What We Love About Lake Oswego in June

Posted on June 1, 2025 by lovelakeoswego

SUMMER LIBRARY CHALLENGE 2025. Register online for the library’s all-ages challenge running from June 1st through August 31. Read books, attend events, meet challenges and you can earn tickets for prize drawings.

PRIDE LO. Celebrate love and diversity at the second annual Pride Lake Oswego! Hosted by LO for Love and Sponsored by the City. Enjoy performances, speeches, local vendors and community activities. Poison Waters will be returning as the MC and the day will close with the Pride Flag Raising and reading of the City’s Pride Proclamation at City Hall around 4:15 p.m.

FAMILY ESTRANGEMENT IN MODERN FAMILIES: CAUSES, IMPACT, AND PATHS TO HEALING. Mental Health therapist Joan Laguzza will share insights into the increasingly prevalent issue of family estrangement, including practical guidance on potential pathways to reconciliation. Learn how to navigate these complex relationships. Tuesday, June 3 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, 505 G Avenue. Free for both residents and non-residents.

BREEZEWAY MIMOSAS. Start your weekends this summer off with a little bubbly by stopping into the Zupan’s breezeway Saturday mornings for mimosas made with fresh squeezed juice. Pouring begins at 9:30 a.m. $8/each. 16380 Boones Ferry Road.

STAND UP COMEDY NIGHT WITH PHILIP KOPCZYNSKI. Treat yourself to an evening of laughter with this corporate man turned comic who draws from life experiences and “poorly thought out opinions.” Wednesday, June 4 at 7:00 p.m. on The Side Door Stage at the Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street. Tickets online $25.

IRON MOUNTAIN PARK POLLINATOR EVENT. Learn all about pollinators and native plants from a local Girl Scout! Enjoy interactive booths featuring fascinating facts and visuals about solitary and honey bees, explore the Iron Mountain Park Pollinator Garden and take home free seeds to start your own pollinator-friendly-garden. Sunday, June 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Iron Mountain Park, 2401 Iron Mountain Road.

SUMMER LOBSTER ROLLS. Enjoy ¼ lb. of North Atlantic lobster in a traditional lobster roll every Friday throughout the summer at Zupan’s Market deli starting at 10:00 a.m. through sell-out. 16380 Boones Ferry Road.

LIVE WELL DANCE FEATURING THE MILLENNIUM DANCE BAND. Step out to dance music of the 1930s, 40s and 50s with an occasional ballroom favorite. All ages are invited to join in the fun. Ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Friday, June 13 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road. $7/person at the door.

LAKE OSWEGO ROTARY ANNUAL LOBSTER FEED AND CHARITY AUCTION. Gather with neighbors and friends under the Big Top at the Lakewood Center for this annual kickoff to summer in Lake Oswego. Buy tickets online. Saturday, June 14 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Lakewood Center, 368 S. State Street.

THIRD THURSDAY ART WALK. Sip and shop at select downtown Lake Oswego stores on Thursday, June 19 between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Check online for the complete schedule including the Cousinsi Maine Lobster food truck hosted by R. Bloom’s and Wizer’s Fine Wines at 267 A Avenue (the food truck will actually be open starting at 11:30 a.m. )

JUNETEENTH. Join the City, Respond to Racism, and the Black Student Union and Emcees DJ Ambush and Morgan Jones in celebrating the end of slavery with live music, dancing and a keynote address by Taylor Stewart of the Oregon Remembrance Project. Enjoy a special performance by Sebe Kan, non-profit booths, food vendors, artisans and more. Sunday, June 22 from 100 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Program at 2:00 p.m. Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First Street.

LAKE OSWEGO FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS. Calling all stop-motion fans! This year’s featured exhibit is Animation: Script to Screen and offers opportunities to geek out with well-known animators and even attend a masters class on 2D animation. That’s in addition to more than 110 artists in the park, multiple artist exhibits at Lakewood in the Open Show Pavilion Tent and several youth and invited artist exhibits inside the center. Friday through Sunday, June 20-22, Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street and George Rogers Park, 611 S. State Street.

CAMP LOPL – UPCYCLELD CRAFTS! This is one of the library’s summer challenge programs where you are challenged to turn castoffs into creations! Make unique art, alongside your favorite librarians, from the discards of others. All materials provided. Wednesday, June 25 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Rossman Park, 555 4th Street. For more information, contact the Children’s desk at 503.697.6580.

PREPARING FOR EMERALD ASH BORER WORKSHOP. The invasive pest emerald ash borer arrived in Oregon nearly two summers ago in Forest Grove, just 30 miles northwest of Lake Oswego. This tiny green insect has the potential to wipe out native and non-native ash in only a few years if left untreated. John ISA Board Certified Master Arborist Christine Johnson of Todd Prager & Associates to learn about the invasive pest and how to prepare for its future establishment in our area. Capacity is limited to 30 participants. Register online. Saturday, June 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Foothills Park Pavilion, 199 Foothills Road.

THE BOOTLEGGER’S BALL. Step back in time to the 1920s, when the music was big and the booze was illegal! Enjoy jazz music, light dining and dancing at this fundraising event for the Oswego Heritage Council and the West Linn Historical Society. Learn more and buy tickets online. Saturday, June 28 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Oswego Heritage House, 398 10th Street.

ADULT CRAFT: TIN TRAVEL GAME. Another library summer challenge coming your way in the form of crafting a travel-size version of a classic game that fits within a small tin can. All materials provided. Registration is required and limited to 10. Register by emailing loref@lakeoswego.city or by calling 503.675.2540. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 4th Street.

Stay tuned for all the reasons to love Lake Oswego. Subscribe to our blog by clicking the “Sign me up! button and receive weekly updates.

Kevin Costello kevin.costello@cascadehasson.com 503.939.9801

Riley Costello riley.costello@cascadehasson.com 971.322.6205

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Enjoy Lake Oswego living at its finest in our new listing at 2550 Dellwood Drive

Posted on May 25, 2025 by lovelakeoswego

While every neighborhood in Lake Oswego offers its own amenities, like the walkability of the First Addition or the views and often larger lot sizes in Skylands, Dellwood Drive in the Palisades neighborhood has always been one of those “highly desirable” streets.

Why?

Just drive down it and you’ll fall in love with the character of the homes, different architectural styles, the larger lot sizes, tree canopy and beautifully landscaped yards.

What you might not realize is that homes on this street also have deeded rights to the Palisades lake easement (read more about easements here).

Our new listing at 2550 Dellwood Drive comes with all this PLUS features that make it possible to enjoy indoor-outdoor Lake Oswego living at its best.

An exquisite state-of-the-art remodel, this stunning traditional 4-bedroom, 4 bath home blends timeless character with modern updates. Situated on beautifully landscaped grounds complete with a pool and hot tub, outdoor fireplace, and elevated lounge space, it is a true entertainer’s dream! Indoor living mirrors the home’s exceptional outdoor appeal, with vaulted ceilings and exposed wood beams in the family room and kitchen. Quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, double ovens, a fireplace, and a sunlit breakfast nook framed by bay windows complete the space.

The main level also features a living and dining room with fireplace, three bedrooms, including one with a private en-suite and two that share a full bath.

Upstairs, the spacious primary suite is a serene retreat with vaulted wood-beamed ceilings, peaceful views of the backyard, and a spa-like bathroom with tub and heated tile floors.

A private laundry area and direct access to a separate upstairs office provide an ideal setup for remote work or creative pursuits.

Off the garage, a well-designed mudroom, additional full bath, and secondary laundry room add everyday convenience. A wine fridge and extra built-in refrigerators make entertaining effortless.

If you’d love the opportunity to tour this home, please give one of us a call. We’re happy to show it to you and answer any questions you may have.

Kevin Costello 503.939.9801  kevin.costello@cascadehasson.com

Riley Costello 971.322.6205 riley.costello@cascadehasson.com

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The Surfside Collapse and the Wake-Up Call for HOA Insurance and Condo Buyers in Oregon

Posted on May 18, 2025 by lovelakeoswego

The tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium in Surfside, Florida, in June 2021 did more than highlight structural risks—it exposed a major financial vulnerability shared by many homeowners’ associations (HOAs): inadequate insurance coverage. The Surfside HOA had deferred critical maintenance due to funding shortages and was underinsured. That reality sent ripples across the mortgage and real estate industries, especially among lenders and buyers of condominiums.

In response, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac revised their lending guidelines. Starting in 2022, they began requiring lenders to confirm that condo associations maintain adequate master insurance coverage and are not underfunded for reserves and deferred maintenance. If a condo project fails to meet these criteria, it is considered ineligible for conventional financing. In short, if the HOA is underinsured or financially unstable, buyers can’t use Fannie Mae-backed loans to purchase units in that community.

For homebuyers in Oregon this has real consequences. A buyer may find a condo they love, but discover mid-escrow that it’s “non-warrantable,” meaning it doesn’t meet Fannie Mae’s updated guidelines. That disqualifies them from traditional loans, potentially derailing the purchase.

We are seeing this happen. Condo buildings are being flagged because their HOAs haven’t completed structural inspections for years and are holding reserves far below recommended levels. Lenders are refusing to finance units until documentation is provided.

So, what are a buyer’s options?

  • Non-warrantable condo loans: Portfolio lenders, such as local credit unions, may still finance the purchase, though typically at higher interest rates.
  • FHA loans: These require the condo to be on the FHA approved list, which is limited.
  • Cash purchases: A viable path for those who can.

Ultimately, the Surfside collapse prompted a necessary tightening of standards, but it also made due diligence even more critical for Oregon condo buyers. Reviewing HOA financials and insurance coverage isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential. Buyers should work closely with experienced Realtors and lenders who understand these new guidelines and can help them navigate the complexities of condominium financing in the post-Surfside landscape.

Let us be your real estate experts to guide you through whatever homebuying or selling decision you are considering. We have the experience, expertise, connections and hyperlocal market insight to make your next move your best one.

Kevin Costello kevin.costello@cascadehasson.com 503.939.9801

Riley Costello riley.costello@cascadehasson.com 971.322.6205

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Questions About Moving to Lake Oswego

Posted on May 11, 2025 by lovelakeoswego

1.What’s the average cost of a home in Lake Oswego? Over the last twelve months, the average sales price out of 486 detached homes in Lake Oswego was approximately $1,461,733 with the lowest priced home at $365,000 and the highest at $14,000,000.

2. Can I live on the lake? Yes you can. There are approximately 750 waterfront homes on Oswego Lake. Current waterfront homes for sale range from $3,595,000 to $9,900,000.  

3. Do you have to live on the lake to be able to use the lake? A recent court decision ruled that Oswego Lake, after years of being considered a private lake, should be open to the public at the steps located at the base of Millennium Plaza Park. This is a small access point, making only swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding an option. The City of Lake Oswego is now responsible for making that possible. The Lake Oswego Corporation has filed an appeal on the ruling and is asking for more time to manage the access to ensure safety and protect water quality. Here is a link to the city’s website providing updates on this issue.

There are other options for residents to access the lake even if they don’t own a waterfront home as mentioned in one of my earlier posts. One of the most popular ones is buying a home with easement rights. There are close to 3,000 homes deeded lake access by joining one of 20 lakefront easements. Each easement is managed separately by its members and each only has a limited number of spots. Buying a home with easement rights does not guarantee you’ll have access—you may have to sign up on a waiting list for an opening before joining.

There are other options if you are a current, paid, easement member.  You can moor a boat at LO Landing, located in the two-story office building next to the LOC marina.  They may also have a waiting list, but typically their slips turn over more rapidly than those at the easements.  You can reach them at 503 545-8870 or lo500@comcast.net  

You also have the option to “day use.”  Limitations are: 

You must pull your boat from the lake prior to the LOC Marina’s closing time (7 pm nightly during the summer).


The LOC does not have parking for your truck or trailer on the premises.


Boats entering the lake must either have an intact and unaltered wire clip or be decontaminated prior to launch.

4. What are the best neighborhoods? My general answer to that is you can’t go wrong in Lake Oswego. Unlike other cities, neighborhoods aren’t divided between safe or unsafe, good schools or not good schools. Lake Oswego has an exceedingly low crime rate no matter where you live.

The school district itself as well as its teachers were just ranked the best in the state of Oregon by Niche in its 2025 rankings based on data from the Department of Education, with each of its individual schools receiving an A or A+ grade. School spirit runs high, however, so if you talk to kids and parents, you’ll probably find differences of opinion.

But like I said in the beginning, you can’t go wrong. Check out some of my earlier blogs for more information on particular neighborhoods in Lake Oswego.

5. What are the best schools? Excuse my redundancy, but my general answer to that is you can’t go wrong in Lake Oswego. The Lake Oswego School District was named the best school district and best teachers in the state of Oregon by Niche, in its 2025 rankings based on data from the U.S. Department of Education. The latest standardized test scores released by the Oregon Department of Education showed that the Lake Oswego School District scored in the top 5% of public school districts for math, reading and language arts and science proficiency as well as in the top 5% of graduation rates.

My advice is to visit the schools you are considering and see if you child can shadow a student to get a feel for whether one setting or another is the right fit.

6. Are Lake Oswegans pretentious? This is a question that shows up on several of the online forums where people are considering moving here. Much of that reflects the stereotype afforded a more affluent community like Lake Oswego.

A market analysis for Lake Oswego indicated that the median household income is $121,540, the median age is 48.4 and 71.9% hold a four-year college degree or higher.

Does more money mean more pretentious? My experience has been that it’s not a given. In fact, I have seen many more examples of Lake Oswegans using their resources to be generous rather than pretentious. I remember attending a Lakeridge High School choir concert where parents raised over $2,200 in a pass-the-hat donation in support of visiting Jefferson High School’s Choir. Read one of my previous blogs for other examples of how the community rises to the occasion to meet needs in and around them.

7. Why would I live in Lake Oswego over other Portland area suburbs? Lake Oswego is not your sleepy suburb—it’s a vibrant community with engaged citizens and active city government invested in a mission to enhance the quality of life for its residents. As a result there are a host of resources from extensive bike and pedestrian paths to recreational opportunities to excellent school district to a thriving downtown core infused with retail, cultural, entertainment, and artistic opportunities to a record-shattering library program to….the list goes on and on which is the WHY of why you should pick Lake Oswego as your home.

8. Why should I live in Lake Oswego when I can get more house for less money elsewhere? Read the answer to the above question–you get what you pay for. When you buy a home in Lake Oswego, you are buying much more than just a house. You are buying into a community, a lifestyle, and an investment. Appreciation is about 8.1 percent each year, although there were significant upswings in 2016 (16.4 percent) and 2006 (19 percent). Even though there is a large cost of entry, there is a proven return on the backside that is worth it.

9. What do Lake Oswegans do for fun? As we mentioned in a previous blog, “In real estate, the mantra is “location, location, location.” Well, if that’s the case, then everyone should live in Lake Oswego, Oregon! Considered a suburb of Portland, Lake Oswego has a lifeblood all its own…but it is also conveniently located to so much else the Portland metro area and the state of Oregon has to offer.” With an overactive Parks and Recreation Department and Public Library, residents don’t have to leave home to access recreational and educational opportunities and the new Recreation and Aquatic Center promises to elevate that even more! However, with the beach only 84 miles away and Mt. Hood only 85, they can be building sandcastles or heading down the slopes in just a couple of hours.

10. How easy is it to meet people? Let’s just say we have clients who moved here only a couple years ago and are now so well connected, they could probably run for mayor! My wife and I uprooted ourselves over 35 years ago and moved here not knowing a soul. But after joining Rotary, becoming a Chamber of Commerce member and attending town events, we felt like we had put down roots in a short amount of time. There are lots of opportunities to get involved so if you’re looking to make friends, they’re here waiting to meet you.

 If you have questions about moving in, out or within Lake Oswego, give us a call or email us. We’d love to put our 30+ years of experience as Realtors in Lake Oswego to work helping you with your next move.

Kevin Costello kevin.costello@cascadehasson.com 503.939.9801

Riley Costello riley.costello@cascadehasson.com 971.322.6205

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Things We Love About Lake Oswego in May

Posted on May 4, 2025 by lovelakeoswego
The return of the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market is just one of the many things
we love about Lake Oswego in May.

GROUNDHOG DAY: THE MUSICAL. Running through May at the Lakewood Center for the Arts, this play follows Phil Connors, an arrogant Pittsburgh TV weatherman who, while covering the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, finds himself in a time loop repeating the same day again and again. Ticket Prices: $50/Adults; $48/Seniors; $30/Students. 368 S. State Street.

FLOWER BASKETS. The return of the flower baskets that line our streets is another harbinger of good things to come in the season ahead. They show up in May and put on a spectacular show throughout the summer.

STAND UP COMEDY NIGHT WITH BRENT LOWERY. The winner of the 2023 Seattle International Comedy Competition comes to the Lakewood Center for a hilarious night of comedy. Wednesday, May 7 on the Lakewood Center’s Side Door Stage. Tickets: $25. 368 S. State Street.

INTO THE WOODS JR. Bring your kids to enjoy this Junior version of Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s groundbreaking musical fairytale about wishes and the choices we make. Saturday May 10 and May 17 at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Tickets: $15/Adults; $12/Youth. 503.635.3901

LAKE OSWEGO FARMERS’ MARKET. Welcome back the popular Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market as it kicks off its summer season on Saturday, May 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Millennium Plaza Park, 200 1st Street.

CAN YOU TRUST ONLINE INFLUENCERS? FACT-CHECKING LIKE A LIBRARIAN (DIGITAL DIVE #2). The Lake Oswego library continues its Digital Dive presentations with this class led by Adult Services Librarian April Younglove. Influencers thrive on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, blogs, streaming sites, and podcasts, where they share content, engage with followers, and promote products or ideas. Learn to navigate these spaces critically and distinguish between reliable sources and misinformation.

PINTS FROM THE PAST: YORK OF THE LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION. This month’s Pints from the Past presentation is being offered by Oregon Black Pioneers, the only historical society dedicated to preserving and presenting the experiences of African Americans statewide. Learn about York, an enslaved man who took part in the Lewis and Clark Expedition and his place within national African American history. This program is offered by the Lake Oswego Public Library in cooperation with the Lake Theater & Café. Admission is free and no ticket is required (though food and drink purchase is encouraged to offset the cost to the Lake Theater). Tuesday, May 13. Doors open at 6:30, the presentation begins at 7:00. 106 N. State Street.

DECONSTRUCTING DECEPTION: UNDERSTANDING CONSPIRACY THEORIES. Portland Community College Political Science Professor Robert Asaadi, Ph.D., will explore the historical and cultural roots of conspiracy theories, offering insights into why they persist and how they have evolved over time. Walk away with tools to critically assess the information encountered in the media today. Saturday, May 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, 505 G Avenue. Free for both residents and non-residents.

TEEN SUMMER READING KICKOFF PARTY. Teens going into grades 7 and up are invited to a special after-hours party to kick off their summer reading. There will be pizza, henna, karaoke, prizes, and free books. Friday, May 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Avenue.

Sign up for our blog to receive weekly updates on all the reasons to love Lake Oswego.

Kevin Costello kevin.costello@cascadehasson.com 503.939.9801

Riley Costello riley.costello@cascadehasson.com 971.322.6205

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Keeping Lake Oswego Beautiful – Let Us Count the Ways

Posted on April 27, 2025 by lovelakeoswego
Lake Oswego’s flower baskets are just one way that Lake Oswego keeps its city beautiful.

April is Keep America Beautiful month which makes it a perfect time to reflect on some of the ways our city keeps Lake Oswego beautiful all year-round.

FOCUS ON PUBLIC ART. You don’t need to spend much time in Lake Oswego before realizing the importance the city places on public art. This is accomplished through a variety of means including development code standards that encourage the integration of art into building and site design, the Percent for Art program that designates that a percentage of the total cost of city projects be set aside for public art and the works of the Arts Council of Lake Oswego, most visibly the Gallery Without Walls. In explaining its rationale for the City’s 1.5 Percent for Art Program, the City listed some of public art’s benefits as instilling beauty and good design and creating a sense of place. Spend a summer morning in Millennium Plaza Park or stroll through Foothills Park and you’ll get an idea of what city leaders meant.

TREE CODE. City leaders have taken their responsibility to preserve the wooded character of Lake Oswego seriously by undertaking a process to update its tree code in 2025, establishing and enforcing a tree ordinance which includes the preservation of trees designated as Historic, and annually celebrating Arbor Day. These efforts earned Lake Oswego the designation as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation over 36 years ago.

VILLAGE BASKETS. For six months out of every year, the Lake Oswego Village flower baskets grace our main streets and give us one more reason to love Lake Oswego. This program is a testament to what community support can accomplish. The cost of materials and maintenance is entirely covered by contributions to support the $400 it costs to plant, hang and care for each basket. Donations can be made online. It’s little surprise that Lake Oswego won the prestigious “America in Bloom” award in 2003.

THE LAKE OSWEGO DEVELOPMENT AGENCY. With all that happens at Millennium Plaza Park, it’s hard to imagine it not being there. But until 1999 it didn’t. Thanks to the Lake Oswego Redevelopment Agency formed twenty years earlier in 1979, the City had a vision and a plan for managing urban renewal activities. By using tax increment financing and other public financing programs, LORA has been the driving force behind such city beautification projects such as Sundeleaf Plaza, Lake View Village, Headlee Walkway and the Boones Ferry Road Improvement Project. While many of the LORA projects result in other benefits like increased economic vitality, they also add to the beauty that is one of our city’s greatest assets.

SUSTAINABILITY. Not everything that goes into making a city beautiful can be seen. Some of it is in the background, ensuring that the environment in which a city’s citizens live and work is cared for and tended to. That was the thinking behind the city’s ban on single-use plastic bags that went into effect before the state-wide ban. It also explains the city’s efforts to educate the public on how to become better stewards of the place where we live by offering tips on ways to reduce our use of plastic both on their website and in public presentations, and through the efforts of the Lake Oswego Sustainability Network. Lake Oswegans are fortunate to have Melior Sustainable Refillery in their midst, offering eco-friendly products that make sustainable living doable like refillable body wash and hair products as well as plastic-free dishwasher detergent pods and laundry detergent sheets.

CITY BEAUTIFICATION MAINTENANCE PROJECTS. Drive around Lake Oswego and one of the things you’ll notice is the seasonal changing displays planted in street medians. From daffodils in spring to sunflowers in summer to Black-Eyed Susan’s in the fall, our city maintenance staff take pride in their work which gives us pride in our city.

STREET SWEEPERS. The Public Works Department also is responsible for keeping our city streets clean and free from debris. As a rule, the downtown/commercial areas of the City are swept every other week. Arterials and collectors are swept at least 12 times per year. Curbed residential areas are swept as time allows and debris dictates — generally four to six times a year and more often during the fall and winter to remove leaves and debris. And in keeping with the small-town charm that is Lake Oswego, the city sponsors contests to name our sweepers with the newest addition being crowned A7 Tornado. Together they travel over 6,400 miles a year, collecting enough debris to fill almost 16,000 40-gallon lawn trash bags.

Keep up-to-date on what’s happening in Lake Oswego. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column to receive weekly updates in your inbox. 

Kevin Costello kevin.costello@cascadehasson.com 503.939.9801

Riley Costello riley.costello@cascadehasson.com 971.322.6205

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Celebrate Indie Bookstore Day With a Visit to One of the Portland Area’s Favorites

Posted on April 20, 2025 by lovelakeoswego

April 26 is Independent Bookstore Day, a one-day national party to celebrate the fact that despite the threat of Amazon, indie bookstores are making a comeback.

Unfortunately, the revival comes too late to save Lake Oswego’s former bookstores including Graham’s. But we do lay claim to one bookstore currently: The Booktique, a used bookstore operated by The Friends of the Lake Oswego Public Library.

And a short jaunt into Portland will satisfy the book addict in each of us from the city-block icon Powell’s to Green Bean children’s bookstore in the Alberta Arts District. But in today’s retail environment where many brick-and-mortar stores are closing, how do experts explain the independent bookstores that manage to navigate this ever-changing consumer landscape?

It’s about the three C’s, according to Ruyan Raffaelli, professor of business administration at Harvard Business School and author of a working academic paper, “Reinventing Retail: The Novel Resurgence of Independent Bookstores.” 

Community—Indie bookstores are capitalizing on the “Shop local” trend, tapping into that sentiment to create relationships and foster community.

Curation. Independent bookstores are finding their strengths which rely more on curating inventories that create a more personal and individualized experience. Rather than just featuring bestsellers, they often give shelf space to debut authors, local writers and/or typically unexplored genres. This gives each bookstore its own personality, veering away from the one-size-fits-all impression you get when you see the same titles recommended by celebrity book clubs and featured in bestseller roundups.

Convening. Indie bookstores have also become community gathering places, offering author talks, storytimes, book signings and more. It’s their equivalent of a “loss leader”—a product sold at a loss to draw in customers. Once inside their four walls, bookstores are finding that customers find reasons to explore and shop.

Luckily for those of us who love to read, indie bookstores have found a way to survive (even after the pandemic). And luckily for us, we live in the Portland metro area, easily ranked on many surveys as one of the Top 10 Most Well-Read Cities in America. Here are some independent bookstores to check out.

POWELL’S WORLD OF BOOKS. I have to start the list with the bookstore that makes the city’s list of top attractions. With over two million new and used titles in stock, Powell’s dispels any notion that indie means small. And it’s a perfect example of all the three C’s I talked about earlier: they host over 500 author events a year, in addition to children’s storytimes, writing workshops, game demonstrations, and book clubs. “Shelf-talkers” (note cards that hang over shelves with handwritten notes from bookstore staff explaining why they love a book) are everywhere offering a personal touch to recommendations. Powell’s staff have created an experience for the book lover that he or she won’t find online or at Barnes and Noble.

BROADWAY BOOKS. We’re a bit partial to Broadway Books seeing that they carried copies of Riley’s novel, Waiting at Hayden’s. (If they’re out, just ask them to order it). But that fits their profile—they like to feature emerging writers alongside established ones. Their tagline is: A Great Little Store with Great Big Service and they pride themselves on knowing their customers and their tastes.  Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 1714 NE Broadway, 503.284.1726.

PASSAGES BOOKSHOP AND GALLERY. Looking to expand your reading horizon? Enter Passages Bookshop which specializes in modern poetry, literature, avant-garde art, book arts, fine printing and artist’s books, signed and inscribed copies and limited editions, and rare and unusual books. They host readings, book launches, lectures, music and artist receptions tied into their regularly changing exhibitions. To give you an idea of the fact that this is not your typical big-box bookstore, a few years back they enlisted 18 readers in a four-plus hour marathon reading of Ronald Johnson’s ARK. Hours: Open most days by appointment or by chance. 1223 1801 NW Upshur, Suite 660, 503.388.7665.

GREEN BEAN BOOKS. Stroll through this bookstore’s Instagram feed and you can tell they are having way too much fun getting children excited about books. Their collection features new and used books for all ages as well as a lot of side attractions like shadow-box dioramas, vintage coin-operated vending machines, a menagerie of cuddly creatures, storytimes, summer camps, comics classes, poetry slams, reading to a dog and more. If there’s a youngin’ in your family, this is a must-stop. Hours: Sunday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,  Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 1600 NE Alberta Street, 503.954.2354.

THE BOOKTIQUE. This is recycling at its best. The thousands of titles here have either been donated by Lake Oswego residents or withdrawn from the shelves of the Lake Oswego Library. Other finds include: puzzles, CD’s, DVD’s, VHS tapes, talking books, records and beautiful handmade bookmarks. Every week, the Booktique offers Sales and Specials. Some of these tie into holiday themes or seasons, and some highlight different categories of books so check back regularly to see what’s featured. Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. 4 Monroe Parkway, Suite D (503.699.9109) City Hall 380 A Avenue, Suite B, (503.534.5758).

MONOGRAPH BOOKWERKS. Store owners opened this place to give artists and the public a place to study, explore and purchase the finest contemporary art books being published today. They’ve also curated a growing collection of art and objects and artists’, political and counterculture ephemera that will have you walking through time. How about a 1972 poster and flyer of the SDS National Convention Against Racism or a Handmade Cut Stone Puzzle (Circa 1960)?  Be surprised! Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. 5005 NE 27th Avenue at Alberta, 503. 284.5005

 MOTHER FOUCAULT’S BOOKSHOP. Collectors will definitely find their way here with an eclectic selection of used, rare and vintage books on philosophy, foreign language, arts, fiction, poetry. Hours: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.  523 SE Morrison Street, 503.236.2665.

ANNIE BLOOM’S.This bookstore has been a fixture in Multnomah Village since 1978. They must be doing something right, including a Readers Rewards system that cashes out $5 off your next purchase after spending $100 on books. Their monthly event calendar is usually filled with author readings and special events like the after hours release party celebrating Emily Henry’s new book, Great Big Beautiful Life! Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturdays and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sundays. 7834 SW Capitol Highway, 503.246.0053.

WALLACE BOOKS. Fans call this bookstore located in the heart of Portland’s Sellwood/Westmoreland neighborhood, a “bibliophile’s dream, full of hidden treasures.” It is stocked with new and used books, both the hottest new bestsellers, and that quirky, hard-to-find out-of-print treasure! Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. 7241 SE Milwaukie Avenue,  503.235.7350.

ROSE CITY BOOK PUB. Just in case you need a little libation to coax you to sit down and read, Rose City Book Pub offers beer and wine, as well as a food menu along with their books. Writers can find inspiration in the monthly Drink and Write drop-in sessions on the last Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Artists can do the same at their Drink and Draw sessions on the first and last Thursday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Other events include open mic, chess and trivia. Hours: Weekdays, noon to midnight; Weekends 11:00 a.m. to midnight. 1329 NE Fremont Street.

BELMONT BOOKS PDX. Owner Joseph Witt wants to surprise his customers with books they may not know they want to read yet. Albeit a smaller venue than many of the other bookstores in town, fans call it a “hidden gem,” and “a reader’s playground.” See for yourself! Hours: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. 3415 SE Belmont Street.

BACKSTORY BOOKS AND YARN. Owner Ilse Roberts breathed new life into the former Hawthorne Boulevard Books when she moved her operation from the Foster neighborhood to Hawthorne, taking half the original space to house her 8,000 to 12,000 used book title inventory as well as second-hand yarn. (although she is looking to expand into carrying some new titles). Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily except Tuesday.

Discover all there is to enjoy in and around Lake Oswego and the Portland metro area. Subscribe to our blog by clicking on the “Sign me up ” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates. 

 

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Pickleball Returns to Lake Oswego with LORAC Opening

Posted on April 13, 2025 by lovelakeoswego

April is National Pickleball month and pickleball players in Lake Oswego finally have something to cheer about. After enduring quite the void created by closing the popular pickleball courts at George Rogers Park, fans of the sport have had to look elsewhere while the City tried to figure out another alternative.

The new Lake Oswego Recreation & Aquatics Center (LORAC) will feature three indoor pickleball courts available for use once the facility opens. In addition to clinics, there will be dedicated open play times, and as future planning efforts outlined in the Parks Plan 2040 and upcoming City Council decisions come together, programming will expand and adjust to meet community needs.

Currently dedicated open play times are scheduled to be:

Sundays: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Mondays: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Wednesdays: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Fridays: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

There are 11 sections of Intro to Pickleball for beginners being offered this summer as well as Drill and Play clinics (four sections) and Family Play (five sections).

Pre-sale memberships for LORAC are now closed and will reopen once the facility is open to the public. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for LORAC is set for Saturday, April 26 beginning at 9:30 a.m. and includes self-guided tours of the facility, Parks and Recreation information booths, complimentary refreshments and treats, project partner booths and guided tours of the adjacent golf course. You can find proposed fees online.

Come later this summer, pickleball players will have another nearby option. Pickleball Kingdom is opening a 42,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility at 16800 SW 72nd Avenue in Tigard which will feature 13 professional-grade indoor courts and plans to hold tournaments, leagues, clinics and youth programs.  

Be sure to check these places out and find out why pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the United States.

Subscribe to our blog and find out why Lake Oswego, Oregon is a great place to live! Reach out and we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have about moving to Lake Oswego.

Kevin Costello kevin.costello@cascadehasson.com 503.939.9801

Riley Costello riley.costello@cascadehasson.com 971.322.6205

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What You Should Know About the Lake Oswego Lake Run

Posted on April 6, 2025 by lovelakeoswego

This year marks the 49th year of the Lake Oswego Lake Run set for Saturday, May 3. There must be some good reasons why runners have tackled its hilly terrain for more than four decades so we checked in with a couple of last year’s early finishers to see what keeps runners coming back.

Amy Cantor, a Lake Oswego resident and physician and researcher at OHSU, was the third female finisher last year with a time of 41.57 minutes. For the past three years, she has beaten her time from the year before placing fifth in 2022 (44.58), and fourth in 2023 (42.49.) She doesn’t enter many races, preferring to run with friends, her husband and on trails and averages 30-40 miles a week.

David Easa, is a software engineer who has lived in Lake Oswego for the last two years and was the third male finisher last year with a time of 36.18 minutes. It was his first Lake Run and he plans to run again this year. He has clocked many race miles over the years including the Boston marathon twice and Honolulu and averages 20-50 miles per week.

What do you like most about the Lake Run?

Amy: “I love that I can walk out my door, jog down the street and be at the starting line. It’s fun, convenient and makes me feel like a local.” She is usually joined by her husband, and in years past her kids participated in the Kids’ Dash. She also loves turning off McVey and getting to cruise down South Shore for a bit where the beautiful view of the lake provides a wonderful distraction for a good half mile.

David: “I like how different each piece of it is – you have State Street which is urban and flat, then the climb up McVey which is challenging but not brutal followed by some rollers on the back stretch and then the race is on when you get on Iron Mountain.”

What’s your least favorite part about the Lake Run? Both would probably identify the climb up McVey as the most challenging but each has a different strategy for tackling it. Amy likes to accelerate at the beginning of a race, letting the adrenaline and the excitement of the start propel her to get out ahead of the crowd, knowing that once she gets to the top she’ll be rewarded by a bit of cruising when she can establish her pace. David recommends pacing yourself up McVey so you’re not giving anything away but you’re not blowing yourself up either.

What advice would you give to first-time runners? Both David and Amy recommend familiarizing yourself with the course so you know what to expect. That McVey climb can be an unwelcome surprise if you’re not prepared for it. And it’s good to know that once you turn off Iron Mountain on to Berwick, there is still work to be done so you don’t let up too soon.

How do you prepare for the Lake Run? In addition to getting his weekly miles in, David works with an online coach who gives him running workouts that he follows and which he feels have really helped improve his performance. While Amy usually runs the Lake Run course in the opposite direction during the year, she will run it clockwise a couple times before the race to prepare herself. Last year, she joined her daughter, who entered the 5K, doing sprint intervals on the track, and believes that helped improve her time.

What’s one thing you’d like to change about the Lake Run?

Amy: She’d prefer that there be separate lanes at the finish for 10K and 5K runners as opposed to merging them as is done now. While she enjoys the excitement and all the cheering, it can be tricky navigating the strollers and extra runners.

David: He suggested reversing the course direction every other year to keep it interesting so instead of tackling McVey at the beginning, it would be waiting for you towards the end.

You can register for the Lake Run online with proceeds benefitting Northwest Housing Alternatives.

The Lake Oswego Lake Run is just one of the endless reasons to love Lake Oswego and love living here! Be sure to subscribe to our blog for more reasons. Just click the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates. We’re Lake Oswego Realtors who live and work here and would love to make your next move your best one!

Kevin Costello 503.939.9801 kevin.costello@cascadehasson.com

Riley Costello 971.322.6205 riley.costello@cascadehasson.com

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What We Love About Lake Oswego in April

Posted on March 30, 2025 by lovelakeoswego

April in Lake Oswego is filled with Lake Oswego Reads events which you can find here. But in addition to all that, the City is celebrating National Poetry Month and Arbor month as well as our four-legged friends and student artists. Check out these activities:

NATIONAL POETRY MONTH SUBMISSIONS. In honor of National Poetry Month, all poets ages 18 and older are invited to submit 1-2 original poems (not exceeding 2 pages)  to be included in the Lake Oswego Public Library’s compilation posted on their website. Submissions are due April 30 and can be submitted electronically on a webform posted online. Questions: Email Rachael Hyde and rhyde@lakeoswego.city.

INTUITIVE ANIMAL COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP. Calling all pet owners and animal enthusiasts! Deepen your connection with the animal kingdom by attending this workshop led by renowned expert, Denise Dunlavy. In addition to developing a deeper understanding of animals’ energetic communication, you’ll also have a chance to gain hands-on experience with a live animal in real-time and explore practical applications that can help improve animal behavior and strengthen your bond. Register online for Course 30187. $30/Resident; $45/Non-Resident. Saturday, April 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, 505 G Avenue.

LAKE OSWEGO REPAIR FAIR. Save money, get your cherished items back in shape, and reduce waste.  Come with clothes that need mending, small appliances, electronics, and toys and have expert volunteers try to repair them for free! Saturday, April 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, 505 G Avenue.

LAKE OSWEGO SUSTAINABILITY RESOURCE FAIR. Celebrate Earth Day and connect with diverse organizations across our community who are advancing sustainability. Sunday, April 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. River Grove Elementary School, 5850 SW McEwan Road.

YEAR OF THE OAK: ARBORIST TALK AND FILM SCREENING. Join Lake Oswego Watershed Council and Arboriculture Council for an evening of learning and discussion on Oregon White Oak trees in Lake Oswego. Thursday, April 10 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Lake Theater and Cafe, 106 N. State Street.

OUTSIDE THE ART ROOM: TEEN ART SHOWCASE + AUCTION. Support local artists and participate in a silent art auction benefiting Children’s Healing Art Project (CHAP). This is a free event, open to all ages, and features live music, amazing art, kids’ art clinic and more. Friday, April 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Recreation and Aquatic Center, 17525 Stafford Road.

TREE PLANTING WORKSHOP. Learn what the City is doing to prepare for the arrival of Emerald ash borer, an invasive insect pest that threatens all ash tree species, and practice proper tree planting techniques while installing a variety of native tree species to help replace the inevitable loss of the ash tree canopy in Foothills Park. Capacity limited to 25 participants. Register now. 199 Foothills Road, Foothills Park Pavilion.

OREGON WHITE OAK TREE SURVEY TRAINING WORKSHOP. Help the City survey Oregon white oaks, collecting data on their size, condition and overall health to inform management decisions. Participants will gather at the picnic shelter for a brief introduction and follow along as the Lake Oswego Watershed Council hosts demonstrate how to use the survey tool and collect tree data before setting out to survey oaks throughout East Waluga Park. After the workshop, participants will be trained to survey oaks on their property or their neighbors’ with their permission. Registration is required and capacity limited to 30 participants. Saturday, April 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at East Waluga Park Picnic Shelter, 15505 Quarry Road.

FRIENDS OF HALLINAN WOODS (FREEPONS PARK) FAMILY NATURE TREASURE HUNT. Gather the whole family for a fun-filled Nature Treasure Hunt, hosted by the Friends of Hallinan Woods ins Freepons Park! Explore the park’s natural wonders as you search for hidden treasures. Sunday, April 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Check online for cancellation due to weather.

Don’t ever miss out on what’s happening in Lake Oswego. Subscribe to our blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button and receive weekly updates. And if you are thinking about moving to Lake Oswego, be sure to give us a call. We’re your local experts and would love to help you start enjoying the Lake Oswego lifestyle!

Kevin Costello kevin.costello@cascadehasson.com 503.939.9801

Riley Costello riley.costello@cascadehasson.com 971.322.6205

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