Notre Dame Belmont at a Glance
Notre Dame Belmont is a walkable, mixed‑density neighborhood in inner Southeast Portland, Oregon, centered around the commercial corridor of East Burnside Street and the historic Belmont Park light‑rail station. It blends single‑family homes, duplexes and small apartments with cafés, shops, and community resources, while sitting a short walk or bike ride from downtown. This guide explains the neighborhood’s origins, layout, housing stock, schools, transit, safety, and day‑to‑day livability for current residents and prospective buyers or renters.
Origins and History
Notre Dame Belmont grew from early 20th‑century streetcar suburbs that linked downtown Portland to more residential areas. Streetcars and later buses anchored a mix of modest homes, apartments and corner businesses. The neighborhood takes its name from proximity to the University of Portland’s historic Notre Dame campus and the prominent Belmont area near Belmont Park. Over decades, infill and preservation have maintained a balance of older bungalows and period houses with newer, context‑conscious builds, creating a fabric that values walkability and tree‑lined streets.
Geography and Layout
The neighborhood occupies an irregular footprint in inner Southeast Portland, roughly bounded by:
- North: Southeast Powell Boulevard, abutting the Richmond neighborhood.
- South: Southeast Holgate Boulevard, near the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden.
- West: Southeast 28th Avenue, bordering Sunnyside.
- East: Southeast 42nd Avenue, adjacent to the Brooklyn and Creston-Kenilworth corridors.
Main thoroughfares include East Burnside Street, Southeast Belmont Street, and Southeast Holgate Boulevard. The neighborhood benefits from relatively gentle terrain, mature tree canopy, and a grid of small parks and pocket open spaces.
Subareas and Character
While not officially subdivided, residents often describe a general east‑west gradient: western blocks near 28th Avenue skew older and more single‑family in scale, while blocks closer to Burnside feature more multi‑family options, retail ground floors, and a denser sidewalk fabric. The stretch of East Burnside around 60th Avenue hosts small business clusters, diners, and service providers that anchor neighborhood life.
Housing Stock and Affordability
Housing in Notre Dame Belmont skews toward early‑20th‑century cottages, bungalows and modest ranch homes, often on narrow lots with shallow front yards. Multifamily options range from low‑rise walk‑ups to small apartment buildings, particularly along Burnside and major arterials. The mix has gradually shifted with new infill, but the neighborhood retains a strong stock of character homes that appeal to first‑time buyers and renovators.
Affordability is relative to Portland’s inner Southeast market. Condos and small multifamily buildings often price below larger single‑family homes on comparable blocks, though property values remain below some nearby historic districts. Below is a simplified snapshot of typical ranges and data sources for context.
Typical Housing Data (Indicative)
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Type Mix | Detached, duplex, small multifamily (3–4 units), condo | County records, neighborhood surveys |
| Typical Sale Price (existing single‑family) | Mid $400k–low $600k range (Portland metro) | Regional MLS summary |
| Typical Rent (1‑bedroom, interior unit) | $1,300–$1,800 per month | Rent loggers, property managers |
| Transit Score (Walk Score methodology) | 85–95 (very walkable; frequent bus, 5–10 min to MAX) | Walk Score, TriMet schedules |
| Key Commute Destinations | Downtown Portland (~4–7 miles; 15–30 min by car/bus) | City maps, travel time tools |
Schools and Education
Notre Dame Belmont falls within Portland Public Schools. Elementary boundaries typically route children to nearby neighborhood schools, with middle and high school assignments following district patterns. Portland public schools offer neighborhood enrollment priority, and families often consider test scores, programs, and commute when evaluating options. Local preschools and childcare options are present, and a community library branch (Troutdale Library region) serves nearby residents. For up‑to‑date metrics on graduation rates and program offerings, consult the Oregon Department of Education and Portland Public Schools dashboards.
Transportation and Walkability
The neighborhood enjoys strong transit connectivity. Key features include:
- TriMet bus lines on Southeast Burnside, Belmont, and Holgate provide frequent service east–west and connections to downtown.
- The MAX Light Rail Belmont station (on the Blue and Red lines) sits at the western edge, offering quick access to downtown, the airport, and regional destinations.
- Bike infrastructure includes neighborhood greenways and on‑street routes; the Springwater Corridor trailhead is within a short ride, supporting nonmotorized commuting and recreation.
- Street patterns form a connected grid, though some segments have limited east–west through lanes, which can slow car trips but improve safety for people walking and biking.
Combined with modest lot sizes and on‑street parking, this layout encourages short trips by foot, bike, or transit.
Parks, Amenities, and Community
Notre Dame Belmont provides a range of daily amenities. Small groceries, pharmacies, cafes, bakeries, barbershops, and independently owned boutiques line Burnside and Belmont. Larger regional shopping and big‑box options are a short drive or bus ride away. Parks and play spaces are scattered, with access to Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, enclosed courtyards of multifamily buildings, and schoolyards when permitted. Community groups and neighborhood associations often coordinate cleanups, cultural events, and mutual aid, which can be especially valuable for newcomers.
Safety and Considerations
Reported crime rates in Notre Dame Belmont are typically near or slightly below citywide medians for similar inner‑SE neighborhoods, though perceptions vary block by block. Common‑sense precautions—good lighting, visible neighbors, secure ground‑floor entries, and awareness of nearby nightlife density near Burnside—are advisable. Housing stock contains some properties needing rehabilitation; due diligence for older homes should include inspections for lead paint, roofing, and plumbing. As with many established neighborhoods, traffic calming and pedestrian safety improvements remain ongoing topics with the city and community stakeholders.
Is Notre Dame Belmont Right for You?
Notre Dame Belmont suits people who prioritize walkability, access to transit, and a mix of housing choices without downtown price tags. It offers a stable, diverse residential fabric with manageable commutes, reliable schools, and everyday amenities. If you value established tree canopy, modest yards, and proximity to both neighborhood corners and regional transit, the neighborhood can be a practical long‑term choice. First‑time buyers, small families, and renters alike can find options here, especially when balancing home character, affordability, and access to work or education centers.