Argay, Portland, Oregon
Argay | |
|---|---|
Neighborhood | |
Interactive map of Argay | |
| Coordinates: 45°33′17″N 122°31′16″W / 45.55475°N 122.52114°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| City | Portland |
| Government | |
| • Association | Argay Neighborhood Association |
| • Coalition | East Portland Neighborhood Office |
| Area | |
• Total | 2.07 sq mi (5.4 km2) |
| Population (2020)[1] | |
• Total | 6,285 |
| • Density | 3,036/sq mi (1,172/km2) |
| Housing | |
| • No. of households | 2390 |
| • Occupancy rate | 94.8% occupied |
| • Owner-occupied | 1395 households (58%) |
| • Renting | 1007 households (42%) |
| • Avg. household size | 2.5 persons |
Argay, also known as Argay Terrace, is a neighborhood in the Northeast section of Portland, Oregon, United States. Argay is bounded by the Columbia River on the north, NE 122nd Ave on the west, Interstate 84 on the south, and NE 148th Ave on the east.
Originally conceived of by Art Simonson and Gerhardt (Gay) Stavney (the “Ar” and “Gay” of Argay) as a "move-up" suburban family neighborhood alternative to Portland's congested inner-city, Argay Terrace built out as planned with larger homes on large lots spread out over the gently sloping terrain that gave the area an open feeling.[2] It is the largest tract of midcentury development in East Portland,[3] and its homes reflect that style, with mixes of one-story ranches, split-entry, split-level, and some modern two-story colonials.
The neighborhood is the location of Argay Park and Luuwit View Park.
History & design

Argay was established in 1957 by Art Simonson and Gerhardt (Gay) Stavney and was planned around the peak of the automobile's popularity, which made it so new developments could spread out more. It was planned for larger homes on larger lots, with cul-de-sacs and wide streets that curve into loops.[4] The streets do not directly connect with Portland's street grid and were designed with more limited access to the neighborhood from arterials.
Argay features more condominiums and apartments around the edge of the single-family area of the neighborhood[2] as well as part of an industrial area towards the Columbia River.
Demographics
In 2020, 6,285 people lived in Argay, a 5% increase from 5,997 in 2010, which was a 4% increase from 5,788 in 2000.
In 2020, 57% of people identified as white, 15.2% as Black or African American, 14.3% as Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% as Asian, 3.6% as American Indian or Alaska Native, 1.8% as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 12.1% as some other race. 14.3% identified as Hispanic or Latino. The median household income was listed at $62,000 and tree cover was 13%.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 "Argay Terrace Neighborhood Profile". Office of Community and Civic Life. City of Portland. 2023.
- 1 2 "Argay Terrace History". Argay Terrace Neighborhood Association. Retrieved July 28, 2026.
- ↑ "Property Watch: A Midcentury That Channels Palm Springs Perfection". Portland Monthly. Retrieved July 28, 2026.
- ↑ "Property Watch: An Enormous Ranch with a Basement Speakeasy". Portland Monthly. Retrieved July 28, 2026.
External links
Media related to Argay, Portland, Oregon at Wikimedia Commons- Mid-county Memo (local newspaper)
- Argay Street Tree Inventory Report