Renowned for its livability and genuine sense of community, Lake Oswego has become one of the most thriving, affluent communities in the greater Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. Lake Oswego is located to the east of Interstate-5, a mere 10 minutes from downtown Portland.
The city gets its name from the private man-made, 415-acre lake that sits at the heart of the community. Offering year-round water recreation, Fourth of July firework displays, holiday boat parades, swimming facilities and an assortment of waterfront estates, the lake is a favorite amongst neighbors.
Boasting an array of diverse neighborhoods and housing opportunities, Lake Oswego, Oregon offers a lifestyle perfect for the busy Nike or Intel commuter, families, retirees, empty nesters – and everyone in between. From its exceptional schools, mature landscaping and accessibility to all corners of the Portland metropolitan area, Lake Oswego is a popular spot for local buyers searching for the right home.
Lake Oswego real estate opportunities run the gamut from older, more established neighborhoods near the community country club to waterfront estates, condominiums and neighborhoods ideal for the first-time homebuyer.
Lake Oswego Schools
One of the major attractions of the Lake Oswego community – especially for families – is the Lake Oswego School District. Ranked amongst the best schools in the nation, the district is host to six elementary schools, two junior high schools and two high schools, enrolling approximately 7,000 students. The schools boast challenging curriculum, qualified, committed teachers, strong support from families and community, and some of the highest performance scores in the state. Each school in the district has received the honor of Exceptional School by the State of Oregon.
Both of the community’s high schools – Lake Oswego High School and Lakeridge High School – offer opportunities for college-prep academics, Six A sports, visual and performing arts, music and more. An impressive 90% of high school graduates from the Lake Oswego District continue on to college, with acceptance into some of the best and most difficult schools to get into from Dartmouth and Yale to Stanford, Duke and Cornell.
Lake Oswego Waterfront
At the heart of the community sits Oswego Lake, a private, man-made, 405-acre lake that offers a waterfront lifestyle unavailable anywhere else in the Portland metropolitan area. Residents of Lake Oswego enjoy year round access to water sports, a Fourth of July firework extravaganza on the lake, holiday boat parades, swimming facilities and more.
Originally the site of summer homes and cottages for Portland-area residents, today a variety of Lake Oswego luxury properties surround the lake. From multi-million dollar estates to architectural masterpieces, the homes on Oswego Lake are some of the grandest in the region, offering waterfront living at its best with breathtaking and panoramic views and easy water access.
Downtown Lake Oswego
Boasting a Walk Score of 97 out of 100, the commercial/residential mix of downtown district of Lake Oswego is one of the most walkable, convenient neighborhoods in the area. A mix of commercial and residential development, downtown Lake Oswego is a favored neighborhood for area residents to live, work and play.
At the hub of downtown sits Millennium Park, which borders Oswego Lake and is the scene of the community’s Saturday Market, open air concerts, holiday tree lighting gatherings, and many more exciting activities.
Most of the area’s businesses are located in downtown Lake Oswego near the Willamette River, which comprises the city’s eastern boundary. In recent years, the city of Lake Oswego has made a major commitment and investment to redeveloping its downtown. In turn, the progress has brought new restaurants, trendy boutiques, parks and more to this renowned community. In addition, redevelopment has renewed interest in other local entertainment spots in downtown Lake Oswego such as the Lakewood Center for Performing Arts and Lake Twin Theatre.
Westlake Neighborhood
On the west end of the Lake Oswego community resides the Westlake neighborhood. With easy access to Kruse Way and in turn, Highway 217 and Interstate-5, Westlake is a popular community for families to settle down. Not to mention, the neighborhood is conveniently located near the array of corporate businesses dotted along Kruse Way and Meadows Road connected by a central park space, making it a short commute to work for many area residents.
Mountain Park Neighborhood
Perched on the hillside above the Westlake community is Mountain Park, another popular neighborhood within the Lake Oswego city limits. A nationally recognized planned community – and one of the largest in the United States – Mountain Park is home to a variety of niche neighborhoods, condominium projects, mixed-used apartment buildings, a fully staffed clubhouse, aquatic center, tennis courts, parks and eight miles of trails. The neighborhood truly offers something for everybody.
Lake Oswego is host to its own police and fire departments, a well-supported public library and an award-winning senior center. And with 10 parks (including those for your furry friends as well as renowned George Rogers Park), 31 open spaces and nature areas and 43 recreational facilities, Lake Oswego’s approximately 36,619 residents enjoy a variety of opportunities during their free time. Not to mention, Tryon Creek State Park – Oregon’s only state park within a major metropolitan area – is located minutes away.
Buying a Home in Lake Oswego, Oregon
Whether you’re searching for Lake Oswego waterfront property for sale, a condo in Mountain Park, a starter home in First Addition or Lake Oswego luxury estates, Kathy Hall is the resource to turn for your Lake Oswego home search.
Moving to Lake Oswego, Oregon? Contact Kathy Hall today at 503-720-3900 for a personalized tour of one of her most favorite communities in the Portland area. View all Lake Oswego real estate transactions and links below:
Lake Oswego Waterfront Properties
New Lake Oswego Homes and Estates
Accessible Lake Oswego Housing
Visit the Lake Oswego School District website