Ardenwald-Johnson Creek Neighborhood

Ardenwald Johnson Creek Neighborhood is straddling the border between Portland and Milwaukie, Oregon. It is recognized by both Portland’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement as well as Milwaukie’s Neighborhoods Program.  The Ardenwald Johnson Creek Neighborhood is just outside of Sellwood, so easy to get to one of Portland’s favorite neighborhoods.  It is bordered on the north by Johnson Creek, to the west by the train tracks, to the east 42nd and the south side kind of makes a triangle as it gets into Milwaukie. SE 32nd runs through the middle of it. And Johnson Creek turns into Tacoma which runs right into Sellwood. You can take it to 99E very easily, and get right into Portland. Ardenwald Johnson Creek Neighborhood has lots of green spaces, the biggest being the huge Tideman Johnson Natural Area, a unique wildlife refuge home to many birds, coyotes, and other

species of wildlife. It is also a popular place for bird watching and hiking for nature lovers. Also,  Ardenwald Park is along the southern edge of the neighborhood. There are also several trails running through the area- the main one being the Springwater Trail.  The Springwater Trail is amazing. It goes from the Willamette River all the way out to Gresham.  Some parts of it in outer SE Portland are kind of sketchy, with homeless living along the trail. But the inner areas of it are really pretty, and it goes all the way down to Oaks Bottom and Oaks Park, and will someday connect with the Esplanade. From Ardenwald it is just a couple of minutes ride to Sellwood and you can have a bit to eat, go to New Seasons, or explore the shops.

Ardenwald Johnson Creek Neighborhood is 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 Ardenwald Johnson Creek Neighborhood is populated with local small stores and a few family restaurants, but if you want variety, Ardenwald may not the place for you.

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.  You can also catch the MAX lightrail train if you head more towards Milwauikie.  Ardenwald Johnson Creek Neighborhood is not part of Portland technically, but it doesn’t feel like Milwaukie either.  It is just outside Sellwood on the west side, and just outside of Woodstock on the east side of Ardenwald.  It is cheaper than those neighborhoods, has access to the trail, and you are close enough to Portland to almost be a part of it, without the taxes of Multnomah County!  I love Ardenwald, it seems to be the best of both worlds if you are trying to spend a little less but be close to the hot inner Portland neighborhoods.