Why Community Matters More Than Ever When Choosing a Home

In light of the recent events impacting the Multnomah Athletic Club community, many Portlanders have been reminded that home is about far more than square footage or finishes. The places we gather, the people we see every week, and the communities we build around us become part of our sense of safety, belonging, and identity.

When people begin the home buying process, conversations often center around interest rates, inventory, commute times, or resale value. Those things absolutely matter. But one of the most important and often overlooked factors is community.

The truth is, where you live shapes how you live.

For some, community means being close to lifelong friends or family. For others, it’s the neighborhood coffee shop that knows your order, the walking trail you use every morning, the gym where familiar faces greet you by name, or the school district where your children will grow up alongside the same classmates year after year.

Especially in moments that shake a community, we’re reminded how deeply interconnected our lives really are. We lean on neighbors. We check in on friends. We gather together. The strength of a community becomes tangible.

That’s why buying a home should never be viewed as simply purchasing property. You’re also investing in an ecosystem of people, routines, support systems, and experiences that will shape your everyday life.

In Portland, community often looks different from neighborhood to neighborhood. Some areas are deeply walkable and socially connected, with local businesses and gathering spaces woven into daily life. Others offer quieter residential pockets with strong family networks and long-term roots. Neither is inherently better. The important thing is understanding what type of environment aligns with the life you want to build.

As a real estate professional, I’ve found that the happiest homeowners are often the ones who chose not just the right house, but the right community for this chapter of their lives.

A beautiful kitchen can make an impression. But a supportive neighborhood, meaningful connections, and a sense of belonging are what truly make a house feel like home.

If you’re considering a move, it’s worth asking yourself a few questions beyond the home itself: