Astoria Neighborhoods: From Victorian Hillsides To Riverfront

Wondering which part of Astoria feels most like you? Maybe you picture a restored Victorian with river views, a condo steps from cafés, or a quiet home on a larger lot. Choosing the right pocket of 97103 comes down to how you want to live day to day. In this guide, you’ll compare Astoria’s hillside neighborhoods, riverfront core, and quieter edges, with clear lifestyle tradeoffs and buyer tips you can use. Let’s dive in.

How Astoria is organized

Astoria the city sits within ZIP 97103, which also covers some nearby, less‑urban areas. When you read stats or listings, confirm whether they refer to the city limits or the broader ZIP. For quick context on the city itself, start with the overview on Astoria’s Wikipedia page.

Walkability varies a lot by block. Central addresses near Commercial Street and the Riverwalk often score “Very Walkable,” while hillside and edge locations show lower scores. You can compare address‑level snapshots on Walk Score for Astoria.

The Victorian hillsides

What it feels like

These are Astoria’s older, elevated neighborhoods, including Shively–McClure and Uppertown/Adair. Streets climb steeply above downtown, with stairways, narrow lanes, and long views over the Columbia. You’ll see intricate woodwork, deep porches, and a sense of history on nearly every block.

Homes you’ll find

Expect late‑19th and early‑20th‑century styles: Queen Anne, Foursquare, and Craftsman. Many blocks fall within or near National Register districts, which is central to Astoria’s identity. To understand local historic designations and boundaries, review the National Register district files and the Lower Columbia Preservation Society’s research guidance.

Daily life and tradeoffs

• Best for: character homes, river views, and a neighborhood feel.
• Keep in mind: steep grades, limited street parking, and potential retaining‑wall or foundation considerations.
• If you plan exterior changes, historic‑district rules may apply. LCPS outlines how to check city files and the Oregon Historic Sites Database in their owner research guide.
• On steeper parcels, verify slope stability and drainage early. Oregon’s landslide inventory and susceptibility tools are a smart first stop: DOGAMI SLIDO background.

Riverfront and downtown

What it feels like

Commercial Street, Marine Drive, and the Riverwalk form Astoria’s lively core. You’re steps from galleries, cafés, the Astoria Sunday Market, and the waterfront path. Get a sense of the scene with this overview of things to do along the riverfront and the details on the Astoria Sunday Market.

Built character and momentum

Downtown’s early‑20th‑century buildings give it a classic Pacific Northwest feel. The area continues to see civic investment, including the Columbia River Maritime Museum’s expansion that will further activate the riverfront. Read about the project’s scope in the Daily Astorian’s coverage of the museum expansion.

Daily life and tradeoffs

• Best for: walkability, easy dining and shopping, and low‑maintenance living.
• Keep in mind: seasonal visitor activity increases foot traffic and energy from May through early fall.
• If you like to park once and explore, this is where Astoria shines. Address‑specific walkability can be checked on Walk Score.

Quieter pockets and rural edges

What it feels like

ZIP 97103 also covers lower‑density areas beyond the city’s core. These pockets can include larger lots, mid‑century homes, and more privacy. For clarity on ZIP coverage and nearby communities included in 97103 datasets, use this ZIP 97103 profile.

Homes and daily life

• Best for: space, privacy, and a slower pace.
• Keep in mind: you’ll likely drive for most errands, and services may be farther apart than in central Astoria.
• Verify commute patterns if you plan to split time between the coast and the city. Typical drives to Portland are about two hours; see current routing context in this Astoria to Portland drive overview.

Property checks

• Confirm road access and winter conditions.
• For river‑adjacent or low‑lying parcels, ask about past high‑water events and consult local flood maps.
• For sloped sites, review landslide susceptibility via DOGAMI’s SLIDO and discuss geotechnical needs with your inspector.

Architecture and details you notice first

Astoria’s fabric stands out for its density of preserved late‑19th and early‑20th‑century homes alongside an early commercial core. Many properties sit within National Register districts; you can explore nomination files and context in the NRHP documents. On the street, distinctive touches like restored sidewalk “vault lights” and substantial stone retaining walls add texture and tell a preservation story you can feel. For a deeper dive, LCPS provides visuals and background in their research resources.

Walkability changes by block

A few blocks can make a big lifestyle difference. Central addresses near Commercial and the Riverwalk are commonly rated “Very Walkable,” while hillside homes trade some convenience for views and character. Before you fall in love with a listing, check the specific address on Walk Score and compare your daily routine to what the street offers.

Seasonality and everyday rhythm

From May to October, the Sunday Market and waterfront activity bring extra energy downtown. Restaurants, tasting rooms, and small shops carry that momentum, especially in good weather. If you prefer a quieter feel in peak season, a hillside or outlying pocket may fit you better. If you thrive on buzz and easy errands, the riverfront core is likely your match.

Buyer checklist for 97103

Use this short list to fine‑tune your search and due diligence:

• Historic status: Is the property within a local or National Register district? Confirm requirements for exterior work and incentive options using LCPS’s owner research guide and NRHP files in the National Register database.
• Slope and soils: If a lot sits on or below a steep grade, review the parcel’s landslide context with DOGAMI’s SLIDO and ask about geotechnical reports.
• Parking and access: Check driveway grades, street parking, and winter access on-site.
• Flood and tides: For riverfront or low‑lying parcels, review flood maps and ask sellers about past high‑water events.
• Walkability: Compare the address on Walk Score to your daily routine.
• City vs. ZIP context: Confirm whether nearby comps and services refer to the city or the wider 97103 ZIP area.
• Commute rhythm: If you split time with the metro, check current drive times on the Astoria to Portland route overview.

Which neighborhood is right for you?

• Choose the hillside if you want historic character, views, and a quieter, residential feel. Plan for slope, parking, and potential preservation guidelines.
• Choose riverfront/downtown if you value walkability, dining, and arts at your doorstep, and you are comfortable with a lively peak season.
• Choose outlying pockets if you want more space and privacy, and you are fine driving for most errands.

Ready to map this to your goals and timing? Reach out for concierge guidance that blends local nuance with a calm, data‑informed plan. Connect with Andrea Mace to start a tailored search or prep a listing with elevated presentation.

FAQs

What defines Astoria’s hillside neighborhoods in 97103?

• Elevated blocks above downtown with late‑19th/early‑20th‑century homes, steeper streets, and frequent river views; verify historic‑district rules before exterior changes.

Is downtown Astoria walkable year‑round for daily errands?

• Yes, central blocks near Commercial Street and the Riverwalk are among the city’s most walkable areas; address‑level scores help set expectations.

How do historic‑district rules affect renovations in Astoria?

• If a property sits in a designated district, exterior changes may need design review; check LCPS resources and National Register files to confirm status and incentives.

What risks should hillside buyers in Astoria consider?

• On steep or sloped sites, review landslide susceptibility via DOGAMI, evaluate drainage, and discuss whether a geotechnical assessment is appropriate.

How far is Astoria from Portland for second‑home use?

• The typical drive is about two hours in normal conditions; review current routing and timing when planning weekend or seasonal use.