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Sellwood

Sellwood

Suburban Neighborhood in Portland, Oregon

Multnomah County 97202

Neighborhood Reviews
4.1
$674,430 Average Value
$370 Average Price per Sq Ft
25 Homes For Sale

Vibrant and eclectic Rose City neighborhood along the Willamette

Located just a few miles south of the downtown, Sellwood is a Portland neighborhood located right along the Willamette River. Summertime scenes of cyclists and joggers, respectively, biking and running by the tracks and through natural habitats on the Springwater on the Willamette trail only provides a peek into this active and vibrant Rose City community. “It fees like a community that is a little bit separated from the rest of southeast Portland and been its own little island there. Sellwood, for many years, felt like this bedroom community that was removed from the downtown, but had quick access to it,” says Alex Roy, a Realtor with John L. Scott Real Estate, who’s been an east side Portland resident for more than a dozen years. “But today, it’s one the many wonderful, distinct neighborhoods in southeast Portland.” Just a few of the notable attractions here include the Oaks Amusement Park located right between the river and the trail. The amusement park is home to another neighborhood destination, the Oaks Park Roller Skating Rink. All this adds to a mix of both long-time and newer Portland dining and shopping institutions that residents here can conveniently explore on foot. Locals also appreciate the distinct character of the many homes here. Although the neighborhood certainly has its share of newer builds, there are a number of homes here that can be more than 100 years old. “The people who are buying that area, they’re not looking for cookie-cutter or new construction” Roy says. “They want that classic, older house with beautiful, unfinished wood.”

Mix of restaurants and shops along 13th and Milwaukie avenues

The restaurants and shops here are mostly concentrated along a section of Southeast 13th Avenue and the area around Southeast Bybee Boulevard and Southeast Milwaukie Avenue, with patrons easily able to walk between multiple establishments. Just a few of the shops around both of those areas include Sock Dreams Headquarters for trendy dressers looking for colorful and creatively designed stockings, vintage household wares at the Stars Antiques Malls and the Green Oasis cannabis dispensary, the latter of which can easily be spotted by the large, wooden octopus sculpture located near the entrance. For some dining and quick bites, there’s the Blue Kangaroo Coffee Roasters, which operates inside a space with vintage display windows. And there’s the Reverend’s BBQ, which offers some comfort food that’s not quite so easy to come by in the city. “It’s an excellent barbecue place. You don’t have many good barbecue places in Portland,” Roy says. The New Seasons Market on Southeast Tacoma Street provides a grocery shopping option with many locally sourced products. While they’ll need to leave the neighborhood, there’s a Trader Joe’s located about 3 miles east on Southeast Cesar Estrada Chavez Boulevard.

Blue Kangaroo Coffee Roasters offers a kid friendly neighborhood hangout with a welcoming vibe.
Blue Kangaroo Coffee Roasters offers a kid friendly neighborhood hangout with a welcoming vibe.
Residents of Sellwood can shop for high quality groceries at New Seasons Market on Tacoma St.
Residents of Sellwood can shop for high quality groceries at New Seasons Market on Tacoma St.
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Exploring on the Springwater Corridor

Sellwood residents can go on bike rides and jogs not far from the river along the Springwater on the Willamette trail, which passes by several parks and natural spaces. Among the natural sites is the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, a 163-acre complex of meadows, woodlands and wetlands located right along the east bank of the Willamette. The trail forms part of the Springwater Corridor, which will eventually be developed to be over 21 miles long. The Oaks Park Roller Rink, also right along the river, is a neighborhood destination and even offers skating classes. The establishment is both the oldest rink in the country and the largest skating floor west of the Mississippi. The amusement park’s rides, mini golf and games are seasonal and typically reopen in spring. Those interested in some haunted thrills can visit another Oaks Park site, the ScareGrounds PDX.

Springwater Corridor 3
Springwater Corridor 3
Springwater Corridor 2
Springwater Corridor 2
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Century-plus old Craftsmen and bungalows and modern contemporaries

Many homes here can be found on charming blocks lined with trees that include pines, oaks, maples and European copper beeches. The closely grouped streets spread across the entire neighborhood are commonly populated with parked cars and make for convenient walks between blocks. There are a wide variety of home styles here, including some with custom and contemporary features like detached or single slanted roofs. There are many homes with Craftsman and bungalow features that date back to the 1910s and 1920s that can go from around $670,000 to $900,000, depending on a combination factors like overall size, age and how significantly updated. The older homes include more than century-old four squares that can go for around $1 million. There are modern contemporary style houses that can run between the lower $500,000s and around $950,000, depending on overall size and floors, and some floating homes right on the Willamette that can reach around $2 million.

There are many homes in Sellwood that date back to the 1910s and 1920s.
There are many homes in Sellwood that date back to the 1910s and 1920s.
Newer Homes with a modern design in Sellwood, Portland, Oregon.
Newer Homes with a modern design in Sellwood, Portland, Oregon.
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Strongly rated public schools with faith and charter alternatives

Sellwood has access to some strongly rated schools. They include Llewellyn Elementary School, Sellwood Middle School and Cleveland High School, all of which received grades of B-plus or higher from ratings site Niche. The after-school programs at the elementary school, which received an A-minus, include art and yoga. The Milwaukie Academy of the Arts located a few miles south in Milwaukie is a tuition free public charter option housed at Milwaukie High School. The academy incorporates performing and visual arts into a rigorous academic curriculum. Another alternative in Sellwood itself is the St. Agatha Catholic School, which serves pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. The faith-based school places a focus on science and technology, an effort it formalized more than a decade ago when it established the Fr. Slider Steuernol Science and Technology Wing on its second floor.

Llewellyn Elementary School is a public elementary school in the Sellwood neighborhood.
Llewellyn Elementary School is a public elementary school in the Sellwood neighborhood.
Sellwood Middle School is a public school serving Sellwood and surrounding neighborhoods.
Sellwood Middle School is a public school serving Sellwood and surrounding neighborhoods.
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Summerville and the Monster March

In August, residents can go to Summerville, an annual neighborhood sidewalk sales event. There’s the Monster March, which occurs right around Halloween time and begins at Llewellyn Elementary. The event involves walking behind the Sellwood Marching Band and collecting candy from participating businesses along the way.

Close to I-5 and MAX light rail

Southeast Tacoma Street turns into the Sellwood Bridge, located just south of the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. A river crossing, the bridge connects to South Macadam Avenue, which runs north toward downtown Portland. Macadam also runs near Interstate 5, which provides a connection to state capital Salem to the south. The MAX light rail’s Orange Line makes a stop just outside Sellwood near Southeast McLoughlin Boulevard. TriMet bus stops can also be found in Sellwood. The Portland International Airport is located 15 miles north of Sellwood. Providence Milwaukie Hospital is located about 2 miles southeast of the neighborhood.

Yann Ranaivo
Written By
Yann Ranaivo
Victoria York
Video By
Victoria York

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jennifer Seidelman, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Portland International

28 min drive

Bus

SE Milwaukie & Claybourne

Bus

SE 17th & Umatilla

Bus

SE 17th & Spokane

Bus

SE Milwaukie & Rex St

Bus

SE 23rd & Tolman (Union Manor)

Bus

SE Milwaukie & Mitchell

Bus

SE 17th & Marion

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.1 12 Reviews
5.0 Current Resident
6/19/2017 Niche Review
Super safe and community-oriented neighborhood. The small businesses here are amazing and friendly. The parks are clean and the public transit makes it easy to get anywhere in the city.
5.0 Former Resident
11/22/2017 Niche Review
The friendly neighbors and the many unique stores.I went to school at St Agatha,s grade school located in Sellwood-great teachers.
5.0 Current Resident
5/2/2018 Niche Review
Charming and friendly. Walk to shops, movie theater, parks, swimming pool, fantastic restaurants. Join your neighbors for the annual Halloween parade (Monster March) or milk carton boat races at the casting pond. So much fun to be had in Sellwood...just don't expect a walk-in closet; most homes built in the 20's.
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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Sellwood US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$615,000
Median Single Family Price
$699,000
Median Townhouse Price
$592,500
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$429,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$424,950
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$370
Number of Homes for Sale
25
Last 12 months Home Sales
178
Months of Supply
1.70
Median List Price
$614,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-2%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
3,971
Median Year Built
1926
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,814
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,885
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,562
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
881
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    2 - 4pm

    8316 SE 7th Ave, Portland, OR 97202

    $1,025,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,974 Sq Ft
    • 8316 SE 7th Ave
    • New 9 days ago

    Located just blocks from the beaches of the Willamette river and the adorable shops and eateries of the Sellwood neighborhood, this thoughtfully designed contemporary home offers the perfect blend of comfort, efficiency, design and location. Step inside to find a light-filled open floor plan with soaring 2-story tall living room ceilings and a layout that lives larger than expected. Upstairs

    Angela Stevens Keller Williams Realty Professionals

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 2pm

    8057 SE 19th Ave, Portland, OR 97202

    $1,240,000

    • 3,130 Sq Ft
    • 8057 SE 19th Ave

    Hurry to see this thoughtfully designed Sellwood gem, where contemporary style meets practical living with potential income! The property is actually two homes in one, with the upper two floors containing a 4 bedroom 2.5 bath luxury home and the ground level housing an Accessory Dwelling Unit ADU with a full kitchen and it's own private entrance. The home is loaded with large windows, making it

    Lauren Perreault Fiv Realty

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 2pm

    8057 SE 19th Ave, Portland, OR 97202

    $1,240,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,130 Sq Ft
    • 8057 SE 19th Ave

    Welcome home to this thoughtfully designed Sellwood gem, where contemporary style meets practical living with potential income! The property is actually two homes in one, with the upper two floors containing a 4 bedroom 2.5 bath luxury home and the ground level housing an Accessory Dwelling Unit ADU with a full kitchen and it's own private entrance. The home is loaded with large windows, making

    Lauren Perreault Fiv Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jennifer Seidelman, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
13,827
Median Age
42
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$84,788
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$114,016

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.5%
College Graduates
64.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
27%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
69.7%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
2''

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

100 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

94 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

46 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Sellwood