The Hawthorne District, where I am staying, is a funky and charming neighborhood that is about 5 minutes to downtown Portland. The relationship of Hawthorne to Downtown is like Brooklyn Heights to NYC or even Greenpoint to Manhattan.
There are wonderful "art projects" on people's lawns. The Guardians are around where I am staying.
And check out the Portland Hawthorn Guest House. I'm really enjoying it. Who knew...Thanks, Craig's list.