Lake Oswego

Riverside living and luxury homes converge in Birdshill. Set between the forest and Willamette River, this small and somewhat hidden community features homes as stunning as the views they provide.<br><br>Shaped like an inverted arrowhead, this community has winding roads that cut through the dense tree line. Homes are either concealed by the flora or embrace the river’s edge. Grand homes with four or more bedrooms often have extended driveways, gates, swimming pools and spacious lots. Truly, no home is the same in this neighborhood. Craftsmans, colonials, and everything in between boast contemporary influences like enlarged, asymmetrical windows and rustic brick accents. With so much variation in appearance and proximity to the river, pricing starts at $1.5 million and reaches a lofty $11.5 million. You can see homes priced at an average of $2.5 million without the bells and whistles of larger estates.<br><br>Kids in Birdshill attend Forest Hills Elementary, which features an art literacy program where kids can express themselves and communicate with experimental art. Lake Oswego Junior High also nurtures its young artists, with 25% of students enrolling in their drama program. Both schools are rated A by Niche. Lake Oswego Senior High rounds out the list at an impressive A-plus and ranks as Oregon's best public high school.<br><br>School can be stressful, so having a place to escape for a few hours and decompress is essential. Tryon Cove Park on the southern tip of Birdshill is an excellent spot to launch a kayak or canoe into the Willamette River. The dock allows locals to take a break from swimming and appreciate the view of the Lake Oswego Railroad Bridge, whose arches connect Birdshill to Oak Grove. Spend a Friday afternoon drifting down the Willamette on an inner tube, but pay attention to the current because it might carry you north toward Elk Rock Island. You’ll likely see a sailboat glide by. “Willamette Sailing Club is a cool, inexpensive way for high schoolers to access the river,” says Grace Wadell, Broker at Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s. The club offers youth camps and private events for those aspiring to learn.<br><br>An afternoon sailing can leave you wondering where the day went and when you last ate. Drive less than a mile down Riverside Drive, and you’ll find Dang’s Thai Kitchen, with tons of stir fry, noodle and curry choices. If breakfast is your favorite, try St. Honoré Bakery. They have croissants, fruit tarts and Danishes made fresh in-house. For a Friday or Saturday pint, Stickmen Brewing Company has 28 beers on tap, not to mention a splendid view of the lake. Whether you’re more of a sours lover or the go-with-the-flow seasonal type, they have your beer needs covered.<br><br>Less than a mile south on Riverside Drive is a Safeway for all your grocery basics. Snag a latte at their in-store Starbucks or refill your prescription at the pharmacy. If you need a more extensive selection of organic foods, stop by the Whole Foods Market down the street. Gardeners and all-around plant lovers can browse the selection at Dennis’ 7 Dees Landscaping and Garden Center. This shop features tropical plants in addition to seasonal experiments like their DIY succulent pumpkins. For those without a green thumb but still want a project to call their own, consider one of their terrarium kits. Once constructed, they don’t require much routine care or attention.<br><br>Speaking of care, taking the time to recharge occasionally is a must. Noi Massage Comfort and Spa is close by to offer fast relief. They specialize in a range of Thai and therapeutic massages. You're in luck if you work from home or have an unusual schedule. Anytime Fitness is just down the road so that you can squeak in a workout at any hour. If you want to meet new faces, “There are lots of community building activities like free concerts in the summer,” says Wadell. “It’s a really lovely area.”<br><br>Spectacular waterfront views and unique home architecture are two things Birdshill has in spades. When you visit, take your time strolling along the river’s edge and experience what the locals do daily.

Bordered by two canals, Lake Oswego's Blue Heron neighborhood offers an opportunity to live in a lakefront house served by some of the best schools in Oregon. "Everybody here has a boat," says Bob Brown, president of the Blue Heron Neighborhood Association. "It's been that way for a long time."<br><br>Brown says Blue Heron is going through a transition as new residents are replacing its older, single-story ranch-style houses and cottages with two-story contemporary houses. They're taking advantage of the fact nearly a third of the neighborhood's lots sit on the banks of the Blue Heron and Lake Oswego canals, both of which feed into Oswego Lake. But those living in the remaining two-thirds of the neighborhood's houses need not fret because they might have deeded access to a lake easement like Alder Point, where you can store your boat and put it in the water. <br><br>Lot sizes vary widely in Blue Heron, so you can choose between living right next to your neighbors on a 4,100-square-foot lakefront lot or in the middle of the forest on a 29,000-square-foot lot with plenty of privacy. These houses fetch anywhere from $850,000 to $3 million, regardless of whether they have lake access. They also sit on wide, sidewalk-lined streets that almost guarantee you'll have a good time trick-or-treating at Halloween. "We have good crowds," Brown says. He says more families with children have been moving into the neighborhood over the past 10 years -- a driving force behind the houses getting larger -- so "we've had a number of visitors each season, and it seems to be increasing, which is great."<br><br>The neighborhood's schools have a lot to do with the increasing number of families and children Brown's seen moving into the area. Blue Heron's students will start their K-12 careers at Westridge Elementary School, which is the third-best public elementary school in Oregon, according to Niche.com. From here, they'll move on to Lakeridge Middle School, the state's fourth-best middle school, and Lake Ridge High School, the state's second-best high school, according to Niche.com. As a bonus, Blue Heron residents can also use the Lake Grove Swim Park – one of Lake Oswego's two swim parks -- because their houses were once part of the Lake Grove School District. They might also benefit from living in one of the 111 houses covered by the Blue Heron Homeowners Association, which grants them access to a private pool at the top of the hill.<br><br>Another benefit of this neighborhood is that it's close to some of Lake Oswego's most popular restaurants. Aji Tram's roast duck and teres major steak slider specials are only a mile away from most of Blue Heron's houses, so you don't have to travel very far to enjoy a good dinner out. The neighborhood is also less than two miles from the city's Boones Ferry Road corridor, where you'll find two grocery stores and local favorites like La Provence Boulangerie & Patisserie, Hop N Cork, and the Babica Hen Café. Head west from these restaurants, and you'll pass by an Interstate 5 interchange that's 12 miles from downtown Portland and the 500,000-square-foot Bridgeport Village Shopping Center in Tualatin. From great schools to lakefront houses on sprawling, half-acre lots, the Blue Heron neighborhood brings a lot to the table. That's why it's a great place to call home.

“Bryant is a picturesque and peaceful community that offers an ideal balance of suburban tranquility and access to urban amenities,” says Nick Shivers, CEO Principal Broker at The Nick Shivers Team. “It’s known for its strong sense of community. Neighbors know each other by name and gather for block parties, holiday celebrations, and neighborhood watch programs.” Sitting along the Oswego Canal at the bottom of Oswego Lake, it’s a residential neighborhood that offers lake access and nearby shopping and dining, along with some of the best schools in the state. At the same time, it sits only a mile from Interstate 5, offering direct access to the jobs and vitality of Portland. “Bryant offers more affordable housing options, larger lot sizes, and a more intimate community feel,” Shivers says, noting that homes spend less time on market than the national average. A mix of condos, townhouses, mid-century ranch-style homes and Tudor-influenced estates sit along the quiet streets. “The streets are lined with trees that change with the seasons,” says Shivers, pointing out the mature groves of Douglas firs and western red cedars that provide shade throughout the neighborhood. Condos fetch in the range of $275,000 to $500,000, while townhouses generally get from $450,000 to $800,000. Single-family homes go in a range from $675,000 all the way to $2 million or more, with modern amenities including granite counters and chefs’ kitchens as well as factors like deeded lake easements contributing to the price. “The neighborhood boasts excellent schools,” says Shivers, with Lake Oswego School District being the top-ranked district in Oregon according to Niche.com, with and A-plus rating. Children in the Bryant neighborhood will either attend River Grove Elementary School or Westridge Elementary School, both of which earn an A grade from Niche. They'll move on to Lakeridge Middle School, which earns an A and is rated in the top 10 middle schools in Oregon, and then to Lakeridge High School, receiving a grade of A-plus. The state's second-best high school according to Niche.com, Lakeridge regularly fields a competitive boys soccer team, most recently winning a state championship in 2023. While some of the neighborhood features lakeside living, there are parks away from the waterside as well. Lamont Springs City Park provides brief walking trails and restful benches under tall trees, while the 19.7-acre Bryant Woods Park at the neighborhood's southern boundary offers a little more space to roam. Coupled with the Canal Acres Natural Area across the road, visitors can enjoy a 1.7-mile loop hike and take in native flora. Bryant is almost exclusively residential, but retail and shopping is close by, says Shivers - “Bryant's location near Tualatin means residents have their pick of top-rated restaurants and shops.” The Nyberg Rivers and Nyberg Woods shopping centers, as well as the nearby Meridian Square, have big box stores along with groceries like Safeway and Albertson’s. Happy Sparrow Café specializes in unique kolaches, Czech pastries, as well as espresso drinks for the early morning crowd. At the northern tip of the neighborhood, Aji Tram serves Pan-Asian fare from Korean Street noodles to General Tso's Wings and Tempura Prawns in a modern industrial space. Just down the road, Zupan's Markets grocery store is a Portland original, a family-owned store bringing gourmet groceries to the region since 1974. Getting around Bryant can be enjoyable thanks to quiet side streets and plenty of shaded sidewalks, so walking and biking around the neighborhood is a great way to exercise. However, the distance to amenities and lack of public transport means residents are car dependent – accordingly, almost every home has off-street parking. For commercial flights, residents have to head to Portland International Airport, 20 miles north, which can often be a drive of up to 40 minutes. Emergency treatment is much closer thankfully, with Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center offering 24-hour care, only 4 miles or so out of the neighborhood – usually only a 10-minute drive. While the residents of Bryant often come together for impromptu block parties, The Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market at the top end of the lake runs every Saturday from May through October at Millenium Plaza Park. The annual Independence Day celebrations also bring out much of the neighborhood, with music, a parade, and a concert and laser light show in the heart of Lake Oswego. Access to Lake Oswego is limited, with some properties having deeded access to the lake so they can use the Lake Grove Swim Park at West Bay, while others living on or near the lake’s shores have access to easements as part of the nonprofit Lake Oswego Corporation. There are 20 easement associations in all. City residents who don't live within these boundaries or who do not belong to an easement association can only access the lake through the Lake Oswego Swim Park on Ridgeway Road. A side effect of lakefront living means that many of those with lake access also needed to be wary of heavy rains, as properties along the lake and along Oswego Canal do have a higher flooding risk factor.

Residents of the Country Club-North Shore and Lakeview Summit neighborhoods must also head to First Addition when they take their children to Forest Hills Elementary School, the sixth-best public elementary school in Oregon, according to Niche.com. Students will move on from here to Lake Oswego Middle School, the state's third-best public middle school, and Lake Oswego High School, Oregon's best public high school. There are perks to living between a golf course and a three-mile-long lake. Just ask the people who live in Lake Oswego's Country Club-North Shore neighborhood or the real estate agents who work there. Lake Oswego is the "Number one place Portlanders choose to relocate when looking for a slower-paced, peaceful lifestyle where you're still less than twenty minutes south of the city," says Darryl Bodle II, the #1 selling agent throughout the Portland area. Populated since ancient times by the Clackamas and other native people who hunted waterfowl and other birds here, people have long recognized the natural abundance and beauty that pervades this area. After the Oregon Iron Company purchased the entire area and began mining operations and eventually crumbled away, Lake Oswego once again became a place where people could enjoy the outdoors as a resort destination for Portlanders. Though it used to "Take three days to drive to the lake before there were planned interstates or highways," the entire Lake Oswego area has now become "almost completely residential," says Bodle. Stretching along the lake's sunny northern shore and centered around the historic Lake Oswego Country Club, residents of Country Club-North Shore enjoy a laid-back pace of life where they can stroll around nearby neighborhoods like First Addition, which was the first residential area to be constructed, to find plenty of options for shopping and dining and also enjoy amenities like lake easement access for those not living directly on the lake. With some of the most highly rated public schools in the state and a cornucopia of options for outdoor recreation nearby, the Country Club-North Shore neighborhood marries the natural beauty of Oregon with a laid-back lifestyle filled with luxury and relaxation. Living on Lake Oswego, residents of Country Club-North Shore have 24/7 access to all the fun they want, often right out their front door. Whether heading to the water for some paddleboarding, boating or just enjoying a chill dinner with views of the sunset, the lake is a constant, peaceful source of fun and recreation enjoyed by people from all over Oregon. When not in the mood to be by the water, practice some golf at the Oswego Lake Country Club, which features a 100-year-old course that's a must-see for anyone who likes to play the sport and a fun place for people who live in the neighborhood to visit if they purchase a membership. The 18-hole course was described as "hilly but walkable" on Golf Oregon's website and its five sets of tees have a USGA rating of 69.4 to 72.9 and a slope rating of 128 to 135. The clubhouse itself was also designated as a historic site by the Lake Oswego City Council. When wanting to get out in nature, residents can also easily head over to the Oswego Iron Heritage Trail and explore their city's ties to the iron industry. Starting at the Prosser Iron Mine Site in Iron Mountain Park, which sits just north of Lakeview Summit, this trail cuts down Iron Mountain Road through the Country Club-North Shore neighborhood. It then turns past the Oswego Lake Country Club before it loops through First Addition and downtown Lake Oswego. Another nearby option is Tryon Creek State Natural Area, which features an abundance of lush vegetation growing along the creek for which it was named and miles of trails that are groomed for hiking and horse-riding. In addition to luxurious amenities, homes in Country Club-North Shore are known for their grand scale and forested, peaceful surroundings. Ranging from serene, lakeside settings to well-treed lots further up in the hills, residents of the area enjoy a bit more privacy, with the natural screening of leafy oaks and green pines surrounding homes and providing a quiet, peaceful ambiance for them to enjoy their lives, inside or outside the home. The homes themselves can be found dating as far back as 1916, though more commonly constructed after the 1960s, and often feature popular lake and country home styles, from clean wood siding and contrasting colors to cozy outdoor spaces to appreciate the surrounding environment. Sitting on generous third to whole-acre lots, homes here are priced at a premium for their location and have an average sales price of $1.5 million. Regardless of their size, homes in this bucolic neighborhood typically run between $1.5 and $4.5 million; even a four-bedroom Ranch-style house built in 1954 will fetch $1.4 million when in the Country Club-North Shore neighborhood. Three-bedroom, suburban-style homes, also including traditional and split-levels, are the least expensive in the neighborhood and sell for just over a million, while more unique, leisurely country and Craftsman homes sell for around $4.5 million and feature elaborate landscaping as well as private patios and docks along the lake where residents can sit and enjoy the naturally higher levels of sunlight that fall on Lake Oswego's north shore. Elegant, custom-built mansions with over 13,000 square feet featuring sophisticated classic-revival architecture can also be found and can sell for upwards of $10 million dollars. One well-attended community event is the Lake Oswego Farmers' Market, which meets the first Sunday of every month at Millennium Plaza Park. The market features live music as well as a wide variety of goods, from meats, seafood and nuts to artisan cheeses, baked goods and jams, and is "Always packed on the weekends," says Bodle. For shopping and dining, most local options can be found in First Addition, except the Oswego Lake Country Club, which features expertly crafted cuisine at several dining areas and also offers catering for special events. Downtown Lake Oswego and First Addition have plenty of options for food and drink, whether grabbing a beer at Duke's Public House, sampling the Italian fare at Tucci or picking up a sundae from the Lake Oswego Ice Creamery and Restaurant. When in the mood for a simple, nostalgic meal, head to Deno's Pizzeria and enjoy a pie while looking back on the old days, which are lovingly captured and framed in a collection of photos patrons can enjoy looking over while eating. When picking up groceries for a home-cooked meal, Safeway is also conveniently located right in First Addition. Thanks to the Lake Oswego School District, students of the Country Club-North Shore neighborhood can also go to First Addition for school at Forest Hills Elementary before continuing on to other top-rated schools like Lake Oswego Junior High and Lake Oswego Senior High, all of which receive A or A-plus ratings from Niche.com. Lake Oswego Schools consistently rank as some of the highest in the state and Lake Oswego Senior High is currently ranked as the best high school in Oregon, according to Niche. Students attending Lake Oswego Senior High have a range of clubs and activities to participate in, from language groups like French or Chinese Club to hands-on activities like Actions for Animals or the Fiber Arts Club where students can learn to crochet and knit. With the main roads of Lakeview Boulevard and Boones Ferry Road running through the Country Club-North Shore neighborhood, it's easy for residents to get around town, whether heading over to First Addition for a night out or visiting a friend on the other side of the lake. Thanks to Macadam Avenue and Interstate 5, residents heading to work or just visiting the city can be in downtown Portland in less than twenty minutes and, when headed out of the country, Portland International Airport is just about ten miles past downtown. For the nearest hospital, residents can also take Macadam Avenue and head across the river about six miles from home to find Providence Milwaukie Hospital.

Situated between U.S. Route 43 and Lakewood Bay, the Evergreen community offers tranquil suburban living with immediate access to urban amenities and lakeside recreation. Locals here often spend their time outdoors, playing fetch with the family dog at Rossman Park, skimming along Oswego Lake on a paddle board and attending community concerts at Millennium Plaza Park during the summer months. The Evergreen neighborhood maintains a community-oriented feel through annual events like the Summer Concert Series and the weekly Lake Oswego Farmers' Market, all while accommodating the heavy influx of tourist attraction as a result of Oswego Lake’s growing popularity. While the lakeside lifestyle attracts many outdoor enthusiasts moving into the area, the community also features highly rated schools and a bustling corridor of local restaurants and boutiques less than a mile away. “The Evergreen community is within walking distance of everything in downtown Lake Oswego — It may look small on a map, but it has everything you could want in a neighborhood,” says Tom Newton, chair of the Evergreen Neighborhood Association. Residents here are within walking distance of Rossman Park, where locals take advantage of the basketball court for pick-up games, play fetch on the manicured greenery and enjoy dining outdoors under the shaded pavilion. Watersport enthusiasts visit the Lakewood Bay Community Club, which features 14 boat slips, 8 canoe racks and immediate access to the Lakewood Bay. From canoes and kayaks to paddleboards and powerboats, Oswego Lake residents regularly skim across the calm waters and take advantage of the nearby natural body of water. For 18 holes of greenery, golfers visit Oswego Lake Country Club along the southeastern slope of Iron Mountain. Established in 1924, this members-only club offers a long-standing golf community with amenities like a clubhouse, pool and on-site gourmet dining. Evergreen features a range of housing options from single-family bungalows and ramblers to newly constructed contemporary styles and multi-family townhouses. These include smaller two- or three-bedroom ranch homes, Craftsman bungalows built in the 1950s and what some people like to call “California homes” that fill every inch of space available to them. Single family homes dominate the area, however multi-family townhouses and condos exist to capitalize on the outdoor recreation and immediate water access. Lakeside convenience comes at a price with one to two-bedroom multi-family homes reaching upwards of seven figures. With a median sales price of $1,300,000, price points here can range from the mid $700,000s to upwards of $4,000,000 depending on the age, size and location of the property. For example, a two-bedroom ranch-style fixer-upper can go for around $750,000, while a lakefront three-bedroom Craftsman with private dock access can go for around $3,600,000. Homes with immediate access to Lakewood Bay are subject to increased price points here. Homes here often feature multi-car garages and are typically fronted by mid-sized well-manicured yards with stone walkways and lined fir trees. “The Evergreen community is forested with lovely fir trees,” says Newton, “The neighborhood is heavily nature-oriented and will protect these trees whenever possible.” Every summer, the City of Lake Oswego hosts free weekly concerts on Sundays at Millennium Plaza Park from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Locals often bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy a lineup of local musicians. Millennium Plaza Park also hosts the Lake Oswego Farmers' Market (LOFM), which operates from mid-May through October. Visitors enjoy fresh seasonal produce, local food vendors and over 80 vendors every Saturday from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. Residents here shop at Lake View Village, which offers a variety of department stores and retailers to choose from, like Chico’s, Grapevine and Wishbone Home and Design. While groceries and other everyday essentials are available at nearby stores like Whole Foods, New Seasons Market and Safeway. When dining in the area, locals visit Nicoletta's Table and Marketplace for authentic Italian cuisine and imported cheeses, gelato and olive oils from Cortona, Italy. Or head to Baird's on B Bar and Grill for house-made cocktails, a rotating seasonal menu and classic American fare. For a Portland-founded cold treat, locals head to Salt and Straw for a number of exotic ice cream flavors that continue to expand across the United States. Students in Evergreen can attend schools like Forest Hills Elementary, Lake Oswego Junior High and Lake Oswego Senior High School, all three of which earned a ranking of A or higher from the educational review site, Niche. Forest Hills Elementary School serves over 400 students and offers a Kindergarten Transition Program that promotes greater acclimation to incoming students, while Lake Oswego Junior High School serves Grade 6 through Grade 8 and offers a student-teacher ratio of 20:1. Lake Oswego Senior High School offers an advanced curriculum with more than 18 Advanced Placement (AP) courses for higher education preparation Private institutions like Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School are also common here. “Lake Oswego schools are ranked the best in the state,” says Newton. Evergreen relies on Route 43 for easy access toward Portland and neighboring areas like Lakewood and Birdshill. Residents seeking public transit options can take the TriMet bus for trips in and around Portland starting at $2.80 for adults one-way. Evergreen riders can start their ride on bus route 35, which departs from the Lake Oswego Transit Center. For those seeking to travel longer distances, the Portland International Airport is only 19 miles away from Evergreen. When seeking healthcare, residents here are 7 miles from Providence Milwaukie Hospital.

The Foothills neighborhood in Lake Oswego, Oregon is tucked between the Willamette River and Lakewood Bay. With riverside views, stellar schools and plenty of housing options, this charming neighborhood is a great choice for those looking for a quick commute to downtown Portland.<br><br>Foothills provides a diverse array of residential homes that cater to various tastes and preferences. With a mix of modern ranches, bungalows, custom builds and new condos, this neighborhood offers a rich tapestry of architectural styles. “The most expensive houses can be found along the Willamette River, and they come in all shapes and sizes. You’ll find various homes and condos on forested streets off the river shore,” says Elizabeth Davidson, real estate broker with Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty and resident of Lake Oswego. Houses range in price from $700,000 to $800,000, with exceptions being houses with riverfront views, which typically sell for $1 million to $2 million, and condos are priced starting at $400,000. Foothill's roads don’t guarantee sidewalks, but the residential roads have slow speed limits, making them safe for evening strolls or walking the dog.<br><br>Students living in Foothills attend Lake Oswego School District schools, rated A-plus by Niche. “Probably the biggest draw to Foothills is the high-quality schools,” says Davidson. “The public school district has been highly ranked for years and many people move here to make sure their children get a great education.” The district includes 7 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and 2 high schools. A student living in Foothills may attend Hallinan Elementary School, rated A, Lake Oswego Junior High School, rated A, and Lake Oswego Senior High School, rated A-plus and listed as the best public high school in Oregon, according to Niche.<br><br>The river is another huge draw to the area. “People here love the outdoors and spend afternoons and weekends paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and fishing along the shoreline,” says Davidson. “You’ll find neighbors outside taking hikes even when it rains—which is pretty often here in the Pacific Northwest!” Locals head to Foothills Park to enjoy walking paths and Oswego Landing for views of the river. There’s also Oswego Park Playground, perfect for kids to explore and play outside. During colder weather, locals take advantage of Pure Barre and Tutu School for dance lessons and ride the Willamette Shore Trolley from Foothills to downtown Lake Oswego for shopping and sightseeing. When winter weather hits, winter sports fans are in luck. “Skiing and snowboarding are very popular here,” says Davidson. “We’re only an hour from Mount Hood, which has super accessible slopes with a variety of options for beginners to advanced skiers.”<br><br>Home cooks will love easy access to Foothill’s Whole Foods, conveniently located just off the residential streets. When you would rather dine out, Nicoletta’s Table and Marketplace is a local favorite for authentic Italian cuisine and fresh scallops from the Pacific. Or enjoy Oregon’s world-famous Pinot Noirs from Willamette Valley Vineyards’ Lake Oswego venue in the Oswego Village Shopping Center. Nearby, Stickmen Brewing Company serves barbeque and craft beer on the Oswego lakefront.<br><br>“Lake Oswego, and especially neighborhoods that border the river like Foothills, are close to everything people want. Easy access to outdoor recreation, plus only a twenty-minute drive into downtown Portland,” says Davidson. From beautiful views to exceptional schools, Foothills has plenty of benefits for residents both new and old.