5 Reasons Why Westlake Neighborhood Is So Popular

Posted on September 27, 2015 by lovelakeoswego

In honor of National Good Neighbor Day which is tomorrow, September 28, I’d like to feature another one of the great neighborhoods to live in here in Lake Oswego, Oregon–Westlake.

You can tell a lot about a neighborhood by driving around. If you took a cruise around the Westlake neighborhood in Lake Oswego, here are a few conclusions you’d probably draw.

1. The location is great. Situated close to the I-5/217 interchange, Westlake offers convenience to working professionals. That’s one of the reasons Janet Schaefer settled there over 20 years ago where she lived before recently relocating. She was working in Portland and her husband’s commute took him to Woodburn so being able to hop on to I-5 was ideal for both of them. It also has its own retail center nearby with a couple eateries, salon, massage studio, gift shop, naturopathic clinic and several service businesses.

2. It’s kid-friendly. Chances are you’ll see kids playing in cul-de-sacs, in their yards, or riding bikes. Even though Schaefer’s children were grown when they settled in Westlake, she enjoyed watching all the kids around her grow up. Kids go to both Oak Creek Elementary and Lake Grove,  and the junior high and high school are conveniently located too.

3. It’s dog and walker-friendly too. Sidewalks and pathways make it easy and safe to get around. Schaefer found that a big bonus for her two Golden Retrievers. The Westlake Loop runs for 2.8 miles along Kruse Way to Kruse Oaks, up to Melrose and down to Fosberg before joining back up with Kruse.

4. The park is a popular draw. Westlake Park at 14165 Bunick Drive is considered the city’s premier athletic park with three lighted baseball/softball fields, two lighted soccer fields, lighted tennis courts, full court basketball as well as a covered playground and covered picnic shelter. In the summer the popular Summer Concert Series is hosted here as well and families and friends gather to revel in the music and dance to the tunes.

5. The neighborhood association must be strong. Why would you think that? There is a cohesiveness to Westlake, tied together with harmonious architectural designs and landscaping, much of which is called for in the convenants and restrictions of the homeowners’ association. The association is there to protect the quality of life homeowners enjoy and members took an active role recently in opposing the zone change for the West End Building located nearby which would have increased the density of that property and impacted traffic through the Westlake neighborhood.

One thing you may also notice is that there aren’t a lot of for sale signs posted. A recent RMLS search showed 13 active listings ranging from $379,00 to $1,095,000 with a median price of $557,500 and 35-40 days on the market. Currently I have a home listed at 4724 Avery Lane for $665,000. This wonderful traditional on one of Westlake’s most coveted streets features 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths in 2,731 square feet of living space. Lush lawns both front and back with a great floor plan lends itself to entertaining both inside and out. Westlake is a highly desirable neighborhood in Lake Oswego, so if you’re interested, give me a call at 503.939.9801 and let me go to work for you.

Be sure to click the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column to receive weekly updates on “52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego.”

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Learn To Be Happy in Lake Oswego on October 3

Posted on September 20, 2015 by lovelakeoswego

activating happyIn spite of all the reasons this blog offers to be happy you are living in Lake Oswego, sometimes happiness is more of an inside job. That’s why Lake Oswego resident Sandi Serling Zimmerman is hosting a conference on Saturday, October 3, called, “Activating Happy” to teach audience members how to rewire their brains to see the glass as half full more often than not.

Zimmerman has had a good life, but four years ago both her parents, residents of Lake Oswego, passed away in a period of four months. It was a challenging time for her and she admits, “It was hard to find my happy space.” Luckily her path crossed with Brad Pendergraft, a Portland-based therapist who bills himself as “Brain Coach Brad.” He mentored her, teaching her how her brain works, and showing her ways to pull herself out of what Zimmerman calls “the rabbit hole of negativity.”

Once she learned how to deal with life’s stresses more effectively, she felt a need to pass it on. With the support of Pendergraft and Lake Oswego Library Program Coordinator Cyndie Glazer behind her, and the domain name Activating Happy available, she started lining up speakers on topics like mindfulness and meditation, energy work and self compassion.

What does Zimmerman hope audience members will gain from attendance? “I can guarantee that people will walk away with at least three strategies that they can apply to their lives so they can enjoy more happiness and experience less stress,” she explains.

The conference will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street. Tickets at $57 per person are limited and must be purchased in advance online. A growing list of sponsors for the event include Lake Oswego Public Library, Umpqua Bank, Starbucks Lake Grove, Zupan’s, Office Products Nationwide and Viva! Events.

Stay up-to-date on reasons to be happy you’re living in Lake Oswego by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column. You’ll receive weekly updates. 

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Discover Bushels of Fun at Luscher Farm This Saturday

Posted on September 13, 2015 by lovelakeoswego

Luscher Farm signThere is no such thing as off-season for Luscher Farm. From planting summer flower baskets to making gingerbread houses, to every thing there is a season.

To prove the point, Luscher Farm is hosting a fall celebration this Saturday, September 19, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Here’s what you’ll find in store.

●An opportunity to shop nursery items, fresh produce and homemade crafts like soap, African market baskets, and estate grown lavender products.

●Petting Zoo featuring gentle goats, bunnies, baby ducks and a friendly burro brought to you by Cisco and Kids.

●Opportunity to learn about year-round activities and programs like Community Supported Agriculture bringing locally grown produce to local customers, Kids in the Kitchen cooking classes, and Barnyard Tales storytelling for ages 3-8.

●Special offerings like kid crafts, smoothie tasting, free popcorn, and pioneer photo booth.

●An excuse to get outside and enjoy a rural setting without driving far.

Luscher Farm is located at 125 Rosemont Rd. Parking is available at the C3 Church across the street on Stafford. A shuttle will also be operating to and from the Adult Community Center at 505 G Avenue.

Luscher Farm is just one thing to love about living in Lake Oswego, Oregon. If you want to discover more, subscribe to my blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column.

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Like a Fine Wine, Lake Oswego Wine Walk Improving With Age

Posted on September 6, 2015 by lovelakeoswego
Wine Walk attendees get an opportunity to sample wines while getting to know local retailers, like Accessories from the Heart, in downtown Lake Oswego.

As in years past, the Lake Oswego Wine Walk features wine tasting at downtown businesses, like here at Accessories From the Heart.

Organizers have put together the third annual Lake Oswego Wine Walk for Saturday, October 3 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., hoping it proves to be better than ever.

1. There are more tickets this year. The first year sold out at 450. Last year’s 500 tickets were all sold by event time. This year 600 advance tickets at $35 each are available, but judging on the event’s popularity, you’d be wise to purchase yours now. Tickets include a souvenir glass, wine yolk, eight tastes and a map directing you to participating businesses.

2. The tradition of offering domestic as well as international wines will continue. That variety is one of the things that committee member, Lanette Bernards, thinks sets the Lake Oswego Wine Walk apart from others. “We try to balance our offerings with what people in Lake Oswego and the Portland metro area like to drink,” she explains, which means that attendees will have lots to choose from.

Soletta, a Shoe Boutique, has also been a popular wine tasting stop on the Lake Oswego Wine Walk.

Soletta, a Shoe Boutique, has also been a popular wine tasting stop on the Lake Oswego Wine Walk.

Twenty five different downtown locations, all within walking distance, will be hosting tastings, poured by someone-in-the-know who can add to your enjoyment with a little explanation of what you’re drinking.

3. Art and music pair well with wine so expect to find it. The blues and R&B band, Kode Bluuz will be featured at 5:15 p.m. Local artists will be either displaying their work and/or creating it en plein air so you can sip and watch. Oh, and there’s food too—catered nibbles provided by local restaurants.

4. Some of the proceeds will benefit charity. Ten percent of each ticket sale will go towards ¡Salud!, an organization working to provide access to health care for Oregon’s seasonal vineyard workers and their families. “We like to say we’re helping the people who pick the grapes,” says Bernards.

5. It’s got something for everyone—the casual wine drinker as well as the aficionado. “People just think it’s a lot of fun,” explains Bernard, “but there are also some heavy duty connoisseurs who come to taste and are busy scoping out what to try.” Sounds like you can’t go wrong.

The Lake Oswego Wine Walk is set for Saturday, October 3, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in downtown Lake Oswego. Tickets are available online.

Be sure to stay in-the-know on everything about Lake Oswego in case you are thinking of moving to Lake Oswego or live here and don’t want to miss out! Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column and you’ll receive weekly updates on “52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego.”

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Sneak Preview of Lake Oswego’s Unveil Your Art!

Posted on August 30, 2015 by lovelakeoswego
This kinetic steel sculpture, "Aspens" by Reven Marie Swanson will be at home on the corner of 5th and A Avenue for the next two years as part of Lake Oswego's Gallery Without Walls.

This kinetic steel sculpture, “Aspens” by Reven Marie Swanson will be at home on the corner of 5th and A Avenue for the next two years as part of Lake Oswego’s Gallery Without Walls.

I can already tell I’m going to be a big fan for this year’s installment of new sculptures to the Gallery Without Walls. Having gotten a glimpse of a few of them, I’d be hard pressed to pick a favorite. The Lake Oswego Arts Council is planning a celebration today, Sunday, August 30, to both herald in the new sculptures and recognize the 15 year history of Gallery Without Walls. Both are worth toasting and here’s why.

1. The Gallery Without Walls features over 60 permanent and loaned works of art spread throughout Lake Oswego. Thirty of them are on loan from the artists and rotate every two years.

2. Lake Oswegans aren’t the only ones who appreciate the Gallery Without Walls. It was featured in Sunset magazine and won a City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors in 2007.

This work by Joel Heidel and Angelina Marino-Heidel, called "Journey Home," can be found in lower Milllennium Plaza Park.

This work by Joel Heidel and Angelina Marino-Heidel, called “Journey Home,” can be found in lower Milllennium Plaza Park. (Photo taken by Deb Hollister with Pure & Simple Graphics).

3. There are several ways to take in the Gallery. You can arrange fora private guided tour by one of the Art Council volunteers or take advantage of scheduled tours, like the ones set for today, beginning at 4:45. You can pick up a brochure at City Hall or download the free app for a digital tour.

4. Fourteen new sculptures will be added to the downtown walking area this year.

5. Festivities begin in Millennium Plaza Park at 3:00 p.m. Steel Away Trio will provide music and entertainment. The Road Dog Café will be on site to provide food and drinks for purchase. Arts council staff will be on hand to discuss the program and everyone is welcome to some free banana cake from New Seasons. Artists and their sponsors will be introduced beginning at 4:00 p.m. with docent and artist-led tours taking off at 4:45 p.m.

If you’re interested in touring homes in town because you’re looking to move to Lake Oswego or even change neighborhoods, give me call at 503.939.9801. I’d love to show you around.

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7 Ways to Grab Summer While You Can in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on August 23, 2015 by lovelakeoswego
Neighborhood lemonade stands are one of the things that will disappear with summer so support your local entrepreneurs while you can. Back in the day our kids put in their time peddling their goods.

Neighborhood lemonade stands are one of the things that will disappear with summer so support your local entrepreneurs while you can. Back in the day our kids put in their time peddling their goods.

Much as I hate to admit it, summer is winding its way to a close, so go out and grab the sweetest tastes of the season you can find while they’re still around. Here are some places to consider:

Swim parks. Staffed by teachers, students and school district alumni, these parks close once school starts so get there while you can. The Lake Oswego Swim Park at 250 Ridgeway Road is open to all Lake Oswego residents from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. through August 31. The Lake Grove Swim Park at 3800 Lakeview Boulevard is open to all residents who live within the boundaries of the former Lake Grove School District (see map).
Hours are 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. through August 30. The park will reopen for Labor Day weekend and close for the season at 5:00 p.m. on September 7.

Salt and Straw cart in the Wizer parking lot at First and Evergreen. If you haven’t had the Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, you are really missing out. Sure, you could drive into Portland, and visit one of Food Network’s Top 5 Ice Creameries in the nation, or you could just pull up to their food cart right here in Lake Oswego. But hurry—they’re only around until August 30. Hours are 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m.

Eat outside. Take in the outdoors while you eat at one of Lake Oswego’s restaurants while you still can. There are lots of options including those listed in a round-up I did a couple years ago as well as some new additions including: Aji Tram at 4477 Lakeview Blvd., and Kyra’s Bake Shop at 599 A Avenue.

Outdoor concerts. Lake Oswego’s summer outdoor concert series is wrapping up this week with the final Moonlight and Music performance in Millennium Plaza Park at 200 First Street today, August 23, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. featuring the Latin to Funk sounds of Sabroso. Radical Revolution will bring back the 80s as they close out the Sounds of Summer series on Wednesday, August 26, in Westlake Park, 14164 Bunick Drive, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. You can still catch live music at the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays through October 10.

Village Flower Baskets. Don’t take these baskets for granted—they’re only around until the first weekend in October so take the time to really appreciate them while they’re in their glory.

Neighborhood lemonade stands. Local budding entrepreneurs will be back in school soon without the lazy days of summer to peddle their wares. So be sure to stop and support the vendors you walk or drive by in the next couple of weeks. It’s an easy way to make a kid’s day (and consequently make yours too).

Street of Dreams. You could find inspiration for some winter home improvement projects at this year’s Street of Dreams which just happens to be conveniently located in Lake Oswego at Knauss Road and Goodall. Last day is Sunday, August 30.

If you want to grab the best of Lake Oswego, subscribe to this blog. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column. If you’re thinking of moving to Lake Oswego, let me show you around. Give me a call at 503.939.9801.

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5 Reasons Why You Don’t Have to Be a Car or Boat Buff to Enjoy Oswego Heritage Council’s Collector Car & Classic Boat Show

Posted on August 16, 2015 by lovelakeoswego

car show 4Car and boat buffs have lots to look forward to in Lake Oswego this weekend.

The Oswego Heritage Council is hosting its 16th annual Collector Car & Classic Boat Show August 22-23 at three venues in Lake Oswego: George Rogers Park, Foothills Park Marina and the Lake Oswego Corporation docks on Lakewood Bay. Cars and boats will be on display Sunday, August 23 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

But you don’t have to be a car or boat nut to enjoy this show. There’s more to take in than just your reflection off the side of a shiny 1971 Mercedes Benz 280SE. Just look.

car show 3

Wouldn’t you love to know the story behind this classic?

1. Stories. One thing boat and car lovers love to do is talk about their cars and boats. Whether it’s where they originally found their classic 1965 Ford Mustang or how many hours it took them to restore the mahogany deck on their 1961 Cruiser, you’ll find storytellers looking for an audience.

2. History. The PT Boat 658, which is the only World War II PT boat still seaworthy, will be on display at the Foothills Park marina along with amphibious military vehicles. It arrives Saturday, August 22,  at 10:00 a.m.

Every car and boat at Oswego Heritage Council's Collector Car & Classic Boat Show comes with a story, including this lilac Morris Minor.

Every car and boat at Oswego Heritage Council’s Collector Car & Classic Boat Show comes with a story, including this lilac Morris Minor.

3. Trivia. Last year there was a lilac Morris Minor, one of my favorite oldies. It was part of a special collection to celebrate the production of a million Morris Minors. Why lilac? Seems the paint technicians couldn’t guarantee the preferred color of metallic gold or silver to last beyond six months. That left a committee staring at shades of lime-green, pink, yellow, orange and lilac. All they could agree on was it shouldn’t be orange (obviously not a Beaver fan in the bunch) and that one of their members, Jack Field, should choose the color. Lilac it was…and still is to this day.

4. Vintage Water Show. Those gracious water skiers in their retro polka dot attire will return along with some comic relief. The show will be start at 1:00 p.m. on Lakewood Bay.

5. Pancakes and hamburgers. In case you didn’t get your fill on the Fourth of July, you can grab some of the Lions Club’s infamous pancakes in George Rogers Park from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. before they start flipping burgers.

Lake Oswego has some classic homes for sale too. If you’re interested in taking a look, give me a call at 503.939.9801. I’d love to show you around.

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Canal Front Homes Offer Waterfront Living for Less in Lake Oswego Oregon

Posted on August 9, 2015 by lovelakeoswego
This 2 bedroom 2 bath cottage on the Oswego Canal is listed at $995,000 and offers plenty of opportunity for remodeling or building your new dream home.

This 2 bedroom 2 bath cottage on the Oswego Canal is listed at $995,000 and offers plenty of opportunity for remodeling or building your new dream home.

This large level lot (.30 acre) is something that's hard to find on the main lake but a main selling point of living on the canal.

This large level lot (.30 acre) is something that’s hard to find on the main lake but a main selling point of living on the canal.

Sometimes I think Lake Oswegans are divided into two camps: water people and non-water folks. Just this week I was touring homes on the market with a client who informed me that living on the water wasn’t important to him. He is interested in being able to walk downtown and live in a brand new home. The two aren’t mutually exclusive, but you will pay significantly more when you add those amenities to a home that borders Oswego Lake. I on the other hand, moved to Lake Oswego to live on the lake. Or, I should say, on the canal. For that I may get a little less square footage or an older home, but in return I get to live the lake lifestyle.

And some of us who live on one of Oswego Lake’s canals may just say we get to live the better lake lifestyle. Why?

Oswego Canal entryBecause not only do we get access to the lake, but in many cases, we also get bigger yards, quieter streets, flatter lots which gives us more usable outdoor space, and neighborhoods. While we may not have a lake view outside our windows we do see the water in our canals and the wildlife that brings, as well as human life in the form of paddle boarders, canoers, boaters and kayakers.

Some clients of mine recently discovered this. They set out looking for main lake property but eventually bought on the canal when they realized they could get so much more house (and yard) for their money. Now they’re sold on canal front living and the amenities it brings like a quiet street and level backyard that holds a pool and outdoor entertainment center.

The numbers tell the story as well. Currently there are six canal front homes on the market ranging from $930,000 to $2,450,000. The price for entry of a lakefront home is $1,465,000 and tops out at $6,950,000.  Average listing price for homes currently for sale on the canal is $1,323,316; while the 18 lakefront homes average $3,326,333. So you can see that if you want to live on the water in Lake Oswego, the canals offer a cheaper way in. Once here, you may decide to stay put; however, if the main lake still calls you, know that the desirability of canal living will make moving on an easy transition.

Whether you fall into the water or non-water category, main lake or canal, I’d love to help you find a way to call Lake Oswego your home. Give me a call at 503.939.9801 and put me to work for you.

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Here’s Your Game Plan for Lake Oswego’s Hot August Night 2015

Posted on August 2, 2015 by lovelakeoswego

hot august nightHot August Night is your neighborhood block party on water. Hundreds of waterfront and easement residents and their friends gather on the Northeast arm of the main lake for a concert every year. This year’s event is set for Saturday, August 8. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Buoy lines open at 5:00 p.m. with enough lines to accommodate 125 boats. The rest of the attendees will have to drop anchor.

2. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. on the stage at Pat and Pam Kearney’s home.

3. The Beatniks return for this year’s performance. Playing tunes that are instantly familiar from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, they get the crowd rocking (and dancing too on a floating dance floor).

4. Bring food and drink to share. It’s a neighborly gathering with folks boat hopping and swimming while they eat, drink, and enjoy the live music.

5. Bring your own transportation (paddle board, kayak) to get to and from the port-a-potties. The Lake Corporation will not be operating its taxi service this year.

6. Plan on getting hooked. Our oldest daughter went to her first about three years ago. She convinced her brother and his buddy to join her last year. They’re all returning for this year’s bash and now consider it a standing date like the 4th of July and Christmas.

There’s lots to enjoy living in Lake Oswego. My blog tries to introduce you to that. I’d love to do that in person. If you’re interested in living here or changing neighborhoods if you already call Lake Oswego home, give me a call at 503.939.9801.

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5 Things You Need to Know to Get the Most Out of the 2015 NW Natural Street of Dreams in Lake Oswego

Posted on July 26, 2015 by lovelakeoswego

Street of DreamsThe 2015 NW Natural Street of Dreams opens its doors in Lake Oswego for the third time in its 40th history this Saturday, August 1, and will run through August 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Highlands, located near the corner of Knaus Road and Goodall. Tickets are $17. Here are 5 things you should know to make sure you have a good time.

1. There will be nine homes to tour this year, including a remodel, which is a first for the Street of Dreams.

2. You’ll notice a trend of floor-to-ceiling windows to capitalize on the views of Mt. Hood and the Willamette Valley.

3. Depending on what your dream home looks like, you won’t want to miss the Pooja/Meditation Room in the Serenity house, the full secondary suite for multi-generational living on the first floor of the Sandhill Crane, a morning room with fireplace off the kitchen in the Highland Couture as well as several outdoor entertainment centers, theater room and a couple mid-century modern homes. Check out all the homes on the website.

4. Parking is offsite so plan ahead. During the week, you can catch the 5-7 minute shuttle ride from 2500 Country Club Road, and on Saturdays and Sundays, parking is located at 4000 Kruse Way Place. A trolley will also shuttle folks from 2nd and A Avenue in downtown Lake Oswego to the NW Natural Street of Dreams on weekends.

5. Plan your visit to time with some of the other events scheduled during the show:
August 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. – Style at the Street—fashion show, boutiques, gourmet treats, wine tasting.
August 17 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Dream for Doernbecker benefit – summer buffet at $50/person
August 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. – free admission for all current and former military members plus three of their family members
Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Come for wine and live music
Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Attend the Chef Series and get barbecue tips from professional chefs along with samples and wine tasting

If you’d like some help finding your dream home in Lake Oswego, give me a call at 503.939.9801. I’d love to show you around.

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