Hillsdale, Multnomah Village

Rural Oregon pioneers began using the term “Hillsdale” as early as the 1880s. The name took hold over the next 100 years as commercial establishments, a park, and the local library also adopted the name. The Hillsdale neighborhood voted in 1996 to firmly establish the neighborhood’s boundaries, build upon its strengths, and promote commerce. Located in southwest Portland, Hillsdale is bordered by Interstate 5 and Highway 99W in the east. Capitol Highway runs through the middle of the neighborhood. These quick highway access points make Hillsdale an attractive choice for those seeking a mix of suburban and urban lifestyles as well as a short commute to downtown Portland, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, or Oregon Health Sciences University. The neighborhood is primarily residential with many houses located at elevation. The views are often fantastic; consequently, many of the streets aren’t considered to be within walking distance of the neighborhood’s commercial center. Most homes were built after World War II and in a variety of styles. Numerous ranches and splits levels can be found here. Because Hillsdale’s average home price has risen nearly 50% over the last five years, many houses have been remodeled and updated. About 75% of residents own their own homes. Hillsdale Town Center is the main commercial hub within the neighborhood. It’s restaurants, services, and shops form the heart of the community. Three Square Grill is a favorite local restaurant. The Hillsdale Farmer’s Market is held each Sunday from May to October at Wilson High School and also twice monthly during the winter months. The area contains three neighborhood parks. 5-acre Hillsdale Park includes plenty of green space and an off-leash dog area. Smaller Dewitt Park includes playground and picnic tables for an afternoon of fun. 32-acre George Himes Park, located off Terwilliger Boulevard, contains extensive walking trails and natural areas. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day amongst the trees with your family and Fido in tow. Each of the elementary schools and middle schools that serve the Hillsdale neighborhood are rated between exceptional and strong. Parts of the Hillsdale neighborhood feed into Lincoln High School, which is rated as exceptional by the Oregon Department of Education. Hillsdale’s main high school (Wilson) is rated as strong. Multnomah County Library’s Hillsdale branch is located on Sunset Boulevard. This branch was awarded the LEED Gold certification as a “green building” in 2004. In addition to the library’s large collection and standard events, this location boasts a substantial number of materials in Russian. Charming Multnomah Village calls itself “the village in the heart of Portland.” Although not centrally located to downtown as the description implies, the village is both lovely and walkable. A local wine bar (Sip D’Vine), a Portland brewpub favorite (Lucky Labrador), and about a dozen other coffee shops and restaurants can be found within the village. Independent bookstore Annie Blooms is a favorite local haunt and shoppers will enjoy a mix of antique stores, an independent toy store, and other boutiques. Each August, the Multnomah Historical society puts on Multnomah Days. Shops, restaurants, vendors, and people spill onto the main street for a weekend long celebration of history and community. Nearby 90-acre Gabriel Park has one of the best fenced-in dog parks in Portland, a great playground, and miles of walking paths and trails. It draws nature lovers, dog owners, and families from all over Portland. The Multnomah Village neighborhood attracts young families seeking a small town feel with urban amenities and walkability. The home types range from Arts and Crafts and ranches to modern row houses and condos. Some of the homes have been kept in pristine condition, but fixer uppers are still plentiful. The average home price here has climbed almost 50% over the last five years. Approximately 60% of residents own their homes here.The schools that serve Multnomah Village have generally been rated as strong by the Oregon Department of Education. Maplewood Elementary and Jackson Middle School were the shining beacons; each is rated as exceptional. Barbur Boulevard is a short drive from both Multnomah Village and Hillsdale. There are large grocery stores and services that community residents utilize. It’s about 15 minutes by car to downtown Portland. There are numerous bus routes that serve the community here including nine that run through the Hillsdale Town Center.