Pearl District.

Lofts and condominiums define the Pearl: early-20th-century warehouse-to-loft conversions with exposed brick and timber, plus contemporary high-rise condos. Few single-family homes here; the product is urban living, most of it priced for the top of Cho-chen's typical $500K to $2M range.

A model walkable district. Powell's City of Books, the North Park Blocks, Jamison Square's fountain plaza, and Tanner Springs Park are all strolling distance, with groceries and galleries along NW 13th Avenue.

The Pearl is served by Portland Public Schools, mostly zoned through the Westside and 12th Avenue K-8 options; assignments vary by block, so verify the exact address. Many Pearl households choose the district's option schools or nearby private programs.

Streetcar, bus, and MAX are all minutes away, and the transit mall and train station are a short walk or ride. Most residents can live car-light, keeping one car for Coast and mountain weekends.

Saturday at the farmers market in the North Park Blocks, an afternoon wandering the galleries, dinner and a show within two blocks. The Pearl is the Portland lifestyle at its most concentrated.