Woodlawn Neighborhood – Your New Home
The Lindley Team at Mortgage Express | 503.517.8641
Step into the past and explore Woodlawn, the charming and storied neighborhood in Portland’s Woodlawn Historic District. Once a rural farming village established in the late 1800s, Woodlawn remains the oldest settled area in the old Albina region. Surrounded by a rich history and independent spirit, experience a true sense of community in this charming neighborhood finally coming into its own.
Woodlawn’s character changed dramatically in 1888 when the railroad running from Portland to Vancouver located a train station in the center of the village. This connection to a larger market stimulated commercial and residential development. The commercial uses centered around the train station with homes development surrounding the city center. The train depot was located at the intersection of today’s Durham and Dekum avenues and the station’s waiting room was built in the middle of a triangular park which is still present today. The newest addition to the commercial triangle is a LEED Platinum remodel of a historic building housing a company that makes high-quality, locally sourced, organic foods for local businesses. Light and heavy industrial businesses flank the current train route, as do a variety of businesses that need space, such as plant nurseries.
Have you heard of Woodlawn? It’s a hidden gem of a neighborhood that often gets overlooked because of its location near industrial areas. But don’t be fooled, this family-friendly neighborhood is on the rise. New businesses like Woodlawn Coffee and Pastry and Breakside Brewery have become local favorites. And if you’re craving some delicious pizza, you have to check out The Firehouse. Not only do they serve amazing wood-fired pizzas, but their locally sourced dishes are out of this world. Plus, the restaurant’s unique dining setting will leave you in awe. Woodlawn may be tucked away, but it’s definitely worth a visit!
Woodlawn School is connected to the Community Garden which is connected to Woodlawn Park -which is complete with a fun water feature and big basketball court- making for a huge neighborhood gathering area. Nearly all the businesses in Woodlawn are locally owned.
Woodlawn boasts a wonderful view of Vancouver, Washington at night. There are over 14 buildings on the historic registry in our small area. Cyclists have often been the very few “outsiders” to navigate Woodlawn as once one knows the diagonals, Woodlawn is an excellent cut-through when coming from Jantzen Beach or other northern destinations. One would gather that it’s also a neighborhood that is home to cyclists, as “Share the Road” and “My other car is a bike” bumper stickers abound. Cyclist residents enjoy the quiet streets and proximity to downtown (4 miles).
Travel back in time to the roaring 20s, a time when paved roads, cars and improved infrastructure allowed Woodlawn residents to explore their surroundings with ease. But progress comes at a cost, and businesses in the area had to either adapt or fade into obscurity as the city underwent radical transformations. Today, Woodlawn remains a lively and convenient neighborhood, only a quick car or bike ride away from all the attractions that Portland has to offer. With buses and freight trains zipping by, the area is perfect for those seeking a convenient and bustling urban lifestyle. And for those who love the lively sounds of trains, this is the ideal location to call home.
Woodlawn is mostly residential, with Queen Annes, Craftsman bungalows, and an influx of modern infill housing and condos. Some of those homes are occupied by families who have lived in Woodlawn for six generations.
Schools in the Neighborhood:
- Elementary school: Woodlawn Elementary School
- Middle school: Tubman Middle School
- High school: Jefferson High School
Restaurants:
- Woodlawn Coffee & Pastry
https://www.woodlawncoffee.com
Cozy coffeehouse & bakery using seasonal, organic ingredients to make savory & sweet meals all day. - Breakside Brewery
http://breakside.com/
Industrial-style brewpub with a patio & a vast list of craft beers & elevated American eats. - Good Neighbor Pizzeria
http://goodneighborpizzeria.com/
From-scratch, thoughtfully sourced pies in a bustling brick setting with a bar & outdoor seats. - Firehouse Restaurant
https://firehousepdx.com/
Wood-fired pizzas & other Italian eats served in an old firehouse with an open kitchen & courtyard.
Parks:
- Woodlawn Park
This Northeast Portland park’s facilities include a basketball court, disabled access play area, disabled access restroom, paved paths, picnic tables, a playground, soccer field, softball field, splash pad and stage. - Woodlawn Park Amphitheatre
A sizable park featuring views of Mt. St. Helens AND Mt. Adams. There are play areas for kids and dogs, a large ‘figure-8’ set of paved walkways leading into the neighborhood, a city community garden, plenty of grassy areas for a picnic under tall trees and excellent people watching.
Nearest Gyms:
- Me Fitness Studios
https://www.mefitstudios.com/
4943 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97211 - Peak Performance
https://www.facebook.com/peakperformancepdx/
2640 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
Coming from Woodlawn Neighborhood? Here are easy to use directions straight to our office in Portland.
We love meeting with our clients face-to-face, whether you’re a first time home buyer, moving up to a newer home, looking to invest in real estate, or refinance, we’re here to be your preferred Portland Mortgage Lenders.
(Of course, a full application process is available online as well – just click here.)