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Sylvan-Highlands

Sylvan-Highlands

Suburban Neighborhood in Portland, Oregon

Multnomah County 97221

$964,619 Average Value
$321 Average Price per Sq Ft
9 Homes For Sale

Pacific northwest at its peak

In the richly forested hills of Sylvan-Highlands, picturesque houses emerge from the dense vegetation and dark gullies to deliver a private world close to downtown Portland. But proximity and a variety of routes to downtown is but an add-on for the reclusive, hilltop hermitage, which shares borders with some of the city's most beloved and breathtaking nature parks. And with some of Oregon's best schools under its belt, Sylvan-Highlands is a premier corner of the Rose City with the only caveat being its high elevation weather patterns.

A city's worth of roses

The neighborhood sits west of the ridgeline that extends up from downtown, placing it high above the rest of the city. The neighborhood's eastern parts border a continuous span of large parks, many of which are considered some of the city's finest, including the Oregon Zoo. Hikers and horticulturists are beckoned to the Hoyt Arboretum's miles of hiking trails, which pass through a forest of massive redwoods, leading most travelers to either a bamboo garden or scenic viewpoint of several distant volcanoes. These trails also connect with those in Forest Park further to the north. Meanwhile, botanists travel just under a mile east to visit the International Rose Test Garden at Washington Park. "The Garden is absolutely gorgeous – we're talking acres of flowers," says Realtor Cassandra Marks of Real Broker, who sells properties all across Portland. "In autumn, the Japanese Garden in Washington Park is breathtaking to visit too."

The Oregon Zoo At Washington Park Sits Adjacent To Sylvan-Highlands.
The Oregon Zoo At Washington Park Sits Adjacent To Sylvan-Highlands.
Get Season Passes And Visit The Portland Japanese Garden All Year Round.
Get Season Passes And Visit The Portland Japanese Garden All Year Round.
Take Your Dog For a Scenic Walk Through Washington Park, Just Down The Road.
Take Your Dog For a Scenic Walk Through Washington Park, Just Down The Road.
Snow Is A Common Sight In Parks Throughout Sylvan-Highlands.
Snow Is A Common Sight In Parks Throughout Sylvan-Highlands.
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A modernist forest of Colonial roots

The tree coverage of Sylvan-Highlands' parks continues throughout the neighborhood's residential parts. The thick foliage means its healthy stock of old and newly built homes often trade backyard views for another luxury. "The houses in Sylvan-Highlands are mostly surrounded by trees, so it offers a little bit more privacy," says Marks "Plus, there's some really cool home designs in there." From modern Prairie-styles, Craftsmans and even some standout postmodern designs, to a stock of French and Georgian Colonial Revivals, Sylvan-Highlands offers individuality in its most detailed form. It also offers a wide price range, sometimes beginning around $300,000, though more often prices sit between $750,000 and $975,000.

Intricately Landscaped Yards in Sylvan-Highlands Portland.
Intricately Landscaped Yards in Sylvan-Highlands Portland.
Homes Surrounded by Dense Forest in Sylvan-Highlands Portland.
Homes Surrounded by Dense Forest in Sylvan-Highlands Portland.
Lush Landscaping Surrounds The Homes of Sylvan-Highlands Portland.
Lush Landscaping Surrounds The Homes of Sylvan-Highlands Portland.
Winding Streets and Well Manicured Lawns in Sylvan-Highlands Portland.
Winding Streets and Well Manicured Lawns in Sylvan-Highlands Portland.
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Tea ceremonies and nature workshops

Exceedingly reclusive, most of Sylvan-Highlands' best community-building events take place at its sacred parks. Hoyt Arboretum hosts frequent enrichment programs for both youths and adults, such as multimedia collaging and nature journaling workshops. Washington Park also hosts frequent cultural exhibitions such as Bonsai Presentation and Japanese tea ceremonies. During the summer, Zoo Nights are a popular way for nearby residents to catch local musicians perform while enjoying food and beverage from vendors across Portland.

Hit Up The Original Location Of Pizzicato For A Slice Of Delicious Pizza in Sylvan-Highlands.
Hit Up The Original Location Of Pizzicato For A Slice Of Delicious Pizza in Sylvan-Highlands.

Original Pizzicato and biscuits made from scratch

Locals refuel by grabbing a slice at the original location of the popular Oregon chain Pizzicato, offering unique combinations such as a Thai Chicken pizza. For home cooking, a QFC grocery store at West Hills Plaza sits less than a mile west of the neighborhood on Southwest Barnes Road. During early morning grocery runs or when driving a mile farther to a routine physical at Providence St. Vincent Hospital, some locals first swing into Biscuits Cafe for a breakfast sandwich.

More snow in the wintertime

Sylvan-Highlands is connected to Downtown Portland by U.S. Route 26. At just 4 miles away, city opportunities are well within reach for Sylvan-Highlands residents. "The only caveat is that Highway 26 can be a nightmare of traffic sometimes," says Marks. But a MAX light rail stop at the Zoo offers an alternative for getting downtown. In the wintertime, that might be especially useful. "Because of the elevation, the area gets more snow than others, so driving can be a bit more difficult with road closures," says Marks.

West Sylvan Middle School Is An A-minus Rated School.
West Sylvan Middle School Is An A-minus Rated School.

The best college prep in Oregon

Students in Sylvan-Highlands have some of the best schools around. The area’s youngest learners begin at either Ainsworth or Bridlemile Elementarys, both of which earn A-minus scores from Niche. The next step is West Sylvan Middle School, which is considered one of the best middle schools in the state. It also receives an A-minus score from Niche. Finally, Lincoln High School is an A-rated school by Niche. It is considered the best public high school for college prep in Oregon and is the 8th best in the state overall.

Wayne Epps Jr.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
Elizabeth James
Photography Contributed By
Elizabeth James
Francesco Basti
Video By
Francesco Basti

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 John Powers, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Portland International

28 min drive

Bus

W Burnside & SW Fischer Ln

Bus

HWY 26 & Canyon Rd Ramp & SW Skyline

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$859,000
Median Single Family Price
$870,000
Median Townhouse Price
$585,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$275,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$321
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Last 12 months Home Sales
27
Months of Supply
4.00
Median List Price
$849,450
Median Discount From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
5%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
566
Median Year Built
1968
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,993
Significantly above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,154
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,150
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
15,681

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    11am - 1pm

    1325 SW Upland Dr, Portland, OR 97221

    $1,395,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,818 Sq Ft
    • 1325 SW Upland Dr
    • New 14 days ago

    Exquisite Remodeled Home with separate living quarters. Nestled in the enchanting Southwest Hills, this beautifully updated home offers a serene escape, seamlessly blending modern comfort with elements of tranquility and nature. With easy access to some of Portland’s most cherished attractions, this home is just a stone’s throw from the iconic Hoyt Arboretum, Japanese Gardens, Rose Gardens, and

    Agent Photo
    Israel Hill
    John L. Scott Portland Central
    (971) 290-5831
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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    11am - 1pm

    1500 SW Skyline Blvd Unit 16, Portland, OR 97221

    $279,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,156 Sq Ft
    • 1500 SW Skyline Blvd
    • Unit 16
    • New 1 day ago

    Enjoy the ease of condo living in a prime location—just minutes from Hwy 26, Hwy 217, and W Burnside, with quick access to downtown or to Portland’s NW neighborhood. Nestled in the heart of the tech corridor, this home offers the perfect blend of tranquility and convenience, with nearby hiking trails, top-rated restaurants, and vibrant city life all close at hand. Perched on the second floor and

    Samira Sahebi Windermere Realty Trust

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    1 - 3pm

    1934 SW Highland Rd, Portland, OR 97221

    $2,250,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 6.5 Baths
    • 6,401 Sq Ft
    • 1934 SW Highland Rd
    • New 2 days ago

    Experience refined luxury in the coveted Highlands neighborhood of unincorporated Multnomah County. Set on 1.26 acres near Forest Park trails, the Oregon Zoo, and The Racquet Club, this 1930 architectural gem blends timeless elegance with modern updates. Featuring formal living and dining rooms, 7 fireplaces, and a 700+ bottle wine cellar, it's ideal for both entertaining and everyday living. The

    Stacy Niedermeyer Where, Inc

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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 John Powers, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,034
Median Age
46
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$166,363
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$181,582

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
99.9%
College Graduates
70.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
37.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
1''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

35 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

18 / 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.

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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
Sylvan-Highlands