Getting Around the Dekum Neighborhood in N. Portland

Navigating North Portland’s Trending Dekum Neighborhood

It’s happening, and faster than we might all realize – either way, the remaining untouched Portland neighborhoods are now quickly being recognized for their untapped value and charm. While North Portland’s popularity pales in comparison to the hot real estate pockets in Southeast Portland, Kenton, Piedmont, and others, North Portland neighborhoods are indeed becoming more and more desirable.

North Portland’s Dekum neighborhood is certainly no exception. Prices to buy a home in this neighborhood remain (comparatively) low, and community pride remains high. Interested? Here’s a guide to getting around the Dekum neighborhood in North Portland.

Transportation in the Dekum Neighborhood

Not every sidewalk is perfect, and if you’re driving, you should keep your eye out for “roadway not improved” signs, but overall, Dekum boasts great transportation options.

For starters, downtown commuters enjoy a breezy 20-minute commute on a paved bike path. If you go by public transit, there are bus and train options throughout the Dekum neighborhood, with Trimet’s 8 line leading you straight to downtown. And if you prefer to use a car, this Portland neighborhood is within boundaries of ReachNow and other car sharing services (unlike Montavilla and other east Portland neighborhoods), and parking is free and abundant.

Eating and Drinking in Dekum

A few years ago, locals might have told you that you’d be hard-pressed to find a casual lunch joint or a trendy bar for drinks in the Dekum neighborhood. But in the past two years, many restaurateurs have tapped into the neighborhood’s potential.

For eats, we recommend grabbing lunch at P’s and Q’s Market. While this artisan grocer/sandwich shop isn’t new to the neighborhood, it’s our go-to choice for lunch fare and pantry staples. Pro tip: if you visit in the summer, call ahead and the market will pack your items in a picnic basket for you to enjoy in neighboring Woodlawn Park. Breakside Brewery is another local favorite. Here you can enjoy elevated American eats in an industrial setting with local craft beer.

For drinks, newcomer Grand Army Tavern has quickly established its niche as a stylish, yet whimsical, bar with craft cocktails. As a bar that could easily fit in the Central Eastside, this new joint offers inner Portland ambiance without the crowds. Likewise, Tough Luck won over Dekum locals in the past year with its shuffleboard and easy-going vibe.

Finding Community in the Dekum Neighborhood

While some Portland neighborhoods are dominated by commercial shops and others are strictly residential, the Dekum neighborhood strikes a calm balance. Residents praise the neighborhood, sharing that “People are out during the day with their kids, bikes, dogs, there's outdoor seating throughout the Dekum Triangle area, and all of that is only going to grow as more businesses are introduced.” And while the neighborhood is growing, Dekum is a hidden gem that remains affordable and community centric.

To get connected with others in the Dekum area, lean on the Woodlawn neighborhood association or go on Nextdoor to find out about current happenings, to connect with neighbors, and to invest in Dekum community service projects.

Whether you’re planning to move to Portland’s Dekum neighborhood, or you’re looking for a chill area to spend a crowd-free Saturday, this North Portland spot is worth visiting.