•is considered one of the best small towns in the U.S.
•has been listed as the safest town in the state
•was recognized as a top suburb for urban style living in the U.S.
•has a school district that consistently ranks among the best in the state and the nation
•Family Circle recognized as one of 10 best towns for families?
You ask, “Where is it?” and say, “I want to live there!”
Well, the town is Lake Oswego, Oregon and we don’t blame you for wanting to live here. We help clients do just that every day.
But don’t just take our word on these accolades. Here’s the proof:
Top Place to Live
Money.com included Lake Oswego as the 14th best place to live in the United States in their 2021–22 rankings. The evaluation considered job growth, cost of living, health and safety, education, diversity, and overall quality of life. The article praised Lake Oswego for its beautiful natural surroundings, walkable downtown, public art, and a strong sense of community.
Academic Excellence & Top Schools
Niche further places LOSD in the top percentile nationally, including high marks for athletics and teacher quality Niche.
U.S. News & World Report placed Lakeridge High School and Lake Oswego Senior High in the top 10 of Oregon high schools (#3 and #7 respectively)
Safest Small Town in Oregon
According to MoneyGeek, Lake Oswego was ranked the safest small town in Oregon based on “cost of crime” analysis using 2023 FBI data. The town’s per-capita crime cost of $196 was significantly lower than the statewide average of $1,141 for small cities, underscoring how safe it is to live here.
Top Suburb for Urban-Style Living
In a 2023 study by StorageCafe, Lake Oswego was ranked 20th out of 912 U.S. cities (with populations of 10,000–100,000) for offering the best urban-style living without the disadvantages of a big city. The ranking spotlighted the city’s robust business sector, relatively high median income, life expectancy, and a charming, walkable downtown. Lake Oswego was also the only city in Oregon or Washington to make their top 100 list.
Best Town for Families
Back in 2012, Family Circle magazine named Lake Oswego one of its “10 Best Towns for Families.” The recognition was based on a data-driven survey that evaluated factors like affordable housing, good schools, green spaces, low crime, and community spirit. Lake Oswego was featured among the top communities nationwide that excelled in these family-friendly qualities.
Sound too good to be true? We can assure you it’s not. Let us help you discover why Lake Oswego has earned all these honors. Give us a call and we’ll put our experience and expertise to work to make your next move your best one!
‘Tis the season to be spooked, but as we move into a balanced housing market there is no reason for buyers or sellers to be scared away.
Why is that?
Over the past few years, the real estate market in Lake Oswego and the greater Portland metro has swung between extremes: first a red-hot seller’s market during the pandemic, then fears of slipping into a buyer’s market. Right now, we’re seeing signs of a more balanced market, which is healthier overall — for both buyers and sellers.
Here’s what makes a balanced housing market so positive and how it differs from past conditions.
What Is a Balanced Housing Market?
A balanced housing market is one where supply and demand are relatively even. Typically, when there are 5-6 months of inventory (that is, the time it would take to sell all homes currently listed, if no new ones were added), the market is neither favoring buyers strongly nor giving all the power to sellers. Right now, there are 5.8 months of inventory in the Lake Oswego housing market.
Benefits:
For buyers:
More choices of homes, more time to make decisions without being squeezed into over-bidding or waiving inspections.
More negotiation power — on price, repairs, closing costs.
Better, more transparent disclosures, and less risk of overpaying.
For sellers:
Realistic pricing becomes effective — sellers can expect to get close to, though not wildly above, list.
Less pressure to rush; homes still sell in a reasonable time and sellers have time to plan their next move.
More qualified, serious buyers (rather than lots of speculative offers).
Better retention of equity gains from prior years.
What the Extremes Looked Like
Hot seller’s market (pandemic era, roughly 2020-22): Inventory dropped to very low levels (often less than 2 months), multiple offers, bidding wars, waived inspections, many homes selling above list price, sometimes sight unseen. Buyers often felt forced to act fast, sometimes at unfavorable terms.
Buyer’s market (strict): Oversupply of homes, long days on market, many price reductions, sellers competing with each other, needing to make concessions, sometimes reducing prices significantly.
What to Watch Moving Forward
Inventory movement — Will active listings continue to rise, or tighten again?
Price stability — Are sellers holding firm or starting to reduce list prices?
Days on market — A rising average (e.g. 50+ days) suggests cooling.
Sale-to-list ratio — When this drops below ~98–99 %, it’s a signal the market is softening.
Final Thoughts
For Lake Oswego, a balanced housing market is a welcome middle ground between pandemic-era extremes and deep buyer dominance. It gives both buyers and sellers more agency, more predictability, and fewer forcing decisions. For now, it feels like a more mature market is taking shape—one where value, integrity, and pacing matter again.
Let us help you navigate the Lake Oswego housing market. Give us a call – we’d love to put our 35+ years’ experience living and working in Lake Oswego and the Portland metro area to work for you.
Kevin Costello kevin.costello@cascadehasson.com 503.939.9801
Portland’s Japanese Garden is one of many nearby leaf-peeping spots that Lake Oswegans can visit this fall.
As Lake Oswego residents we live in a city that is celebrating its 36th year as a Tree City USA honoree and its designation as the Oregon Tree City of the year. And we are only 12 miles away from Portland which was voted by the American Forests organization as one of the 10 best cities for urban forest in the United States. So you would think that to view fall colors we wouldn’t have to travel very far, right?
According to Patrick Breen, retired member of Oregon State’s Department of Horticulture and self-proclaimed “plant nerd,” Oregon cities and towns may in fact offer some of the best foliage displays thanks to the diversity of leafy trees and plants.
While hiking the Deschutes River Trail or visiting Lithia Park in Ashland will also help you get your fall color fix, you can also stay close to home for a DIY fall foliage tour. Although we will be officially into fall come Monday, you’ll want to wait a couple weeks before you go leaf peeping to give those cold nights a chance to work their magic.
Bike tour of Heritage Trees of Lake Oswego. Download this map of a 14 mile loop through Lake Oswego neighborhoods where many of the city’s heritage trees stand in all their majestic splendor. Most of the 37 listed trees are evergreens; however, you won’t want to miss the show-stopping sugar maple on the corner of 3rd and C. Other ones to check out include the scarlet oak at 15100 Boones Ferry Road and the Pacific dogwood in the Oswego Pioneer Cemetery. Along the way you’ll catch some other beauties as well.
Kruse Way. If you need a daily dose of fall color pick-me-up, just turn down Kruse Way off Boones Ferry Road and applaud the starring lineup of maples that will drench you in shades of orange, red and yellow. Or catch the dazzling row on Jean Road between Pilkington and Bryant. Stop in at Happy Sparrow Cafe and try out a kolache.
Reed College and surrounding neighborhood. You’ll find 11 different varieties of maples on the Reed College campus bursting in shades of yellow, gold and copper. Look for Japanese maples throughout as well. Then stroll down some of the neighborhood streets. The tree canopy here is extensive with neighbors getting their cardio workouts just by raking up their leaves in preparation for their scheduled Leaf Removal Day.
South Park Blocks. According to a Portland State University study, the trees that stretch along the 12 blocks from SW Salmon to Jackson are worth $3.4 million. The arching canopy includes oaks, maples, ash, lindens and elms so you’ll be awash in color.
Hoyt Arboretum. Called Portland’s “museum of living trees” you’ll find 12 miles of trails to wander in as you explore over 2,300 tree and plant species. If you’re on the hunt for fall colors, your best bet is the Wildwood Trail bursting with shades of scarlet, maroon and plum or the one-mile Maple Trail where you’ll find vine, red and sugar maple trees. Colors usually begin changing in October and are on full display in November. 4000 SW Fairview Blvd., 503.865.8733.
Portland Japanese Garden. Check out the garden’s Fall Colors Tracker to plan your visit for the maximum WOW factor. There is an admission charge that gives you access to the gardens, Cultural Village, Art in the Garden and the Umani Café. You can also check out a cultural pass through the Lake Oswego Library that provides free admission, based on availability.
Lone Fir Cemetery. With more than 700 trees, Portland’s oldest cemetery is also its second largest arboretum that really puts on a show in the fall. Combine a little history with your leaf peeping as you locate the plots of some of the area’s founders with the names of Lovejoy and Hawthorne. Downloadable cemetery and tree tour maps will help. Southeast 26th and Washington Streets.
Columbia River Gorge. If you want to venture out further, the Columbia River Gorge promises not to disappoint, as long as you time your visit right. Generally, the first signs of fall’s arrival occur by mid-October with peak foliage displaying by the end of the month. Some of the key spots for leaf-peeping include Multnomah Falls, Rowena Crest Viewpoint, and Hood River.
Stay up-to-date on all the reasons to Love Lake Oswego by subscribing to our blog. Click the “Sign me up” button to receive weekly updates to your inbox. As Realtors who live and work here, we love sharing all the reasons we (and our clients) love living here.
Kevin Costello kevin.costello@cascadehasson.com 503.939.9801
FREEDOM TO READ MONTH BOOK GIVEAWAY. In honor of Freedom to Read Month, the Lake Oswego Public Library is giving away copies of The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. This classic American novel powerfully examines our obsession with beauty and conformity, and asks important questions about race, class, and gender. It was also one of the top 3 banned books in America last year. You can pick up your free copy at the library’s second floor reference desk starting on October 1, while supplies last. A presentation about the book’s themes and impact will be held on Sunday, October 26 from 2:15 to 3:15 to which the public is invited both at the library and to livestream on the library’s YouTube channel.
FBI IN OREGON. Learn more about the FBI in Oregon as part of the Oswego Heritage Council’s lecture series. October 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 398 10th Street.
LAKEWOOD ASSOCIATES ACCESSORY SALE. Shop from a wide selection of gently used and unique accessories including handbags, hats, scarves, jewelry, shoes, outerwear and MORE!Sneak Peek Preview and Sale Thurs. Oct 2, with a $10 entry fee 4:00-6:30 p.m. Free admission on October 3, 4 and 5 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. 368 S. State Street.
OYSTER WINE DINNER. Sign up for a guided tasting of raw oyster varieties led by Shawn Mitchell, oyster enthusiast and former chef at Hama Hama Oyster Company. October 3 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Zupan’s Market. Buy tickets ($175) online. 16380 Boones Ferry Road.
LAKE OSWEGO WINE WALK. Enjoy wine tasting and small bites at over 35 walkable downtown businesses. Tickets ($60) entitle you to 12 tasting tickets each redeemable for a 1 oz. pour with over 70 wines to choose from. Saturday, October 4 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Purchase tickets online.
FIRE STATION OPEN HOUSES. In support of the National Fire Protection Association’s “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home” campaign, LOFD will be hosting a series of open houses where you can learn how to use these batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home and how to follow the Buy, Charge and Recycle Safely approach. Open houses take place every Saturday in October from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. October 4: Main Fire Station, 300 B Avenue; October 11: Westlake Fire Station, 4900 Melrose Street; October 18: Jean Road Fire Station, 4555 Jean Road; October 25: South Shore Fire Station, 1880 South Shore Boulevard.
2025 FIRST SUNDAY MARKET IN LAKE GROVE. Take advantage of the bounty of the Pacific Northwest with this month’s theme of “Sip and Shop” along with artisan vendors, expanded kids activities and live music. Sunday, October 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Hallmark Drive near Mercato Grove.
COMEDY NIGHT WITH TAYLOR CLARK. Skateboarder turned comic takes his show on the road and you can catch it at the Lakewood Center for the Arts, Side Door Stage on Wednesday, October 8 beginning at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available online. 368 S State Street.
LIVE WELL DANCE. All ages are invited to put on their dancing shoes to the music of the Millennium Dance Band performing the “Big Bands” sounds of the 1930s, 40s and 50s. Age 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. $7/ person at the door. Friday, October 10 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road.
LAKE OSWEGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WELLNESS FAIR. This FREE community event is designed to connect local wellness businesses with residents interested in learning more about the health, wellness and sustainability opportunities throughout our surrounding communities. Enjoy demonstrations, explore resources and go home with fun giveaways. Vendors include: Elevate Therapy NW, Enhanced Holistic Coaching, Ketzal Martial Arts, Orangetheory Fitness, Radiance Natural Medicine, Visiting Angels and Willamette Wellness Center. Sunday, October 12 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Millennium Plaza Park, 200 1st Street.
HERITAGE TREE CELEBRATION. Celebrate Lake oswego’s recently designated Heritage Trees, a strand of 18 Douglas-firs on the site of a former City reservoir. Learn more about these towering pines, the City’s Heritage Tree Program, and the history of the site. Light refreshments will be offered. Tuesday, October 14 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 605 10th Street.
GIVE BACK WITH MAPEL BOUTIQUE. Shop at Mapel Boutique on October 16 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Mapel will donate 20% of all full price sales to Clackamas Women’s Services. 390 N. State Street, #124.
MASTERING INTUITIVE ANIMAL COMMUNICATION. Let animal communication expert Marla Santino help you understand your pet better through energy-based techniques to tune into animal signals, emotions and needs. Saturday, October 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, 505 G Avenue. Register online for activity #32100. $30/Resident; $45/Non-Resident.
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION: RASSEKH PARK. Celebrate the opening of Lake Oswego’s newest community park featuring a large playground designed for adventure with inclusive play, nature play, musical and sensory elements including a tall climbing structure, a natural boulder and wood climbing wall, three slides, an accessible basket swing, universal play spinner and more. The park also includes a state-of-the-art skatepark, a 1,000 square-foot picnic shelter, restrooms, drinking fountains and covered bicycle parking. Enjoy an afternoon of play, live music and sweet treats.
THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE. Enjoy this Side Door Stage production of the first musical ever adapted from Shakespeare. Friday and Saturday, October 24 at 7:00 p.m. and October 25 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. General Admission is $30. 368 S. State Street.
FLOATING PUMPKIN PATCH. Children six months to fourteen years can “pick” their very own pumpkin while swimming among a pool of floating gourds at the LORAC Recreation Pool. THere are two time sots available for this fun famialy event on Friday, October 24. Sign up for one of them online. $30 for Residents/ $45 for Non-Residents. 17525 Stafford Road.
DRUG TAKE BACK EVENT FALL 2025. The City is holding a one-day only drug take-back event to help community members properly dispose of unwanted or expired medications. Check online for instructions. Saturday, October 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Gallagher Building at Mary’s Woods, 17550 Provost Street.
FREEDOM TO READ MONTH: THE BLUEST EYE AND THE POLITICS OF CENSORSHIP. Learn about the history and landscape of book bans in the U.S. and the enduring impact of The Bluest Eye as a work of Black literature and a mirror to societal discomforts. A livestream will be available on the library’s YouTube channel. Sunday, October 26 from 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.
FREEDOM TO READ MOVIE EVENT: BANNED TOGETHER. The library is offering a screening of this documentary following three high school students and their allies as they fight to reinstate 97 books abruptly removed from their school libraries. Stay after the screening to take part in a thought-provoking discussion about the film. Tuesday, October 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Lake Theater and Café, 106 N. State Street. Admission is free but food and drink purchases are encouraged to help offset the cost to the Lake Theater.
MONSTER MASH. Bring your little ones decked out in their Spooktacular costumes to this family-friendly event. Walk through the trick-or-treat streets to collect candy, toys and trinkets at every station. Also enjoy visits from the Lake Oswego Fire Engine, Lake Oswego Police Department, LO Park Ranger and Tryon Creek State Park Ranger! This cobweb filled celebration includes spooky tunes and ghoulish crafts. Free event, ages 0-12 welcome. Free trick-or-treat bags for the first 500 guests. Friday, October 31 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road.
Stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Lake Oswego by subscribing to our blog. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column for weekly updates in your inbox.
Kevin Costello kevin.costello@cascadehasson.com 503.939.9801
Ever wonder how artists put paint to canvas? Shape metal into art? Carve stone into sculpture?
Luckily for us who live in Lake Oswego and West Linn, we have a wonderful array of artists-in-residence who are opening their studios next weekend so we can see how they work.
With 42 studio locations and 91 artists participating, The Lake Oswego Open Studios tour is a free, informative event that gives art lovers and artist wannabe’s the opportunity to meet the artists, hear their stories, understand their techniques and better appreciate the finished products.
Local artists include Lisa Wiser, Nancy Tongue, Linda Gaudin, and Sheryl Riley, but there are 32 located in Lake Oswego and 26 in West Linn. So you don’t have to travel far to enjoy this experience.
The 2025 self-guided tour is the third annual event and kicks off Friday, September 26 with a First Look preview from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at select studios which can be identified on the interactive map here.
Hours for the rest of the weekend, September 27-28 are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can check the interactive map online, check the list of artists and their studio addresses, and/or pick up a paper copy at various locations around town including the Lake Oswego and West Linn Public Libraries, Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce, and Arts Council of Lake Oswego.
Plan your tour by checking out the artists online listed both alphabetically and by their medium which includes calligraphy, ceramics, drawing, fiber and textiles, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, paper art, pastel, photography, printmaking, sculpture, wood.
Cultural enrichment is just one of the many things to love about Lake Oswego. This Open Studios tour is one way that Lake Oswegans can walk away a little richer in what art (and its makers) have to offer.
We’re here to help you enjoy all that Lake Oswego has going for it. If you are considering buying or selling your home, give us a call and let us put our experience and expertise to work for you.
From its walkability to its downtown architecture, adventure traveler Charlie Boyle recently touted Lake Oswego as a “charming lakefront town” that “feels like it belongs in Europe.”
On many of her points, we’d have to agree.
1. Walkability and a Village-Like Center
The biggest selling point is Lake Oswego’s Millennium Plaza Park. Like piazzas in Rome, plazas in Spain, and public squares in London, Millennium Plaza Park is a defining feature of the city’s urban landscape where residents gather for the farmer’s market, evening concerts, and community celebrations.
This pedestrian-friendly core is a defining feature of many European towns. The area is home to boutiques, wine bars, restaurants and coffee shops, giving residents as well as visitors an excuse to slow down and gather. The summer hanging flower baskets and lakeside vista echo the appeal of many of Europe’s most picturesque towns.
2. A Deep Connection to Nature and Water
Like the alpine villages of Austria or the lake towns of northern Italy, Lake Oswego’s identity is deeply tied to water. Oswego Lake weaves through the city’s neighborhoods, offering both serenity and recreation for both those who live on the lake and more recently, other residents and visitors too with the recent court decision to provide public access at Millennium Plaza Park. The lakeside parks, tree-lined streets, and the riverfront pathway along George Rogers Park evoke the kind of lifestyle where people pause to enjoy the view, paddleboard in the late afternoon sun, or picnic under the trees—an unhurried pace that’s quintessentially European.
3. Architectural Character and Thoughtful Design
Unlike many American suburbs defined by big-box stores and uniform developments, Lake Oswego showcases a mix of architectural styles that add character and texture to the city. Tudor-style homes, French Country estates, Mediterranean-inspired villas, and classic Craftsman bungalows coexist in harmony. The city has made a conscious effort to preserve historic homes and maintain a human-scale aesthetic that values craftsmanship over convenience—a hallmark of European design.
4. An Emphasis on Art, Culture, and Community
Public art is everywhere in Lake Oswego—from bronze sculptures along the sidewalks to community events like Gallery Without Walls. Much like in European towns where art is integrated into daily life, Lake Oswego encourages cultural engagement. The Lakewood Center for the Arts, summer concerts in the park, and the beloved Farmers’ Market create a strong sense of community and celebration of local talent.
So there you have it! Next time you need your “Europe fix,” check out Lake Oswego, Oregon. And if you like what you see (which we have a feeling you will), get in touch with us. We’d love to help you call Lake Oswego home.
It’s wine harvest season—but lucky for us, there’s no need to travel far to celebrate. Lake Oswego’s 11th Annual Wine Walk is set for Saturday, October 4, and this year promises to be the biggest yet. With over 35 walkable downtown businesses and more than 70 wines to sip and sample, the streets of LO are turning into a wine lover’s dream.
Here’s your step-by-step game plan to make the most of it:
1. Buy your tickets early.
This event sells out every year, and for good reason. Tickets include twelve 1-oz wine pours, small bites, a custom LO Wine Walk glass (with its own lanyard “hammock”), and a reusable event tote with a tasting map and more. Click here for tickets.
2. Make a day of it.
Kick things off with the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market in Millennium Plaza—October 4 is its final day of the season! Grab lunch at one of our downtown restaurants, do a little browsing or shopping, and be ready to raise your glass when the Wine Walk kicks off at 1:00 p.m.
3. Check-in early.
Check-in opens at 12:00 noon with wine tasting starting at 1:00 p.m. An early check-in gives you time to enjoy lunch, plan your tasting route, and take advantage of some crowd-free moments before the sipping begins.
4. Plan your path.
This year, more than 35 local businesses are hosting wine stations. From art galleries to skincare boutiques to real estate offices, the list is a “Who’s Who” of downtown LO—including favorites like Domaine Serene Wine Lounge, glassybaby, Lola’s Café Bar, Wizer’s Fine Wine, City Home, Wishbone Home & Design, R. Bloom’s, StretchLab,Meraki Medical Aesthetics and our own Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty.
With over 70 wines to choose from, you’ll want to map out your favorites first—just in case something runs out later in the day.
5. Dress for the weather.
October in Oregon is unpredictable. We’ve had Wine Walks in glorious sunshine and ones with a few sprinkles, so check the forecast and dress in layers. Comfortable walking shoes are a must—and don’t forget a tote bag for any goodies or wine you purchase along the way.
6. Hydrate.
Yes, the wine is delicious. But water is your best friend during this four-hour stroll. Be sure to stop for water now and then—you’ll thank yourself the next day.
7. Try something new.
One of the best things about this event is that it encourages exploration. Try wines you’ve never heard of. Walk into shops you’ve passed but never entered. The Wine Walk makes it easy to discover new favorites—both in the glass and on the map.
8. Take photos.
Document your day! 📸 Snap pics of wines you loved, places you visited, and good times with friends. You’ll want a record of the labels you liked for your next wine run—and you’ll be glad to have memories of a very Lake Oswego kind of afternoon.
Whether you’re a returning regular or first-timer, the 2025 LO Wine Walk is a community event you don’t want to miss. See you downtown on Saturday, October 4, with glass in hand!
Don’t miss out on a reason to Love Lake Oswego. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates to our blog. And if you’re in the market for a house where you can drink all that wine, give one of us a call. We’d love to help make your next move your best one!
The calendar may say September but it’s Oktoberfest time. How is that? I’ll explain later.
The more important thing is, even if you can’t make it to the Munich celebration this year, you can still raise a pint and dance to some oompah music close to home.
Here are some local Oktoberfest events near Lake Oswego:
GERMAN HAUS OKTOBERFEST. This annual event promises lively Oktoberfest bands for dancing, authentic German strudel, pretzels and food from Weinerwurst, crafts made in German, along with games and fun for the entire family. Saturday, September 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 5626 NE Alameda Street. Order your tickets online. Prices vary.
KENNEDY SCHOOL OKTOBERFEST. Enjoy German fare at the Kennedy. School’s ninth annual celebration. $33 (advance) $38 (day of) will buy you a brewfest glass and ten tokens. Check the schedule for live music. Saturday, September 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 5736 NE 33rd Avenue.
MT. ANGEL OKTOBERFEST. This quaint town of 3,575 morphs into party central for over 300,000 visitors at what has become the largest folk festival in the Northwest. Much of the event is free; however, admission is charged at three of the premium entertainment venues. Over 40 beers are featured as well as 30 wines, all to wash down some traditional German food like sausage, brats and sauerkraut as well as corndogs, Russian perogies, spätzle and marionberry cobbler. Activities include arts and crafts, a car show, Oktoberfest Olympics, street dances and wiener dog races. Check the website for a complete schedule. September 11 – 14. 5 N. Garfield Street, Mt. Angel.
EDGEFIELD OKTOBERFEST.Enjoy live music all day starting at 12 noon as well as tasty German-style specials and plenty of the sudsy stuff. Estate produce, plants, seeds and gifts from the garden will be on sale along with face painting and balloon art for the kids. Sunday, September 21 at 2126 SW Halsey Street in Troutdale.
FOREST GROVE OKTOBERFEST. Enjoy Bavarian food, drink and entertainment at this community event along with carnival games and some bound-to-be-fun contests like a wiener dog race, adult tricycle race and beer belly contest. Saturday, September 27 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 21st Avenue and Main Street.
OAKS PARK OKTOBERFEST. After a brief hiatus, this popular event returns with three days of authentic German food and beer, polka music, dancing, kids’ activities, cooking shows, thrill rides and more. September 19-21. 7805 SE Oaks Park Way. Tickets available online.
OKTOBERFEST BAR CRAWL. Why limit your celebrating to one venue? Purchase tickets for this event and enjoy access to 4+ venues with exclusive entry and no cover charges, drink specials, live entertainment and an official after-party. Saturday, September 27 starting at 4:00 p.m. Purchase tickets online.
NATIONAL DRINK BEER DAY AT THE DULLAHAN. This local Irish pub is giving you the perfect excuse to visit on Sunday, September 28 for National Drink Beer Day and try one of their many craft brews. Turn it into your own customized Oktoberfest, Lake Oswego edition 352 B Avenue, Lake Oswego.
Now back to why Oktoberfest is held in September. It began as a royal wedding celebration in October 1810; however, as it continued, it was moved earlier and earlier in the fall to take advantage of the longer daylight evening hours and warmer weather. This year the Munich Oktoberfest runs from September 20 through October 5, enough time for revelers to consume almost 2 million gallons of beer.
Thinking of moving to Lake Oswego or selling your home? Let’s get together and talk. We can help you navigate the ever-changing real estate market to help you decide your best move. With over 35 years’ as Realtors specializing in and living in Lake Oswego we have a perspective and expertise that has helped many clients in their home buying/selling process.
Kevin Costello kevin.costello@cascadehasson.com 503.939.9801
FIRST TUESDAY: CELTIC HARPS, RARE INSTRUMENTS AND WONDROUS STORIES WITH LISA LYNNE & ARYEH FRANKFURTER. Do yourselves a favor and gather at the Lake Oswego Library to hear this multi-instrumentalist duo work their magic with Celtic Harps, Swedish Myckelharpa, Ukrainian Bandura, Bouzouki, Cittern and more. They combine both traditional and original music with wondrous stories and humor mixed in. Tuesday, September 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.
PIERCE V. SOCIETY OF SISTERS: THE RIGHT FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL EDUCATION IN OREGON. 2025 is the centennial of a Supreme Court decision that overturned the Compulsory Education Law, adopted by voters in 1922, that required all students aged eight to sixteen to attend public schools in the state. Upon its passage, Catholics from across the country challenged the legality of the law. Learn about the causes leading up to the bill’s passage and the lead plaintiffs in the court case, Lake Oswego-based Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Wednesday, September 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Oswego Heritage House, 398 10th Street. Refreshments at 5:00 p.m.
FIRST SUNDAY MARKET IN LAKE GROVE. Celebrate the start of the school year with this Back to School Block Party! Enjoy a nostalgic afternoon filled with old-school carnival games, face painting, and other family-friendly activities. In addition to the fun, you’ll find a fantastic selection of regular market vendors offering fresh produce, handmade goods, delicious eats, and more. It’s a perfect end-of-summer outing for the whole family! Sunday, September 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Hallmark Drive, Lake Oswego.
PINTS FROM THE PAST: NOTABLE WOMEN OF PORTLAND. PSU Historian Dr. Tracy Prince and her daughter Zadie Schaffer will present findings from their book, Notable Women of Portland, which uncovers overlooked parts of Portland history including 10,000 years of native American women, pioneer women, women of the Progressive Era, WWI, WWII, post-war women and women in arts and politics. The program is offered jointly by the Lake Oswego Public Library and the Lake Theater & Café. Thursday, September 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission is free and no ticket is required (though food and drink purchase is encouraged to offset the cost to the Lake Theater). Doors open at 6:30, with the presentation beginning at 7:00 p.m. 106 North State Street.
LAKEWOOD THEATRE PRESENTS DRACULA. Enjoy the Lakewood Center’s take on this classic shocker running from September 12 through October 19. $42/Adults; $40/Seniors; $30/Students. Special Wine on Wednesdays performance on September 24. 368 S. State Street.
ONLINE: THRIVING THROUGH MIDDLE SCHOOL: TOOLS AND TIPS FOR PARENTS. Join award-winning educator and author Sara Sebastian on Zoom for an engaging evening designed to equip parents with the tools, resources, and support they need to help their child thrive in middle school and beyond. Drawing on over a decade of teaching experience—both locally and internationally—Sara will share practical strategies for navigating academic, emotional, and developmental changes during the middle school years. Registration is required. To register, or if you’d like more information about this program, contact April Younglove at ayounglove@lakeoswego.city(link sends e-mail) or 503-534-5667. Sunday, September 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS WITH THE RED CROSS. As wildfires become more frequent and intense across the West, it’s never been more important to prepare. In this critical session, the American Red Cross will walk participants through step-by-step guidance on how to protect your home, create emergency plans, and gather supplies before disaster strikes. Learn how to stay informed, safeguard your loved ones, and help neighbors in times of need. Wednesday, September 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, 505 G Avenue. Register for class 32098, $5/Residents; $7/Non-Residents.
CREATING BACKYARD HABITAT. Join Friends of Tryon Creek to learn about creating natural habitat in your own yard for native flora and fauna and consider the benefits of Backyard Habitat Certification. The Backyard Habitat Certification Program is conducted in partnership with Audubon Society of Portland and Columbia Land Trust to support urban gardeners and their efforts to create and enhance native habitats. Includes an indoor presentation and outdoor demonstration. Capacity is limited to 25 participants. Register now! Saturday, September 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tryon Creek State Natural Area Classroom, 11321 SW Terwilliger Boulevard.
CULTURAL XCHANGE FESTIVAL. Celebrate different cultures in Lake Oswego through the sights, sounds and flavors at the Cultural Xchange Festival. Wander through a marketplace featuring international cuisine, handcrafted artisan goods and local nonprofits dedicated to cultural connection and community impact. Feel the rhythm of the world with traditional dance and music performances, witness the power and grace of martial arts demonstrations or get an intricate henna design as a festival souvenir. Sunday, September 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First Street.
WORLD CINEMA SERIES: A MAN CALLED OVE. Enjoy a screening of the heartwarming and humorous Swedish film, based on the international bestselling novel by Fredrik Backman. An irritable but deeply lonely man finds his life transformed by an unlikely friendship with his new neighbors in this poignant and uplifting film. Originally presented in Swedish, it will be shown with English subtitles.
Stay after the screening to engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the film. Admission is free but food and drink purchases are encouraged to offset the cost to the Lake Theater. Tuesday, September 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 106 N. State Street.
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Kevin Costello kevin.costello@cascadehasson.com 503.939.9801
Here’s what we are seeing in the Lake Oswego housing market.
There are pockets in today’s market. Some homes, especially those below $1M, are selling quickly, occasionally with multiple offers. In the higher priced pocket, prices are coming down which means we may be seeing less than our usual 5-6% appreciation this year in that category. Price adjustments are happening and they do seem to help. It’s not unusual to see a high-end property be reduced in the neighborhood of $200,000 – $600,000. Some new construction houses have seen price reductions of up to $1 million from the listing price at the start of the build.
The table below shows you that in July houses priced $2,000,000 and above were considered a buyer’s market with 23 homes listed in the $2M to $2.4M price range, making for 7.7 months of inventory. Compare that to homes in the $800,00 to $1.2M range with only 2.2 months of inventory.
Buyers are out there but they are being very pragmatic and factoring in things like the costs to update/remodel, appreciation and interest rates which are still stubbornly high even though they’ve just crept down about a quarter of a point.
In this past year we’ve seen more sale fails than we have in the past. In the recent months it has been as much as one in five houses. Factors that influence buyers to back out include job loss or insecurity, rising insurance costs, and inspection reports that indicate replacement or maintenance far exceeding buyer expectations. We even recently had a sale fail due to CC&R’s whose truck weight limit for parking in the driveway was lower than our client’s vehicle.
I have been selling homes in Lake Oswego for over 35 years so I have seen it all, including interest rates of 9.5%. With that historical perspective, I can assure you that interest rates will come down. Prices will stabilize. Seller expectations will come more in line with buyer expectations.
But in the meantime, both sellers and buyers need to be patient. Some houses in that under $1M category can still be getting multiple offers and buyers need to be cautious not to get caught up in the frenzy and still make a sound financial decision. As we’ve said before, we have talked buyers OUT of buying homes that we thought were not a good investment.
Sellers also need to be patient, especially in that higher price range. And with the scrutiny with which buyers are approaching that market, it’s wise to have the house as updated and maintained as possible before listing. Eliminate any surprises that might show up in an inspection by being proactive and taking care of things. We have also been known to talk sellers OUT of selling their home depending on their life circumstances, their plans for moving forward, and current market conditions.
We are here to help both buyers and sellers make their next move their best one, no matter the market conditions. We are grounded in experience, market expertise, resources and a commitment to providing advice in our clients’ best interests to ensure that the homebuying and selling experience is a positive one. Please give us a call if you are looking to buy or sell in Lake Oswego.
I feel pretty lucky—I live where I work and I love where I live. As a Realtor in Lake Oswego, Oregon, I get to share that enthusiasm with clients every day. Through this blog, with the help of my freelance writer wife, Genita, I’d like to share that enthusiasm with you. Be sure to visit my website.
Due to the changing nature of activities in response to COVID-19, I am suspending this section of the blog temporarily but wish every mom out there a Happy Mother’s Day today!
52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego 