9 Home-Buying Choices for Enjoying Oswego Lake in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Posted on September 28, 2014 by lovelakeoswego
Oswego Canal entry

Canal front homes are just one home-buying option that lets you enjoy Oswego Lake. If you’d like to see one that is currently on the market, give me a call at 503.939.9801.

Oswego Lake adds to the quality of living in Lake Oswego. Whether it’s looking at it, boating or swimming in it, paddle boarding on it, or dining on its shores, the lake is one of the things that makes living in Lake Oswego great.

But you don’t have to own a million dollar lakefront home to enjoy it. There are other home-buying options in Lake Oswego that give you access to the lake. Here they are.

VIEW. Homes with a lake view. Perched on streets like Upper or Summit Drives, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of Oswego Lake without paying waterfront prices. Some of these homes also offer you the opportunity to belong to an easement which affords you water access as well. Right now you can purchase a lake view home for anywhere between $849,000 and $3,895,500.

LAKEFRONT. These homes give you everything—view and access, but at a price. Currently there are 18 lakefront homes for sale ranging in price from $1,200,000 to $10,500,000. In addition, you are responsible for paying Lake Corporation fees that are based on your water frontage.

CANALS. Oswego Lake has two canals: Blue Heron and Oswego Canal. Both offer a water view, albeit of the more narrow canals rather than the lake, as well as access. Homes have boat houses, and depending how far down the canal you live, feature boat rides anywhere from one to seven minutes to get to the main lake. What you get with many of the canal front homes that lakefront homes lack, is a sizeable yard. Many of the lots, particularly on Lake Haven Drive and Kelok are deep, and some contain swimming pools as well as yards large enough to entertain over a hundred guests. They are also situated in neighborhoods that add to the community feel for residents. There are six canal front homes for sale at this time ranging between $849,000 and $1,999,000 (now pending). Lake Corporation fees also apply.

CABANAS. Ten cabanas are situated on Lakewood Bay, at the end of Third Street in the Oswego Lake Sailing Club. Originally designed by Richard Sundeleaf as exclusive rental properties in 1936, these home sites range from the original footprint of 915 square feet to 3,319 square feet in new construction. The location is perfect not only for enjoying the more peaceful Lakewood Bay but also for walking to downtown Lake Oswego and taking in special events like the 4th of July ski show and the Oswego Heritage Council wooden boat parade. Prices range from $900,000 to $1,750,000. Lake Corporation and association fees are extra.

BAYS. There are three bays on Oswego Lake: West Bay and Blue Heron on the southwest end and Lakewood Bay on the northeast end. Homes here offer scenic views of quieter water than the main lake as well as water access. A “no wake zone” is enforced in both West Bay and Blue Heron, so residents don’t have to deal with the noise of high speed boats or the wakes created by ski bobbing or wake boarding. Currently there are six homes for sale on the bays ranging from $900,000 to $2,595,000 with annual Lake Corporation fees extra.

EASEMENTS. Twenty easements located around the lake give 3,000 non-waterfront homeowners the opportunity to live the lake lifestyle without paying waterfront prices. Each easement only has a limited number of boat slips for which there can be a waiting list. Once a boat slip is secured there is an annual easement fee as well as Lake Oswego Corporation fees, an annual meeting and usually a maintenance workday. Some easements also hold socials.

LAKE GROVE SWIMPARK BOUNDARY. The Lake Grove Swim Park is run by the Lake Oswego School District and is open to residents who live within the boundaries of the former Lake Grove School District according to the original deed spelled out by Oregon Iron & Steel Company. (Check to see what houses reside within the boundary). While that district is now part of the LOSD, residents within those original boundaries still pay an additional property tax to support the park. Ask anyone who uses it, and they’ll tell you it’s well worth it. The park opens the first weekend after school lets out and stays open seven days a week from 12 noon to 8:00 p.m. through Labor Day. Lifeguards are on hand at all times ensuring kids stay safe, enforcing rules and administering swim tests which allow children to swim in roped off areas of different depths. Picnic tables, barbecues, a play structure, concession stand and games round out a summer afternoon for most families.

CONDOMINIUMS. In 2006, 60 condominium conversion units went on the market in what is now The Villas on Lake Oswego (formerly part of the Bay Roc apartments). Many units afford lake views and balconies as well as boat slips and a common dock. These one-to-three bedroom units offer a more affordable way to get lake access with sales this past year ranging from $116,000 to $360,000.

The Edgewater Garden Court Condominiums at 55 N. Shore Road and the Lakewood Lofts and Condominiums at the end of Third Street both offer lake views but no access. Most recent sales at The Edgewater in the 2011-2012 ranged from $257,000 to $275,000. Prices are higher at the Lakewood Lofts and Condominiums with sales of $239,000 and $430,000 in 2011.

ANY LAKE OSWEGO HOME. Any resident of Lake Oswego can use the Lake Oswego Swim Park located at 250 Ridgeway Road. It is usually open through July and August in the summer from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

If you’d like to check out some of these Lake Oswego homes, please give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com or check out my website. I can show you around and help you decide which home-buying option is best for you.

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Top 50 List Is More Proof That Lake Oswego, Oregon Takes Its Education Seriously

Posted on September 21, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

schoolLake Oswego has done it again. Made a Top 10 list.

Well, in this case, it’s more like a Top 50 list. Business Insider named Lake Oswego the most educated town in the state of Oregon with 66.5 percent of adults holding at least a bachelor’s degree. Results were based on Census Bureau data gathered between 2008-2012 in its American Community Survey.

Survey aside, it doesn’t take long to realize that Lake Oswego takes education seriously.

Consider this:

●The Lake Oswego Foundation was started in 1986 and has raised nearly $21 million with the express purpose of funding teachers in order to keep class sizes low.

●The Foundation Endowment Fund is currently at $1.5 million in cash and bequests with plans to reach $100 million by 2030, contributing $4 million to the annual fund-raising campaign.

●Lake Oswego voters have approved five-year local option levies to supplement state educational funding four times beginning in 2000, with 78 percent of voters supporting the latest renewal in the 2013 special election.

●Even the City of Lake Oswego got in the act, making one-time contributions to the school district in 2010-11 ($150,000) and 2011-2012 ($2 million).

●Class sizes are among the lowest in the area, with an average of 23.3 at the elementary level, 25.9 in junior high and 27.2 in high school.

●High school students score 12% higher on the SAT and 21% higher on the ACT than their peers statewide.

●ACT composite scores of Lake Oswego School District high school students are higher than the national average as well, with a score of 26.6 compared to 21 (out of a possible 36).

●At the lower levels, student performance is outstanding too. Eighth graders meet or exceed state standards at a rate of 37% higher in math, 32% higher in science, and 25% higher in reading. Fifth graders do the same at a rate of 45% higher in math, 36% higher in science, and 33% higher in reading.

●In 2011, Forbes named Lake Oswego the #5 city nationally in terms of getting the most educational value for your housing buck when compared to other cities with comparably priced real estate.

Keep up-to-date on reasons to love Lake Oswego by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column.

Photo Credit: Stuart Miles

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The Season is Still Going Strong at Luscher Farm Highlighted by Campfire Evening This Friday

Posted on September 14, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

Luscher Farm signWhile you may be putting your garden to rest for the winter, Lake Oswego’s Luscher Farm is still open for business at 125 Rosemont Rd.

Check out some of these upcoming events which you can register for on the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation website.

●Campfire Evening for all ages. Enjoy s’mores, camp songs and ghost stories without having to pack up the tent, tarps and lanterns. All children must be accompanied by a parent. Friday, September 19, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Children’s Garden. $10 Resident/$15 Non-Resident. Class #10228

●Kids in the Kitchen classes encourage your children, ages 6-15, to develop culinary skills preparing healthy meals with fresh produce from the Children’s Garden. Classes include Garden Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese (September 20 #10232), Handmade Bagels with Garden Spreads (October 25 #10235), Vegetable Sushi and Vanilla Ice Cream (November 22 #10236) and Blueberry Crepes and Lemon Curd (December 13 #10237). $30 Resident/$45 Non-Resident.

●Garden Babies for ages 0-3. Get their green thumb started early with fun garden based activities. While the FREE class is drop-in, pre-registration is requested. Mondays, September 22 through October 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in the Bunkhouse Classroom. #10325

●Free Barnyard Tales for ages 3-8. Enjoy storytime in a farm setting that comes with a tour of the Children’s Garden. While the FREE class is drop-in, pre-registration is requested. Wednesdays, September 24 through October 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. #10325.

●All About Tractors for ages 3-8. What kid isn’t fascinated with tractors? Let them climb on the Farmall tractor, learn about tractors and make a tractor out of recycled materials.Saturday, September 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Bunkhouse Classroom. $10 Resident/$15 Non-Resident. #10207.

●Harvest Celebration. To everything there is a season, so celebrate another successful harvest at Luscher Farm complete with food vendors, live music, kid activities and informational booths. It’s a perfect Halloween picture taking opportunity complete with the resident scarecrows. Saturday, October 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. $5-$15 suggested donation at the door.

There is more where these came from. Check out the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Fall Catalog.

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Seats are Free at Lake Oswego’s Eco Film Fest

Posted on September 7, 2014 by lovelakeoswego
The Lake Theater Cafe at 106 N. State Street is the venue for Lake Oswego's Eco Film Fest beginning today, September 7 at 5:00 p.m.

The Lake Theater Cafe at 106 N. State Street is the venue for Lake Oswego’s Eco Film Fest beginning today, September 7 at 5:00 p.m.

What’s better than a $1 movie? How about a free one?

The City of Lake Oswego is hosting its first ever Lake Oswego Eco Film Fest over four consecutive Sundays featuring films that are designed to raise questions and suggest solutions while they entertain.

Grab your seat at the Lake Theater Café at 106 N. State Street. Here’s a rundown of the lineup.

●Sunday, September 7, Water Blues, Green Solutions, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Water is close to Lake Oswegans hearts so this film should hold a special appeal as it examines how people in different communities (including Portland) are finding green solutions to our water issues.

●Sunday, September 14, FernGully, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This animated fantasy film takes the good guys/bad guys formula and gives it an environmental twist.

●Sunday, September 21, Chasing Ice, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. An award winning documentary featuring footage taken from time-lapsed cameras poised to chronicle the changing landscape of the world’s glaciers.

●Sunday, September 28. Vanishing of the Bees, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Another documentary that takes a piercing look at the impact of the disappearance of honeybees seen around the world.

You know what else is free? Let me do a free market appraisal on your home to help you decide whether to stay put, remodel, or move on. Just give me a call at 503.939.9801.

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The Secret’s Out This Friday-Come See New Additions to Lake Oswego’s Gallery Without Walls

Posted on August 31, 2014 by lovelakeoswego
The rainbow fabric comes off this Friday, September 5 to unveil the newest additions to Lake Oswego's rotating Gallery Without Walls.

The rainbow fabric comes off this Friday, September 5, to unveil the newest additions to Lake Oswego’s rotating Gallery Without Walls.

Rainbow fabric has draped Lake Oswego’s newest additions to the Gallery Without Walls in secrecy for the last couple weeks. Come Friday evening, September 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. the secret’s out as the Arts Council hosts a celebration in Millennium Plaza Park at First and Evergreen to reveal the new sculptures to this rotating gallery.

Here’s what you’ll find:

●Fourteen new sculptures on loan to the city of Lake Oswego’s Gallery Without Walls will be unveiled and explained by the sculptors who created them.

●Guided walking tours will be offered of the Gallery Without Walls.

The Human Statue will kick things off at the Unveil Your Art Celebration beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Millennium Plaza Park.

The Human Statue will kick things off at the Unveil Your Art Celebration beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Millennium Plaza Park.

●Entertainment provided by The Human Statue, also known as The Silver Man, seen on Portland streets juggling, miming and just, well, standing still and making you wonder, is he real or is he a statue?

●Food available from Nicoletta’s Table.

●A chance to channel your inner hippie and pull out your tie-dye, floral prints, miniskirts and bell bottoms in honor of this year’s Pop Art theme, made famous by artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichenstein.

Have you signed up to receive weekly updates of “52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego?” If not, click the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column and you’ll be sure not to miss a thing.

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5 Reasons Why Summer Nights Are One of the Best Things About Summer in Lake Oswego Oregon

Posted on August 24, 2014 by lovelakeoswego
Dinners on the deck are one of my favorite things about summer nights in Lake Oswego Oregon.

Dinners on the deck are one of my favorite things about summer nights in Lake Oswego Oregon.

It’s hard to pick my favorite thing about summer in Lake Oswego, but summer nights are right up there vying for the number one spot.

Why?

They last longer here. Actually, summer days do too, compared say to our Southern California neighbors. The longest stretch of daylight is in late June with sunrise at 5:24 a.m. and sunset at 9:03 p.m. We’re a good 20 minutes into our day before the Newport Beachers in So Cal are waking to sunshine. And we gain almost an hour of evening sunlight at the other end of the day when the sun sets along their beaches at 8:06 p.m. but still shines on us for another 57 minutes.

No bugs. While the Insect Identification website lists 175 bugs that can be found in Oregon, I’m here to say that for the most part, they will not interfere with your enjoyment of summer nights. Occasionally, especially in late August, a wasp or two may find its way to your dinner table if you are eating meat, but other than that, we’ve found our backyard to be a nuisance-bug free zone. Even though we live on the lake, mosquitoes have not been an issue. Screened in porches are not needed here to enjoy your hot summer nights.

The weather. For the most part this summer, evening temperatures have ranged from the mid 70s to mid 90s, with no wind to bring on a chill. Perfect for a dip in the lake, walk around the block, corn hole tournament, boat cruise, or entertaining friends.

Dinners on the deck. Thanks to all of the above reasons, dinners on the deck are a highlight of our summer nights. Whether it’s a table for two—my wife and I—or 12—when the cousins visit—it seems that everything from the conversation to the food is better when enjoyed outdoors.

Sounds. Because I’m out on my deck enjoying my summer nights, I can also enjoy the sounds that come with them like a crackling fire in a neighbor’s backyard, kids swimming in the pool next door, and crickets that usually arrive in early August and serenade us until school starts.

Does Lake Oswego sound too good to be true? Why not see for yourself! Let me show you around—it’s what I love to do. Just give me a call at 503.939.9801.

Posted in Seasons in Lake Oswego Oregon | Tagged , | 6 Comments

5 Reasons Why You Should Buy Your Lake Oswego Wine Walk Tickets Now

Posted on August 17, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

wine walkThe second Lake Oswego Wine Walk is set for Saturday, September 20 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. You don’t want to miss it and you could, if you don’t act fast. Here’s why.

1. They sold out last year. The first 400 tickets sold out before the event and organizers were able to add 50 more which were bought up in a day. This year they have 500 spots at $35 each. You can buy tickets online at the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce website and check-in locations the day of the event will be assigned to you or you can buy them in person at World Class Wines at 269 A Avenue or Accessories from the Heart at 220 A Avenue #100 and select the check-in location you want. (Check-in locations are the Lakewood Center for the Arts, Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce, and the Oregon Wine Reserve).

2. People loved the first one. The word is out that this event is worth attending so tickets will move even faster. Organizer Susan Olson with World Class Wines says, “People loved it and the businesses loved it. Even long-time owners like Paul Graham and Richard Bloom said they had never in all their years seen so many people in the streets.” Make sure you’re one of them.

3. There’s an opportunity to sample wines from all over. Olson explains that wines will be available from all around the world and will include a selection from all price points and styles—reds, whites, bubbly and rosé. Each ticket is good for eight tastes at participating downtown Lake Oswego shops so wise wine walkers plot their tastings according to the map that comes with registration which shows which businesses are featuring which wines.

4. Food is included. New Seasons Market is catering the event and will have 200 bites of goodies available at each of the 30 tasting locations along with a cheese plate.

5. Art and music round out the event. Local artists will be either displaying their work and/or creating it on location and live music will be available at some of the tasting locations, including the Lakewood Center for the Arts and Step It Up Studios.

Photo credit: Jason Dodson

Be sure to sign up to receive “52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego” updates when they come out! Just click the “Sign me up button in the top right hand column.

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What You Have in Common with Ralph Lauren, Jay Leno, and the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah

Posted on August 10, 2014 by lovelakeoswego
Classic boat and car enthusiasts share their passion with the public at the 15th Annual Oswego Heritage Council's Collector Car and Classic Boat Show Saturday and Sunday, August 16-17 in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

Classic boat and car enthusiasts share their passion with the public at the 15th Annual Oswego Heritage Council’s Collector Car and Classic Boat Show Saturday and Sunday, August 16-17 in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

While you may not have the moola to put together car collections like these fanatics, (did you know that 98 percent of Ralph Lauren’s 60 plus car collection is red and that the Sultan owns more than 7,000?) you most probably do appreciate a well cared for classic.

You’re in luck. Fortunately local collectors are willing to bring their treasures to you instead of hiding them away like the Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan in a pyramid shaped garage.

Collector cars and classic boats will be on display at The Oswego Heritage Council’s 15th annual Collector Car and Classic Boat Show on Sunday, August 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Here are the details:

●The pre-show begins on Saturday, August 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Highlights include: tours of the world’s only usable PT boat at the Foothills dock on the Willamette River, a vintage water ski show at 3:00 p.m. in Lakewood Bay and classic boat parade at 4:00 p.m.

●On Sunday, you can view over 300 collector cars and motorcycles at George Rogers Park; over 30 classic boats on the lake at the Lake Oswego Corporation docks; and on-land classic boats at the Foothills Park. PT 658 and a WWII DUK-W will be at the Foothills docks and tours will be provided.

●A free shuttle, provided by First Student, Inc., will run continuously throughout the Show to all three venues. Admission to all three venues is free to both car and boat owners and spectators.

●Sundeleaf Park will be the site of a large model boat display and free wooden boats for kids to color and float and take home.

●The awards ceremony for the cars will be at George Rogers Park at 2:00 p.m. and for the boats at Sundeleaf Park at 2:30 p.m.

●The Lions Club will be providing food for both breakfast and lunch.

If your taste in classic includes older homes, let me give you a tour of some of the classic homes for sale in Lake Oswego. Just give me a call at 503.939.9801.

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3 Reasons Why Hot August Nights in Lake Oswego is Not To Be Missed

Posted on August 3, 2014 by lovelakeoswego

2014 hot august nightsThis year all three of my kids will be home for the Hot August Nights concert featuring the Beatniks on August 9 on Oswego Lake. Why? My daughter, Riley, who has attended the last several years said it rivals the 4th of July for a fun experience on the lake.

What’s the big deal?

1. It’s a unique experience. There aren’t too many places where you can listen to live music on your boat while swimming and even dancing on a floating dance floor. Located at the opening to Half Moon Bay, the setting is beautiful.
2. The entertainment is top notch. One local DJ said that the Beatniks “can absolutely capture the essence of the recordings of the original artists.” Despite the name, the group performs more than just Beatles hits. You’ll hear familiar tunes from Van Morrison, the Monkeys, Rolling Stones, Neil Diamond and more. They even take requests.
3. It’s a party atmosphere. Take 200-250 boats filled with friends looking to have a good time and that’s what happens. Appetizers are shared, toasts are made, boat hopping replaces bar hopping as the music plays on.

Here are the details: Music begins playing at 5:00 p.m. Concert goes from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. There are close to 125 “spaces” available on a first come first served basis for boats to tie up on buoy lines, starting at 5:00 p.m. Other boats will need to drop anchor. The Lake Corporation encourages residents to “buddy boat,” if possible.

Hot August Nights is just one reason to love Lake Oswego. Subscribe to my blog to learn about more. Just click the “Sign me up” button at the top of the right hand column.

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Thursday’s Street Fair and Saturday’s Art and Antique Fair Give You Every Reason to Spend the Week in Lake Oswego

Posted on July 27, 2014 by lovelakeoswego
A free shuttle will transport you from the Farmer's Market to the Art and Antique Fair this Saturday in Lake Oswego.

A free shuttle will transport you from the Farmer’s Market to the Art and Antique Fair this Saturday in Lake Oswego.

Summer is in full swing in Lake Oswego, giving you no excuse to leave town. Check out these upcoming events.

Third Street Block Party on Thursday, July 31

The weather forecast looks perfect for strolling around downtown Lake Oswego and taking advantage of these activities:

●Downtown Sidewalk Sale from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
●Art Stroll from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with 20 artists painting under the skies and in the streets
●Local Author Adventure at Graham’s Books & Stationery from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., 460 Second Street.
●Third Street Block Party from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. between A and B Avenue on Third Street. Enjoy music, food, wine, dancing.

For more information, contact the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce at 503.636.3634.

Meals on Wheels from our Farmers’ Fields on Saturday, August 2

In addition to the usual fresh produce, the Farmer’s Market is offering you a chance to support Lake Oswego’s Meals on Wheels program. Donations of farm-fresh goods (zucchini, carrots, tomatoes, corn, etc.) purchased from market vendors will be collected at the Market Information and Merchant Services booths to be used to prepare food for Meals on Wheels. Cash donations will also be accepted. First and Evergreen in Millennium Plaza Park.

Art and Antique Fair on Saturday, August 2

●More than 25 local art and antique dealers will be displaying their goods from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, 505 G Avenue as part of the revived Art and Antique Fair.
●Local antique dealer and sponsor Fred Squire will be offering complimentary appraisals from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
●A free shuttle will be running from First and A Avenue to the Adult Community Center between 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. so you can enjoy both the Farmer’s Market and the Art and Antique Show without having to move your car!
●Live music will be provided from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. by local favorites Sally Harmon and Frank Gruner
●A children’s craft corner will be available to keep the kids entertained.
●Veraci Pizza Oregon will be selling wood-fired pizza and mini-donuts.

Coming Up Next Weekend: Hot August Nights, Saturday, August 9

●Check out next week’s blog for more info.

Consider subscribing to “52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego” so you don’t miss out on things like Hot August Nights. Just click the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column . It will come to you directly every week.

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