The Alberta Neighborhood; AKA The "Alberta Arts District"

Most commonly known as the Alberta Arts District, these last few years the Alberta neighborhood in north east Portland has undergone a creative renaissance, becoming a thriving small business haven and a place where newcomers flock. Alberta has made a name for itself with its distinctive multi-cultural population, socially-conscious inhabitants, unique hangouts and its infamous “Last Thursday”.

While it’s easy to escape the hustle and bustle of city life just a few blocks away from the main strip, it’s unlikely that you will hear anyone complaining for a lack of things to do in NE Portlands Alberta District.

The Alberta area is often-noted as one of the city’s most lively art districts, hosting Last Thursday where each month vendors line the streets with art, crafts and food, and new art fills the countless galleries. A truly amazing spectacle, the street fair is a wonderful place to meet neighbors and friends, and actually purchase something that fits your taste. While the galleries in the Pearl District tend to feature more established artists during their First Thursday events, the beauty of Last Thursday lies in the fact that any aspiring can test their mettle in the open market, resulting in a unique array of options.

Alberta has a large number of bicyclists and is regarded as one of the most bike-friendly areas in the city. The nonprofit Community Cycling Center is located at 17th and Alberta, a unique place that “believe(s) bicycles are a tool for personal empowerment and a vehicle for social change.”

While biking is a way of life for many, the driving is uncluttered and without much stress. Alberta has direct access to Interstate 5 (albeit a comfortable distance) making it easy to get downtown, escape on a daytrip up the Columbia Gorge or a weekend at the Coast. Alberta is close to the happenings of Killingsworth and Fremont streets, which also have many restaurants and shops.

Alberta’s boutiques feature a steady stream of local and international clothing designers, adding a metropolitan edge without the department store environment. Countless bars and restaurants line the district like the venerable Tin Shed, Helsers, Mash Tun, Nest Lounge, Zaytoones, The Know and Halibuts. Alberta has grown into a hub of small shops, boutiques, delicious restaurants, coffee houses and art galleries while maintaining to keep out chain stores and restaurants. While you can find those things without too much of a journey, it’s telling of the industrious, creative spirit of the people that live there.

LOCATION

The Alberta Arts Disctrict resides in the Concordia, Alameda and King neighborhoods areas. Between NE 15^th and NE 33^rd on Alberta Street you’ll find the heart of Alberta!

ALBERTA DISTRICT HOME STYLES

The area has an abundance of craftsman bungalows. A great place to find both the recently renovated and the fixer upper as well as an occasional over colored painted home. You will also find the traditional four-square home, new construction homes built to look like the traditional four-square home, and maybe an occasional “shotgun house”.  Home variety overall is mixed, all situated in a friendly community setting. The average home in this area typically comes equipped with hardwood floors, great molding & trim, comfortable porches and nice yards. You will find plenty of character here!

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS & BARS

FAVORITE SHOPPING

Mimosa Studios Ceramic Painting

Grab a date, your daughter or you just your creativity and paint your own pottery! A great selection of pottery to choose from and I think they serve margaritas a few nights out of the month!

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Donna & Toots

Alberta fashion at its best! Great styles especially from the 50's & 60's!

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Healthy Pets Northwest

Quality products and foods for your favorite friends!

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Concordia (Alberta St.) Neighborhood Map

Download a PDF map of Portland Neighborhoods