walking neighborhood within easy commute to Beaverton (Portland, Lake Oswego: homes, schools)

[lpiccard]

Hello,

My husband and I are moving to the Portland area this winter. We are looking for a walking neighborhood within a 30 minute commute to Beaverton. Any suggestions? We have heard goog things about Lake Oswego and their downtown area is very nice. We like the NW district but think it may be too pricey. Any other suggestions? We also don't want to live on the east side of Portland because we have heard that traffic can be really bad going across the river.

Thanks!

[Rob Allen]

Why not just live in Beaverton? The area around the public library is a nice walking neighborhood.

[tytus]

I live in Cedar Hills, which is technically SW Portland, but most consider it Beaverton. We have Washington County taxes (way better than Multnomah county), Beaverton schools (better than Portland), and have avoided the Beaverton city school tax bonds by having a Portland address.

Anyway, homes on the westside have retained their value much better than the east, overall. And because the schools are better on the westside, property values are better.

Cedar Hills and the surrounding area is a 1950's neighborhood with tons of parks, walking, jogging, shopping, etc. Nike headquarters is about a mile away. My wife and I love it. Most of the lots are huge in comparison to newer developments, or even some of the older homes, due to the era in which they were built.

Check out zip codes 97225, 97005, and 97219. The first two are Cedar Hill's area, 97219 is Multnomah Village area (SW Portland). Multnomah village is also a great walking area with tons of parks and is close to Portland and Beaverton. Lots of character and good quirky restaurants as well.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[tytus]

Oh, and btw, as you mentioned, Lake Oswego is nice--good central area with upscale shopping, dining, etc. Nice homes, but a very expensive area. Close to the newer Bridgeport shopping area in Tualatin as well...plush for sure.

Many people will tell you Lake Oswego is stuck up and full of materialistic jerks. I don't find the people I've met in Lake O to be any less friendly than people in the Hawthorne area (ex hippie area turned trendy) or my area. Much more materialistic and money driven indeed, but still very friendly and neighborly.