Bridlemile

Out of the foothills in the mountains along southwest Portland, Bridlemile brings style and community to the green side of the city. “One of the most coveted neighborhoods around Portland,” says local property manager Jennifer Mason. “A great mix of new and old styles out in the woods. People get high expectations when they look at Bridlemile because it checks all the boxes. Wonderful nature, fabulous homes, access to great schools, all super close to Portland.”

Step into the woods and find the winding roads and cul-de-sacs containing some of the most elegant styles in the area. Colonial Revival and midcentury modern designs sit under thick tree canopies, surrounding roomy properties with leafy backdrops accentuated by elaborate front lawns displaying manicured shrubs and eye-popping flowers. Split-level builds and sprawling ranches make the most out of larger-than-average plot sizes, mostly ranging from half an acre to more than 1 acre, giving homes seclusion and room to breathe. Several rental properties stand within the area, providing simplified home upkeep or temporary accommodations. Prices range from $500,000 for a three-bedroom build with minimal stylings to $2 million for modern construction with elegant designs and more than an acre of land.

You’ll only be about 5 miles down US Highway 26 from downtown’s cultural center, but when you live in Bridlemile you’re much closer to the city’s incredible nature spots. Council Crest Park sits atop the hills to the east, giving you panoramic views of the city and mountain range as you travel along the hiking paths that stretch for miles into the Oregon wilderness. Stop along Highway 26 and pay a visit to the Oregon Zoo, one of the most visited attractions in the Pacific Northwest, where you can explore 64 acres of forest filled with many animals and chances to learn about the region’s wonderful wildlife. Pocket parks hide under the thick trees throughout the neighborhood, and the woods all around will make your backyard feel like a private green space all to yourself.

You’ll feel removed from the city with the secluded surroundings of Bridlemile, but you’re never far from a convenient place to take care of your errands. State Route 10 runs right through the area and connects you to major shopping spots like Fred Meyer, New Seasons Market and Albertsons, all within a span of 1.2 miles. Portland has a booming food scene, but you can find something great to eat conveniently along Route 10. Grab your morning cup of joe from Slowbomb Coffee, a small spot with big flavors in their fresh beverages and quick breakfast sandwiches. Stop by Steeplejack Pizza and Beer on your way home for a delicious pie or any of their handcrafted plates for an easy-going dinner. Or unwind with your neighbors at 45th Street Pub & Grill for cold drinks and classic bar plates.

Students in Bridlemile become part of the Portland Public Schools system. The neighborhood’s centerpiece, Bridlemile Elementary School, holds an A-minus from Niche. The kids can then move to Robert Gray Middle School less than 2 miles down Route 10. Niche gives it a B-plus. Make sure they finish strong by taking the final steps at Ida B. Wells-Barnett High School near Gray Middle. Niche gives it a B while also awarding it state-wide rankings for its athletic programs and STEM-focused lesson plans.

“This community has a strong involvement in its wildlife preservation and its schools,” Mason says. “The neighborhood has beautiful homes, mostly built in the 50s and 60s, but new construction keeps popping up in the area. Every option there is a great one, and you can truly feel like you’re part of a community.”

Written By

Alex Falls

Photography Contributed By

John Othic

Video By

Francesco Basti