In the last few years the Alberta neighborhood in Northeast Portland has undergone a creative renaissance, becoming a thriving small business haven and a place where newcomers flock. Alberta, which actually resides in the Concordia and King neighborhoods, has made a name for itself with it's distinctive multi-cultural population, socially-conscious inhabitants and unique hangouts.

The area has an abundance of beautiful craftsman bungalows that line quiet streets, often with comfortable porches and yards. While it's easy to escape the hustle and bustle of city life just a few blocks away from the main strip, it's unlikely that you will hear anyone complaining for a lack of things to do.

The Alberta area is often-noted as one of the city's most lively art districts, hosting Last Thursday where each month vendors line the streets with art, crafts and food, and new art fills the countless galleries. A truly amazing spectacle, the street fair is a wonderful place to meet neighbors and friends, and actually purchase something that fits your taste. While the galleries tend to feature more established artists, the beauty of Last Thursday lies in the fact that any aspiring can test their mettle in the open market, resulting in a unique array of options.

Alberta has a large number of bicyclists and is regarded as one of the most bike-friendly areas in the city. The nonprofit Community Cycling Center is located at 17th and Alberta, a unique place that "believe(s) bicycles are a tool for personal empowerment and a vehicle for social change."

While biking is a way of life for many, the driving is uncluttered and without much stress. Alberta has direct access to Interstate 5 (albeit a comfortable distance) making it easy to get downtown, escape on a daytrip up the Columbia Gorge or a weekend at the Coast. Alberta is close to the happenings of Killingsworth and Fremont streets, which also have many restaurants and shops.

Alberta's boutiques feature a steady stream of local and international clothing designers, adding a metropolitan edge without the department store environment. Countless bars and restaurants line the district like the venerable Tin Shed, Helsers, Mash Tun, Nest, Zaytoones, The Know and Halibuts. Alberta has grown into a hub of small shops, boutiques, delicious restaurants, coffee houses and art galleries while maintaining to keep out chain stores and restaurants. While you can find those things without too much of a journey, it's telling of the industrious, creative spirit of the people that live there.