The NW section of Portland also includes the West Hills which starts just up the hill from downtown. This area includes Washington Park, Hoyt Arboretum, the Japanese Gardens, famous Portland Rose Garden, and the Washington Park Zoo. All worthy attractions if you have time to explore. There is also the 5000 acre Forest Park in the west hills, which is as the name implies a natural area with hiking and biking trails. Many upscale homes and mansions from past eras dot the West Hills. There are new neighborhoods and Street of Dreams (A local annual event put on by the home builders association) in the West Hills also.
Another area with a concentration of condos is in the NW 23rd district. This area is far more eclectic than the Pearl. Most buildings are condo conversions of apartment buildings constructed between 1900 and 1930. They have their fair share of charm but can also have funky floor plans (ever see a pull-out bed below a built-in china?). Most units do not have parking or outside space in the form of a balcony. You can find a newly constructed building with high end features and parking. What they do have is an amazing location.