Centennial-Gresham

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, way, way different. 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.

The Centennial-Gresham neighborhood is about half the size of Portland's Centennial-Gresham neighborhood in terms of population and size. Its 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, a prominent wood-framed window at the center of its façade, etc. – 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."

Regardless of who built them, these houses sit back on long, skinny lots with just enough space for a front lawn that needs to be mowed and a hedge that separates one neighbor from the next. Sidewalks and protected bike lanes are rare in Centennial-Gresham neighborhood, so plan to drive wherever you need. 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 get $525,000 or more.

Portland's Centennial neighborhood boasts a similar housing stock, layout, and price range. The key difference between these two neighborhoods is that while Portland residents pay a city property tax of $7.90 per $1,000 of assessed value, residents of Gresham pay only $3.45 per $1,000. However, the phrase "you get what you pay for" comes up when comparing parks. Because while Portland's Centennial neighborhood has two parks – each with a brand-new playground and athletic fields – Centennial-Gresham neighborhood only has the undeveloped Southwest Community Park. This park has 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 and absolutely zero parking spaces, so plan on getting your feet muddy and trying to find off-street parking.

Luckily, the neighborhood is just south of the Rockwood Disc Golf Course and Vance Park, which also has a disc golf course, so you'll have a chance to do something besides walk along a muddy trail. It's also just north of the extinct cinder cone volcano at Portland's 600-acre Powell Butte Nature Park, where you'll find ample parking, maintained hiking trails, nature camps for children and teenagers, and a stunning view of Mt. Hood.

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 Patrick Lynch Elementary School and Oliver Middle School, both of which are in Portland. Those who live below Southeast Division Street will attend Meadows Elementary and Centennial Middle School. Every student will finish their K-12 career at Centennial High School.

Besides being a school boundary line, Southeast Division Street is one of the two commercial thoroughfares in Centennial-Gresham neighborhood. Here, you'll find the Birrieria PDX Division food truck and Mi Pueblo Mexican Restaurant – both of which are known for their tacos and outdoor seating areas – along with Pub 181, where its Bloody Marries and brunch items can turn a one-time visitor into a regular faster than you can say "Eggs Benedict." The neighborhood's other commercial strip, Southeast Powell Boulevard, is home to a Fred Meyer grocery store and McMenamin's Highland Pub and Brewery, where you can get sausages and fish and chips made with its signature ales.

And suppose you're looking for something more exotic. In that case, the city of Portland and its famous restaurants are just down the street from your home in Centennial-Gresham neighborhood.

Written By

Mac Mclean

Photography Contributed By

Tim Acock

Video By

Houston Knight