Grab a little green space at your own Portland apartment.
Portland is full of so much natural beauty and is a truly great place to live. While what you can see from the amenity-filled rooftops of each apartment building is important, there are other features to consider when apartment hunting.
Whether a massive fitness center tops your list, or you need a place that’s pet-friendly, make sure to take some time to explore the outdoor space before settling on a Portland apartment. From manicured gardens to landscaped courtyards, these areas can make a big difference.
To get a running start on the prettiest courtyards and gardens in Portland, start with this list. We’ve curated some of your best options right here.
Source: Rent. / Tupelo Alley
Creating an inviting entry into the community, Tupelo Alley does landscaping right. Neatly cropped shrubs sit in elevated beds off the ground and add a layer of texture and depth to the outdoor space here.
Set within the trendy Northeast Portland neighborhood, living here puts you close to coffee shops, popular restaurants and boutiques. There are also plenty of breweries and even botanical gardens to explore. Quirky and hip, with a monthly street fair, this is a piece of Portland where there’s always something fun happening.
Source: Rent. / Waterhouse Place
More than just a basic garden or courtyard, prepare for some ‘wow’ from the greenery at Waterhouse Place. Landscaping is everywhere, with clipped grass, blooming flowers and leafy trees. A nice mix of natural elements gives the green space depth and creates a tranquil escape. Well-established walking paths make it easy to explore everything the grounds here have to offer.
Located just a few miles away in Beaverton, you’ll find a little suburbia mixed with the eclectic charm of a bustling Main Street. What stands out most, though, are the city’s 100+ parks that encompass over 1,000 acres. There are 30 miles of hiking trails combined and a 25-mile network of bike paths all within the area. This puts a park within a half mile of every home in the neighborhood. That’s not even to mention the beaches, ski slopes and forests that border the area.
Source: Rent. / Mercato Grove
When it’s hard to relax, you need a dedicated spot. Swing into the garden patio at Mercato Grove, and all your cares will melt away. Sit on the rocks beside the gently rippling zen pool, or just enjoy the peace of the greenery that surrounds you. This is the garden where de-stressing is the standard.
Less than 10 miles outside of Portland, this Lake Oswego community is a great suburban retreat. With a 405-acre lake at its center, much of the area’s recreational activities have something to do with water. There are also plenty of shops full of trendy items, uniquely Portland restaurants and off-the-wall boutiques.
Source: Rent. / Asa Flats & Lofts
A sweet little courtyard that’s perfect for taking a seat and enjoying some downtime is what you’ll find at Asa Flats and Lofts. Long flower beds hold a variety of plant life, while tall trees fill in the corners of the space. Ample seating, either on a couch or at a four-top table, makes it easy to gather with friends to hang out.
For the best in urban living in Portland, the Pearl neighborhood is where you want to be. Here you’ll find the StreetCar just outside, so getting around is a breeze. The community is also surrounded by popular restaurants, shops, art galleries, breweries and entertainment venues, so there’s no shortage of fun when it comes to filling a night out on the town.
Source: Rent. / Harrison Square
Not exactly a courtyard, but the central walkway through Harrison Square has some potential. This is thanks to the lush greenery and soaring canopies that fill the nicely landscaped space. Pass by big flowering bundles and nice greenery as you walk along this lawn-like space going to and from your apartment. This courtyard setting even offers enough room to bring out a blanket and picnic.
You’ll find this Portsmouth community in a prime location. Sitting on Portland’s peninsula, you’re within blocks of the Willamette River and Smith Lake. There are also plenty of beautiful parks with picnic and play areas, sports fields and tennis courts. McCoy Park also features an interactive fountain and a variety of public art pieces. Even the benches are sculpted to look like fish and woodland creatures.
Source: Rent. / Center Plaza
Carefully shaped bushes, rows of vivid flowers and tall, vibrant trees make up the courtyard-like area at Center Plaza. With a sidewalk winding through the area, this space creates one border for this Beaverton community. Classic lampposts even make it a usable space as the sun sets.
Considered a more relaxed neighborhood, Central Beaverton is home to the local Farmers Market. This is a great place to enjoy the outdoors while picking up fresh flowers, produce, bread and more. You’re also close to the Town Square where you’ll find great shopping. In addition, local parks provide picnic tables, a splash fountain and even a boardwalk stretching across nearby wetlands.
Source: Rent. / The Alexander Apartments
Giving you natural beauty in an urban setting, The Alexander Apartments offers residents access to this great, organic garden. Raised beds house all kinds of herbs and vegetables, growing tall and strong.
You’ll find gardens like this one throughout the Buckman neighborhood. They help provide ingredients for many of the local restaurants in this modern-historic part of town. Many of these eateries are within walking distance. Eclectic coffee shops and cool entertainment venues also populate this part of Portland.
Source: Rent. / Powell Gardens
Living up to its name, with a massive courtyard area, Powell Gardens leaves no space without a touch of greenery. Bird baths and benches sit throughout the region, with large round bushes and wide-stretching trees. It’s an environment that immediately softens the rough edges of one’s day, providing a soothing space to sit or walk through, all while just steps from your front door.
A bit boho and trendy, the Richmond neighborhood is a mix of high-end restaurants and food carts. You’ll find cocktail and wine bars among vintage boutiques. There’s also a popular independent theater that shows films and hosts a variety of community events. If you’re looking for a lively part of Portland, this is the spot for you.
Source: Rent. / North Hollow
For a more modern take on an apartment courtyard, check out North Hollow. There’s not a lot of greenery here, but the sleek look of the funky furniture creates a very inviting and sophisticated space. Planter boxes fill out the borders, but the main attraction is the large fireplace ensconced in metallic silver and black matte.
You’ll find this community in Goose Hollow, Portland’s oldest neighborhood. It’s within walking distance of Downtown, so you can’t beat the location. Full of hilly streets, this area offers up amazing views. One of the local gems, Washington Park, contains 80 miles of hiking trails, 10,000 rose bushes in the International Rose Test Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden. From here, you can get a panoramic view of Downtown Portland. Now who wouldn’t want that?
Source: Rent. / Hassalo on Eighth
There are actually multiple courtyards within Hassalo on Eighth. Some are for gaming, like this great green space. Pops of bright orange draw the eye to the cornhole lawn as well as the covered seating area behind it. Mature trees maintain the natural barrier from one side of the buildings to help you focus on being outdoors.
Another courtyard within this Northwest Portland community is where everyone goes when it’s time to dine alfresco. Two gas grills and a prep area sit alongside a long dining table. More stonework than green space, the path here leads to a little bit of manicured grass and a row of cropped ground cover, so there’s always greenery nearby.
Find your personal garden oasis in Portland
Good luck in your quest to find the perfect Portland apartment for you. Remember to keep track of the amenities you want, and those you can’t live without.
And, don’t forget to pay attention to what the outdoor space looks like in your favorite places. You wouldn’t want to miss out on having one of the best gardens in Portland in your next home.
Featured image source: Rent. / Waterhouse Place
Source: rent.com