The Cully neighborhood in NE Portland used to be considered the outskirts of the city. Bordering Cornfoot Road to the North near the Broadmoor Golf Course and running along 42nd Avenue South as far as Fremont and East to 82nd Avenue, Cully spans 2.74 square miles and is home to nearly 5,000 households. The neighborhood has undergone some changes in the last decade, like most of Portland, and remains a desirable place to live in NE for its oversized lots, mid-century homes, space to move and reasonably close access to nearby restaurants and shopping. Cully is also becoming a co-housing mecca in Portland; but more on co-housing next week.
By Bus, Bike or Car
Getting to Cully is easy. There are bike routes, limited congestion most of the day and two bus lines that serve the neighborhood. If you commute by bus, you’ll want to check out TriMet. Buses 71, 72 and 75 travel through most of Cully. And there are plenty of bike lanes weaving through NE Portland that will take you to Cully. Cully’s nearest freeway connection is I-205, which connects with I-84 and I-5. Other driving options include Hwy. 30 (Lombard Street) and Columbia Boulevard which connect North and South. Cully is also a hop skip from the PDX International Airport.
Who lives and works in the Cully Neighborhood?
Cully is a highly-diverse, low-density neighborhood by Portland standards. It sits on what once was a long-standing native (Chinook) village called Neerchokikoo. The neighborhood was an unincorporated area of Multnomah County until 1985. What Cully lacks in out your front door access to services also makes it a rare find on Portland’s east side. In the last several years, urban homesteaders and small farms have migrated to Cully. Sustainable farms like the Side Yard Farm & Kitchen and Cully Neighborhood Farms offer classes and CSA shares. Side Yard is a supper club, catering company and hosts brunches and other events throughout the year. They’re opening a commercial and community supported kitchen in Delphina’s old space on 42nd in the coming months where they plan to continue their mission of connecting food producers to consumers at the community level. Sunblossom Farm is a sustainable, urban, bee-friendly micro flower farm that offers beautiful bouquets handcrafted from local plants and flowers grown onsite.
Cully is home to Hacienda Development Corporation, a Latino Community Development Corporation that strengthens families by providing affordable housing, homeownership support, economic advancement and educational opportunities. There are several apartment communities in Cully. Alongside these communities, you’ll find a range of single and multi-family homes.
Where to Eat and Shop in Cully
42nd Avenue has seen a boom in business recently as restaurants, coffee shops and retailers find their way here. While some have closed or relocated, watering holes like the Spare Room and The Wilshire have held steady and new neighbors like Old Salt Marketplace, Pizza Jerk, and the Taco Pedaler have moved in. Portland Bloem, a floral and design shop opened recently. They offer workshops, floral designs for events and floral delivery. The Cully Farmers Market open from June to August on Thursday afternoons has a locals-only vibe serving its Cully neighbors.
Taco Pedaler on 42nd Avenue
Cully Community Events
Cully is a thriving community. The Cully Association of Neighbors (CAN) a neighborhood association whose members strive to enhance livability in the Cully neighborhood. They host neighborhood events and meetings to connect neighbors and businesses. Alongside businesses on 42nd Avenue and Killingsworth, there are great parks. Fernhill Park hosts summer concerts, soccer games, and an expansive dog park.
Cully could be one of the last neighborhoods on Portland’s eastside where you can find a double lot to build your dream home or start a community garden. And it’s not far from 42nd Avenue, Beaumont Village, Concordia and Alberta Arts. And while the median cost of homes there has gone up to $450k if you’re buying, Cully still comes in slightly lower than some of its nearby neighborhoods. It’s worth a look!