Your Source for Portland Property

Portland, the largest city in Oregon, was founded as a real estate development. In 1843 a Tennessee drifter, William Overton, and a Massachusetts lawyer, Asa Lovejoy were exploring the Willamette River. Overton saw incredible beauty and potential in the timber rich land surrounded by mountains, but he didn't have the 25¢ then needed to file a claim on the land. Lovejoy had the necessary funds and in return for the quarter, Overton would share his claim to a 640-acre parcel that came to be known as"The Clearing."

The two began cutting timber and building roads. Overton soon sold his half of the claim to Francis W. Pettygrove. Lovejoy wanted to name the site after Boston, his hometown; Pettygrove was determined the parcel should be named Portland after his hometown in Maine. A flip of a coin, today referred to as the"Portland Penny" decided the name.

Straddling the Willamette River just south of where it joins the Columbia River, Portland's climate is temperate with warm summers and wet, but mild winters. It's ideal for rose growing. Nicknamed"The City of Roses" and" Rose City" during the 1905 Lewis and Clark centennial exposition, Portland also known as" Bridgetown" for it's numerous bridges,"Puddletown," for it's rainfall,"Stumptown" for it's timber interests and even" River City."

Portland is a well-planned city, partly as a result of Oregon 's land-use policies. In 1974 an urban growth boundary (UBG) was created that limits urban sprawl and preserves agricultural land, low density development, and open space outside the city. The UBG also helps the city focus its infrastructure development, like water, sewer and other services in the areas where it is most needed.

Although developers tend to claim UBGs force housing prices up in the city, the truth is Portland 's home costs are still lower than urban areas in California and Washington. Plus, residents' benefits from the more compact urban areas include good public transportation and the resultant less traffic than sprawling cities of similar populations. Portland is a truly livable city, making it ideal for families. The livability also tends to help maintain real estate values, making the area a great real estate investment.

Of course, Portland isn't a city in isolation. It has several delightful communities. South you'll find Lake Oswego, a small but well-run city that also has deep roots in Oregon history.

Today, homes in Lake Oswego range from relatively inexpensive condominiums to luxurious, custom mansions on large properties. There are quaint homes dating back to the 20s and 30s in town and properties with modern homes and lake access. There are homes on parcels big enough to subdivide, and land ready for development.

To the southwest of Portland and only minutes away is Tigard. Tigard's downtown is being restored and rapidly becoming a small jewel. Known for its over 300 acres of parks, Tigard is a wonderful place for family.

South of Tigard is Tualatin which is famous for its trees and parks, making it a delightful place to live.

Almost directly west of Portland is Beaverton. A sophisticated city in its own right, Beaverton offers a broad selection of homes and other real estate possibilities.