Portland Neighborhood Spotlight: Sunnyside

Located just 28 blocks east of the Willamette River, is the charming southeast neighborhood of Sunnyside. Welcoming to all sorts of folks, it has an artist’s flair with its colorfully painted Victorians but also definitely a cool family area for raising city kiddos in a four square or craftman style home. The boundaries run from Stark Street to the north, Hawthorne to the south and from 28th to 49th Avenues. Residents of Sunnyside enjoy the walkability to shops and restaurants along Belmont and Hawthorne as well as Laurelhurst Park. On a summer night, it’s enjoyable to make the longer trek on foot to Division Street or nearby Kerns as well.

Parents and kids of the neighborhood are served by Sunnyside Environmental School, a K-8 Portland Public School that has a focused curriculum on environmental and social justice. Their schools motto is “Everyone is better when everyone is better.” Plus, they have chickens!

If you are looking to buy a home in Sunnyside, the housing styles there range from Victorians to bungalows to four squares but it’s also not impossible to find a new modern attached home, townhouse, or a even a luxury condo above some of the commercial real estate. According to Portland Monthly, the average sale price in Sunnyside as of the beginning of 2020 was $534,000 but this last year we have seen appreciation rates go up as high as 12% for some homes. If Sunnyside is in your sights and you would like an average 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, I would probably be prepared to spend upwards of $650,000 to secure a home in average condition. Most recently, I had some clients close on a beautifully remodeled but small 2 bedroom Victorian in the heart of the neighborhood for $560,000. Buyers who desire a Sunnyside home value proximity to amenities and that Portlandia feel and the home prices reflect that.

Sunnyside is full of the life that many Portlanders seek—plenty of coffee shops, movie theaters, novelty shops, and even a vegan bar (I’m looking at you Sweet Hereafter). Below, I have listed some of the community’s faves. Be sure to check them out during your house hunting trips as well as when you move in to the neighborhood.

Rose and Lincoln Juicery | 3340 SE Hawthorne Blvd | @roseandlincoln
I am addicted to the smoothies at Rose + Lincoln. Definitely make sure to hop on over there on a hot day and support this Black woman owned business. My favorite menu item is the Lucky 7 smoothie (but I like things tart!).

Taquería Los Puñales | 3312 SE Belmont St | @lospunales
This taco shop opened early during the pandemic and it is exactly what Belmont needed. They serve stew-like tacos made in Mexico City called guisados and have veggie and vegan options in addition to the carne. Honestly, I stop in probably once a week just for an agua fresca. Hot tip: do not miss the tribute to Ricky Martin near the exit door.

Noun: A Person’s Place for Things | 3300 SE Belmont St | @shopnoun
This is my go-to quirky Portland shop when I need a gift, a card, or want to treat myself to some housewares. Purchases I have made over the years: saffron colored linen apron, art print, wooden spoons, sand-filled hourglass, a vintage necklace, a jellyfish Christmas ornament, and too many cards to count. Also, it is owned by two lady besties who always seem to be having the best time working.

Belmont Books | 3415 SE Belmont St | @belmontbookspdx
We are spoiled in this neighborhood with the Hawthrone Powell’s just blocks away. But I also like to stop in to Belmont Books, occasionally, and say hi to the owner Joe. He is super helpful and will order anything he doesn’t have in stock.

Hoda’s Lebanese Restaurant | 3401 SE Belmont St | @hodaspdx
Next door to Belmont Books is Hoda’s. During a busy week or when my kitchen was being remodeled, I would order their family pack to go and we would just mix and match the menu items--chicken, beef and lamb skewers served with basmati rice, hummus and salad--for dinner all week. When indoor dining is advisable again, it really is a charming neighborhood spot that doesn’t feel transplanted there because of a trend.

Multnomah County Library -- Belmont branch | 1038 SE Cesar Estrada Chavez Blvd
If Powell’s and Belmont Books has you filling up your house with books, it’s also a nice reminder that we have a cozy library branch right down the street. Enjoy it!

Laurelhurst Park | 35th and Oak St
The real gem of the neighborhood! Short doggo treks to the Sunnyside school field are likely a daily habit for the furry residents of Sunnyside, but the off leash dog areas at Laurelhurst Park is a pup’s dream. In the summertime, there is picnicking for days on the great lawn. When the days get long, you’ll see my family taking our post-dinner jaunt to the pond and someday movies and concerts in the park will return and it will be a joyous affair.

Some of my favorites that are a little farther flung but a delightful summer walk:

Vino -- 137 SE 28th Ave -- Friday night wine tasting on the patio is a must
Montelupo’s Italian Market -- 344 NE 28th Ave -- Italian Market with wine and pasta to-go
Navarre -- 10 NE 28th Ave -- Spanish small plates
Angelface -- 14 NE 28th Ave -- Perfect before dinner cocktails spot
Laurelhurst Market -- 3155 E Burnside St -- Steakhouse and butcher shop
Flowerbomb -- 2857 SE Stark St, Portland -- Full service florist and house plant shop
Cubo -- 3106 SE Hawthorne Blvd. -- Great Cuban food and drinks + patio