Portland, OR
Irvington
NE Portland's historic benchmark — the school district drives half the demand
Overview
Walk NE 19th Avenue between Knott and Tillamook on a spring evening and you'll understand why people pay a premium for Irvington. Victorian houses with original craftwork, old trees overhanging the sidewalk, front porches that get used. The neighborhood was developed between 1890 and 1930, and a lot of it looks like it. Irvington Elementary consistently ranks among PPS's top K–5 schools, which drives a significant portion of the demand.
Grant High School runs an IB program that draws students from across NE Portland — one of PPS's genuine success stories. The school pipeline matters to buyers with kids, and it shows in the prices. Nothing move-in ready goes under $550k. Most houses trade in the $650k–$900k range. The jumbo threshold starts to matter here for buyers putting less than 20% down.
The eastern streets toward the Lloyd District get more commercial traffic than the neighborhood's aesthetic implies — NE Broadway, the northern boundary, can be noisy. Prices are higher than comparable houses in Woodstock or St. Johns, and the honest question to ask yourself is whether the schools and address justify the premium for your situation. For some buyers they absolutely do.
Getting Around
20 min by car, 25 min by bike, 30 min by bus (Lines 6, 77)
Local Life
Restaurants
Coffee
Bars & Nightlife
Schools
Portland Public Schools
Parks & Green Space
Irving Park
Grant Park
The Market
Prices shown are estimates based on recent sales. Contact David & Bri for current market data.
Relevant Loans
Your team
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Buying in Irvington?
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What Clients Say
“We moved from Chicago specifically for the school situation. Irvington Elementary was the deciding factor. Bri helped us close on a Victorian on NE 22nd before it got a second offer.”
“I was skeptical about the price, but Bri walked me through the comparable sales going back five years. Irvington holds value. We bought and I haven't second-guessed it.”
FAQ
4 questions
Why is Irvington so expensive?
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A few things stack up: the housing stock is genuinely old and well-built, Irvington Elementary is one of PPS's top-rated schools, Grant High School has an IB program, and the neighborhood has been desirable for long enough that turnover is low. Supply is tight and demand from families is consistent.
What are the homes like in Irvington?
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Mostly Victorians and Craftsmans built between 1895 and 1930, on lots that run 5,000–7,500 sq ft. Many have original woodwork, built-ins, and hardwood floors. Renovations are common but full flips are expensive given the house sizes. You'll find some infill from the 1950s–1970s on the less central streets.
Is Irvington good for families with school-age kids?
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It's one of the strongest school pipelines in PPS — Irvington Elementary to Harriet Tubman Middle to Grant High with IB. The elementary school alone drives meaningful demand. The neighborhood is walkable for kids, Irving Park is large and well-maintained, and the block structure is safe and quiet.
How does Irvington compare to Laurelhurst or Eastmoreland?
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Irvington has slightly better transit access and is closer to NE commercial corridors. Laurelhurst has the park and a stronger sense of enclave. Eastmoreland is quieter with larger lots. All three are in the upper tier of Portland residential neighborhoods. The school pipeline makes Irvington's case for families specifically.