$474,601Average Value$203Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
The quirks of Old West Side
The streets of Old West Side are lined with mighty oak trees. Blending into the neighborhood’s dense tree cover are several of Longview’s famous squirrel bridges. Squirrels are important to Longview, and Old West Side is central to that. Nutty Narrows Bridge on Olympia Way in the neighborhood “started as kind of a joke, kind of not a joke,” says local Dom Delrosario, who was born and raised in Longview. In 1963, after noticing too much roadkill on his way to work, a local architect created a bridge so squirrels could cross the street safely. It stretched from treetop to treetop, avoiding the road entirely, and yes, squirrels really did use it. More squirrel bridges popped up over the years, shuttling the furry creatures back and forth safely. Some were modeled after well-known bridges, like the Lewis and Clark Bridge that crosses into Oregon, just 2 miles south. Squirrels have become so important to Longview that the community hosts an annual Squirrel Fest every August. During Squirrel Fest, the community comes together for games, food and photos with Sandy B. McNutt, the festival’s squirrel mascot. This free festival takes place at R.A. Long Square, located at the eastern edge of Old West Side.
Might Oak trees line the streets of Old Town West
Longview is known for its squirrel bridges which connect the tree tops across busy streets.
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20th-century homes amongst 100-year-old oak trees
Old West Side is where the foremen of Longview’s mills lived during the first part of the 20th century. Homes have historically been well-kept. Folks strolling past the manicured lawns may be surprised to learn that no HOA exists for the community. So to maintain safe streetscapes, the city “sometimes has to cut down the great big oak trees, sadly,” says local broker Lisa Apo, “because they’ve hollowed out and could fall on a home.” From Colonial Revivals with stately shutters to cottages with sloping roofs, the mixture of homes here is architecturally diverse. “It’s common to find a two-story with a basement; we call that a multilevel,” says Kristin Cheatley, a River Ridge Real Estate broker born and raised in Longview. Cars typically park in detached garages in alleys behind the homes. Old West Side is the kind of community where "neighbors look out for each other,” Apo says, who grew up in the neighborhood and later bought a home here. “We watched the eruption of Mount St. Helens from our roof,” Apo says, pointing to her childhood home. Back in 1980, Longview experienced a dusting of ash from the volcano’s eruption. Single-family home prices range from about $345,000 to $650,000. Condos range from $180,000 to $350,000.
Old Town West has many Cottage style homes on display.
Many colonial revival style homes in Old Town feature stately shutters.
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Strolling around Lake Sacajawea
Old West Side has a desirable location because it borders Lake Sacajawea. This long, man-made lake stretches across several neighborhoods. It’s where folks can kayak, fish and walk their dogs. It is also the site of the Go Fourth Festival, the annual Fourth of July fireworks show that attracts thousands to the area. In the northern section of Lake Sacajawea, right by Old West Side, lies an island in the middle of the lake. It's accessible via a short bridge. The small island contains the Japanese Gardens, designed in honor of Wako, Longview’s sister city in Japan. The breeze rustles bamboo leaves along the island’s winding path, creating a meditative atmosphere. Alternatively, in the middle of the neighborhood, tennis players can head to the courts at Vandercook Park.
Lake Sacajawea is a mile long man made lake stretching across several neighborhoods.
Japanese Gardens can be found on a small island on the north side of Lake Sacajawea
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Walking to school in Old West Side
Northlake Elementary, rated B-minus on Niche, and Big Leaf Montessori School, not rated on Niche, are within walking distance of neighborhood homes. Big Leaf Montessori is a private option in the neighborhood for grades 1-6. Next, students may proceed to Monticello Middle, rated B, and R.A. Long High, rated B-minus. Through the high school’s Running Start program, juniors and seniors can earn up to two years of college credit by taking classes at Lower Columbia College in Old West Side.
After elementary school students attend Monticello Middle which received a B rating on Niche.
Northlake Elementary has a C rating from Niche.
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Navigating the neighborhood
Drivers may run into some construction around Lake Sacajawea. “Longview is becoming more ADA-compliant and bike lane-friendly,” Cheatley says. “They’re adding crosswalks and widening intersections, and a lot of it is done already.” Typically, however, the busiest street in Longview is Ocean Beach Highway at the northern edge of the neighborhood. This five-lane road leads toward the neighboring city of Kelso, where drivers can access Interstate 5. I-5 takes drivers to Portland International Airport, 48 miles south. Going to the hospital is a much shorter commute: PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center is less than a mile from Old West Side.
I-5 takes drivers to Portland International Airport, 48 miles south.
Ol Town Wests sidelks are being convertyed to ADA compliant intersections.
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Elevated dining and trendy downtown shops
Built in 1923, The Monticello Hotel is a former lodging facility and current home to two restaurants within walking distance of Old West Side homes. The lobby’s glittering chandeliers welcome locals meeting for dinner or drinks. Grant’s offers an upscale dining experience, whether guests choose an intimate, wood-paneled booth or happy hour on the front patio. Monticello Coffee House & Lounge serves breakfast, lunch and a variety of flavored coffees in a living room setting. When it comes to shopping, nearby Downtown Longview is lined with sidewalks and locally-owned stores, like JoJo + CoCo Boutique. This shop on Commerce Avenue sells trendy women’s clothing and hosts occasional events, like professional networking nights. Salons, antique stores, colorful murals and the Tuesday Cowlitz Community Farmers Market can also be found in Downtown Longview. Shoppers can grab groceries at Safeway, located between Old West Side and Downtown Longview.
Built in 1923, The Monticello Hote is the current home to two restaurants.
Monticello Coffee House & Lounge offers specialty coffee drinks during breakfast and lunch servi
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Heather Rickman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Civic Circle
Lake Sacajawea Park
Vandercook Park
Cloney Park
John Null Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Old West Side
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Old West Side Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old West Side, Longview sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Old West Side, Longview over the last 12 months is $460,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into this beautiful 1925 bungalow within walking distance to Lake Sacajawea in the sought-after Old Westside. Classic charm meets modern updates: 9' ceilings, hardwood floors, crown molding, and vintage built-ins add warmth and character throughout. The kitchen features granite counters, cottage-style cabinets, and a farm-style sink. There are 3 bedrooms,1 3/4 bath, and an inviting living
Charming Old West Side 2-bed, 2-bath home on an oversized lot with 2,400 sq ft of living space. This classic gem features hardwood floors, a cozy fireplace upstairs, and a fireplace insert below. Enjoy year-round comfort with an HVAC system less than 2 years old and a newer roof. The fully fenced backyard boasts mature landscaping, vibrant color, a sprinkler system, and a covered deck—perfect for
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Heather Rickman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,192
Median Age
48
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$61,940
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$89,169
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.2%
College Graduates
33.8%
Advanced Degrees
17.4%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
48.8%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
79°F
Annual Snowfall
3''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
52/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
87/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
30/ 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.
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.
