The West Hills neighborhood in southwest Portland has been attracting wealthy Portlanders since the late 19th century. Individuals who made their fortunes through the city’s then-booming timber industry relocated from the city center to its forested hills for scenic views and natural surroundings.
Set over the Tualatin Mountains, with roads winding through forest and homes perched on hillsides, the area has rustic charm, a serene atmosphere, and is within a short distance of the downtown area.
It is one of the city’s most expensive areas, but price rises are slightly lagging behind the city average. Over the past year, average sales prices have increased 4% to 5% in southwest Portland, compared with price rises of 8% to 10% across the city over the same period, according to Joe Reitzug, of Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty Portland.
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The Oregon city has seen a boom in population growth and is a relocation hot spot among millennials. Synonymous with hipster culture and a relaxed, outdoorsy lifestyle, it ticks the boxes for young people in the creative and tech industries.
"It’s a small big city with an excellent food and artisan brewery scene and many recreational facilities," said Cindy Thackery, of estate agency John L. Scott.
The biggest pull, however, is the city’s thriving jobs market. Portland has a strong economy and job opportunities across the spectrum, Mr. Reitzug said. The tech industry has some of the city’s top paying firms, including Intel, Google and Oracle and newcomers such as Airbnb.
Boundaries
The West Hills, also known as the Tualatin Mountains, run north to south along the west side of the city. The Willamette river divides the city into east and west sides.
The boundaries of the southern end of the West Hills are roughly West Burnside Road to the north, SW Barbur Boulevard to the east and south, SW Taylors Ferry Road to the south and SW Oleson Road and Scholl Ferry Road to the east.
Price range
A three-bedroom home can cost as little as $400,000 and the average four-bedroom home with a large garden will cost about $500,000, Mr. Reitzug said. He added that the most expensive homes cost between $2 million and $3 million.
Ms. Thackery gives a slightly lower estimate. "A one-story three-bedroom ranch style house starts from $300,000 and a four-bedroom home costs between $400,000 and $500,000," she said.
She noted that the homes can fetch up to $4 million and that homes at the higher end of the market start at $1 million.
Buyers pay more than the city average to live in the area. The average asking price of a home in southwest Portland is about $600,000, compared with the $425,000 that an average home in the city would cost, Mr. Reitzug said.
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Housing stock
An abundance of grand homes makes the West Hills in southwest Portland a prestigious and sought-after address.
Many have far-reaching scenic views. The western side looks toward the peaks of the Oregon Coast mountain range and the eastern edge looks over the city and the majestic snow-capped Mount Hood.
Most single-family homes have been individually built and have their own distinctive character. It has colonial-style mansions and charming cottages, along with ranch style, mid-century modern, arts and crafts-style and contemporary houses.
Finding a home with several acres is difficult because most large estates have been divided up into plots of land and sold off to developers to build new homes and condominiums. The authorities, keen to restrict urban sprawl, favor this form of development, known as infill housing.
There are also a number of retirement communities, with walkability and natural setting of the area appealing to older people, according to Cascade Sotheby’s Realty Portland.
The majority of the 66 units currently for sale in southwest Portland are single-family homes, according to data from Cascade Sotheby’s Realty Portland.
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What makes it unique?
Set over a forest-covered mountain range, the area offers pristine natural beauty, privacy and scenic views. Yet it is only a short drive from the downtown area, with its wealth of culture, restaurants and amenities.
The character of the place gives it enduring appeal, Ms. Thackery said. "The scenery is quintessentially Oregon. You’re in the middle of a forest, yet you are close to the city center."
As well as being covered in forest, residents have easy access to parks, gardens, golf courses and areas of wilderness, which offer an abundance of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Cycling and rambling are hugely popular among locals.
Washington Park, a large green space adjacent to the downtown area, encompasses Oregon Zoo and the horticulturist havens of the Japanese Botanical Garden and International Rose Test Gardens.
Bridge at Japanese Garden in Portland, OR
Bob Pool / Getty ImagesCouncil Crest Park, one of the highest points in the Tualatin Mountains, has a three-mile trail that takes you to its peak, where you’re rewarded with 180-degree views of the city.
The Forest Park at the northern end of the West Hills has eight miles of forest and is set over hills that overlook Portland’s main waterway, Willamette River.
Just south of Washington Park is Marquam Nature Park, which has Duniway Lilac Garden and hiking trails that forms part of the 40-Mile Loop, a trail around and through Portland.
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Luxury amenities
There are shopping strips with restaurants and cafes dotted about the southern section of the West Hills so you don’t have to go into town for amenities.
Southwest Hills has Vista Spring, a neighborhood restaurant that makes its own bread and classic Italian-American dishes, while Raleigh Hills has a New Seasons Market, a chain of privately owned grocery stores, and Portland Golf Club.
Multnomah Village’s shopping streets have a quaint village feel: Annie Bloom’s Books, children’s toy shop Thinker Toys, John’s Market, a wine and beer shop, Tastebud, which serves wood fired pizzas, and Grand Central Bakery are popular spots in town.
The Jesuit High School, a co-ed college preparatory school catering to students in grades 9 to 12, is the most sought-after school in southwest Portland.
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Oregon Episcopal School, a private co-ed preparatory school for students in grades K to 12, is also popular.
Who lives there
The area’s varied mix of housing attracts a more diverse demographic. However, most people are well educated and have well-paid jobs.
The demographic is similar to the rest of Portland and has a good variety of income levels and ages, said Mr. Reitzug.
Portland has an understated vibe and high-profile people like to live under the radar, according to agents. Wealthy types tend to have low-key lifestyles and are more likely to drive Tesla electric cars than Ferraris.
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Notable residents
The film director Gus Van Sant is a resident of Portland and he used to own a home in the West Hills. Matt Groening, creator of TV series "The Simpsons," grew up near the neighborhood of Goose Hollow in the West Hills and many of his characters are named after local streets.
One of Portland’s most famous names, Phil Knight, the co-founder of shoe giant Nike, reportedly lives near the West Hills area.
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Outlook
Mr. Reitzug said that if the supply and demand levels remain imbalanced, prices will continue to rise over the next year. "We don’t have nearly enough homes in the city for everyone," he said. "Prices have risen as a consequence of a lack of stock."
It would take just about 1.6 months at the current sales rate to sell all the current inventory of homes for sale in southwest Portland if no new properties were added to the market, according to Ms. Thackery and Mr. Reitzug.
Mr. Reitzug added that he believes that the next 12 to 24 months will be the best yet for price growth. "There will be more activity in the market and the upper end of the market will benefit the most from the increased interest," he said.
He added that six homes have sold at $2.5 million or more this year compared with a total of three last year.