Thank your lucky stars that Chez Jose Mexican Café is easy to get to from anywhere in town.

Chez Jose had its humble beginnings in 1987 (23 years ago!!), created by owners Howie Schechter and Tom Midrano, who live in the Burlingame neighborhood. Their mission was to raise the quality level of comfort food in Portland. Howie feels that for East Coast folks it’s Italian food that warms the soul, while in our area of the country it’s Mexican fare.

I was introduced to Chez Jose by my mother who loves to lunch out, experiencing her noon getaways as mini vacations.  She’s been frequenting Chez Jose since practically the start up of the popular restaurant, first going there for its convenient location midway between Lake Oswego, where she lived, and Portland where she went several times a week.  She was comfortable sitting at the bar by herself, reading over lunch and listening to the chatter of the wait staff, or sharing a table with one of her many friends.   Over the years she’s gotten to know the people who work there very well.  She says they’re the main reason she keeps going back.  I thanked Sean, one of her favorite waiters, for taking such good care of my mother and he said that she’s the one taking care of them!

I also know that the black bean soup (black beans, rice, pico de gallo and lime crema) is a heavy draw for my mom.  I asked her what’s so good about it?  She replied that you can’t get it anywhere else; that everything about it is good.  She says it changes with every chef, but is always still the best.   When I had lunch with her at Chez Jose the other day, though, she ordered a tostado.  Our waiter, Matt, had already written down black bean soup.  He was astonished at her change of plans.  Later, Sean came by and asked her what she was eating!  Then Howie stopped by our table and let her know that if she was going to change her order, she needed to call first!

The most popular item on the menu is the lime chicken enchilada, my standard order since I first sampled it years ago.  Made with fresh lime-garlic marinated chicken, jack cheese and smothered in a lime sour cream sauce, it is deliciously addicting.  You can find the recipe online at here.  I got really adventuresome my last visit to the restaurant and ordered another favorite, the unique butternut squash enchilada, featuring mushrooms, carrots, jicama, onions and cheese, topped with a scrumptious peanut sauce.  It was incredibly tasty, much to my surprise, and an item I will certainly order again.  I’ve heard they make a mean margarita.  I need to try one of those soon!

Mom, owner Howie and myself

When I asked Howie where he got the recipes, he explained they’ve been compiled from different ideas from the different chefs that have worked there over the years and so they keep getting tweaked, although the menu items have remained much the same from the beginning.  There was one time that my mother didn’t like her bean soup and called in to ask about it a few days later.  It turned out the chef had left a week earlier.  The next time she had lunch there, it was back to being perfect, although a bit changed from before. They figure things out in that kitchen!!

You’ll find that the prices are good, the service fast and friendly and the atmosphere comfortably bustling, with the exposed kitchen and open seating.  Smells of delicious food greet you upon entering the restaurant. There’s a warm ambience created by the rich wall colors.  The restaurant had to start over after a fire burned it to the ground in 2001.  It came back with a more contemporary look.  You’ll find convenient parking in the lot out front, shared with Market of Choice next door.

I think my mother’s weekly visits can attest to the outstanding quality of the restaurant experience you’ll find at Chez Jose!  She even agreed to pose for a photo with Howie and myself, even though she dislikes being photographed.  “Anything for Chez Jose,” she says!!

Oh, and when you go there, look for the Elvis look-alike waiter!

Click here for more information on Lake Oswego Oregon Homes For Sale!

Sometimes it is fun to dream about what life would be like if you could live among the most elegant homes and manicured neighborhoods.  Sure, most of us probably won’t get the chance, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do a little “virtual window shopping”!  With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of the  the 5 most expensive neighborhoods in Portland, including each area’s most expensive home currently on the market.

5. Northwest Heights:

On the west side of the West Hills, Northwest Heights offers scores of new developments, which boast large new homes, most with views of the Coast Range. The neighborhood’s main thoroughfare is NW Skyline Boulevard, which snakes along the spine of the hills, with pockets of residential development cascading down the slopes to the east. While the neighborhood itself can’t boast of many amenities, it’s close to Northwest Portland and offers the seclusion and peace of living in a forest and perhaps the best sunsets in Portland. Read more about Northwest Heights Real Estate…

• Average Home Price:$566,300
• 5 year appreciation: -3%
• Population: 4,762
• Median Age of residents: 42
• Home Ownership %: 83
• Acres of Parks and Open Space: 275

• Most expensive home on the market right now: $999,000
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 3 full, 1 partial
• Property type: Single-Family Home
• Size: 6,637 sqft
• Lot: 11,761 sqft
• Price/sqft: $151/sqft
• Year built: 2003

4. Forest Park:

Forest Park is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Portland, mainly because of the massive park, aptly named Forest Park. The park is the largest of its kind within city limits anywhere in the US, boasting 5,170 acres and over 40 miles of trails. The area combines rolling green pastures, stunning views East and West, and fine homes in both new developments and on existing large lots. Read more about Forest Park real estate…

• Average Home Price: $628,900
• 5 year appreciation: 12%
• Population: 3,882
• Median Age of residents: 44
• Home Ownership %: 81
• Acres of Parks and Open Space: 5,347

• Most expensive home on the market right now: $2,199,000
• Bedrooms: 5
• Bathrooms: 5 full, 1 partial
• Property type: Single-Family Home
• Size: 5,983 sqft
• Lot: 19,166 sqft
• Price/sqft: $368/sqft
• Year built: 1932

This is a Roscoe Hemenway original. Magnificently restored in 2005, this estate offers perfected, light-filled rooms, marble entry, 6 fireplaces, expansive views, world-class gardens, all new 3rd floor suite & separate nanny/in-law living quarters. Finished basement features theater/recreation room, exercise room and sauna. Adjacent to Forest Park trails; minutes to downtown Portland.

3. Arlington Heights:

As the neighborhood’s name suggests, Arlington Heights is perched 1000 feet above the city on a beautiful ridge and boasts excellent views of Downtown, the Eastside and the Cascades. It’s also home to theInternational Rose Test Garden because of it’s perfect climate for roses. There are over 700 breeds of roses, giving Portland its nickname, “the City Of Roses”. Read more about Arlington Heights Real Estate…

• Average Home Price:$669,700
• 5 year appreciation: 5%
• Population: 505
• Median Age of residents: 45
• Home Ownership %: 54
• Acres of Parks and Open Space: 1

• Most expensive home on the market right now: $1,494,000
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 2
• Property type: —
• Size: 2,283 sqft
• Lot: —
• Price/sqft: $654/sqft
• Year built: 1962

Interior FeaturesMaster bedroom is on Upper Level, Finished basement, Kitchen island, Laundry room, Sound system/wiring, Washer/dryerExterior FeaturesDeck, Garden area, Patio, Private/secluded lot, Public sewer service, Public water supply, Second residence, WoodedListed by: World Wide Realty Inc

2. Hillside:

Hillside is a genteel retreat high above a sophisticated city. Its breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Willamette and the Cascades and proximity to Forest Park (which boasts 5,170 acres) remind you of the wild, rugged nature of the city’s surroundings. If you want both nature and culture, Hillside is an excellent choice. The neighborhood consists of narrow streets and older homes with well manicured lawns shaded by old-growth trees, and an 8 minute commute to downtown. Read more about Hillside Real Estate…

• Average Home Price: $671,700
• 5 year appreciation: 87%
• Population: 2,032
• Median Age of residents: 49
• Home Ownership %: 71
• Acres of Parks and Open Space: 131
• Most expensive home on the market right now: $1,500,000

This stunning traditional on large lot remodelled with elegance and style. Beautiful music room off living room, lge dining room with bay windows looks out to big comfortable porch and magnificent city and 4 mtn view. Spaciousness downstairs family room plus separate playhouse.

1. Southwest Hills:

The history of the Southwest Hills is one of the more interesting and extreme of all of Portland’s neighborhoods. Being a naturally hilly area, in the 1800′s it was virtually impossible to travel to because of the muddy roads. The Portland Cable Railway gave access to the area in 1892. The train service originated in downtown Portland on 5th and Jefferson, and traveled to Canyon Road. It then went from Canyon to approximately Kingston Avenue, then to somewhere around about Fairview Boulevard. The construction of the Vista bridge led to dramatically increased access. Read more about Southwest Hills Real Estate…

• Average Home Price: $718,700
• 5 year appreciation: 14%
• Population: 5,365
• Median Age of residents: 47
• Home Ownership %: 76
• Acres of Parks and Open Space: 176

Most expensive home on the market right now: $7,850,000
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 6.3
Property type: Single-Family Home
Size: 10,685 sqft
Lot: 5.97 acres
Price/sqft: $735/sqft
Year built: 1940
This is a Country estate in the city, located on historic Blueberry Hill, in the heart of the West Hills. Complete with pool, tennis court, separate guest house, formal gardens, manicured lawns, classic details throughout. Upper sq. ft includes 4th level.

As the neighborhood’s name suggests, Arlington Heights is perched 1000 feet above the city on a beautiful ridge and boasts excellent views of Downtown, the Eastside and the Cascades. It’s also home to the International Rose Test Garden because of it’s perfect climate for roses. There are over 700 breeds of roses, giving Portland its nickname, “the City Of Roses”.

The community’s quiet, winding streets are picture-perfect and only a short walk from the plethora of entertainment, dining and shopping opportunities of Northwest and Downtown. When you’re done with a day’s work or a day’s fun down the hill, you can retire to the cozy serenity of your hillside home. If you’re looking for a sophisticated neighborhood with all possible amenities, Arlington Heights is the place.

Arlington Heights Real Estate

Arlington Heights boasts some of the most expensive real estate in Portland (behind Southwest Hills and Hillside) with an average home price of $669,700. Even though Portland real estate values have seen a decline  in the last 5 years, Arlington Heights has produced a 5% increase in value.

Parks and Recreation

• Hoyt Arboretum
• Japanese Garden
• Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial
• Washington Park
• Washington Park – International Rose Test Garden

Area Statistics

• Click Here to view demographics, property tax information and more for Arlington Heights.
• Click Here to compare Arlington Heights to other Portland neighborhoods.
• Click Here to view crime statistics for Arlington Heights.

School Info

• Ainsworth Elementary
• West Sylvan Middle
• Lincoln High
• Portland Public Schools District Map

Because school district boundaries do not necessarily correspond to neighborhood boundaries, verify which school your child will attend by clicking here and entering your address or prospective address.

The history of the Southwest Hills is one of the more interesting and extreme of all of Portland’s neighborhoods. Being a naturally hilly area, in the 1800′s it was virtually impossible to travel to because of the muddy roads. The Portland Cable Railway gave access to the area in 1892. The train service originated in downtown Portland on 5th and Jefferson, and traveled to Canyon Road. It then went from Canyon to approximately Kingston Avenue, then to somewhere around about Fairview Boulevard. The construction of the Vista bridge led to dramatically increased access. By the 1930′s, the combination of amazing views and proximity to downtown caused the real estate values to jump from hundreds of dollars an acre up to several thousand.  That trend has continued over the decades, which is why the Southwest Hills real estate values remain at the top among Portland neighborhoods.

The neighborhood is also home to one of the City of Roses’ most popular destinations, Council Crest Park which is thought to be the highest point in Portland at 1,073 feet above sea level. The area was originally known as Talbot’s Mountain, after its pioneer settlers. Gone are the cable cars that carried visitors to this scenic vista, but the wonderful views remain and the park is a great place to laze in the grass and watch the sun set. Downtown and Northwest Portland are easily accessible via Barnes Rd. and forest trails are only footsteps away in Washington Park.

• Council Crest Park
• Governors Park
• Marquam Nature Park
• Norris House & Property
• Portland Heights Park
• Washington Park
• Washington Park – International Rose Garden

• Ainsworth Elementary
• Gray Middle
• Lincoln High
• Portland Public Schools District Map

Because school district boundaries do not necessarily correspond to neighborhood boundaries, verify which school your child will attend by clicking here and entering your address or prospective address.

• Click Here to view demographics, property tax information and more for Southwest Hills.
• Click Here to compare Southwest Hills to other Portland neighborhoods.
• Click Here to view crime statistics for Southwest Hills.

Some background on Rich Peralta:

Exuberant father, eXp Realty agent and big fan of life in Portland.

What is  happening in Wilsonville real estate?

• 20 homes sold in Wilsonville since  January 1st.
• First time home buyer credit extended until April 30th, with closings allowed through June 30th.  Now is the time to get out there and find your new home and get that great tax break!
• A new area of Villebois has opened for sale. (call me for details!) NW Oregon’s premier urban village is really starting to take shape, with beautifully landscaped green areas, parks and tree-lined avenues.
• Wilsonville Meadows prices are still holding up.  Even in this tough market, the popularity of this wonderful community has helped to keep it’s value strong and steady.

Langdon Farms golf course

 

 

Villebois Village Center

Wilsonville Docks

Check out Portlandpowersearch.com to see what is on the market in Wilsonville and the Greater Portland area.

Written by Bob Weaver at eXp Realty in Wilsonville, Oregon. Bob is a veteran real estate agent, specializing in the Greater Portland, Oregon real estate market,  including the Wilsonville, Villebois, and Charbonneau areas.