Neighborhood Blog: Madison South

Madison South: An Under-the-Radar Gem in Northeast Portland

Set within highly trafficked boundaries, the Madison South neighborhood of Portland is an enclave bordered by Interstate 205 to the east, Interstate 84 to the south, NE 65th Avenue to the west, and NE Sandy Boulevard to the north. Yet despite the steady streams of cars running along the neighborhood’s boundaries, Madison Park itself is a mecca of nature and the gorgeous landscape that Portlanders know and love.

Nestled in against lines of commuters you’ll find areas of respite, such as Rocky Butte or Gateway Green; alongside Northeast thoroughfares, you’ll enjoy an abundance of natural resources. Captivated by the neighborhood’s dichotomy of activity and serenity? Read on to find out what you need to know as a potential homebuyer in the Madison South neighborhood of Portland.

Tranquility and Nature

The boundaries of Madison South are highly trafficked streets, with commuters and residents occupying stretches of road throughout the day, but the neighborhood holds coveted access to nature, as well. In the Madison South’s northeast region, residents have immediate access to the Rocky Butte Natural Area and Rocky Butte State Park. Rocky Butte, an extinct volcanic cinder cone, adds manicured trails, unique history, and scenic views to the Madison South neighborhood.

Farther southeast in the area, you’ll find Gateway Green, an unused swath of land between Interstate 205 and Interstate 84. Madison South is transforming this pocket of nature into a greenway center for biking and other recreational activities. The Grotto, too, is a valued nature space in Madison South. As a Catholic nature sanctuary, the Grotto is a shrine and botanical garden that draws over 300,000 visitors annually. Together, these gems make Madison South an ideal neighborhood to experience reflection through nature.

Strong Community Roots in This Portland Neighborhood

As is the case with many other parts of Portland, the Madison South neighborhood thrives on community. Throughout the neighborhood, residents enjoy pockets of nature and areas for community to congregate. Parks like Glenhaven Park encourage neighborhood engagement by bringing out families for play, and athletes for training and friendly competition. Neighbors work in tandem to cultivate spaces for shared experience. A couple of years ago, a group of neighbors joined forces to create the Beech Street Community Garden, a space that continues to be nurtured by Madison South residents. 

Additional evidence of strong community roots in the neighborhood can be found by looking at the Madison South Neighborhood Association. Between newsletters, organized bike rides, and free festivals, the Madison South Neighborhood Association strives to foster a community that values not only the residents within Madison South, but also those whose lives extend beyond the neighborhood border.

Community initiatives encourage residents to volunteer for organizations located in Madison South that reach beyond, including the Oregon Food Bank, Snow-Cap Community Charities, and Multnomah County Animal Services, among others. 

A True Neighborhood Feel in Madison South

While the high-profile community activism and the well-publicized access to nature certainly draw new residents to Madison South, this neighborhood also ranks high on our list for where to live in Portland based on several of its less tangible qualities.

Madison South carries a true neighborhood feel that’s present in an indefinable, Americana-inspired way of life that people continue to yearn for as they search for first homes. We asked Realtors and residents about Madison South, and they too praised the areas for its true neighborhood feel.

Julia Brand, a recent transplant to the Madison South neighborhood, loves the area’s vibe. She explains, “Madison South feels like home. I can walk to lots of locally run businesses, some great Vietnamese and Chinese spots, and I’m always surrounded by families and others who are enjoying life and time spent together.”

Long-time Portland Realtor Dana Berry shared her expertise on Madison South, noting that, “Homes in this neighborhood are attracting young families, as many of the homes for sale still have larger lots and coveted yard space for young children.” Berry went on to say that, “the area doesn’t ask you to sacrifice much. You’re close to nature, good schools, and it’s a perfect launching point to either visit the city or escape to the Gorge – I expect to see home sales in this area keep rising.”

A neighborhood feel may not be as simple to pinpoint as a park or a community garden; however, we do know that Madison South captures that quintessential je-ne-sais-quoi that so many potential buyers look for in a PDX neighborhood. 

Put Down Roots in the Madison South Neighborhood

As Portland grows and adapts, Madison South continues to emerge as an up-and-coming neighborhood. If you’re a first-time buyer, beginning your search in Madison South will undoubtedly uncover several natural amenities and plenty of neighborhood charm that this Portland neighborhood has to offer its residents. 

You’ve Got Options: Leveraging the Mortgage Credit Certificate for Your Portland Home

Buying a home in Portland’s Madison South neighborhood or elsewhere in the city can present some difficulties, and we believe homebuyers deserve all the assistance they can get. With that in mind, we want to introduce you to a mortgage program that’s been around for decades: the Mortgage Credit Certificate, available through Options Financial. Much of the public remains unaware of the program, but taking advantage of it means potential money saving and tax credit benefits for you.

Many loan officers are also unaware of the savings that can be leveraged via the program for qualifying buyers. The Mortgage Credit Certificate requires special certification, which we have, and are able to provide to our clients.

If you haven’t owned a home in the previous three years, you meet certain income and purchase price restrictions, and you plan to live in your new Madison South home as your primary residence, you could qualify for substantial savings. Learn more about the Mortgage Credit Certificate from Options today.