Nob Hill and Vicinity

The showiest example of Portland's urban chic is Northwest 23rd Avenue—sometimes referred to with varying degrees of affection as "trendy-third"—a 20-block thoroughfare that cuts north-south through the neighborhood known as Nob Hill. Fashionable since the 1880s and still filled with Victorian houses, the neighborhood is a mixed-use cornucopia of Old Portland charm and New Portland hip. With its cafés, restaurants, galleries, and boutiques, it's a great place to stroll, shop, and people-watch. More restaurants, shops, and nightspots can be found on Northwest 21st Avenue, a few blocks away. The Portland Streetcar runs from Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital in Nob Hill, through the Pearl District on 10th and 11th avenues, connects with MAX light rail near Pioneer Courthouse Square downtown, and then continues on to Portland State University and RiverPlace on the Willamette River.