Lake Oswego

Lake Oswego is a city that seems to have been plucked from a postcard or a snow globe. Its towering pine trees, placid lake, and snow-capped mountains give it a secluded natural beauty, one that you’ll find in a remote spot hours from the city center.

But residents of Oregon don’t need to go far to witness its splendor – Lake Oswego is only 15 minutes from Downtown Portland, making it one of the most popular weekend getaways for city dwellers. Today, it’s known as a coveted address for homeowners looking to get away from the metropolis.

From its gorgeous historic homes to unique outdoor attractions, there are plenty of reasons why Lake Oswego is an excellent community to call home.

WELCOME TO LAKE OSWEGO, PORTLAND, OR

Lake Oswego is a city in Oregon known for its natural beauty, affluence, and strong sense of community. It’s technically a suburb of Portland, but it has its own unique character. More than 40,400 people currently reside here.

The city has a total area of 11.35 square miles, of which 10.68 square miles are land and 0.67 square miles are water. It’s bordered by unincorporated land on three sides, but there are also cities and towns nearby: the Willamette River to the north, Portland to the south, and West Linn to the east. The Clackamas River bounds it to the west.

The city has a rich history; it was once a flourishing iron manufacturing hub in the 1860s until the 1890s. Today, it’s mostly known as the home of Oswego Lake, a naturally occurring lake covering more than 431 acres of surface area. It’s also home to a variety of parks and recreation areas, golf courses, tennis courts, and swimming pools, making it a wonderful place for communing with nature. 

What’s more, Lake Oswego is an upscale suburb with an engaged community. Residents enjoy a premier selection of restaurants, retail centers, and high-ranking schools.

HOMES FOR SALE IN LAKE OSWEGO, PORTLAND, OR

Homes for sale in Lake Oswego are mostly composed of single-family homes, varying from small downtown parcels to more spacious properties with sizable lots. Houses can range from modest one-bedroom single-family homes to mansions with over 10,000 square feet of living space.

The most desirable homes are typically the ones by the lakeshore. Elegant and strategically located, waterfront homes tend to command a higher price tag than those further inland. These lakefront properties can come with special features like decks, bouthouses, and outdoor kitchens that integrate the beautiful natural surroundings. 

The Lake Oswego market is highly competitive. The median home price here is significantly higher than the average Portland home price, so prospective buyers should be prepared to act quickly and pay a premium.

Property features and amenities

Luxury homes for sale in Lake Oswego boast an array of special amenities that elevate every homeowners’ lifestyle. These include spacious, well-decorated pool areas, outdoor entertainment spaces, and oversized garages. Some homes also come with a home library, a well-equipped home gym, and a dedicated media room.

Indoor-outdoor living spaces are likewise common, providing a seamless connection with the surroundings of the home. Additionally, some houses come with a full bar and a wine cellar.  Homeowners also enjoy the convenience of dedicated home offices and/or dens, as well as chef or gourmet kitchens equipped with modern appliances.

Other common features include:

• Spa-like bathrooms
• Open floor layouts
• Spacious living areas and foyer
• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• Walk-in closet
• Upgraded finishes

Because land is limited in Lake Oswego, most homes occupy lots that are less than a quarter acre. Bigger lots are rare, but they’re still available and are highly coveted by luxury buyers.

Property age and architecture

Real estate in Lake Oswego is full of character. More than half of the city’s housing stock was built between 1970 and 1990, and nearly a quarter of homes were built prior to the 1960s. Due to their age, homes in the area carry a variety of architectural styles, including Victorian, Prairie, Cottage, Craftsman, and Midcentury Modern.

NEIGHBORHOODS IN LAKE OSWEGO

Lake Oswego is home to 24 distinct neighborhoods, providing a variety of lifestyle and housing options for potential homebuyers. These include:

• FIRST ADDITION

  First Addition is a welcoming neighborhood with a close-knit, small-town feel. The community has been praised for its excellent quality of life and variety of upscale restaurants and stores. It’s also one of Oregon’s oldest neighborhoods, having been platted in 1888 and 1925. This means well-established homes are common here, but so are new construction properties. Bungalow, Craftsman, Gothic, and Prairie are the popular architectural styles, giving the place a unique Old World charm.

• EVERGREEN

  Evergreen is a charming community near the shores of Oswego Lake. It’s ideal for homeowners who value a neighborly atmosphere and easy access to commercial hubs. Evergreen is also one of Lake Oswego’s most walkable neighborhoods. Its real estate stock is dominated by single-family homes offering a mix of Craftsman, Cottage, and Colonial architectural styles.

• BLUE HERON

  Waterfront living is the ultimate draw of this picturesque neighborhood, which lines the shores of both Oswego Lake and Blue Heron Bay. Buyers will find both old and new waterfront homes, offering scenic lake views and top-of-the-line features. Residents will love its proximity to nature, with Canal Acres Nature Park and Bryant Woods Nature Park close by.

• LAKE GROVE

  Lake Grove is a vibrant neighborhood west of Oswego Lake and right off Boones Ferry Road. It’s home to the serene Lake Grove Swim Park, one of the few swimming areas on Oswego Lake. Various parks, schools, shops, and restaurants are all within walking distance here, making it the ideal residence for families with school-age children.

• GLENMORRIE

  Lush and secluded, Glenmorrie is an enclave south of Downtown Lake Oswego. Gorgeous Italianate and Dutch Colonial homes line its streets, offering astounding views of the surrounding tree-covered landscape. The neighborhood is perfect for homeowners who value privacy while still maintaining access to the city center.

• UPLANDS

  Uplands is home to many newly constructed Craftsman and Contemporary properties, many of which have striking views of the surrounding forest and mountains. The picturesque, upscale neighborhood is home to Springbrook City Park, a beautiful wooded park with varying hiking trails, and the Lake Oswego Indoor Tennis Center.

LIFE IN LAKE OSWEGO, PORTLAND, OR

More than just a weekend getaway, Lake Oswego provides an excellent quality of life for its residents, making it an excellent place to call home. 

Cost of living

Considered one of Oregon’s wealthiest neighborhoods, Lake Oswego’s cost of living is estimated to be 40% higher than the national average, largely due to the high housing costs. Transportation is estimated to be 22% higher than national estimates, while groceries are only about 8% higher. However, utilities are less expensive here.

That said, residents of Lake Oswego earn more than the national average, which offsets the high cost of living. 

Employment and business opportunities

Lake Oswego is a flourishing city with a lot to offer businesses and residents alike. With a high median household income, an educated workforce, and an enterprise-friendly environment, Lake Oswego is an excellent place for entrepreneurs to start or grow a business. Plus, businesses can take advantage of the tourist population during peak seasons.

The largest employing industries in Lake Oswego are elementary and secondary schools, construction, and healthcare, which includes medical and surgical hospitals and specialty hospitals. Some of the biggest companies in the city include Yakima Products, NAVEX Global, Greenbrier, Black & Veatch, Acme Construction Supply, and Logical Position.

The city also benefits from its prime location. It’s well-connected to public transportation, with easy access to Portland International Airport, I-5, I-205, Highway 217, and Highway 43.

Education

Lake Oswego is known for its high quality of education. Served by the Lake Oswego School District, many public schools in the area are consistently ranked among the top schools in the state. US News ranked Westridge Elementary School and Forest Hills Elementary School the #3 and #5 Top Oregon Elementary Schools, respectively. Lake Oswego High School has also been awarded the Blue Ribbon Award.

Other reputable public schools in the area include:

• Hallinan Elementary School
• Lake Grove Elementary School
• Oak Creek Elementary School
• River Grove Elementary School
• Lake Oswego Junior High School
• Lakeridge Middle School
• Lakeridge High School

For private schools, students in Pre-K to 12 have a variety of options to choose from. These include:

• The Christa McAuliffe Academy School of Arts and Sciences
• Park Academy
• Our Lady Of The Lake Catholic School
• The Children’s Hour Academy
• International Leadership Academy
• Chinese-American International School

Outdoor recreation

Residents of Lake Oswego are privileged to have the great outdoors in their backyard. Home to various parks, open spaces, hiking trails, and of course, Oswego Lake, the city offers many opportunities to connect with nature.

• Foothills Park. Nestled along Willamette River, Foothills Park spans 9 acres and has become a local treasure since opening in 2005. The picturesque park features various amenities, including a boat launch for kayaks, a scenic river-view platform, and a stone-clad picnic pavilion. The facility seamlessly combines nature, art, and community in one space through live events and art installations. It’s home to the Stafford Stones, a set of rock columns engraved with poems by William Edgar Stafford, as well as a Veterans Memorial.
• George Rogers Park. Also located along the Willamette River is George Rogers Park, a 28-acre facility where guests can enjoy a day of kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming. For those who prefer to hike, the scenic Old River Road Trail starts at the park and runs 0.8 miles tracing the river. Its other facilities include baseball fields, softball fields, one soccer field, a children’s playground, and two outdoor tennis courts. 
• Rogerson Clematis Garden. Situated in the historic Luscher Farm, this is the only accredited collection of clematis in North America. The garden has over 1,800 of these colorful, flowering plants belonging to the buttercup family. The climbing plants come in many species, colors, shapes, and sizes. The stunning display is open from dawn until dusk and is free to the public. Guided tours and gardening classes are also available throughout the year. 
• Bryant Woods-Canal Acres Loop Hike. Hikers looking for a moderate, scenic trail will enjoy exploring the Bryant Woods-Canal Acres Loop Hike. The double loop trail spans 1.7 miles and takes about 20 minutes to complete. It winds through lush forests lined with oak trees and cottonwood, serene open meadows, and various birdwatching spots.

Historic and cultural attractions

Those interested in learning more about Lake Oswego history can head to Lake Oswego Preservation Society History Center & Museum, a non-profit organization that aims to preserve and maintain the city’s heritage through various exhibits and projects. The museum is located inside Lake Oswego’s oldest house, the Iron Workers Museum, an 1880s cottage and the only remaining residence from Lake Oswego’s iron era. 

Lake Oswego is also home to a thriving arts scene. The Lakewood Center for the Arts is a theater facility that hosts various performances, community events, and arts education programs. Among its productions include “Singing in the Rain,” “Into the Woods,” and “To Kill a Mockingbird,” as well as various original plays.

Local art is on display at ARTSpace Gallery in the Lake Oswego City Hall Building. Managed by the Arts Council of Lake Oswego, the gallery showcases diverse art pieces from over 60 community artists.

Dining and shopping

Lake Oswego’s culinary scene is some of the finest in the area. Here’s a glimpse of some of the best food spots:

• Oswego Grill. Featuring everything from hand-made ricotta donuts to seafood and aged steak, Oswego Grill is an upscale restaurant serving exquisite meals made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. The classic American food is complemented by handcrafted cocktails and a strong selection of wines.
• La Provence Boulangerie & Pâtisserie.  Indulge in traditional French cuisine at this European-style bistro. La Provence’s French onion soup is an instant classic, and their seasonal menu keeps guests eager to return for more. The bakery offers a variety of croissants and pain au chocolate.
• Riccardo’s Ristorante. For classic Italian food, head to Riccardo’s Ristorante on Boones Ferry Road. The warm, intimate atmosphere is perfect for celebrating special occasions, and they also have a patio for outdoor dining. Their must-tries include house-made lasagna and Ravioli Fritti.
• Hush Hush Cafe. Considered one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Greater Portland, this intimate family-owned eatery is known for its mouthwatering shawarma, pita, and rotisserie meats.

Residents also have access to a wide array of shopping options, including:

• Oswego Village, an 86,000-square-foot retail and dining center in Downtown Lake Oswego, home to a diverse lineup of local and national retailers, specialty shops, and dining spots.
• Lake View Village, a mixed-use development in Downtown Lake Oswego. The retail hub anchors brands like Chico’s, Mapel Boutique, Cougar Crest Estate Winery, and Kassab Jewelers.
• Oswego Town Square, a premier shopping center in the neighborhood of Mountain Park. 
• Lake Oswego farmers market, which runs from May through October and features the finest local produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods from Lake Oswego farmers and vendors.

OWN YOUR DREAM HOME IN LAKE OSWEGO WITH ADRIAN OLMSTEAD

Ready to explore homes for sale in Lake Oswego? Get in touch with Adrian Olmstead, a real estate expert who infuses passion into every transaction. A distinguished Top Producer in his community, Adrian’s success story is defined by his client-centered ethos and expertise in the Lake Oswego and Southwest Portland real estate markets.

Work with Adrian and experience the difference of working with a real estate professional who’s dedicated to helping you reach your goals. Reach us at 503.449.9580 or contact us here.