The community of Lake Oswego dates back to 1847, when pioneer Albert Durham built a sawmill on Oswego Creek, which led into the Willamette River. Back then, rivers were more important than roads for trade in Oregon, since rain, mud and thick forests made travel by road slow and frustrating. Taking advantage of Lake Oswego’s location by the river, Durham created a landing for lumber transport, inviting more business into the area.
Featured Image – The small-town feel of Lake Oswego.
About thirty years later, Lake Oswego was no longer a sleepy lumber town. Instead, it had turned into a powerhouse for the Oregon Iron and Steel Company after iron ore had been discovered in the Tualatin Valley. The company wanted to make Oswego into the “Pittsburgh of the West,” a thriving steel city. And, for a while, they succeeded. By 1890, the town had an assortment of stores and businesses, including nine saloons and an opera house.
However, the arrival of the railroad eventually wore away at the industry’s success. An extensive freight railroad system meant more competition from the Great Lakes region, where iron was cheaper and higher quality. This competitive pressure, along with the Panic of 1893, caused the Oregon Iron and Steel Company to close its smelter in 1894.
Fortunately, the railroad also strengthened Lake Oswego’s connection to Portland. With a direct line between Lake Oswego and Portland, the town was able to survive the local steel industry’s collapse. After all, it still had a great location and community. Seeing this potential, the Oregon Iron and Steel Company sold its land for development and built a power plant on Oswego Creek. With electricity, a beautiful lake, and a convenient connection to Portland, the town blossomed as a suburban haven.
By 1920, the rail line between Portland and Lake Oswego was humming with passenger traffic. Every day, 64 trains went by Lake Oswego, going to and from Portland’s Union Station. This train service, called the Red Electrics after its brightly-painted red cars, was the best in the Pacific Northwest. The commute wasn’t just fast—it was also clean and quiet, running on electric power rather than steam.
Although the Red Electrics no longer exists, Lake Oswego is still a popular suburb with an easy connection into the city. It’s an ideal neighborhood for families, in particular, due to its excellent education system. The Lake Oswego school district is one of the best in Oregon, and all of its schools regularly receive excellent reviews and ratings from the Oregon Department of Education.
There’s a lot to love about Lake Oswego besides its schools, though. Here are a handful of reasons why Lake Oswego is a fantastic place to settle down.
Interconnected Pathways. More than 20 years ago, the city began to create a system of recreational pathways so residents could walk, bike, and skate to different areas of Lake Oswego. Now, there are seven paved loop walks that connect homes to parks, schools and shopping centers.
Programs and Activities. Thanks to Lake Oswego’s awesome Parks and Recreation Department, you can register for a variety of local classes and activities, from cooking and ballet to tennis and Zumba.
Sports Facilities. It’s easy to stay active and fit in Lake Oswego. There’s a golf course, indoor tennis courts, a couple swimming pools, and many local sports leagues, from soccer to softball.
Theatre and Arts. Lake Oswego has a vibrant arts community, especially around the Lakewood Theatre Company, which puts on shows and offers classes year-round. You can get involved in a theatre production, attend the Arts Festival, or simply enjoy a show every now and then.
Shopping. You don’t have to drive to downtown Portland to find fashionable clothes and great gifts. Lake Oswego has several shopping centers with nice restaurants and stores, including a couple of upscale consignment shops. Since Downtown Lake Oswego is located by the waterfront, you can enjoy beautiful lakeside views while walking between stores, browsing the Farmers’ Market, or sitting at a dinner table for two.
Many homes in Lake Oswego are spacious, peaceful, and set in a beautiful outdoor setting. With great schools, shopping, and convenient access to Portland, it’s a great city to buy a house in and raise a family. Here are two great examples of what you might find in Lake Oswego. To see more listings, check out our community page.
Mid-century modern home built on a half-acre. View More Photos
Charming Ranch home at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac and backs to the Lake Oswego Nature Preserve. View More Photos