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Centennial-Gresham

Centennial-Gresham

$425,412 Average Value
$284 Average Price per Sq Ft
23 Homes For Sale

Centennial-Gresham sits between two cities' urban growth

What happens when a small city gets caught between two larger ones? Just ask residents of Centennial-Gresham, which got caught between Portland's eastward growth and Gresham's westward growth. Today, they have an interesting situation: "It's the taxes," says Claire Paris, principal broker and owner of Portland's Paris Realty Group. "The tax rates are way different between Portland and Gresham. And there's no other difference between the two neighborhoods whatsoever."

During the 1950s, Centennial-Gresham was a quiet collection of small farms – also known as garden lots -- between Gresham and Portland that was barely big enough to support a high school. But this rural way of life changed dramatically in the following decades as developers started converting the community's garden lots into residential subdivisions that quickly filled with residents from either city. And today, what used to be a tiny farming community is home to 34,000-plus residents who live in a suburban area that straddles the line separating Oregon's largest city and its fourth largest city.

Suburban Oregon streets with large lots and mature landscaping

The Centennial-Gresham neighborhood's housing stock is dominated by the boxy ranch-style homes and split-level homes that were popular during the 1960s and the 1970s, when it transitioned from an agricultural community to a residential one. City planners speculate that only a few contractors built these houses because they share similar features – a basement versus a concrete slab foundation or a prominent wood-framed window at the center of its façade – that act as their builder's signature. "If you want amazing mid-centuries or rambling ranches, Centennial-Gresham is where it's at," Paris says. "This is the definition of suburbia: dead end streets, winding roads, huge lots and amazing, established landscaping. It's like one builder went in there and put up 150 houses."

These houses sit back on long lots with just enough space for a front lawn and a hedge separating one neighbor from the next. Sidewalks and protected bike lanes are rare in Centennial-Gresham neighborhood, so many residents drive. Two- to three-bedroom houses in this neighborhood fetch $300,000 to $450,000, while four-bedroom and larger houses start at about $400,000 and can sometimes cost $525,000 or more.

Experience spacious living in a stylish split-level home in Centennial-Gresham—where comfort meets modern design.
Experience spacious living in a stylish split-level home in Centennial-Gresham—where comfort meets modern design.
Ranch style homes are prominent in Centennial-Gresham offering timeless one story living.
Ranch style homes are prominent in Centennial-Gresham offering timeless one story living.
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Outdoor options surround Centennial-Gresham

Centennial-Gresham has the Southwest Community Park, which offers a grassy meadow with views of the surrounding area, a forested area with notable stands of Western Cedar and Douglas fir trees and a wetland with Fairview Creek's headwaters. It also has an unmaintained dirt path that connects these three features, though there is no parking.
Luckily, the neighborhood is just south of the Rockwood Disc Golf Course and Vance Park, which also has a disc golf course, so locals can engage in sports as well. It's also just north of the extinct cinder cone volcano at Portland's 600-acre Powell Butte Nature Park, which has ample parking, maintained hiking trails, nature camps for children and teenagers and a stunning view of Mt. Hood.

There are several paved walking paths throughout Vance Park in Centennial-Gresham.
There are several paved walking paths throughout Vance Park in Centennial-Gresham.
Powell Butte Nature Park invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore its beautifully maintained hiking trails, offering a scenic escape right in the heart of nature.
Powell Butte Nature Park invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore its beautifully maintained hiking trails, offering a scenic escape right in the heart of nature.
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Centennial High School anchors the district’s education path

Since the 1950s, the Centennial School District has served both Centennial-Gresham neighborhood and its counterpart in Portland. This tie is so strong that the original Centennial community -- previously known as the Lynch District –- changed its name when Centennial High School was built and named in honor of Oregon's 100th anniversary. Students who live north of Southeast Division Street will attend the C-rated Patrick Lynch Elementary School and Oliver Middle School, which has yet to receive a rating. Both schools are in Portland. Those who live below Southeast Division Street often attend the B-minus-rated Meadows Elementary and C-plus-rated Centennial Middle School. The pipeline finishes at Centennial High School, given a B-minus by Niche.

Centennial High School is given a B- minus by Niche.
Centennial High School is given a B- minus by Niche.
Patrick Lynch Elementary sits on a spacious green space, offering Centennial-Gresham residents a welcoming spot to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature.
Patrick Lynch Elementary sits on a spacious green space, offering Centennial-Gresham residents a welcoming spot to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature.
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Tacos, brunch and barbecue along Division and Powell

Southeast Division Street is one of the two commercial thoroughfares in Centennial-Gresham neighborhood. Here, you'll find the Birrieria PDwX Division food truck and Mi Pueblo Mexican Restaurant – both of which are known for their tacos and outdoor seating areas – along with Pub 181, which has Bloody Marys and brunch items. The neighborhood's other commercial strip, Southeast Powell Boulevard, is home to a Fred Meyer grocery store and McMenamin's Highland Pub and Brewery, which offers sausages and fish and chips made with its signature ales. For more options, the city of Portland is less than 20 miles west.

Centennial-Gresham locals flock to Bar 181 Sports Bar and Grill early for a mouthwatering brunch menu that kicks off the day in style.
Centennial-Gresham locals flock to Bar 181 Sports Bar and Grill early for a mouthwatering brunch menu that kicks off the day in style.
McManaman's Highland Pub stands out as a go-to destination for Centennial-Gresham locals—offering great drinks, warm vibes, and unforgettable nights.
McManaman's Highland Pub stands out as a go-to destination for Centennial-Gresham locals—offering great drinks, warm vibes, and unforgettable nights.
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Mac Mclean
Written By
Mac Mclean
Tim Acock
Photography Contributed By
Tim Acock
Kyo Nguyen
Video By
Kyo Nguyen

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Portland International

22 min drive

Bus

W Powell & SW 181st

Bus

W Powell & The Village (Western Driveway)

Bus

SE 182nd & Brooklyn Ct

Bus

SE 182nd & Stephens

Bus

SE 182nd & Mill

Bus

W Powell & SW Duniway

Bus

4100 Block SE 182nd

Centennial-Gresham Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$435,000
Median Sale Price
$426,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$445,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$315,200
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$233,100
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
53
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$284

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
2,113
Number of Homes for Sale
23
Median Year Built
1965
Months of Supply
5.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,589
Below the national average
1,929
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,079
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,080
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
8,437
Median Age
39
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$52,083
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$70,640

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
82.8%
College Graduates
18.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.3%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.7%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
47''
Average Winter Low Temperature
33°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
7''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

52 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

40 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

46 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Centennial-Gresham
Lance Weinard
Soldera Properties, Inc
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