Guide to the City of Lake Oswego, Oregon

 

Although it's just eight miles south of downtown Portland, Lake Oswego is not your typical bedroom community. The thriving city of almost 37,000 is centered around the lake of the same name and bordered by the Willamette River, offering wonderful views and great walks

In the nineteenth century, Lake Oswego was a thriving steel town, but after the smelter fell silent, the area was reborn as a residential development. Since the 1930s Lake Oswego has been one of the well-heeled suburbs of Portland, boasting graceful architecture and ample recreation. The parks, public golf course and meandering picturesque river make the community a pleasant retreat. Portland's urban amenities are close by and Lake Oswego also supports numerous local cultural endeavors.

The Lake

The most desirable property is around the large private lake fed by the Tualatin River. The lake is maintained by the Lake Oswego Corporation, and lake access is mostly deeded to lakefront property owners. The lake is closed to anyone but members of the Lake Oswego Corporation.

The Lake Oswego Corporation (LOC) is a non-profit organization that manages all matters regarding the 415-acre Oswego Lake: safety (via the Lake Patrol), water quality, maintenance, boat and operator licensing, lakefront building permits, and special events. The entity manages Oswego Lake through easement agreements involving 694 lakefront and about 4,500 nearby homes, representing 12,000 to 13,000 residents.

The LOC, with the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lake Oswego, co-sponsor a variety of community activities. Events include: July Fourth Boat Parade and fireworks display; Earth Day, a water-quality education program; and a Christmas Holiday Boat Parade featuring lighted watercraft. The LOC diverts water from the Tualatin River and produces energy through its hydroelectric facility.

The lake hasn't always enjoyed the reputation it does today. The Oregon Iron & Steel Co. managed it until 1941, when property owners incorporated as the Lake Corp. It wasn't until the collapse of the iron industry in the late 1800s that Oregon Iron & Steel began marketing the lake as a playground for the wealthy. Sucker Lake's name was changed to Oswego Lake and weekend cottages became year-round homes. Now, houses on the lake routinely sell for $1 million and more. Property owners have shares in the corporation, depending on the amount of lake frontage they own. Of the 6,000 plus shares, the 20 neighborhood easements each have one; the city, which owns property on Lakewood Bay, has 92.

Access to the Lake

It’s a 415-acre lake used by at least 800 registered boaters. But officially, Lake Oswego’s favorite playground is nonnavigable. That helps keep outsiders off the water. When Oregon gained statehood in 1859, the state assumed ownership of all land underlying navigable waterways, setting up a conflict with property owners who surround Oswego Lake and continue to claim it as their own. Landowners have since enlarged the lake and strengthened their legal position. In 1976, then-U.S. Sen. Mark Hatfield won approval of federal legislation declaring the lake nonnavigable. But every few years someone challenges the ruling and wants to revisit the issue.  They claim the state’s sovereign rights to the water supersede federal and private designations and that the city is obligated to pursue public access.

Lake Oswego Schools

The Lake Oswego School District is the third best school district in the country with the most affordable homes, according to a May 2013 report by ZipRealty. The real estate brokerage company ranked school districts by coming up with a 1 to 10 score for schools — based on 2010 test scores and student-to-teacher ratio — and using the median price per square foot for a home in the district. Lake Oswego’s 9.6 school score combined with a median price per square foot of $167 netted it the third-place spot. The majority of the districts in the top ten are suburban ones outside major cities.

The Oregon State Department of Education awarded all the schools in the Lake Oswego a grade of "Outstanding" for the 2011-12 school year. They had achieved the same grade in previous years.

Communities in Lake Oswego

First Addition

Historic Lake Oswego is known as "First Addition" which originated in the 1890s when the town was still called simply Oswego. This neighborhood is in the far east side of the city, north of "A" Street. It's an area of 25-30 blocks of historic homes. You will also find many newer homes in the area. This property is so desirable that people buy up bargain homes and replace them with new ones. Many of the First Addition blocks have alleys.

In 2006, Cottage Living magazine named First Addition as one of the ten best cottage communities in the country. The national magazine gushed over the quaint homes, the easy walk to downtown and Lake Oswego, and the "jewel-box gardens winking from behind picket fences."

If you live in First Addition, it's a short walk to the "Village Center", a 6-7 block area of offices, shops, markets, and a few restaurants. The north end of the neighborhood borders the 645-acre Tryon Creek State Park.

First Addition was where "additional" workers lived when a local iron foundry boomed briefly. Remnants of the foundry may still be seen a short way upriver at George Rogers Park, where picnic grounds, ball fields, tennis courts and cozy beaches offer a compact and inviting family-fun venue.

Visit the First Addition Neighborhood Association Web site.

Mountain Park

Mountain Park a nationally recognized planned community in Lake Oswego with a population of approximately 10,000.

Mountain Park is situated on 700 acres of land and is located on a dormant volcano known as Mt. Sylvania in the Northwest corner of Lake Oswego. Mountain Park was the vision of Carl Halvorson and was developed in 1968. Most of the 185 acres of common area is undeveloped and maintained in a natural state and a large portion is manicured and beautifully landscaped. Mountain Park is made up of single family homes, townhouses, condominiums, and apartments.

The summit of Mountain Park (Nansen Summit) is 975 feet in elevation and a stunning 360 degree view. The entire Portland Metro area and the Cascades and Coastal Mountain ranges can be seen on a clear day.

As a member of the Mountain Park Home Owners Association you have access to all amenities including the Recreation Center, tennis courts, parks, playgrounds, 15 miles of walking paths, and a host of life-style enhancing services, programs and special events provided by the Mountain Park Staff.

Portland Monthly Magazine Neighborhood Guide

The Portland Monthly magazine features neighborhoods in their April issue every year. It has a ton of information about Portland neighborhoods as well as suburban communities.

To help those in the housing market, the magazine combines all the data from about 120 neighborhoods and communities in the Portland metro area. Include in the document are housing prices, school ratings, demographics, crime statistics, parks, commuting information, and services. Click here to view the report. 

Parks and Recreation

The Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation Department offers numerous programs and activities for adults, teens, and youngsters. Classes include gardening, golf, tennis, sculling, plus many others.

There is a city-owned sports center on the Willamette River, two public swimming facilities on the 405-acre Oswego Lake, a self-financed 18-hole golf course, indoor tennis center, and outdoor amphitheater right along the river.

There are 539 acres of parks and open spaces in Lake Oswego. In addition to the city's parks, the 645-acre Tyron Creek State Park is Oregon's only state park within a major metropolitan area and it is located in the northeast corner of Lake Oswego. Lake Oswego has 14 miles of bike lanes.

Lakewood Theater Company

The Lakewood Theater Company is a popular and financially successful member of the arts community, it is the cornerstone around which Lakewood Center has been built. Lakewood Theater Company began in November, 1952, when a group of Lake Oswegans decided that their community was not complete without a theater and decided to organize what was known as the Oswego Players.

Lake Oswego Walking Tour

Lake Oswego has reclaimed its industrial waterfront, turning it into a series of riverside parks. This 4.4 walk takes you from the Millennium Plaza Park with its view of Lakewood Bay and adjoining shops and restaurants, back to the origin of the once gritty mining town of Oswego. Click here to download the guide.

Community Demographics and Web Sites

• City of Lake Oswego  2010 US Census Demographics  Profile of general demographics characteristics.
• City of Lake Oswego  City Web site.
• Clackamas County Elections Division  How Lake Oswego votes.
• Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce  Chamber of Commerce.
• Lake Oswego Review  Weekly newspaper.

More About Lake Oswego

• Location  Eight miles south of downtown Portland. You can approach Lake Oswego from the west on I-5 and the east on Highway 43.
• Origin of Name  "Oswego" is derived from the Iroquois phrase "on ti ahan toque," meaning "where the valley widens" or "flowing out." The founders of Lake Oswego named it after their home town (Oswego) in New York.
• Neighborhood Associations  The City has 21 neighborhood associations.
• Topography  Gently rolling hills and some flat areas with mature trees in yards and parks.
• Parks  1,184 acres to include the Tyron State Park.
• ¹Drive Time to Downtown  About 20 minutes.
• Public Transportation  View the schedules and a map of the Lake Oswego Transit Center. Lake Oswego has five bus lines and two of these routes, the 35 and the 36, go between the downtown Portland bus mall and Lake Oswego. No MAX light rail or streetcar service. It is a remote possibility that the popular Portland streetcar line may be extended into Lake Oswego sometime in the distant future. 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.
• ²Census 2010 Demographics  Population: 36,619. Area size: 10.68 square miles. Number of households: 15,311. Median household income of $81,097 (metro area median household was $49,260). Diversity: 10.7% non-Caucasian. Percent of residents over 25 years of age holding a bachelor's degree or higher: 66.1%. Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $535,300. See City Data for more information about Lake Oswego.
• Crime Stats  18 violent crimes in 2011 and there were 15 crimes per 1,000 residents. 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. The latest crime stats (by neighborhood) are available at the Lake Oswego Police Department.
• 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.
• ³Shopping and Services  Number of supermarkets: 5. Number of health clubs: 6. Public libraries: 1. There are three commercial areas in Lake Oswego. (1) A 5-6 block area known a First Addition along Highway 43 on the east side of the city. This commercial section continues south of the First Addition along highway 43. (2) A mix of malls and businesses on the west side of Lake Oswego and south of Kruse Way on Boones Ferry Road. (3) A mall on the north end (west side) of the city on Boones Ferry Road.
• Renters vs. Home Owners  Occupied owner units in Lake Oswego according to Census 2010: 71.7%. Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $535,300.
• Who Lives in Lake Oswego  Families drawn to the highly-regarded school system and quiet suburban life style as well as retirees who want to golf and enjoy the facilities of the Adult Community Center. The city residents are professionals as evidenced by the median income of $79,406 according to Census 2010. The percentage of residents 25 and older that hold a bachelor's degree or higher is 66.1%.
• They Probably Drive  Luxury vehicles such as BMWs and Mercedes are often seen on the streets of Lake Oswego along with SUVs.
• Biking 14 miles of bike lanes.
• Schools  Lake Oswego School District. The schools in the Lake Oswego rate among the best in the state as evidenced by the state report cards and test scores.
• ⁴School Report Card Grades  Elementary schools: O/S. Middle schools: O/S. High schools: O/S. Click here for report card details.
• Housing Types and Styles  Lake Oswego’s original neighborhoods reflect a glimpse of England, with English Cottage and Tudor Revival homes designed by architect Richard Sundeleaf between 1920 and 1940. Today most residents live in new developments in a variety of housing types to include condos and townhomes.

⁵Lake Oswego Home Prices

• Number of Homes Sold in Lake Oswego—►  710 homes were sold in 2012 and 22% were distressed sales. 607 homes were sold in 2011 and 9% were distressed property sales. In 2010 there were 564 homes sold and 22% were distressed property sales.
• Median Price for Homes Sold in Lake Oswego—►  $404,475 in 2012, $390,000 in 2011, $400,000 in 2010, $408,000 in 2009, $492,500 in 2008, and $485,000 in 2007.
• 1-Year Median Sales Price Change for Lake Oswego—►  In 2012 the sales price change was 4%, in 2011 the sales price change was -3%, and in 2010 the change was -2%.
• 5-Year Median Sales Price Change in Lake Oswego—►  2008 to 2012 the sales price change was -18%. 2007 to 2011 the sales price change was -20%. From 2006 to 2010 the change was -18%.
• Portland Metro Area Median Home Price—►  $235,000 in 2012, $221,000 in 2011, $239,900 in 2010, $247,000 in 2009, $278,000 in 2008, and $290,000 in 2007.
• Portland Metro Area Average Home Price—►  $275,000 in 2012, $263,300 in 2011, $282,100 in 2010, $289,900 in 2009, $330,300 in 2008, and $342,000 in 2007.

Search for Homes in Lake Oswego

To search for homes in Lake Oswego, go to SpatialMatch®, a real-time interactive geo-spatial search platform that delivers a totally new way to search for real estate online. Every aspect of the search process is conducted on the map, creating a fluid and entertaining user experience. You can specify the criteria and obtain all the current listings that match for Lake Oswego. If you save your search criteria, you will be given the option to have new listings that match your criteria automatically e-mailed to you.

Below you can see SpatialMatch's map displaying homes currently for sale in Lake Oswego.

 

 

• Click here to view a video tutorial about the SpatialMatch® Search system.
• To determine a property exposure to landslides and earth quakes, insert the address of the property into the LIDAR system.
  
• Your feedback about the SpatialMatch® system is welcome by emailing  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

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¹Drive 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.
²Demographics Data   Numbers were obtained from U.S. Census 2010 and www.portlandmaps.com.
³Shopping and Services  Numbers were determined from local directory listings and county/municipal library systems.
⁴School Report Card Grades  "O" = Outstanding; "S" = Satisfactory; "I" = In Need of Improvement.
⁵Real Estate Values  Data on real estate values provided by RMLS^tm. Distressed properties refer to the percentage of total homes sold that were short sales and bank-owned properties.