Portland Neighborhood: Sellwood-Moreland
Boasting a walk score of 81 Southeast Portland’s Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood actually consists of three distinct neighborhood districts: Sellwood, Westmoreland, and Eastmoreland. With four beautiful public parks (Westmoreland Park, Sellwood Park, Sellwood Riverfront, and Johnson Creek Park), the Oaks Bottom Refuge hiking area, Eastmoreland public golf course, and the Springwater Corridor all within easy reach, this neighborhood is especially great for families who like outdoor activities and playing in nature, with a close commute to downtown across the Sellwood Bridge.
Other local public amenities include the Sellwood Community Center, Sellwood-Moreland Library, Sellwood outdoor public pool, and the Sellwood Community Garden.
Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood History
Historically, Sellwood began as an independent city when the original owner, a fruit farmer, sold his 320 acres to Rev. John Sellwood. In 1882, Sellwood sold half of his acreage to the Sellwood Real Estate Company who planned and developed the city of Sellwood. Five years later, the city was incorporated, and eventually became a part of Portland proper in 1893.
In 1909 Eastmoreland and Westmoreland were born of a sold and subdivided 500-acre farm. These new neighborhoods were marketed to families headed by professionals who worked in downtown Portland, only five miles to the south, usually commuting to work by the relatively new streetcar.
While these areas are well distinguished today by separate and thriving business districts, and many residents identify them as strictly individual neighborhoods, the Portland Office of Neighborhood Involvement officially combined the neighborhoods of Sellwood and Westmoreland into Sellwood-Moreland. With Westmoreland situated on the east side of the community, and Sellwood on the west side along the river.
Sellwood-Moreland Median Home Values
The median home value in Sellwood-Moreland currently lands at $425,397 – dramatically higher than the national average of $184,700, but very much in keeping with Portland’s higher-than-average home prices. Neighboring Eastmoreland, voted by Niche users as the #3 best Portland neighborhood to live in, is pricier with a median home value of $496,993.
Sellwood-Moreland Family-Friendly Destinations
Sellwood-Moreland has long been the antique shopping destination in Southeast Portland, with the Stars Antiques Mall housing 100+ vendors in 10,000 square feet and it’s annex right across the street, Stars and Splendid. These cavernous spaces full of all manner of eye candy are a fun place to wander through and while away a rainy afternoon with the kids.
Cloud Cap Games is a beautifully designed game store stocked wall to wall with fun puzzles and different types of games. They even host regularly scheduled game nights, sometimes in their outdoor gaming space. Now you know where to head for a new game to enjoy during your next family game night.
Just one street down is a craft store called Collage, filled with everything your family needs to get their creativity on. The kids will go nuts in here. Check out their craft night project schedule while you’re there.
Stop by Grand Central Bakery on the way home for fresh baked cookies, bread, and lunch fare, or visit neighborhood favorite: Piece of Cake Bakery for unique cupcakes, cakes by the slice or whole, and more.
One new neighborhood favorite that was designed with mom and dad in mind is Buttercraft, a butter and bottle shop offering wine, beer, tea, cured meats, antipasto, and house-made butter in a variety of unique flavors. Buttercraft offers locals the a walkable destination for date night.
Just as in other Portland neighborhoods, Sellwood-Moreland businesses gladly get in on the action when it comes to community celebrations, participation in the neighborhood celebration ‘Summerville’ is high.
Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Schools
The Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood offers many neighborhood families and children the opportunity to walk to school, with both private and public options including: Llewellyn Elementary School (K-5, public), Sellwood Middle School (6-8, public), Cleveland High School (9-12, public), and St. Agatha Catholic School (K-8, private).
Stay tuned for more Walkable and Family-Friendly Portland, Oregon Neighborhoods.
If you’re ready to start the home-buying process (in Sellwood-Moreland of any other Portland, Oregon or Vancouver, Washington neighborhood) I’d love to help. Give me a call anytime, or start your home-loan prequalification now by submitting your info directly to me using this handy online form.