Guide to the Laurelhurst Neighborhood in Portland, Oregon

Laurelhurst is a close-in residential area of 428 acres containing in 1,819 households with a total of 4,633 people (2010 census). It's a neighborhood of homeowners as 90.8% of the Laurelhurst residents live in their own home. It's a 7-10 minute drive to downtown Portland once you turn onto East Burnside.

You know that Laurelhurst residents care about their community when see the committees for the Neighborhood Association: Land Use, Transportation, Traffic, Trees, Safety, Garage Sale, Friends of the Laurelhurst Park, Bike, Clean-up, Environment, and Community Safety.

If you looking to nurture your young ones and instill in them caring values, find a home in Laurelhurst. Members of the neighborhood's Laurelhurst Kids Club not only have the names, phone numbers and addresses of other parents with children the same age in the area, but also have access to weekly play groups, vetted babysitters, critiques of nearby preschools and e-mail alerts with key information, such as a stroller recall or free swim lessons. All parents have to do is log on to the Kids Club at the Laurelhurst neighborhood association Web site.

History of Laurelhurst

In 1850 congress passed the Donation Land Act, which encouraged individuals to head out west and claim large tracts of land. Those arriving on December 1st, through to the time when the Act expired (December 1, 1855), were eligible for 320 acres if married, and 160 acres for unmarried males. Note that women could not claim land on their own, but if they claimed land as part of a married couple, their name was put on the deed, marking one of the first times in the history of the US when women could directly own property. To gain the deed to the land, a settler would have to live on, and maintain, the land for 4 years.

The area that would become Laurelhurst is comprised of two claims under the Donation Land Act. The first claim (claim #1008) was made by Elijah B. Davidson and his wife Saloma. The second claim (claim #1027) was settled by Terence and Mary Quinn.

In 1869, William S. Ladd began buying up the land that would eventually become Laurelhurst. It wasn't his plan to turn the land into a place for a rich community to be formed...at least not a community of people. One portion of the land (320 acres) came from the purchase of Thomas Frazer's Hazelwood Farm in 1869. After the 1869 purchase, other purchases were subsequently made in 1873 and 1876. Ladd named his land "Hazelfern," the name of one of the streets in the area. Here Ladd developed one of the most prestigious stock farms in the West. His purebred Jersey cattle probably laid the foundation for Oregon's future livestock industry.

Ladd died in 1893, likely marking the transition of the property from farming to residential use; though, like his son, William S. Ladd would have likely found both pressure from the surrounding neighborhoods (for such things as roads through the property) and skyrocketing land prices.

Origin of the Name Laurelhurst

The Laurelhurst Company purchased most of the property in 1909 except for 31 acres that was sold to the City of Portland for the Laurelhurst park. The company christened the new subdivision "Laurelhurst," using the same name they had already employed for a successful "Laurelhurst" residential area they developed in Seattle. "Hurst" is an old Anglo-Saxon word meaning "a wood, grove, or copse," and "laurel" was chosen because of the shrubs growing in the Seattle development.

Laurelhurst Theater

The Laurelhurst Theater became part of Portland's cultural and architectural history when it was built in 1923, one of the first art deco style buildings of the period.

Like every theater in the country, what was once a successful family theater lost out to the multiplexes of the late eighties. In 2001, months of renovation brought the theater back to stand again as a proud icon to Portland's history and future. The theater's four screens bring the best of modern cinema, independent art and classic film to Portland's movie lovers at remarkably reasonable prices. Starred attractions are only $3 while general films are $2. It's independently owned and operated without commercials and previews are limited to five minutes.

Laurelhurst Home Styles

Bungalow, English, and Tudors are common.

¹Laurelhurst Home Prices

• Number of Homes Sold in Laurelhurst—►  70 homes sold in 2011 and 13% distressed sales. 63 homes sold in 2010 and 6% distressed properties sales.
• Average Price for Homes Sold in Laurelhurst—►  $464,536 in 2011.
• Median Price for Homes Sold in Laurelhurst—►  $440,500 in 2011, $445,000 in 2010, $460,000 in 2009, $491,000 in 2008, and $514,000 in 2007.
• 1-Year Median Sales Price Change in Laurelhurst—►   2011 the sales price change was -1%. 2010 the change was -3%.
• 5-Year Median Sales Price Change in Laurelhurst—►  2007 to 2011 the sales price change was -14. 2006 to 2010 the change was -10%.
• Portland Metro Area Median Home Price—►  $221,000 in 2011, $239,900 in 2010, $247,000 in 2009, $278,000 in 2008, and $290,000 in 2007.
• Metro Area Average Home Price—►  $263,300 in 2011, $282,100 in 2010, $289,900 in 2009 $330,300 in 2008, and $342,000 in 2007.

Please be aware that the above figures are subject to error and are intended as guidelines only. View Laurelhurst homes currently for sale by clicking here.

Parks in the Neighborhood

Laurelhurst Park is a spring-fed pond on the property had always been a favorite watering-hole for cattle, as well as a favorite swimming hole for both children and adults. In 1911, seeing the potential for a park as part of the Olmsted's plan, the City of Portland bought 30-31 of the acres, including the pond. Workers were hired to deepen the pond into a 3-acre lake. Also developed was a "play park" between Oak and Stark Streets. The boys were to play on the south side, the girls were to play on the north side, and general games were to be held in the eastern block.

In the park's early years, it was patrolled by a white swan named General Pershing (for his militant attitude). He forbade anyone to approach the edge of the lakeshore. In later years a black-beaked, black-toed swan, named "Big Boy," was lake marshal. A man known only as Mr. Martinson fed Big Boy every day for 15 years. Mr. Martinson taught Big Boy to nod his head and honk "Hello!"

In the Laurelhurst park's early years, it was patrolled by a white swan named General Pershing (for his militant attitude). He forbade anyone to approach the edge of the lakeshore. The park includes soccer field, basketball and volleyball courts, two lighted tennis courts and practice board, horseshoe pit, wading pool, playground, picnic tables, electricity, restrooms, and paths. In February 2001, Laurelhurst Park was named to the National Register of Historic Places, the first city park ever listed on the national register.

Laurelhurst has 33 acres of park land and open spaces according to Metro and the Portland Department of Parks and Recreation.

Walking in Laurelhurst

This 3.5-mile walk loops through Laurelhurst. The walk passes wooded Laurelhurst Park en route to the Sunnyside neighborhood with its many Queen Anne homes and lively commercial scene on SE Belmont Street. Joan of Arc memorializes the fallen soldiers of World War 1 in Coe Circle at NE 39th and NE Glisan. In honor of the American Doughboy, soldiers closely allied with the French in World War I, Dr. Henry Waldo Coe donated the statue (Joan of Arc, Maid of Orleans 1412-1431). She sits atop her horse at the intersection of NE 39 Street and Glisan (now called Coe Circle) in the Laurelhurst neighborhood. The statue was created by Emmanuel Fremiet in 1924.You'll see her on the walking tour. Click here to download the guide.

Walk Score helps you find a walkable place to live. Walk Score is a number between 0 and 100 that measures the walkability of any address. Portland is the 12th most walkable city in the U.S. with a Walk Score of 66 and 57% of the residents have a Walk Score of 70 or above. Below is a Walk Score for an address in the center of the Laurelhurst neighborhood.

More About Laurelhurst

• Neighborhood Association Web Site  The Laurelhurst Neighborhood Association.
• Location  Just 9-10 minutes east of downtown. From downtown cross over the Willamette River on the Burnside Bridge and you'll be heading east. When you arrive at 33rd Avenue look right or left and you're in Laurelhurst. About a quarter of the Laurelhurst neighborhood is in southeast and the rest in northeast.
• ²Drive Time to Downtown  11-12 minutes by car.
• Topography  Flat - most homes have beautiful and mature trees. Parks are wooded.
• Sidewalks and Streets  The street pattern is a combination of grid and winding streets. The neighborhood has sidewalks for walking.
• Livability Study  96.8% of Laurelhurst residents rated their neighborhood "good" or "very good." See Livability Study.
• Public Transportation  TriMet has six bus routes in Laurelhurst. The Northeast schedule and routes can be found at TriMet Web site. No MAX light rail or streetcar line in Laurelhurst. Transit Score provides a 0-100 rating indicating how well an address is served by public transportation. Ratings range from "Rider's Paradises" to areas with limited or no nearby public transportation.
• ³Census 2010 Demographics  Population: 4,633 people. Area in acres: 428. Average population density: 10 persons per acre. Number of households: 1,819. Average size of household: 2.55 persons. Median household income: $77,525. Families with children: 26.4%. Home owners: 90.8%. Renters: 9.2%. Diversity: 8.5% non-Caucasian. More census data about Laurelhurst at Portland Online.
• ⁴Crime Stats  Six violent crimes in 2011 and total crimes per 1,000 residents was 32. In 2010 there were four violent crimes and ttal crimes per 1,000 residents was 34. For the latest crime statistics for the Laurelhurst neighborhood, click here.
• ⁵Shopping and Services  Although shopping and services are lacking within the Laurelhurst neighborhood, you will find supermarkets and coffee shops just blocks from the boundaries of the neighborhood. a Whole Foods Market is located at 28th and East Burnside. The intersection of East Burnside and 28th has about 20 commercial establishments to include a movie theater, coffee shop, and 3-4 restaurants. East Burnside has changed dramatically over the last couple of years as many new retail outlets have opened. Laurelhurst Market at 3155 E. Burnside offers a full restaurant and butcher shop that serves sandwiches for lunch and a full menu for dinner.
• Eating Out  Nothing in the heart of Laurelhurst but lots on the edges. It will require a drive of a few minutes or a short walk. The intersection of East Burnside and 28th has about 20 commercial establishments to include a movie theatre, coffee shop, and 3-4 restaurants. Another area for dining is on the north end of the neighborhood on NE Broadway but you will have to cross the I-84 freeway. Visit Willamette Weeks' Restaurant Guide by Neighborhood for a list of eating places in Laurelhurst.
• Public Library  The closest branch library of the Multnomah County Library system is the Belmont at 1038 SE 39th Avenue.
• Who Lives in Laurelhurst  Professionals who chat across the fence with their neighborhoods. Do eastside residents take life at a slower pace than west side people? That seems to be the opinion of many. Former Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski has a home in Laurelhurst. The median age is 43 according to Census 2010.
• Autos in the Neighborhood  Irvington residents care more about their families and community than their cars so don't expect to see many high-end luxury vehicles.
• ⁶Biking  Quality is high. Laurelhurst has five miles of bike lanes.
• Schools  Elementary: Laurelhurst K-8. Middle: Mt. Tabor 6-8. High schools: Franklin High School and Grant High School.
• ⁷School Report Card Grades  Elementary school: O. Middle school: S. High schools: S/I. Click here for report card details.

Map of the Laurelhurst Neighborhood

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Fly to the Laurelhurst Neighborhood via Google Earth

Coordinates
45° 31′ 37.81″ N
122° 37′ 22.08″ W

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¹Real Estate Values  Data on real estate values provided by RMLS^tm. Distressed properties refer to the percentage of total homes sold that were short sales and bank-owned properties.

²Drive Time to Downtown  Estimated commuting time obtained from Yahoo Maps and Google Maps. Drive time was calculated from a central intersection in each neighborhood to Pioneer Courthouse Square during the morning peak commute time.

³Demographics Data  Numbers were obtained from Census 2000 and www.portlandmaps.com.

⁴Crime Statistics  Numbers on crime obtained from Portland Police Bureau. Violent crimes are defined as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Crimes per 1,000 are based on reported incidents of violent crime, as well as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.

⁵Shopping and Services  Numbers were determined from local directory listings and county/municipal library systems.

⁶Biking  Quality rating based on the 2007 Cycle Zone Analysis conducted by the City of Portland Office of Transportation. The six-tier ratings have been reduced to three levels: High, Fair, and Low.

⁷School Report Card Grades  Schools ratings from the Oregon Department of Education 2009-2010 performance assessment. "O" = Outstanding; "S" = Satisfactory; "I" = In Need of Improvement; NR = Not Rated.