Southwest Portland

Southwest Portland is generally considered the area west of the Willamette River and south of Downtown Portland. It includes popular neighborhoods such as Kings Heights, Portland Heights, Hillsdale, Bridlemile Multnomah Village, and Gabriel Park. This area offers urban and suburban living, with easy access to Downtown Portland and the Portland State University campus.

South Portland, on the other hand, includes the neighborhoods south of Downtown Portland and is bounded by the Willamette River to the east and I-5/Terwilliger Blvd to the west. Key neighborhoods in this area include the South Waterfront, Lair Hill, Johns Landing, and Dunthorpe. This area offers a mix of residential and commercial properties, including waterfront condos and historic homes.

Southwest Portland Homes For Sale

One of the six official districts that make up Portland, Southwest Portland is well-known for its hilly topography that plays host to some of the city’s best offerings: the Downtown district, expansive green spaces, a plethora of local shops and restaurants, and a great variety of homes for sale. Continue reading to learn more about this incomparable community.

SOUTHWEST PORTLAND: THE LIVELY QUADRANT

Southwest Portland covers a great expanse of the city. From the west banks of the Willamette River, it stretches westward to include the neighborhoods of Downtown Portland, Goose Hollow, Multnomah Village and all the way to areas such as Far Southwest, Maplewood, and West Portland Park. Southwest Portland’s borders include Lake Oswego to the south, West Burnside to the north, and the I-405 freeway loop to the west.

This quadrant’s history is deeply intertwined with the broader development of the city and reflects Oregon’s pioneering spirit. Southwest Portland began to take shape in the mid-19th century, when early settlers established homesteads and farms in the lush forested hills. One of the most significant early developments was the creation of Terwilliger Parkway in 1903, designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm. This scenic boulevard became a crucial link between Downtown Portland and the southwest hills, facilitating further growth in the area.

HOMES FOR SALE IN SOUTHWEST PORTLAND

Southwest Portland’s housing market has seen significant shifts over the last few years, reflecting broader trends in the Portland metro area while maintaining its distinct character. This affluent area, known for its lush greenery, excellent schools, and proximity to Downtown, continues to attract homebuyers despite its relatively dynamic market conditions.

Single-family homes which make up the majority of homes for sale in Southwest Portland. These properties range from cozy mid-century ranches to spacious, contemporary-style estates. Many of these houses feature large windows to capture the stunning forest views and are built in architectural styles that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Townhomes, condos, waterfront properties, and luxury homes can also be found throughout the quadrant.

Popular architectural styles

Southwest Portland boasts a rich variety of architectural styles, ensuring that there’s a home for each buyer befitting their taste, lifestyle, and budget. These include Craftsman-style homes, which are prevalent in older neighborhoods like Multnomah Village and Hillsdale. These properties showcase the early 20th century’s unique blend of artistry and functionality. Mid-century Modern homes, which can be found in the West Hills and Raleigh Hills neighborhoods, on the other hand, embody sleek minimalism with their clean lines, large windows, and open floor plans that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Ranch homes, meanwhile, dot neighborhoods like Maplewood and Hayhurst and offer single-level living with their spacious yards and attached garages. Homes built in the Northwest Contemporary style, inspired by Japanese architecture and Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision, grace upscale areas like Council Crest and Healy Heights. These homes incorporate local materials, maximize natural light, and are often perched on hillsides to capture stunning views.

A unique addition to Southwest Portland’s architectural landscape is the Cape Cod Revival style, introduced by the Western Pine Association in 1939. This loose interpretation of colonial-era design can be spotted in Markham and Multnomah Village, and feature steep roofs, wood shingles, and symmetrical facades.

The best places to live in Southwest Portland

Southwest Portland is known for its lush, wooded landscapes and diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique character:

• Downtown Portland: Southwest Portland’s lively center also happens to be Portland’s cultural and recreational center as well as government hub, with many of the city’s most important buildings located in the neighborhood. Apartments, luxury high-rises, and modern waterfront properties define the local real estate market, with prices ranging from $250,000 to $2 million for homes located by the waterfront. The Willamette River plays an important role in neighborhood life.

• Multnomah Village: Often described as a small town within a big city, Multnomah Village is a charming Southwest Portland neighborhood best known for its cozy, laid-back vibe and rich history. Due to its origins as a rural community, the neighborhood is home to a diverse housing stock that consists mostly of historic Craftsman bungalows, Tudor-style residences, and mid-century ranches. That said, Multnomah Village also has its fair share of newer construction. Homes for sale in this Southwest Portland neighborhood can range from $260,000 to $1 million or more.

• Maplewood: Originally developed as a streetcar suburb, Maplewood retains much of its vintage appeal while embracing modern amenities. At present, the neighborhood is known for its tranquil, family-friendly vibe. It is also predominantly residential, and real estate gems abound especially for those who are in the market for homes built between the 1920s and 1940s. Options include cottages, ranch-style homes, and modern farmhouses. Prices start at around the mid-$500,000s. As you explore homes for sale in this Southwest Portland neighborhood, take the time to appreciate its rolling terrain.

• Bridlemile: One of the most sought-after places to live in Portland, Bridlemile’s real estate market consists of a mixture of old and new. On the one hand are established family homes in traditional styles (i.e. Colonial Revival), surrounded by thick copses of trees that have come to define the neighborhood aesthetic. On the other hand are more contemporary properties, such as stylish Mid-century Modern abodes that fit well with the natural landscape. Regardless of style and age, many homes for sale in Bridlemile sit on spacious lots that range from half-acre or more in size. Home values here average at around $900,000.

  

• Hillsdale: Located near the center of Southwest Portland, it’s easy to see why many people favor living in Hillsdale: it has freeway access and boasts a collection of top-rated schools within its bounds. Then there’s the matter of local real estate offerings. The market is largely composed of single-family homes in a wide variety of architectural styles, from traditional to modern. A smaller portion of the market consists of condos. Hillsdale also has the benefit of being close to sprawling green spaces, with the 36-acre George Himes Park located right within the neighborhood.

• Arlington Heights: With only about 300 homes in the neighborhood, Arlington Heights counts as one of Southwest Portland’s smaller communities. Its location up in the Tualatin Mountains, just north of the 458-acre Washington Park, makes it feel relatively remote although in reality, it’s only about an eight-minute drive to Downtown Portland. Set among the greenery are beautiful Tudor-style cottages and Mid-century Modern properties, with median sales prices hovering around the $1.2 million mark. Arlington Heights also offers vacant lots for those who want to live and leave a mark on the neighborhood.

• Sylvan-Highlands: Arlington Heights’ neighbor to the west, Sylvan-Highlands also enjoys a hilltop location and close proximity to some of Portland’s best public green spaces. Hiking trails can be accessed from almost anywhere in the neighborhood, leading to redwood and evergreen forests. Despite its high elevation, most homes in Sylvan-Highlands don’t feature city views. Instead, they enjoy privacy as they lie hidden among trees. This gives residents some room to express their individuality in architecture, as Sylvan-Highlands is known to host several postmodernist abodes alongside Colonials and Craftsmans.

• Goose Hollow: Tucked between Downtown Portland and Arlington Heights, Goose Hollow derives its name from an early local tradition: residents used to let their geese roam free in the 19th century, when the neighborhood was farmland. Today, Goose Hollow is Portland’s sports center, with two soccer teams based in the area: Portland Timbers FC and Portland Thorns FC. As for real estate options, Goose Hollow offerings include Victorian-era homes, bungalows, Colonial Revival properties, and apartments, with prices ranging from the mid $250,000s to $2 million and over.

• Southwest Hills: Perched on the Tualatin Mountains, some homes for sale in this Southwest Portland neighborhood feature breathtaking views of Downtown, framed by tall evergreens. This is thanks to the terraced streets of Southwest Hills, enabling residents to enjoy glimpses of the urban landscape in between forests. And typical of the city, ranchers and bungalows are prevalent in the neighborhood, with the occasional Colonial Revival and Mid-century Modern home thrown into the mix. Average home values in Southwest Hills number around $1.1 million, and expect to pay premium prices for homes with better views.

• Far Southwest: On the southwesternmost corner of the quadrant lies the aptly named neighborhood of Far Southwest. Although it’s roughly a 15-minute drive to Downtown Portland on a good day, Far Southwest’s location is one of its greatest draws, with Beaverton, Lake Oswego, and Wilsonville all accessible from the neighborhood. Furthermore, the suburban environment provides an idyllic backdrop for its real estate market, which consists of updated Mid-century Modern properties and spacious single-family homes with attached garages. With more space, lots in Far Southwest are also more generous in size. Best of all, many homes for sale in Far Southwest, Portland are relatively affordable, with median prices under $1 million.

LIVING IN SOUTHWEST PORTLAND: A LOCAL’S GUIDE

Chic boutiques, gourmet dining, vibrant arts and sports scenes, and easy access to lush parks and scenic hiking trails are just some of the hallmarks that set life in Southwest Portland apart from other places in the Pacific Northwest.

Where to shop

Southwest Portland offers easy access to a diverse array of shopping destinations for its residents. Some of the best places to shop in the quadrant include:

• PSU Farmers Market: Portland Farmers Market’s outpost at the Portland State University campus is open every Saturday and features over 100 vendor stalls that sell everything from fresh produce to hot-and-steaming food products from the city’s chefs.

• Pioneer Place: One of the best high-end shopping malls in Downtown Portland, Pioneer Place plays host to a number of luxury retailers, including Golden Goose, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, and Tiffany & Co.

• Union Way: This trendy indoor shopping arcade is a hotspot for upmarket local shops and dining options. Find the breezeway– which connects Southwest Harvey Milk Street and West Burnside Street– between a bookstore and a stylish hotel to enter this haven.

• The Civic Taproom & Bottle Shop: Located in Goose Hollow, this store has 22 taps that pour a variety of beer, wine, and cider. Come and stay for a pint or two, or check out their collection of beers sourced from all over the world, many of which are on sale.

• Multnomah Village French Quarter: This is a one-stop destination for all of your food and shopping needs. You can find a bevy of carts and brick-and-mortar stores here, all set in a place that’s reminiscent of the owner’s hometown in France.

Where to eat

A thriving culinary scene can be found throughout Southwest Portland, caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. Notable establishments in this part of city include:

• Lechon, a Peruvian-inspired restaurant situated on Portland’s historic waterfront. Dishes served in this stylish space include an ever-changing menu of tapas as well as fresh seafood and locally sourced produce.

• Otto & Anita’s Schnitzelhaus, well-known in Multnomah for their house-made Bavarian specials, made fresh and in small quantities by the proprietors themselves: Otto, a 55-year veteran in the kitchen and his wife, pastry chef Anita.

• Seasons & Regions Seafood Grill, which prides itself for showcasing the best of what the region and the season have to offer through locally sourced ingredients from partner producers and their very own farm.

• Higgins in Downtown Portland, one of the city’s purveyors of Pacific Northwest cuisine and ingredients. Their offerings include a variety of beers and wines sourced from within the region– the perfect partner to your lunch or dinner special.

• Mother’s Bistro & Bar, the best place in Downtown Portland to satisfy your craving for comforting home-cooked meals that feature the best regional produce, from Pacific Northwest wild salmon to Cascade Natural beef.

Where to play

Southwest Portland is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with the area currently home to several attractions:

• Gabriel Park, an 89-acre park that features sports fields, a skatepark, a popular off-leash dog area, and a modern children’s playground designed for more inclusive and dynamic playtimes.

• Tryon Creek State Natural Area, which features 8 miles of beautiful forested trails that weave through a lush second-growth forest that you can enjoy all year round. Horseback riding and cycling are also allowed at the park, with dedicated trails for both activities.

• Washington Park, located south of Arlington Heights, covers over 400 acres and plays host to some of Portland’s best-known attractions, including the Oregon Zoo, the 5.5-acre Portland Japanese Garden, and the World Forestry Museum, to name a few.

  

• Marquam Nature Park near Homestead and Healy Heights, which covers nearly 205 acres of land. It’s an important habitat for several tree species, including Douglas firs, big-leaf maples, and western hemlocks. Endurance athletes can also use the park to connect to the 40-mile Loop Trail via the Marquam Trail.

• Multnomah Athletic Club within Providence Park has over 21,000 members and is one of the largest private athletic clubs in the country. It serves as an important asset and central resource in the Arlington Heights-West Hills area, enabling members to attend social and sporting events such as Timbers games.

Proudly Southwest Portland

Aside from the aforementioned restaurants, shops, and parks, Southwest Portland is also home to the following attractions and events:

• McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
• The Keller Auditorium
• The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
• The Waterfront Blues Festival
• Keller Fountain Park
• The Portland Art Museum
• International Rose Test Garden
• The Oregon Historical Society
• Providence Park Stadium
• Portland Pride

FIND YOUR PERFECT HOME IN SOUTHWEST PORTLAND

If you are looking to explore your real estate options in Southwest Portland, reach out to Adrian Olmstead, a real estate expert and top producer at Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty.

With years of experience under his belt, Adrian is more than equipped to help you explore your options and point you to Southwest Portland homes for sale that are perfect for your needs and lifestyle.

Let Adrian help you navigate the Southwest Portland market. For inquiries, contact Adrian Olmstead at 503.449.9580 or send us an email here.