6.3 out of 10

Ardenwald

45.4622770762974 -122.631910263695
Great for
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Safe & Sound
  • Peace & Quiet
  • Schools
  • Clean & Green
Not great for
  • Nightlife
  • Public Transport
  • Childcare
  • Cost of Living
  • Eating Out
Who lives here?
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • LGBT+

Reviews

3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Schools 3/5
2yrs+

"Country Setting Fifteen Minutes from Portland"

Also known as Ardenwald-Johnson Creek, Ardenwald is located on the Portland and Milwaukie border. More country like than other surrounding neighborhoods, Ardenwald keeps a low profile. Filled with young families and old time residents, this community has an old fashioned feel. Home style varies and many sit on large lots with attached green spaces. For those that enjoy a rustic setting, then this may be the place for you. The neighborhood is populated with local small stores and a few family restaurants, but if you want variety, Ardenwald may not the place for you. Located in the area is Tideman Johnson Natural Area along Johnson Creek, which is popular for bird watching and hiking for nature lovers.

Traveling to Portland takes approximately 15 minutes, however, with traffic, it could take significantly longer. But for most residents, the lure of the country is what drives them to Ardenwald.
Pros
  • Tideman Johnson Natural Area
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Take The Path Less Travelled"

Many people in Portland (even those who have lived here many years) have not heard of Ardenwald. However, this is a delightful family friendly neighborhood. Even though it is a bit out of the way, it has a lot to offer. It extends from Eastmoreland to Milwaukie. It is important to note that Ardenwald is crossed by the railroad, so one potential downfall is that you might find yourself often waiting for trains to pass.

There aren't too many restaurants, stores and businesses in Ardenwald. However, it is not far to drive to other areas where there is more going on. In exchange for things to do, Ardenwald offers quiet and safety. Additionally, home prices tend to be quite reasonable. This is a good place to buy a starter home for a modest budget, but still be within Portland's city limits and close to the action.

The Ardenwald-Johnson Creek neighborhood association is quite active. They even offer summer concerts in Ardenwald Park. This is a nice time for the community to get together.
Pros
  • Community Pride
  • Family oriented
  • Green Spaces
Cons
  • Not many businesses or restaurants
  • Railroad and busy highways
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"A small neighborhood in Southeast Portland"

The oddly-named Ardenwald, also known as Ardenwald-Johnson Creek, is a small neighborhood between Portland and Milwaukie. This Southern Portland community has plenty of green spaces, including the large Tideman Johnson Natural Area, a unique wildlife refuge home to many birds, coyotes, and other species of wildlife, to the north, along with the smaller Ardenwald Park along the southern edge of the neighborhood. There are also several trails running through the area.

A small, not very well known area of Southeast Portland, it is bisected by SE 32nd Ave (running North-South) and SE Tacoma Street/SE Johnson Creek Blvd running East-West. The streets form a major intersection in the center of the neighborhood. SE McLoughlin Blvd/99E, a major highway, is located along the western boundary.

The neighborhood is residential, and is not very transit-friendly unless you live along one of the major roads. Houses tend to be modest and inexpensive when compared with other areas of Portland, though prospective residents should be aware that the area is bisected by a railroad.

This family-oriented neighborhood is anchored by Ardenwald Elementary, the local elementary school. While Ardenwald is less well known than other SE Portland communities, it is also less urban, providing a quiet refuge for those who want easy access to the city center without living in an urban environment. Those who live in the area seem to like it, and the Ardenwald-Johnson Creek Neighborhood Association is very active.
Pros
  • Green Spaces
  • Family oriented
  • Community Pride
Cons
  • Railroad and busy highways
  • Not many businesses or restaurants
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees

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