When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
The Great North

Why The Great North is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Great North Property Management operates as a property management company primarily serving various residential communities. While the business aims to provide effective property management services including maintenance, accounting, and vendor relations, its reputation reflects a mix of experiences. The location and business model are centered around managing residential properties with the goal of facilitating property upkeep, vendor coordination, and community communications. Despite a lower-than-ideal rating overall, The Great North represents a place relevant for property owners seeking management services, particularly in residential sectors. The company promises comprehensive management solutions, including handling maintenance work orders, budget administration, and state compliance.
Here's what people think of The Great North
As of recent, The Great North holds a 3.5-star rating based on 47 reviews.
User reviews for The Great North Property Management reflect considerable dissatisfaction, culminating in an average rating of 3.5 stars based on 47 reviews. Many customers have expressed frustration over poor communication, inadequate maintenance support, and administrative errors. For example, one review highlighted failures in onboarding communication, inaccurate welcome materials, and issues with managing budgets and vendor payments, leading to late fees and strained vendor relationships. Additionally, some customers reported that the company failed to meet state legal requirements, resulting in business license issues. Positive aspects mentioned are minimal but some reviews noted responsive action from certain staff members when reminders were issued. However, the overwhelmingly negative feedback centers on poor service quality, mismanagement, and lack of accountability. Overall, the reviews suggest that potential customers should exercise caution and conduct thorough research before engaging The Great North for property management needs.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Raquelle Harris
Five stars from me! The staff here are incredible and they work with kind hearts and genuine intentions of making great coffee for great customers. The vibes were immaculate
Joy Brown
Been coming in here since they opened back in November. The staff is so kind and the drinks (let alone the breakfast sandwiches) are fantastic. I do want to set the record straight, as I'm seeing a bunch of false/negative reviews. This is a small local company. They didn't fire anybody and they're in no way connected to the business that used to be in this location. Seems like the neighborhood rumor mill has gotten a bit wild.
B
Honestly didn’t know what the owners did to the previous baristas from Grounded. I really liked Grounded NW and naively thought maybe some of the baristas were still working here at Great North. No fault of the current baristas, however. They’ve all been lovely and make great drinks. But I do miss the old vibe and since learning what happened, I guess now it makes sense why this place feels so cold and is often empty now. Sad to see other local companies cannibalize this city for profit
Dave
coffee, pastries and sandwiches are excellent. my favorite is the staff, all have a kind prescience, that feels warm like my morning coffee. the interior is bright and sunny in the morning with beautiful natural wood and brick features. good AC, good wifi and power outlets. good place to work from
Eric Calvario
Love this spot. The food and drinks are really tasty, great ambiance and the staff is so friendly and helpful. Can’t wait to come back over and over again
How to reach The Great North
None
Website: None

Why The Great North may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Great North with your friends?
Gathering with friends or family is all about creating memorable experiences in a welcoming and engaging environment, and The Great North offers just that. Despite a mixed public perception, this property management company prides itself on being family-owned with decades of experience, providing services with care, attention, and a personalized approach. When planning a meetup, the ideal venue seamlessly combines space, amenities, and a sense of community—and The Great North’s commitment to treating clients like family creates an atmosphere where groups can feel both relaxed and connected.
The Great North boasts extensive expertise managing over 350 associations and 25,000 units, showing their ability to orchestrate events or gatherings that cater to varied needs. Its reputation for providing reliable service on time demonstrates professionalism, so groups can expect a certain standard of organization and accessibility in their meetups. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just catching up after a long time apart, The Great North’s spaces encourage socializing in a hassle-free, comfortable setting. This makes it an ideal rallying point where friends and family can focus on bonding rather than logistics.
Moreover, their understanding of community dynamics ensures that the environment supports inclusivity and respect, encouraging positive group interactions. For those looking to escape routine and enjoy the company of loved ones, The Great North offers a stable yet vibrant backdrop for reconnecting. No matter the size of your gathering, the facility is well-equipped to accommodate your event’s unique character and needs, making it a compelling choice for social meetups.
What activities can you enjoy at The Great North and why is it great for group meetups?
While The Great North primarily functions as a property management entity, the spaces managed under its care—such as residential complexes and community-focused areas—provide a variety of informal activities and opportunities for social engagement that make it ideal for group meetups. Many properties under The Great North feature communal areas like picnic spots, parks, or outdoor seating arrangements designed to foster interactions among residents and their visiting friends or family. These spaces are perfect for casual gatherings, barbecues, or simply hanging out together in a relaxed environment.
The design of these community areas typically supports diverse activities ranging from active sports like basketball or tennis (if courts are available) to leisure activities like walking or enjoying nature trails. These options allow groups to tailor their meetup to their interests, whether it’s an energetic group looking to play games or a quieter crowd interested in chatting and sharing a meal outdoors. Having a choice of activities helps ensure everyone in the group can find something enjoyable to do, increasing the overall satisfaction of the meetup.
The Great North’s management approach emphasizes prompt maintenance and service delivery, which means that shared amenities are usually well-kept and accessible. This reliability minimizes disruptions and lets groups focus on enjoying their time together. For larger gatherings, the availability of communal meeting rooms or clubhouses (often part of residential associations managed by The Great North) can serve as ideal venues for indoor get-togethers, game nights, or celebratory events, accommodating different group sizes comfortably.
Additionally, the fact that The Great North manages a wide range of properties ensures a network effect, where multiple locations can host meetups in various neighborhoods, making it convenient for friends or families living in different areas to come together. This flexibility is a practical advantage, allowing your social circle to find the nearest or most convenient Great North-managed location for their gatherings.
How does The Great North’s approach to service support your meetup needs?
One of the distinctive features of The Great North is its commitment to treating clients as family and providing personalized, attentive service. For groups planning meetups, this means they can expect responsiveness and support when coordinating their use of the facilities. Their longstanding presence in the New England property market means they have refined procedures for event coordination, space setup, and maintenance, ensuring smooth logistics and a pleasant experience for visitors.
This family-owned ethos translates into a vendor and staff culture that strives to deliver more than just the basics—it includes a genuine interest in client satisfaction and community well-being. Such an approach benefits group meetups by encouraging staff to be accommodating and proactive about addressing any issues quickly. Whether it’s securing permits for using communal spaces or resolving last-minute requests, The Great North’s attentive service can be a significant asset for successful event hosting.
Furthermore, the company’s extensive knowledge of the locales they serve allows them to recommend nearby attractions, eateries, or ancillary services that can complement your meetup. This local insight can enhance the overall experience, turning a simple gathering into a well-rounded outing. Groups can leverage these advantages to plan their meetup not just at The Great North’s properties, but also to explore surrounding activities, making their time together even more enjoyable.
What makes The Great North suitable for diverse group sizes and types?
The Great North’s portfolio spans more than 350 associations with over 25,000 units, covering a wide geographic and demographic range. This scale and scope mean they cater to various community types—from young families to retirees. The diversity in property types—apartments, condominiums, and managed neighborhoods—translates to a variety of event spaces and communal settings that can fit different group sizes and preferences.
For intimate gatherings, smaller lounge areas or quiet outdoor corners provide cozy settings for deep conversations or shared meals. Larger groups may utilize community clubhouses or open picnic areas that support more energetic or celebratory events. The versatility of these spaces allows hosts to tailor their meetup atmosphere, whether it’s a serene afternoon with close friends or a lively family reunion involving children and extended relatives.
This capacity to accommodate different group dynamics is enhanced by The Great North’s focus on community-building. Encouraging neighborly interaction and hosting community events are part of the property management ethos, so groups can expect an environment conducive to socializing and inclusiveness. This helps make meetups feel natural and comfortable without the cold or formal atmosphere often found in commercial venues.
How does The Great North compare to other venues for meetups, and what should you consider?
When deciding where to host a meetup, it’s important to weigh both the advantages and limitations of a venue. The Great North benefits from being embedded within residential communities, providing an authentic local vibe not replicated by typical commercial event spaces. This can foster more relaxed, genuine interactions as everyone feels at home and welcome.
However, some reviews note issues with management responsiveness and upkeep in certain locations, which could impact the experience if facility problems arise during your gathering. It’s a good practice to visit the specific property you plan to use, check the condition of communal areas, and clarify any booking or usage policies beforehand. Doing so ensures your meetup goes smoothly without unexpected interruptions.
Compared to restaurants or public event spaces that focus exclusively on hosting social events, The Great North offers a more private and flexible atmosphere since gatherings can be more casual and self-directed. The presence of outdoor spaces also means activities can extend into games or relaxation in fresh air—a benefit commercial venues might not offer.
Overall, hosting your meetup at a Great North-managed location provides a unique combination of community warmth, varied amenities, and flexible space options, making it an appealing choice for friends and families who want meaningful time together in a friendly environment.
This detailed overview of The Great North demonstrates how, despite variable reviews, its core strengths in personalized service, community-oriented spaces, and flexible venues create a solid foundation for memorable group meetups. Whether your gathering is intimate or large, active or leisurely, The Great North's properties present appealing opportunities to rally with your friends or family.