According to Tracy Prince's book Portland's Goose Hollow, Goose Hollow is "one of Portland's oldest neighborhoods, Goose Hollow is steps from downtown and beloved for its quirky character, historic homes, spectacular views, and walkability. Over a century ago, the actual "hollow" was dramatically altered when the meandering Tanner Creek, in a deep gulch with several trestle bridge crossings, was diverted underground and infilled. The creek's presence is still felt in the ravine carved through the Tualatin Mountains (spanned by the Vista Bridge) and in the neighborhood's identity."
While the neighborhood has now less than half the housing stock it had thirty years ago, it remains one of the most densely populated parts of the city. Its attractiveness as a place to live has much to do with this association's insistence on maintaining a pedestrian environment and rebuilding a community focus lost in a period of dislocation and changing patterns of urbanization accompanying the development of urban freeways. Recent trends are toward rebuilding the neighborhood's housing stock with new units exceeding demolitions in the 1990's.>
The Westside MAX public art program added the vision of over 20 artists to the planning and design of the light-rail system, resulting in the installation of over 100 art elements along the Westside line. Here in Goose Hollow many residents, students and businesses contributed to the art found at the Civic Stadium, Kings Hill and Goose Hollow stations. View the art at the MAX Train Web site.
The naming of Dr. Ethan Sperry as Director of the Chancel Choir at First United Methodist Church in 2010 meant that no pew goes without a body as parishioners are filling the Goose Hollow church to hear his music. Ethan also serves as theDirector of Choral Activities at Portland State University. Over his ten-year tenure as head of the glee club at Miami University, Sperry honed the ensemble into an internationally recognized ensemble with numerous invitational performances around the globe, including trips to Europe, eastern Europe, China, and throughout the United States. Dr. Sperry's choirs are already making a mark in Portland.
History of Goose Hollow
The Goose Hollow Foothills League Neighborhood Association is host to five historic residential communities. These consist of an uptown area of older brick apartment houses and residential hotels, mixed with commercial and light industrial activities that we have called the Lownsdale area. Another area called Kings Hill once hosted the residences of Portland's turn of the century wealthier merchants, now partly infilled with higher density apartments and offices.
Goose Hollow itself, is the site of a creek, long since buried, that was the primary residence for a substantial goose population in the late nineteenth century. It is an outskirt of downtown that mixed commercial, residential, industrial, and highway commercial activities in an area that had been family farms and Portland suburbs before the automobile.
Gander Ridge and Vista Ridge are at the foot of Portland Heights and at the edge of the bowl that makes downtown Portland and Goose Hollow.
Tracy Prince's book, Portland's Goose Hollow (see above book cover), "uncovers the little-known history of one of Portland's oldest and most-loved neighborhoods. The book's foreword is written by legendary character, former mayor, and Goose Hollow resident Bud Clark. The book provides definitive answers to how Goose Hollow got its name and how Tanner Creek, long since buried. Stories are also told of the Great Plank Road, City Park's slow-moving landslide, and famous residents such as Daniel Lownsdale, C. E. S. Wood, Dr. Marie Equi, John Reed, and Bud Clark. Historic institutions such as Civic Stadium, Multnomah Athletic Club, Lincoln High School, and Washington Park are also featured."
Origin of the Name Goose Hollow
Goose Hollow was named after the migrating geese who used to stop there to gather. Conflicts over the free-ranging geese were called Goose Wars. Another version is that it acquired its distinctive name through early residents’ practice of letting their geese run free throughout the area.
Goose Hollow Home Styles
Goose Hollow has every type of home to include apartment buildings, condos, townhomes, and a few detached single-family homes (many of these are listed on the National Register of Historic Places). Some apartment buildings have been converted into condos and new condos were also built in the 2000s. The west side of the neighborhood has some beautiful historic large homes. Over 80 percent of the residents reside in an apartment and this number is increasing. Much of the apartment living is by students at Portland State University which is just across the I-405 freeway from Goose Hollow. The 2000 census: 67.1% of the households have one person per household.
The King's Hill Historic District is bounded by W. Burnside Street, SW Canyon Road, SW 21st Street and Washington Park. Within the 430 acre historic district are 105 buildings to include many homes. The styles of these homes include Late Victorian, late 19th and early 20th Century American Movements, and late 19th and 20th Century Revivals.
1Goose Hollow Home Prices
Number of homes sold in Goose Hollow in 2010: 66 and almost all were condos. Distressed properties sales were 26%.
Median price for homes sold in Goose Hollow: $312,500 in 2010; $282,500 in 2009; $292,000 in 2008: $279,300 in 2007.
Median sales price change in 2010 from 2009 in Goose Hollow: 15%.
5-year median sales price change in Goose Hollow: 16%.
Metro area median home prices: $239,900 in 2010; $247,000 in 2009; $278,000 in 2008; $290,000 in 2007.
Metro area average home prices: $282,100 in 2010; $289,900 in 2009; $330,300 in 2008; $342,000 in 2007.
Please be aware that the above figures are subject to error and are intended as guidelines only. To view Goose Hollow homes currently for sale click here. The latest market trends for the neighborhood are available at the site also by clicking on the "Neighborhood Report" icon.
Parks and Health Clubs in Goose Hollow
Jeld-Wen Field (former PGE Park) is a sports facility located on the north edge of Goose Hollow. Jeld-Wen is home to Portland Timbers professional soccer team. The Timbers joined the Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2011. The former multi-purpose stadium was renovated in 2010-2011 for soccer and football at a cost of $31 million.
The stadium was originally built in 1926 and has undergone a number of transformations over the years. Not only is the stadium home to the Timbers, but a number of other teams and events call Jeld-Wen Field home. Portland State University plays its home football games at Jeld-Wen and Portland State women’s soccer program also plays a number of games at the stadium.
The Multnomah Club is a private health and social club located next to PGE Park and its facility is about 350,000 square feet. It has multiple swimming pools, gyms, and restaurants. Undoubtedly the premier health club in the metro area, the drawback is getting a membership into the club. They use a lottery system for adding new members.
Washington Park is located on the west edge of Goose Hollow and you will find many Goose Hollow residents running, hiking, and enjoying all of its attractions.
Goose Hollow has one acre of park land and open spaces according to Metro and the Portland Department of Parks and Recreation.
MAX Line Makes Living Easy in Goose Hollow
A benefit of living in Goose Hollow is the access to the MAX Light Rail trains. They comes rolling right through the neighborhood. Whether you commute to downtown or west to Beaverton or Hillsboro, it's a easy walk down the to a MAX stop from most parts of the neighborhood. If you work downtown, you could walk to work downtown or bike very easily. If you don't want to take the MAX or walk, there's bus service in the community.
Local Institutions: Goose Hollow Inn and Leaky Roof Pub & Grill
The name alone will entice you to stop in for a pint and sandwich: Leaky Roof! Here is what the Portland Monthly Magazine had to say about the pub: "If this modest beer house and eatery were any better camouflaged, even bloodhounds would have trouble sniffing it out. Tucked inside a bland yellow bungalow on SW Jefferson St, the Leaky Roof has been tracking Goose Hollow foot traffic since 1947. The cozy corner bar has a fair number of beers and assorted spirits, but the wall of whiskey draws the most attention."
You can lunch with former Portland Mayor Bud Clark at his Goose Hollow Inn. As mayor, "Bud" Clark created the nationally recognized 12-Point Homeless Plan, supported the growth of mass transit, including the MAX Light Rail line to Hillsboro, Oregon, aided downtown development, and initiated and led the campaign to build the Oregon Convention Center. Clark also sanctioned The Mayor's Ball, an annual charity event featuring independent musicians from all over the Northwest. It could be argued that The Mayor's Ball was instrumental in building a music scene that helped to fuel the Nineties' grunge movement.
The tavern owner served eight years (1985 - 1992) and now has returned to running his tavern called Goose Hollow Inn. It has a pleasant deck where you can drink away your frustrations with the rest of the City Hall roustabouts. The Hollow's Reuben sandwich is always a winner. The Goose Hollow is located at 1927 SW Jefferson Street.
Money Magazine: Goose Hollow is one of the Best Places to Retire
The October 2007 issue of Money Magazine named the Goose Hollow neighborhood as one of the best places to retire. The article states that, "Goose Hollow is walking distance to Washington Park, which is home to the Japanese Garden, the International Test Rose Garden and the Hoyt Arboretum. As one of the original residential areas in Portland, Goose Hollow is marked by turn-of-the-century homes."
Goose Hollow Video
Here's a video of life in Goose Hollow. It's a bit artsy with music in the background but very entertaining. It's fun getting a look at the neighborhood buildings and haunts.
Walking in Goose Hollow
Here are some walking tours in the downtown area of Portland:
Public Art Walking Tour The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) along with the Portland Oregon Visitors Association have a Public Art Walking Tour map/brochure – a colorful guide to nearly 100 public art pieces in downtown Portland and the near eastside. This free brochure is available at Portland-area visitor centers, or by calling RACC at (503) 823-5111. You can also download a copy by clicking here.
Walking Tour to Pittock Mansion This 2.8-mile walk begins in Northwest Portland and climbs some of the city's longest staircases through Westover Heights. It ends at the Pittock Mansion, a restored French Renaissance Revival chateau. The home, its grounds, and fabulous views are open to the public. Click here to download the guide.
Walking Tour Nob Hill and the Pearl District This 3.3-mile walk begins at PGE Park it takes you through historic neighborhoods to shops, galleries, restaurants, and theaters in the Pearl District and Nob Hill. Click here to download the guide.
Walk Score ranks 2,508 neighborhoods in the largest 40 U.S. cities to help you find a walkable place to live. 45% of Portland residents have a Walk Score of 70 or above. 83% have a Walk Score of at least 50—and 17% live in Car-Dependent neighborhoods. Below is the Walk Score for Jeld-Wen Field in Goose Hollow.
Location West of downtown. When you cross I-405, you're in Goose Hollow. The streets are all "Southwest" and if they say "Northwest", you are in the Northwest District neighborhood.
2Drive Time to Downtown Five to six minutes.
Topography Flat with mature trees in yards and parks. A slight rise in elevation going from east to west.
Sidewalks and Streets Goose Hollow has sidewalks for walking except for some winding roads in the south part of the neighborhood. Most of the streets have parked cars lining them.
Livability Study 90.5% of Goose Hollow residents rated their neighborhood "good" or "very good." See Livability Study.
Public TransportationTriMet has numerous bus routes in Goose Hollow. The MAX light rail line rolls right through the center of the neighborhood (three stops). No streetcars in Goose Hollow. Transit Score provides a 0-100 rating indicating how well an address is served by public transportation. Ratings range from "Rider's Paradises" to areas with limited or no nearby public transportation.
3Demographics Population: 5,433. Area size: 288 acres. Average population density: 21 persons per acre (includes vacant spaces). Number of households: 3,792. Percent of home owners: 16. Percent of renters: 84. Median household income: $35,356. Diversity: 25% non-Caucasian.
4Crime Stats for 2010 21 violent crimes. Total crimes per 1,000 residents was 72. For the latest crime statistics for the Goose Hollow neighborhood, click here.
Sex Offenders Click here for the State of Oregon Sex Offender Inquiry System. After agreeing to the "Conditions of Use Statement" you will be redirected to a "Enter Search Criteria" page. Insert a zip code in the "Zip" field and click on the "Query" button. Goose Hollow zip code(s): 97201, 97205, 97209.
5Shopping and Services Number of supermarkets: 1. Number of health clubs: 1. Number of coffee shops: 6. These numbers are somewhat misleading as residents have access to numerous food markets just across West Burnside to include Fred Meyer, Zupan's, Trader Joe's on NW Glisan, Whole Foods closer to downtown, and City Market on NW 21st Avenue.
Farmers Markets The Wednesday market is held between Southwest Salmon and Main streets. 10 am-2 pm Wednesdays, May-October. The Saturday market is held at the South Park Blocks by PSU between Southwest Harrison and Montgomery streets. 8:30 am-2 pm Saturdays, March-December. The Northwest District/Nob Hill farmer is between Northwest 23rd Avenue and Savier Street, 3 pm-7 pm Thursdays, June-September. Pioneer Courthouse Square is held 10:00 am-2:00 pm on Mondays from June-December. More information at Portland Farmers Market.
Eating Out Most residents hike across Burnside to the Northwest District or downtown. If you want food in Goose Hollow you can get the best Reuben sandwich on the West Coast at the Goose Hollow Inn located at 1927 SW Jefferson Street. The Hotel deLuxe has a restaurant — called Gracie’s after comedian Gracie Allen — and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is located at 729 SW 15th Avenue. Most residents head across Burnside and dine in the Nob Hill neighborhood.
Who Lives in Goose Hollow Students from Portland State University who rent, young folks who want to be close to downtown, and empty nesters who like condo living. About two-thirds of the residents are under 40 years of age. The median age is 36.
What They Drive in Goose Hollow SUVs and luxury autos at the detached single-family homes and a mix of autos at apartments and condos. Many Portland State University students bike to class.
6Biking Quality is high. Goose Hollow has four miles of bike lanes.
What's in the Recycle Bin Pinot Noir wine bottles and Tanqueray Ten gin on the west side of the neighborhood. Beer bottles in the apartments houses (PSU students).
1Real Estate Values Data on real estate values provided by RMLStm. Distressed properties refer to the percentage of total homes sold that were short sales and bank-owned properties.
2Drive Time to Downtown Estimated commuting time obtained from Yahoo Maps and Google Maps. Drive time was calculated from a central intersection in each neighborhood to Pioneer Courthouse Square during the morning peak commute time.
3Demographics Data Numbers were obtained from Census 2000 and www.portlandmaps.com.
4Crime Statistics Numbers on crime represent total crimes for 2010 and were obtained from Portland Police Bureau. Violent crimes are defined as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Crimes per 1,000 are based on reported incidents of violent crime, as well as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.
5Shopping and Services Numbers were determined from local directory listings and county/municipal library systems.
6Biking Quality rating based on the 2007 Cycle Zone Analysis conducted by the City of Portland Office of Transportation. The six-tier ratings have been reduced to three levels: High, Fair, and Low.
7School Report Card Grades Schools ratings from the Oregon Department of Education 2009-2010 performance assessment. "O" = Outstanding; "S" = Satisfactory; "I" = In Need of Improvement; NR = Not Rated.
North: West Burnside Street.
East: I-405
South: Going from east to west, SW Cardinell Drive to SW Jackson Street to SW Vista Avenue.
West: Washington Park.
To learn more about the
Goose Hollow neighborhood
visit Portland Maps.
It will provide you with a list of businesses, demographic data,
crime stats, parks, schools, aerial photos, maps,
elevation, etc.
All you need is a property address − use
"1849 SW Salmon Street"
According to Tracy Prince's book 
The naming of Dr. Ethan Sperry as
The Goose Hollow Foothills League Neighborhood Association is host to five historic residential communities. These consist of an uptown area of older brick apartment houses and residential hotels, mixed with commercial and light industrial activities that we have called the 
Goose Hollow has every type of home to include apartment buildings, condos, townhomes, and a few detached single-family homes (many of these are listed on the National Register of Historic Places). Some apartment buildings have been converted into condos and new condos were also built in the 2000s. The west side of the neighborhood has some beautiful historic large homes. Over 80 percent of the residents reside in an apartment and this number is increasing. Much of the apartment living is by students at Portland State University which is just across the I-405 freeway from Goose Hollow. The 2000 census: 67.1% of the households have one person per household. ); "Click to Enlarge")
