Northwest Heights Neighborhood Guide

Northwest Heights neighborhood is located in Northwest Portland. It is bordered by the Forest Park and Linnton neighborhoods, and is close to downtown northwest neighborhoods such as Nob Hill. This area borders the city of Beaverton to the West, and it’s one of the more upscale parts of the Portland metro.

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Northwest Heights Mill Pond Park

nw heights portland neighborhood illustration


Managed by local residents, not Portland Parks and Recreation, this is a beautiful and spacious park. Cedar Mill Creek runs through it, and there are several walking trails here.

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Features of Northwest Heights Neighborhood

Northwest Heights is one of those neat-as-a-pin neighborhoods, a community whose residents are obviously tidy and house-proud. Even the sidewalks and curbs look well-scrubbed. These rolling hills afford excellent views; stand at a corner of NW Thompson and Pinnacle and you can see the valley spread out before you. There are several points within this area where you can do just that.

It’s assured the mail carriers who deliver the post to this area have bulging calves, and if you ride a bicycle through these streets often enough, no one will doubt your stamina and your lung capacity. This is a perfect neighborhood in which to take your exercise, and the exertion is made easier by the views and by the houses by which you stride. Many architectural styles are on exhibit, and all of them are impressive and lovingly maintained.

Northwest Heights is like living in a forested city park. Beautiful homes offer stunning views and you’ll feel secluded and set apart from the rest of Portland. Once you’ve explored the paved walks of Northwest Heights, Forest Park is only a very short distance to the east, where you may shed the pavement in favor of beautiful woodland trails.

Northwest Heights Neighborhood Businesses of Note

Because Northwest Heights is such a residential area, there are few businesses to visit while living here. Fortunately, residents can either head into downtown Portland to grab essentials or go out to explore, or they can pop over to Beaverton on the West Side. The only “main drag” in Northwest Heights is on Miller Road. There is a shopping center on the corner of NW Mill Ridge Road that has a few notable places. Let’s explore what this neighborhood has to offer.

Pizzicatto

Locally sourced ingredients, a passion for great food, and a commitment to community are all part of the Pizzicato experience. You can feel good about eating here, both because your tastebuds will thank you, and because you’ll be supporting a Portland native. 

When it comes to the pizza here, “basic” doesn’t apply. This pizzeria has a wide selection of both meat and veggie-covered pies, and you can get whole wheat or a gluten-free crust if you so desire. For the meat lovers, highlights include the Squisita, with lamb sausage and artichoke hearts, Thai Shrimp pizza (complete with peanut sauce and chili flakes), or the Molto Carne with pepperoni, fennel sausage, and Canadian bacon. 

Vegetarians will appreciate Pizzicato for options like the Genovese with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach or the Mediterranean pizza with vegan mozzarella, kalamata olives, and roasted peppers. The bases for Pizzicato’s pizzas are also unique, as you can get olive oil, pesto, or hummus instead of the traditional marinara sauce. Each pie is a delight, and there are seasonal favorites as well, so be sure to check in regularly. 

When most people think of Portland-area businesses, they imagine local coffee shops or craft breweries. However, pizza lovers can also enjoy living in the city, thanks to franchises like Pizzicato. Unlike national chains that cater to the masses, Pizzicato specializes in pies that you won’t find anywhere else.

Pizzicato Pizza—2025 NW Miller Rd

Heroes American Cafe

For sandwich lovers, nothing compares to a well-made hoagie. While you could go to a big chain like Jersey Mike’s or Subway, why not stick with a local company instead? Heroes American Cafe is your one-stop-shop for all things sandwich-related, and the subs here are handcrafted to perfection. You will marvel at the size and flavor of these heroes, all thanks to generous portions and a simple menu comprising of everyone’s favorites. Heroes Cafe also locally sources its meats and bakes the bread in-house, adding to the already delectable selection.

As far as sandwiches go, Heroes has all the bases covered. You can get standard options like a meatball sub, a Philly cheesesteak, or Italian hoagie. Heroes kicks things up a notch though with specialty options like pulled pork or pulled beef. They also have a pastrami and swiss sandwich that will keep you coming back for more. 

In addition to sandwiches, you can get handcrafted burgers and teriyaki bowls here, too. The burgers are just as delicious as the sandwiches, and options include the Caveman Burger with barbacoa beef, the California Burger with avocado and bacon, or the Philly Burger, which is essentially a cheesesteak on a beef patty and bun. 

Heroes American Cafe—2037 NW Miller Rd

Luxury Nails & Foot Massage

Located in the same shopping plaza as Pizzicato and Heroes, Northwest Heights residents can treat themselves to pampering at Luxury Nails & Foot Massage. Manicures and pedicures are the specialties here, but feel free to just come in and relax for a few hours. Hiking around the streets of Northwest Heights can be exhausting, so you owe it to yourself to unwind while getting a glam makeover (for your hands and feet, at least). Also, a foot massage after walking the trails and parks nearby feels so good that you won’t want to leave. 

Luxury Nails offers a wide selection of colors and designs, including acrylic sets, French tips, and even solar nails. In addition to a mani-pedi combo, you can get your whole body waxed (or just certain parts of it) while you’re here. When you leave Luxury Nails, you’ll be looking and feeling your best. Turn heads as you stroll down the street and get the neighbors talking about your glow up. 

Luxury Nails & Foot Massage—2053 NW Miller Rd

Skyline Burgers

At the southwest corner of Northwest Heights, just across Cornell road, sits this unassuming white and red building. Driving down Skyline, it serves as a beacon, particularly during Portland’s foggy autumn nights. If you stop and come inside, you’ll be greeted with the intoxicating smells of fresh burgers on the grill. Skyline Restaurant is one of the oldest eateries in Portland, serving tasty food since 1935. Back then, the neighborhood was a far cry from what it is today, but the quality and tradition of this place have stood the test of time. In fact, some of the people who frequent the restaurant (originally called The Speck) have been doing so for decades. A married couple celebrated their 60th anniversary at Skyline, where they went on their first date. 

Be sure to come hungry, as the restaurant has plenty of food on the menu. Highlights include the Everything Burger (with a fried egg and bacon), the Giant Giant Burger (a full pound of beef), and the New York Burger with pastrami and swiss cheese. For those who want to upgrade their burger, Skyline offers a selection of add-ons, such as avocado, sauerkraut, pineapple, and jalapenos. 

Shakes are another thing that made this place famous, so be sure to leave room for one with your meal. They have traditional and pie shakes, so if you want an even more decadent dessert, get one with a piece of pie mixed in. For those who really want to test their stomachs, Skyline has a Giant Giant Shake, which is 30 ounces of pure sugary goodness. 

Skyline Restaurant—1313 NW Skyline Blvd

Jim & Patty’s Coffee

While the first Jim & Patty’s has been opened since 2002, the two have a long history in successfully owning and operating coffee shops in the Portland area with their first opening in 1976. Their mission is to provide Portlanders the best coffee with the freshest in-house baked goods.

Whether you visit this location or any of their other three, you’ll go away satisfied and relaxed, as they’re big on not taking life too seriously.

Jim & Patty’s Coffee—2021 NW Miller Rd

Natural Market

A convenience not like most other convenience stores, Natural Market offers residents organic products, along with the usual convenience store finds. From delectable wine and craft beer to fresh produce and snack items, you’ll love having this gem nearby for that last-minute ingredient you forgot at the store or treats for entertaining.

Natural Market—2041 NW Miller Rd

Northwest Heights Parks

There are two parks and a few natural areas within this neighborhood’s borders, but if you really want to explore outdoor green spaces, you’ll have to visit Forest Park. As the largest city park in the country, you will have so much ground to cover that you’ll have to break it up into sections to see it all. Northwest Heights residents are spoiled with lush greenery and brilliant views, as the whole area is covered in trees and other local plant life. Everywhere you turn, you’re reminded of nature’s bounty, and the neighborhood likes to keep it that way. 

Valley View Park—A slopeside park at Miller and Thompson offering a breathtaking view of the valley and the coastal range.

Forest Heights Park—A modest-sized park complete with playground and covered plaza.

Mill Pond Park—A large park managed by residents, not Portland Parks and Recreation. Cedar Mill Creek runs through it, and there are several walking trails here. 

Miller Hollow Natural Area—A natural area perfect for play dates, get togethers, relaxing, and holding celebrations.

Deer Run Natural Area—A tranquil green area, perfect for relaxing and meeting friends.

Boulder Creek Natural Area—A peaceful natural area with lush greenery and gardens, perfect for hanging out and soaking up the sun.

Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home—Not technically a park and just on the outside north boundary of the neighborhood, this memorial garden is one of the largest cemeteries in the city. Views from up here are stunning, making it a premier final resting place for many Northwest Heights residents.

Northwest Heights Community Resources

Northwest Heights Neighborhood Association

Forest Heights Homeowners Association

Northwest Heights Schools

K-5—Forest Park Elementary School

Middle School—West Sylvan Middle School

High School—Lincoln High School

Northwest Heights Neighborhood Vibe

Just a few miles from downtown Portland, Northwest Heights will feel upscale, family-focused, and community-conscious. This is a tight-knit neighborhood that values nature as much as anything else. Residents take great pride in keeping the area clean and well-maintained, and homeowners feel a sense of responsibility for both their properties and the community at large. If you love nature and gorgeous scenery, you will appreciate Northwest Heights. 

Northwest Heights Neighborhood Stats

Northwest Heights Zip Code 97229

Local Crime Stats

Northwest Heights Neighborhood Real Estate

Homes run the gamut of 20th-century architecture, from classic Bungalow to Old Portland, to Cape Cod, Four Square and more.  You’ll also find new construction condos and apartments smattered about the area.

See all current Northwest Heights homes for sale.

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