Westridge

Just 15 miles south of downtown Portland, homeseekers will find Westridge, Oregon. This low-key community of about 20,000 people is small, quiet and private – and that’s exactly what residents like about it. With the Pacific Ocean 90 miles west and neighboring Lake Oswego 1 mile north, geographic landmarks are strong hooks for buyers in Westridge. As Rebecca Green, a 30-year real estate veteran, and Realtor with Windermere Realty Trust, explains, “People who move here want quiet and privacy. They also love the natural beauty of the area. You can’t miss the big, mature evergreen and fir trees. And many of the streets have hills, so homes will often have pretty amazing views of the area.” The landscape also provides plenty of outdoor opportunities for hikers, bikers, runners, and fishing fans. Residents enjoy local parks, farmers markets, wineries and rivers. Hood River is about 80 miles east and a popular weekend destination. Multnomah Falls is one of the most scenic waterfalls in Oregon. The Oregon coast and the Willamette Valley wine country is about 30 miles west.

Westridge is about 3 miles square and has about 1,000 homes. Most were built in the 1960s & 1970s, feature high-quality construction, and midcentury modern or contemporary designs. “Each one is unique,” says Realtor Green, “Homes here have one-of-a-kind designs, and no two look alike. After that, privacy is the most notable feature of the neighborhood. There are no drive-through streets so that really reduces traffic and keeps the overall vibe pretty quiet.” Streets are haphazardly lined with mature evergreens, giving shade in the summer and a green backdrop in the winter. Some streets have sidewalks, while others don’t, as they’re narrow and winding. Most of the neighborhood is residential, but three notable parks provide gathering spots for neighbors and kids. Westridge is less than a mile to 405-acre Lake Oswego, a boating and fishing destination open only to visitors and homeowners in Lake Oswego. Contemporary homes sell for around $1,500,000. Custom brick New Traditional homes can be found for about $1,290,000.

Public school students in Westridge attend Lake Oswego District schools which has an overall grade of A-plus from Niche and is ranked one of the top districts in the country. Westridge Elementary offers kindergarten through fifth grade and has an A-grade from Niche. Lakeridge Middle has an A-grade from Niche. It is ranked No. 9 out of 365 best public middle schools in Oregon. Lakeridge High is the second-best public high school in Oregon according to Niche, who also gives Lakeridge an A-plus grade. It offers STEM and Advanced Placement courses as well as more than 30 clubs.

River Run Park has 7 acres of waterfront greenspace and wildlife habitat along The Tualatin River. They both wind behind homes in the southern portion of the neighborhood. Westridge Park is located at the north end of the neighborhood and has 2 acres adjacent to Westridge Elementary. Its amenities include a volleyball court, softball fields and a playground. Oswego Hills Winery is 2 miles east of Westridge and offers eye-opening tours of the winery and the nearly 200-year-old vineyards. Bring your boots because tours of the vineyards can get muddy. Stafford Hills Club gets high marks from members and online reviewers as one of the most well-appointed of fitness clubs in the area. It offers private and group classes, a swimming pool, tennis courts and plenty of programs for kids.

For well-discounted but high-quality additions to your wardrobe, head to Saksoff5th. Teens, tweens, surfers and skiers will fall for Tillys, a popular casual clothing store. After hitting the gym or the shops, enjoy a traditional Italian dinner at Nicoletta’s Table and Marketplace. Featuring handmade pasta, homemade desserts and an extensive list of Italian and Oregonian wines, Nicoletta’s honors both its local and European roots. When you’re planning a special dinner at home, you’ll find fresh and local produce as well as well-stocked international items at Safeway.

While home may provide all the beauty and privacy you desire, when you do have to go out of town, Interstate 205 is minutes from Westridge, and connects to I-5 which leads to Portland International Airport, just 20 miles north.

Written By

Sarah Albiston

Photography Contributed By

Darren Asay

Video By

Jackson Nacey