Deciding to move to Lake Oswego is an easy decision—a “no-brainer” in my very biased opinion. But choosing the best neighborhood in Lake Oswego is much more difficult. Why? Because there are no “bad” ones as I point out many times in this blog. I’ve covered many of the Lake Oswego neighborhoods in previous posts like the First Addition, Hallinan, Bryant and Westlake. Today I’d like to shine the spotlight on Lake Grove.

Lake Grove residents have lots to brag about considering their neighborhood is….

Home to the oldest tree in Lake Oswego. – Two Douglas Firs located at the end of Brookside Road. This neighborhood is very proud and protective of its tree canopy which is one of its distinguishing characteristics.

Home to Lake Grove Swim Park. This location was actually the former sales office for Atchison & Allen, the marketing firm for the Lake View Villas—the first residential development on Oswego Lake. When the Ladd Estate Company took over in 1923 as marketers, they moved their sales office to Graef Circle and offered the park to the community twice before finally finding some takers in the local school board. That is why to this day, use of the park is restricted to residents who live within the original boundaries of the Lake Grove School District.

Home to a herd of peacocks (and other wildlife). My wife came upon a flock of peacocks while walking down the cut-through from Upper Drive to Lakeview Drive at Reese Road. And recently I admired a family of deer outside my office window on Boones Ferry Road.

Home to the thriving Lake Grove business district including Zupan’s Market, and popular restaurants like La Provence, Babica Hen, Gubanc’s and Riccardo’s, not to mention a couple Starbucks and Café Marzocca.

Home to the Lake Oswego Hunt equestrian center, an historic spot that offers private horse boarding, lessons, horse shows and private training.

Home to the Iron Mountain Trail and Campbell Native Gardens. The Iron Mountain Trails run about 1.73 miles and include a moderately steep trail behind the Hunt Club that rewards you with a view at the top. When you’re done you can rest on a bench in the Campbell Native Gardens across the street from the Hunt Club. This intimate all native garden is dedicated to the Campbell family who were very involved in the development of Lake Oswego.

Home to Lake Grove Elementary School. As with Lake Oswego neighborhoods, you can’t go wrong with Lake Oswego schools either. The Lake Oswego School District was picked the #1 school district in Oregon by niche.com which looks at things like academics, teachers and activities. Lake Grove came in as the fifth top ranked elementary school in the state (with grades of A+ in teachers and A in academics) behind three other Lake Oswego schools: Oak Creek, Westridge and River Grove, and Riverdale Elementary in Riverdale.

Home to many larger than average size lots. Originally the Lake View Villas were developed as acre parcels. While most of them have been divided since they were first platted in 1912, you can still find some half acre sites within the Lake Grove neighborhood boundaries, although they are going, going…almost gone as they too are being divided.

Home to one of the oldest and most active neighborhood associations in the City of Lake Oswego where members work to preserve the area’s natural beauty while also accommodating a growing population and encouraging a thriving business community. It’s a fine balance to walk but committed residents invest their time and energies to ensure that it happens.

If you re thinking of moving to or around Lake Oswego, let me put my over 30 years’ experience living and selling real estate here to work for you. Check out my website and/or give me a call at 503.939.9801. I’d love to show you around and help you pick the best neighborhood in Lake Oswego to meet your needs.