Sunnyside
Overview
Sunnyside is a quiet, walkable residential neighborhood tucked between Hawthorne and Belmont. With its tree-lined streets of Craftsman bungalows, neighborhood cafes, and the weekend farmers market at the historic Sunnyside School, it embodies the best of Portland neighborhood living. It's a residential haven just steps from the energy of Hawthorne — the perfect base for exploring Southeast Portland.
History
Sunnyside was platted in the 1880s as a streetcar suburb, named for its sunny southeast-facing slope above the Willamette River. The neighborhood developed rapidly after the Hawthorne Bridge opened in 1891, connecting the east side to downtown. The 1911 Sunnyside School (now a community hub) became the neighborhood's anchor. The area remained a quiet residential district throughout the 20th century, largely insulated from the commercial development on adjacent Hawthorne and Belmont. This has preserved Sunnyside's character — a peaceful, leafy neighborhood where neighbors know each other and local businesses thrive on community patronage rather than tourist traffic.
Highlights
- Sunnyside School — a historic 1911 school building now used for community events and a farmers market
- Sunnyside Piazza — a unique neighborhood gathering space with seating and planters
- Quiet, tree-lined streets of Craftsman bungalows
- Sunnyside Farmers Market — a weekend market at the historic school
- Steps from Hawthorne's shops, bars, and restaurants
- Powell's on Hawthorne and the Bagdad Theater are a 5-minute walk
Top Attractions
- Sunnyside School — A historic 1911 school building that now hosts community events, a weekend farmers market, and neighborhood gatherings.
- Sunnyside Piazza — A neighborhood-created gathering space at SE 33rd and Yamhill with benches, planters, and public art.
- Sunnyside Environmental School — An award-winning K-8 public school with a nationally recognized environmental curriculum.
Parks & Green Spaces
🌲 Sunnyside Park
A 2-acre neighborhood park with a playground, basketball court, and grassy lawn.
🌲 Hawthorne Park
A 3-acre park with a playground, basketball court, and community garden.
🌲 Mount Tabor Park
A 190-acre dormant volcano park with hiking trails and panoramic views, a 10-minute walk away.
🌲 Sewallcrest Park
A 4-acre park with a wading pool, playground, and picnic areas.
Things to Do
✦ 🧑🌾 Sunnyside Farmers Market
A community farmers market at the historic Sunnyside School, weekends May–October.
✦ ☕ Neighborhood Coffee Crawl
Sunnyside is dotted with excellent coffee shops — try Oblique, Either/Or, or Puff.
✦ 🌳 Walk to Mount Tabor
A 10-minute walk to the summit of a dormant volcano with 360-degree city views.
✦ 📚 Browse Powell's on Hawthorne
The Hawthorne Powell's is a 5-minute walk away for literature and poetry.
✦ 🍽️ Dine on Belmont or Hawthorne
Sunnyside sits between two of Portland's best dining corridors.
✦ 🎬 Bagdad Theater
Catch a movie at the historic 1927 Bagdad Theater with beer and pizza.
Food Carts & Dining
Hawthorne Asylum Cart Pod on 8th & Hawthorne, plus several carts on Belmont