Walk Score

Best Portland Neighborhoods to Buy a House: Rose City Park

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Rose City Park Neighborhood Overview

1907 was an important year in the growing city of Portland, Oregon. It was the year the Rose City Park neighborhood was platted; the same year as the very first Portland Rose Festival and the year the Portland Railway trolley service started running from the downtown area making it easier for working commuters and families to call home.

Transportation to and from Rose City Park has evolved with the times and now offers numerous public transportation options including a number of buses servicing the area as well as easy access to two TriMet stations: the NE 60th Ave Station and the Hollywood Transit Station with the Blue, Green, and Red lines running through both stations

Family-Friendly Portland Neighborhoods: Rose City Park

This well-established Northeast Portland neighborhood is bordered by Beaumont-Wilshire, Grant Park, and the Hollywood District on the west (at NE 47th Avenue), the Cully neighborhood to the north (at NE Fremont Street), Roseway and Madison South on the east (at NE 65th Avenue), and the Center neighborhood to the south. This relatively close-in suburban neighborhood boasts a ‘very walkable’ score of 71 and a nearly perfect bike score of 94.

NE Sandy Boulevard runs through the middle of the neighborhood, operating as a transportation and community hub providing central access to a post office, grocery shopping, coffee houses, and plenty of dining options including fast food as well as more diverse options. Long-time standards like Clyde’s Prime Rib, Du’s Grill, and The Laurelwood Public House and Brewery have provided neighbors with family dinners and lunch break fare for decades but the upswing of growth in the neighborhood has brought new options including a new collection of food carts, the Rose City Food Park which includes two dozen food carts, a covered area for cozy dining on rainy days, and a kids’ play space brightly decorated with murals by local artists. Walkable and shoppable Fremont Street borders the Rose City Park neighborhood, as does the more urban Hollywood neighborhood, providing additional dining and shopping options within reach.

Locals sounding off on Street Advisor love the neighborhood for being “clean & green”, having a “neighborly spirit”, offering “peace and quiet”, and for it’s great parks and recreation and public transportation.

Neighborhood resident Chris says it’s “[A] good All-American neighborhood.” while fellow neighbor Lynn states, “this neighborhood is quite convenient and near a great deal of shopping, businesses, and restaurants. It is also quite accessible to route 84 so one can easily get on and off the highway.”

Putting the ‘Park’ in Rose City Park

The Rose City Park neighborhood takes its moniker from a sprawling 10-acre park of the same name located within the neighborhood. This jewel of a park is located at NE 62nd Avenue and Tillamook Street. The park is green nearly year-round and is home to numerous Douglas firs and cedar trees, not to mention a plethora of beautifully well-kept rose bushes. The park also includes playground and picnic areas, public restrooms, paved and unpaved walking paths, and a soccer field, softball field, and tennis court. Neighborhood families and local school sports teams can frequently be found enjoying the vast and beautiful Rose City Park just about any time of year.

Neighborhood Schools

Families in Rose City Park can access a number of schools in the Portland Public School system including Rose City Park Elementary School (K-5, public), and St. Rose School (Pre-K-8, private, Catholic)/. This northeast Portland neighborhood is served at the middle school and high school levels by neighboring Beaumont Middle School (6-8, public), and Grant and Madison high schools (9-12, public).

Neighborhood Real Estate

Redfin’s market insights on the Rose City Park neighborhood confirm that this is still relatively a competitive area in the slightly slowed Portland housing market with many homes still getting multiple offers and going pending within about three weeks.

While most homes are generally selling for the list price, hotter neighborhood homes sell for about 2% above list price and go pending much more quickly, in an average of about 5 days.

Still, as of this writing, the median home price in Rose City Park has cooled considerably over the past year, down almost 20%, to around $471,000. For the Portland metro area, it’s a relatively affordable neighborhood with a few higher-end properties mixed in. Current listings range from about $225,000 to $1.8 million with the bulk of available properties landing around that $450,000-$500,000 mark.

Stay tuned for more articles on the best Portland, Oregon neighborhoods.

If you’re ready to start the home-buying process 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.

Best Portland Neighborhoods to Buy a House: The Pearl District

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Hot Portland Neighborhoods: The Pearl District

Had you not lived in Portland in the 90s you might never guess that The Pearl District, a vibrant neighborhood full of high-end art galleries, expensive high rises, and upscale dining and shopping was previously the Northwest Industrial Triangle: a low-rent industrial area occupied by railroad yards and warehouses on unfinished lots.

Prior to that, the area’s long and storied history includes the expansion of Henry Weinhard’s brewery business to the point where he wanted to pipe his beer to the Skidmore Fountain in the 1860s, a turf war between two railway magnates in the early 1900s, and the notable story of one of the area’s first resident artists renting a 3,000 square foot space for a mere $100 a month in the 1970s as well as the opening  of the first Powell’s Books location.

There are numerous historical points of interest in the making of the Pearl District, but one fact that is often overlooked and rarely known is that the neighborhood is named after a real woman, Pearl Marie Amhara. Pearl was born in Ethiopia in 1936 and was described as a tall, striking woman who spoke 21 languages and was an avid women’s rights activist and humanitarian. The full story behind how the Northwest Industrial Triangle was coined ‘The Pearl District’ in 1985 is worth a read, and it’s truly fitting that one of Portland’s most unique neighborhoods is named after such an interesting person.

In the early 90s, developers began converting available warehouses in The Pearl District into open living spaces and used the term ‘loft’ to market these urban dwellings to buyers. The loft concept became so sought after that even new buildings in the area were designed in the same way. The Pearl District quickly became one of urban Portland’s most popular, and relatively expensive, neighborhoods. Because most developments in this area come from new construction, apartments and condos are relatively pricey.

This trendy neighborhood runs from West Burnside Street on the south to the Willamette River on the north, NW Broadway on the east and I-405 on the west. The area is stocked mainly with lofts (technically ‘condos’) and apartment buildings, with a few townhomes scattered in. There are no single-family homes in this Portland neighborhood.

The high cost to live in The Pearl (landing at a ‘D-’ for housing and an ‘F’ grade for cost of living) offers a balance with easy access to a plethora of local amenities. It also boasts nearly perfect walk and bike scores, and close proximity to educational institutions.

Schools In The Pearl District Neighborhood

While the Pearl District may be mostly inhabited by singles and professionals, the neighborhood does still cater to families with children, as well as university students, and offers many school options including: Chapman Elementary School (K-5, public), East-West Sylvan Middle School (6-8, public), Lincoln High School (9-12, public), The Emerson School (K-5, non-profit, charter), The Portland Chinese School (preschool-12, non-profit, alternative, private) is located on Portland State University’s campus on the south side of the Pearl.

The Pearl District Lifestyle

People who choose to buy homes in the Pearl are choosing a vibrant, urban environment and the lifestyle that embodies. Residents of The Pearl laud the accessible green space, with multiple parks throughout. Many will give up their motorized transportation and supplement walking with the exceptional public transportation options including TriMet bus and MAX train service and the Portland Streetcar. The Pearl offers engaging nightlife, an active arts, culture, and entertainment scene, diverse dining experiences, walkable shopping, and with all of this, even in this downtown environment, the Pearl can offer a close neighborhood feel.

One neighborhood resident, Jana, who moved from Vancouver, Washington to Portland’s The Pearl District a few years ago shares her reasoning behind the big change from suburban life:

“I wanted to be at the center of it all, yet still away from the crowds. I walk everywhere, I love living by the dog park, and I feel safe living in a condo building – the views from my condo are amazing! I’m also grateful for my incredible neighbors – I think we all were meant to live together and secretly I think we all know each other by our dogs’ names instead of our actual names!”

Home Prices in The Pearl District Neighborhood

Trulia puts median home prices in The Pearl at $480,000, while Zillow offers a more realistic number of $532,900. Zillow elaborates that Pearl neighborhood homes are, on average, listing nearly $50K higher than they’re selling for in the area, implying that the market leans towards buyers, or is at the very least somewhat neutral.

Those looking to purchase a home in Portland’s Pearl District will find a wide range of entry prices, with a few older, smaller options coming in at around $200,000 for a 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom and 322 square feet – scaling all the way up to top-of-the-skyline luxury at $4.7 million for 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and about 3,500 square feet.

There’s something for just about everyone in the Pearl. If you’re ready to start the home-buying process (in the Pearl District or any other Portland, Oregon or Vancouver, Washington neighborhood) I’d love to help. Give me a call to discuss your goals! Or, you can start your prequalification process right away by securely submitting your info to me using this online form.

You’re also welcome to stop by my office, which happens to be in the heart of the Pearl. I’m at 1238 NW Glisan, in the Chown Pella Lofts. Give me a ring to let me know you’ll be stopping by. I look forward to working with you!

 

Best Portland Neighborhoods to Buy a House: Sellwood-Moreland

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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.

Family-Friendly Portland Neighborhoods: Sellwood-Moreland

 

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.

 

 

 

Best Portland Neighborhoods to Buy a House: Beaumont-Wilshire

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Portland Neighborhood: Beaumont-Wilshire

Located in Northeast Portland, Beaumont-Wilshire is flanked by the Alameda, Concordia, Cully, Rose City Park, and Grant Park neighborhoods. Sitting pretty on the Alameda Ridge, this is one of eastside Portland’s most in-demand (and relatively pricey) neighborhoods. Boasting views of downtown PDX and the Cascades, this charming neighborhood draws mainly retirees, professionals, and families interested in owning a home, with fewer rental opportunities per capita. The median home value is $514,219 in Beaumont-Wilshire compared to the national average of $184,700. This popular Portland neighborhood reflects the higher-than-average home prices we’ve become accustomed to seeing in PDX and surrounding areas.

Kid-Friendly Portland Neighborhoods: Beaumont-Wilshire

Beaumont-Wilshire Neighborhood History

Beaumont-Wilshire was established in the early 1900s but initially, it was two separate neighborhoods, divided by Fremont Street. With its small-town-feel, Fremont now serves the surrounding community as a unifying center for commerce and socializing, the Fremont area is also referred to as Beaumont Village. This well-established neighborhood is now also overseen by an active neighborhood association.

With fun neighborhood activities hosted by local businesses throughout the year, Fremont Street offers a walkable destination for neighborhood families. Hip Hop Into the Shops celebrating Spring, Fright Night at Halloween, Fremont Fest in the Summer, and Holiday Fest in December are especially popular, drawing families from all over Portland to walk the neighborhood and enjoy various festive activities together.

Beaumont-Wilshire Neighborhood Eats

The local Umpqua Bank branch always has fresh coffee and hot chocolate on tap and often keeps chocolate coins on hand. Generous with stickers regardless of the season, they are also rumored to have popsicles in their on-site freezer through the hot summer months. There are tons more family-friendly businesses in Beaumont-Wilshire including: Pip’s Donuts (if you’re visiting on the weekend get there early, the line grows fast!) Batter (chicken and waffles anyone?), Pizzicato (these guys make a delicious light crispy crust pizza, also offering gluten-free crust) Blackbird Wine and Cheese (a favorite neighborhood after-school stop for parents and kids alike, especially at their outdoor patio during the warmer months) Grand Central Bakery (serving cinnamon buns and other fresh-baked goodness) and the brand new Prince Coffee (serving coffee, tea, and STROOPWAFELS!)

Beaumont-Wilshire Neighborhood Park

Also central to Beaumont-Wilshire’s tree-lined neighborhood sits the 14 acre Wilshire Park, offering a picnic area perfect for barbecues and birthday parties, an off-leash section for dogs, walking paths, an expansive playground with climbing structures and a sandpit, a soccer field, and a softball field.

Beaumont-Wilshire Walk Score

The Beaumont-Wilshire walk score of 72 means families with children can walk to just about everything they need right in the neighborhood. The Beaumont Market provides a little bit of everything, from fresh flowers and produce, to cleaning supplies and household needs, to local baked goods and freezer food. Plus they have a huge selection of beer and wine at all price points.

Angela Talbott, an agent with Premiere Property Group shared this little piece of information about the neighborhood market, “In the 1900’s a young architect named Charles W. Ertz came to Portland from California and worked for Joseph Jaccobberger who designed the original Madeleine Parish Church and School on NE 24th. Ertz went on to design the Beaumont Market on NE 41st and Fremont. His challenge was to blend the design for his new market building into the existing context of the neighboring building. Now, no one even realizes they were once two separate buildings. He continued to design and build homes throughout the Alameda Ridge, reflecting the California vibe of Spanish Revival architecture.”

Across the street from Beaumont Market, Beaumont Hardware stocks a full complement of hardware and gardening supplies, and may be one of the last opportunities to experience a true old-school neighborhood hardware store.

Todd Peres, a real estate broker with Debbie Thomas Real Estate agrees, “This little hardware store is old-school with super-friendly and knowledgeable staff – someone actually greets you when you walk in and helps you find what you need, plus it’s dog-friendly!”

Beaumont-Wilshire Schools

Many local families and children walk to their neighborhood schools – with both public and private options in the area including: Alameda Elementary School (K-5, public), The Madeleine School (K-8, private Catholic), Beaumont Middle School (6-8, public), The Ivy School (K-8, public charter Montessori) as well as a long list of tiny home-based preschools in the area.

Maria Fitzgerald, an Inhabit agent honored as one of the top 10% in Portland, shares her favorite features of the neighborhood, “Beaumont-Wilshire is a top Northeast neighborhood for families because of its fantastic proximity to most everyday needs. It has drop-in healthcare, Beaumont Market for those last-minute dinner needs, and the trusted hardware store thatʼs a neighborhood staple. Family-friendly restaurants and coffee shops like Pip’s, Jim and Pattyʼs and Grand Central Bakery keep people coming back. Itʼs a wonderful place to walk and bike while admiring all the beautiful homes. I especially love the hidden public stairs which are one of my favorite workouts!”

Premiere agent Angela Talbott agrees that the Beaumont-Wilshire area is great for families who are looking for “good schools and a beautiful house, not too far from the interstate for the work commute AND the ability to walk or bike through the neighborhood to easily get to the park, the market, or a lovely dinner or breakfast place with the kids. Families in the city!”

Stay tuned for more Walkable and Kid-Friendly Portland, Oregon Neighborhoods.

If you’re ready to start the home-buying process (in Beaumont-Wilshire 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.