Why We Love Managing Homes in Humboldt
We’re Portland people, and we tend to fall hardest for neighborhoods that feel real; the ones with history, personality, and a little bit of grit alongside the growth. Humboldt is exactly that. It’s a neighborhood where you can see the layers: older homes that have held decades of stories, newer builds bringing fresh energy, and local businesses that feel like they actually belong here.
After managing homes in Humboldt for years, we’ve learned that what keeps people here isn’t just convenience, it’s how quickly the neighborhood starts to feel like home. It doesn’t feel overly polished or manufactured. It feels lived in. Neighbors know their spots, small businesses matter, and the mix of housing (from classic single-family homes to modern rowhomes) makes space for a wide range of lifestyles.
If you’re drawn to neighborhoods that feel creative, grounded, and distinctly North Portland, Humboldt tends to stick with you.
A Neighborhood Defined by Old + New
One of the things that makes Humboldt unique is the mix of housing styles.
About one-third of Living Room’s Humboldt rental portfolio consists of single-family homes, while two-thirds are attached housing like townhomes and duplexes.
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- Roughly half of the homes were built before 1930, bringing classic Portland character — original woodwork, historic details, and cozy layouts.
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- The other half of our portfolio was built after 2001, offering modern floorplans, efficiency, and fresh design choices.
That balance creates a neighborhood that feels layered rather than uniform. Residents can choose between vintage charm or newer construction without leaving the same few blocks.
Schools and Community Anchors
Humboldt isn’t just residential. Together, these institutions help create the everyday rhythm of Humboldt: morning drop-offs, students on bikes, and a steady sense that this is a neighborhood where people are learning, working, and growing, not just passing through.
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- Portland Community College – Cascade Campus – PCC also serves as a major educational resource for career training, continuing education, and workforce development across North Portland.
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- Kairos PDX – a public charter school- adds another layer to the educational landscape with a strong community-centered approach that reflects the values many residents associate with North Portland — creativity, inclusion, and collaboration.
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- Jefferson High School – Public School
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- Boise-Eliot School (K-8) – Public School
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- Ethos Music Center – Music lessons made accessible to everyone
These schools and programs help shape the neighborhood’s rhythm, contributing to the diverse and community-focused feel Humboldt is known for.
Small Business Energy (and Very Local Grocery Options)
Although Humboldt closely borders several busy commercial areas, there are technically no major grocery stores located within the neighborhood boundaries (N Ainsworth, NE Rodney, NE Skidmore, and I-5). Instead, the neighborhood leans into smaller, niche markets, and honestly, that’s part of its charm.
Local favorites include:
This emphasis on local shopping reflects the broader Humboldt vibe: supporting neighborhood-scale businesses rather than big chains.
Dining + Drinks + Entertainment Worth Walking For
Humboldt quietly punches above its weight when it comes to food and drinks. The neighborhood itself leans into local favorites, and being right next to some of North Portland’s most vibrant commercial corridors means there’s always something happening just a short walk away. Stay tuned for the blog on the boarding neighborhood of Boise that houses the popular Mississippi District.
Some of the institutions we hear renters mention again and again include:
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- Sweedeedee – Cafe style breakfast and lunch
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- Enat Kitchen – Vegan Ethiopian
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- Florida Room – Dog-friendly local bar with lots of personality
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- The Victoria — a neighborhood favorite with amazing outdoor seating and a classy mocktail menu
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- McMenamins Chapel Pub – A trivia night favorite
Whether you’re grabbing brunch, meeting friends for drinks, or finding a quiet patio to unwind, these spots help define daily life here.
A Strong Independent Spirit
Another favorite local gem is Always Here Bookstore. This queer-owned, community-focused shop perfectly captures the neighborhood’s inclusive, independent energy. Humboldt tends to attract people who appreciate local ownership, creativity, and businesses that actively show up for their community.
The Portland Neighborhood Guide (another great site to check out) describes the neighborhood vibe as “Young, Urban, and Hip,” and that feels accurate, but what stands out most to us is how grounded and neighborly the area still feels.
Rental Market Snapshot
From our Living Room portfolio, average rents in Humboldt currently sit around:
$2,338 per month
The neighborhood’s mix of historic homes, rowhomes, and newer attached housing creates a wide range of options for renters, from cozy vintage spaces to modern urban living.
Humboldt is one of those neighborhoods that makes sense once you’ve spent time in it. The mix of historic homes and newer builds, the strong local business culture, and the everyday rhythm of the community create something that feels grounded and real.
Managing homes here has shown us how quickly people settle in and make this neighborhood their own. It’s authentic, connected, and constantly evolving, which is exactly what keeps Humboldt feeling like home.
From the desk of President and Broker, OR & WA – Coty Thurman
