South Burlingame, Burlingame, Tryon Creek

Burlingame is part of southwest Portland’s landscape and lies just north of Lake Oswego. Four neighborhoods comprise the Burlingame area: South Burlingame, Collins View, Marshall Park, and Arnold Creek. These mostly residential neighborhoods attract families seeking peaceful surroundings, a quick drive to amenities, and potentially short commutes to Lake Oswego, Portland, and Beaverton. The hill and valley landscape of the area includes outstanding parks and more tree-filled walking paths than you could count. Tryon Creek State Natural Area is the highlight of the numerous parks, hiking paths, and creeks hidden amongst these peaceful homesteads. The park’s mostly flat walking paths meander amongst tall trees and trickling creeks. This lush, leafy paradise never seems crowded even though it is well used by hikers and families. Dogs are welcome. There are picnic tables, a visitor center, and many classes for kids and adults alike. South Burlingame homes lie north and south of Terwilliger Boulevard, between Interstate 5 and the Terwilliger/Taylor’s Ferry Road intersection. Homes at elevation often have incredible views. Most of the homes here were built prior to 1970 in a variety of styles including ranches, Cape Cods, and Tudors. (Some homes were built as early as 1920.) Almost 90% of the mostly single family residences in South Burlingame are owned versus rented, so neighbors have a vested interest in making their community shine. South Burlingame’s two elementary and two middle schools are rated between strong and exceptional. The schools feed into Wilson High School, located on the opposite side of Interstate 5. The median home price is about $375,000 and your money will stretch farther here than it does in Lake Oswego or many parts of Portland. Home prices have increased about 40% in the last five years. The neighborhood hasn’t seen the same explosion in prices largely because it’s still relatively undiscovered and commercial development isn’t prevalent. Collins View begins at the Terwilliger/Taylor’s Ferry Road intersection and stretches east almost all the way to the Willamette River. It borders the exclusive enclave of Dunthorpe. The area’s claim to fame: Portland institution Lewis and Clark College is nestled in the neighborhood’s boundaries. This small, private, liberal arts college boasts a 137-acre wooded campus serving both undergraduate and graduate students. The college has one of the best law schools in the U.S. Students are required to live on campus during their first two years. As one would imagine, Collins View is a popular neighborhood for college students as well as families. The median home price is just below $350,000, but the average is considerably higher at almost $450,000. There are fixer uppers and bargains to be found. But, homes with views, larger lots, or extensive updating cost considerably more than the median price would suggest. Capitol Hill Elementary is rated strong by the Oregon Department of Education and Jackson Middle School is rated as exceptional. Like South Burlingame, high school students here attend Wilson High School on the other side of Interstate 5. The Marshall Park neighborhood is named after the 25-acre park of the same name within this area’s boundaries. Similar to South Burlingame, home ownership is estimated to be over 90%. But the average home price in this section of town is considerably higher than those of neighboring Collins View or South Burlingame; currently it’s just under $500,000. Many of these properties have larger lots than newer homes or even those in nearby communities. Nearby Arnold Creek is very similar to Marshall Park. Homes are on larger lots as compared to South Burlingame or Collins View. The average home price currently edges just over the $500,000 mark. The schools that children attend are the same ones that children in both Collins View and Marshall Park also go to. Home ownership is well over 90%; there are few if any rentals ensconced amongst this settled, sprawling neighborhood. Some of the homes back up to the Tryon Creek Natural Area.Burlingame residents shop and eat at the establishments located at Taylors Ferry Road and Terwilliger. This area currently includes Papaccino’s coffee, Market of Choice, and about a dozen other restaurants and services. Lake Oswego’s Mountain Park shopping center, accessed off Boones Ferry Road, has popular Portland grocery store New Seasons, Flying Pie Pizzeria, and some additional shops. Larger grocery stores and many more amenities are a short drive outside Burlingame. Lake Oswego’s downtown is a few miles away, down Terwilliger and then south along Highway 43. West across Interstate 5, busy Barbur Boulevard has numerous large grocery stores like Fred Meyer and other services. Portland’s Sellwood neighborhood is a quick drive down Terwilliger, north on Highway 43, and then across the Sellwood Bridge. Locals reach downtown Portland via speedy access to Interstate 5. Public transportation options are very limited. South Burlingame and Collins View residents have more options than residents in Marshall Park or Arnold Creek. Having a car is highly recommended. Downtown Portland is about a 15-20 minute drive depending on traffic.