Over the last decade the Pearl District has gone from warehouses and scattered art galleries to one of the top eating and shopping destinations in Oregon. The Pearl District is the area nestled between Burnside (south), Lovejoy (north), Broadway (east) and I-405 (west). This district was named over 10 years ago suggesting that the buildings were like crusty oysters while the art galleries and lofts were like pearls.
Today, however, the converted warehouses and new loft developments are far from crusty looking, as an appealing mix of old brick, glass and steel show off lofts with roof top gardens. Despite aesthetic changes in the Pearl, the artistic beginnings cannot be overlooked. A fun way to spend an evening celebrating this beginning it to head to the Pearl District on the first Thursday of any given month and stroll through open galleries and perhaps stop at a favorite restaurant or two along the way.
The Pearl district is a great neighborhood for walking. You can find anything from classic Portland stores such as Hanna Anderson, local boutiques to trendy chains such as Anthropology, West Elm and Sur la Table. There is also a range of restaurants sure to please anyone. There are too many restaurants to mention, but one can find anything from South American food at Andina, Italian at Giorgio˙s, Vietnamese at Pho Van, and American pub fare at Henry˙s. If you want to head to Northwest Portland or Downtown without walking, you can jump on the Portland Streetcar which was opened in 2001.
The Pearl district lofts and condos have attracted everyone from young professionals with its easy access to downtown and the max train to retirees looking for easy living close to the cultural offering of both the Pearl district and downtown. Real estate in the Pearl District is not cheap.
