Roses Market – Locally owned organic grocery store. Quality produce and a very friendly staff!

Market Stats
Right now, the median sales price of a home in the Foster-Powell area is approximately $450,000 with over 58.3% of homes selling over asking price. Click here for a free home valuation.

References: Wikipedia & TravelPortland.com

Posted in: Buying A Home, PDX Neighborhood Spotlight, Portland, Real Estate Tagged: Art, dive bars, drinks, food, Foster-Powell, Neighborhood, parks, PDX Neighborhoods, Portland, Portland Neighborhoods, Real Estate, restaurants, Sean Besso

PDX Neighborhood Spotlight: Montavilla

Photo by 4kodiak from Getty Images Signature

For this month’s PDX Neighborhood Spotlight, I’ll be highlighting Montavilla in SE Portland.

About Montavilla
Montavilla is a neighborhood in the Northeast & Southeast sections of Portland, Oregon. Montavilla started as a small farming community named Mount Tabor Village. After the completion of the Morrison Bridge in 1887, East Portland became more accessible and the streetcar began to service the area. The Mount Tabor Village streetcar destination sign was abbreviated to “Mt. Ta. Villa” and the name stuck! The P5 marker, a Baseline Mile markers from the 1850’s for the original Baseline Road, (now SE Stark Street, see my blog postĀ ā€œSurveying Portland, One Marker at a Timeā€) is at the corner of 78th and Stark.

Parks
Montavilla is home to Montavilla Park, a 9.46 acre park established in 1921. The park includes a Portland Timbers sponsoredĀ futsalĀ field, dedicated in August 2014.Ā Montavilla also includes Berrydale Park, Harrison Park, and Montavilla Community Center. Vestal Community Garden is located near Vestal school.

Photo by Patricia Sanders of Village Portland

Montavilla Farmers Market & Montavilla Street Fair
Montavilla Farmers Market is open year round on Sunday’s from 10am – 2pm at 7700 SE Stark St. You can find more information about the farmers market here. Every year, the neighborhood hosts “Montavilla Street Fair” (prior to COVID restrictions) and normally includes live music, 120+ vendors, a children’s area, and a plethora of places to eat, drink, and play. Unfortunately, the street fair has been postponed the this year and last, but here’s hoping for 2022!

Food/Drink
Bipartisan Cafe – Community based cafe where you can get a hot drink and a homemade pie.
Ya Hala – One of Portland’s most beloved Middle Eastern restaurants, Ya Hala is a must try.
Hungry Heart Bakery – Bustling family friendly bakery serving up delicious brunch and coffee.
Vintage Cocktail Lounge – Laidback watering hole featuring contemporary cocktails and outdoor seating. Try the Vieux Carre or ask for a custom cocktail!
Roscoe’s – Lowkey tavern with a pool table. The hush puppies, chicken and waffles, and gumbo are a favorite.

Photo from Academy Theater

Shops
Cactus Records & Vintage – Eclectic shop filled with vintage clothing, vinyls, jewelry, and artwork.
Union Rose – Popular boutique for locally designed clothing, accessories, and gifts.
Beanstalk – Perfect place for the kiddos! You can shop in-store or online for childern’s quality resale items.
Wink Vintage – Fairly priced vintage shop with an incredibly friendly staff.

Market Stats
Right now, the median sales price of a home in Montavilla is approximately $500,000 with over 75.7% of homes selling over asking price. It’s a hot market, but the Montavilla neighborhood is well worth it! Click here for a free home valuation.

References: Wikipedia &Ā TravelPortland.com

Posted in: Buying A Home, PDX Neighborhood Spotlight, Portland, Real Estate Tagged: Art, dive bars, drinks, food, Montavilla, Neighborhood, parks, PDX Neighborhoods, Portland, Portland Neighborhoods, Real Estate, restaurants, Sean Besso

Quick Search

About Sean Besso

Whether you are an experienced investor or a first time buyer, I can help you in finding the property of your dreams. Feel free to browse through my profile and please don't hesitate to reach out for any of your real estate needs! Meet Sean...

Client Reviews

Impressed with his social, professional and articulate manners. Very responsive to requests. Easily explains situations and information in a format that can be quickly understood and processed by individuals outside of the real estate profession. Enjoyed the experience and learned so much.
- Dan Shoop


More Testimonials

Get in Touch

Sean Besso Broker
Licensed in the State of Oregon
2207 NE Broadway Ste. 100
Portland, OR 97232
Call Us: (503) 444-9008
© 2026 Ā· Sean Besso Broker

Privacy

Privacy Policy | Sitemap | DMCA

Agent Reputation | Real Estate Website Design

Marketing | Order Order
Log in