Portland Oregon Real Estate

Portland Oregon, the county seat of Multnomah County, is the third largest city in the Pacific Northwest, after Seattle Washington, and Vancouver British Colombia. Located in an area noted for its spectacular scenery and lush greenery, Portland –a city of numerous bridges and waterways- straddles the Willamette River and lies just south of its confluence with the Colombia River.

Portland's climate is one of mild wet winters, and warm dry summers, a climate conducive to the growing of roses. In fact, Portland is often referred to as “The City of Roses”, due to its profusion of rose gardens.

Portland is a wonderful place to shop, (no sales tax), be entertained, and enjoy the numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Fine restaurants, quaint shops and boutiques, art galleries and wineries, performing arts venues and sprawling parklands all contribute to a high quality of life for residents, and a memorable experience for visitors.

Public transportation is what one would expect in a first-class city like Portland. Timet operates an extensive regional bus service, and the Metropolitan Area Express, (MAX), operates a light rail system connecting the city and suburbs.Interconnecting beltways and freeways provide commuting access to all parts of the city and it's environ.

Regarding the real estate picture in Portland as of mid-2006, new and existing single family home and condo prices remain quite competitive with neighboring cities, with median prices of pre-owned properties averaging slightly above $250,000.

Of course, guided by a knowledgeable real estate agent, housing can be found to fit most home buyers budgets. As in any city,a sellers asking home price is influenced by the desirability of the neighborhood, convenience of location, quality of the school district, condition of the property, included amenities, etc.

An example of current –as of this writing- MLS listings in Portland. (Note: These listings represent a broad overview of homes in various neighborhoods-of which Portland has some 90-plus-and should not be construed as representative of all home prices in the city)

SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED HOMES

• 3 bedroom – 2.5 baths – 1,963 sq. ft. – built 1926 – 1 car garage – formal dining room – fireplace – wet bar – garden porch – hot tub – double shower in master bedroom – forced air gas heat – asking $699,000
• 4 bedroom – 2 bath – 3,161 sq. ft. – built 1910 – 1 car gagrage – formal dining room – library – porch – fenced deck – asking $510,000
• 3 bedroom – 3.5 baths – 2,655 sq. ft. – built 2006 – 2 car garage – on corner lot – gourmet kitchen – fireplace – deck – patio garden – forced air gas heat – asking $649,000
• 2 bedroom – 2 bath – 1,805 sq. ft. – 2 car garage – bbq pit – covered patio – satellite dish – sauna – asking $273,975
• 3 bedroom – 1.5 bath – 2,484 sq. ft. – built 1912 – 1 car garage – remodeled kitchen – skylight – jetted tub – fenced deck – forced air gas heat – asking $399,000

And for those looking for something really unique:

Warehouse loft (penthouse)
Located in the heart of downtown Portland.

1 bedroom – 1.5 baths – 1,963 sq. ft. – built 1905 – wet bar – deck garden patio with city view – floor to ceiling cedarwood library wall – forced air gas heating asking $949,000