Caufield - Oregon City, OR

This area of Portland played a significant role in the history of Oregon. It was founded in 1829 because of its location along the Clackamas River, which allowed for the installation of a lumber mill. Even today, the area remains known as a hub for paper mills. Oregon City and the Caufield area also served as the last stop on the Oregon Trail. Settlers from across the country would travel west and arrive ready to file land claims and begin settling down.

Visitors can still see many of the historic buildings that were erected centuries ago when the neighborhood was first settled. The Rose Farm Museum and the End of the Oregon Trail Landmark both provide further insight into the lives of early settlers. Annual events include the Siskiyou Film Festival, Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival and the Spring Craft Fair.

Portland as a whole features a world-class restaurant scene that has attracted some of the greatest chefs from around the country, and Caufield residents don't have to venture far from their front doors to experience culinary treats.

Locals travel west to visit a variety of local eateries. Sushi lovers head to Toki Sushi and Teriyaki to experience affordable dishes in a casual dining room. Soft lighting, dark wood paneling and Japanese-inspired decorative details give this establishment an intimate feel. Patrons enjoy the list of house specials that includes hot and spicy pork and curry chicken. All specials come with a bowl of miso soup and a salad for a complete meal.

Just down the street at Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant, patrons enjoy spicy salsa, excellent margaritas and traditional Mexican dishes cooked to perfection. This local favorite provides an extensive menu, but the fajitas plate ranks as one of the most popular dishes. Diners can choose from chicken, beef or shrimp filling with plenty of peppers, onions, cheese and other toppings.

To enjoy a few drinks and an evening of entertainment, locals head to the Wichita Bar and Grill. It serves classic, pub-style comfort food that includes chicken fried steak, fish and chips and a variety of specialty burgers. In addition, it has many beers on tap and hosts stand-up comics throughout the week.

Drivers can easily travel and park in the Caufield neighborhood. This more rural section of Portland provides plenty of free on-street parking and easy access to Highway 213, which takes drivers northwest into the more populated sections of the city.

Portland also enjoys a reputation as a bike-friendly city, and the Caufield neighborhood is no exception. Pedestrians can use the trail along Beavercreek Road to head into town and connect with other major routes that allow for safe travel throughout the city.

Those looking to hail a cab may have a hard time, but residents can always call ahead for a pickup or locate an Uber driver nearby. In addition, the TriMet bus system also services the area and provides plenty of stops along the western edge of Clackamas Community College.

Caufield and Portland residents enjoy easy access to an abundance of city and national parks, which all provide plenty of space and amenities for participating in a variety of activities. Families visit the Barclay Hills Park to enjoy the many playgrounds, share lunch at the picnic tables and take the dog for a walk along the many trails and paths. Basketball courts and open spaces also provide options for the more athletically inclined.

Outdoor enthusiasts can also travel a short distance east and visit the Mt. Hood National Forest, which features mountains, streams, lakes and miles upon miles of trails and natural beauty to explore. Certain sections of the park do require visitors to pay a small fee for a day pass or to camp for longer periods of time.

While the overall cost of living trends above that of other big cities, the cost of housing in Caufield runs slightly below that of the rest of Portland. On average, residents pay around $700 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. Drivers pay about 10 percent above national averages for a gallon of gas, and bus passengers pay $2.50 per ride. Locals who head out for a drink pay $4 for a bottle of domestic beer.

Caufield residents can travel along South Beavercreek Road to visit popular retail chains such as JoAnn Fabrics and Payless ShoeSource. The neighborhood also houses many specialty stores that cater to residents and their hobbies. Avid and amateur gardeners alike visit the Echo Valley Natives nursery to learn more about plants native to the Pacific Northwest. This unique greenhouse focuses on minimizing the impact on local ecosystems and preserving the environment through promoting native species and avoiding invasive plants. The employees also provide expert advice on how to garden without pesticides. The shop opens year-round to provide both plants and helpful insights from resident green-thumbs. The Oregon City Quilter represents just one of many quilting and craft stores in the area that help supply locals both the tools and inspiration they need to complete projects and pursue their hobbies. In addition to selling fabric, machines, thread and other accessories, this store also specializes in designing and producing custom-made quilts. Shoppers can choose a design and color scheme and have the shop's expert create a one-of-a-kind quilt that makes a perfect gift. For all their food needs, Caufield residents head to the nearby Kroger to stock up on groceries and other household items. The Buckman Farmer's Market also sits a short drive north and provides shoppers with access to fresh produce, flowers and artisan goods throughout the year.