Gaffney Lane - Oregon City, OR

As the first incorporated city west of the Rockies, Oregon City claims a rich history of early pioneer life. Its neighborhoods reflect this history, as many culturally and historically significant sites are spread throughout the city.

Five minutes out of Gaffney Lane via Highway 213, an Interpretive Center marks the end of the historic Oregon Trail. Check out artifacts from pioneer days, a video exhibit and a gift shop, or enjoy the show as a living-history interpreter dramatizes the past through vibrant storytelling. Other nearby sites of interest include the Stevens-Crawford Victorian aged home, maintained as a museum and complete with period furniture, a working kitchen, dining rooms, bedrooms and a doll collection. Stick around the same area to browse the photographs and artifacts displayed at the Museum of Oregon Territory.

Oregon City also hosts seasonal community events, including a summer movie and concert series and a snowflake raffle.

A variety of ethnic restaurants feed the neighborhood from the upper northeast corner of Gaffney Lane. Take a stroll down the stretch of South Molalla Avenue between Beavercreek Road and Highway 213, and try one of the many dining options clustered here.

The long list of authentic Mexican food at Don Chico's and the carefully crafted, respectful menu at Hawaiian Time both provide an eating option somewhere between fast food and a classic sit-down restaurant. Order at the counter, and let them bring your food to you. At Hawaiian Time, try the Huli Huli chicken or the well-made Kalua pork.

When you crave Chinese, enjoy the hot-and-sour soup, crab puffs and fried rice packed with real barbecue pork at Pine Garden Restaurant. Use cloth napkins and dine in warm lighting at this gracious take on Chinese-American cuisine. Alternatively, seek out the humble Thai Chef. The massaman curry and salad rolls make your trip to this affordable hole-in-the-wall well worth it.

Stick around the same stretch when darkness falls, and get ready to bar-hop through a range of bars, each with a different mode of fun. The Growler Run provides rotating taps of beer and cider from all over the region as well as live music and a knowledgeable, classy staff. Shoot some pool at Rodder's Pub and Grub, or swing your clubs in a game of virtual golf at Tee Time Bar & Grill. Enjoy the intimate, comfortable interior of Amy's Pub or the ribald atmosphere of a classic sports bar at Lil' Cooperstown Bar and Grill.

Five minutes away, the many charms of the Highland Stillhouse beckon. Live music, a small dance space, tasty beers, affordable food, an outdoor chill zone with a beautiful view and an unbeatable Scottish atmosphere make this bar such an attractive destination that even Portland residents regularly make the trek.

Feel free to leave your car behind when you set out to explore this green neighborhood. In addition to several areas that are highly walkable, such as the packed stretch of South Molalla Avenue, Gaffney Lane and Oregon City both happily welcome bikers with a network of biker-friendly roads. Major neighborhood roadways with biking lanes include South Beavercreek Road and South Meyer's Road as well as South Molalla Avenue.

The regional transportation service TriMet also services Oregon City and connects Gaffney Lane directly to the city of Portland via Route 33. The bus route runs every half hour daily, takes about an hour and costs $2.50.

Locals who keep their cars appreciate access to plenty of available public parking in Gaffney Lane. In addition, enjoy the convenient proximity to Highway 213, which borders the area and provides a direct connection to Interstate 205 in northern Oregon City.

Sassy's Cab Company also services the city and provides a good chance of hailing a taxi when you are on Gaffney Lane's busier streets. Keep the number in your phone for fast, convenient access to a cab anytime and anywhere you need one, or arrange for an Uber pick up.

Although there are no parks within the neighborhood proper, the nearby Hillendale City Park consists of 16 acres of green space available to Gaffney Lane residents who wish to enjoy the outdoors. Extensive walking and biking paths complement the playing fields, two playgrounds, a creek, an extensive picnic shelter area and basketball, tennis and volleyball courts. Within the network of trails, an observation deck also looks out over the wetland preserve portion of the park.

Enjoy Hillendale City Park for free, or consider renting out a picnic shelter or one of the fields. Reservation prices start at $65 for four hours and 1-50 people, and go up from there based on the number of people involved. Dogs are welcome at the park as well, but keep them leashed and make sure to clean up after them.

Oregon City Parks and Recreation also hosts a full list of public events throughout the city's parks, including a summer concert series, an outdoor movie series, seasonal camps, a Halloween spirits event and a holiday tree lighting.

With a cost of living one percent lower than Oregon City and nine percent lower than Portland's average cost, you can afford to reap the benefits of living in Gaffney Lane. Rent a one-bedroom residence for an average of $825 in this neighborhood.

Pay $4 for a beer at a local pub and $2.50 to ride to Portland's city center via public transportation. Gas prices run about four percent higher than the national average.

In addition to the convenience of several classic chain stores, including Goodwill, Fred Meyer Department Store and Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft, a selection of smaller independent stores lie within the northeast corner of the neighborhood.

Get your printing done locally at Buel's Impression Printing, where wonderfully designed business cards, letterheads, envelopes, invitations, and programs are available at affordable prices. Nearby, stop and chat with the knowledgeable staff at Wilco Farm Store for all your farm and pet supplies.

A mile away, the Shabby Cottage provides a European selection of shabby-chic furniture, both finished and refurbished. Spend a day filtering through the mass of unique home decor, or bring your wobbly chair in to get it fixed.

Neighborhood grocery stores include Albertson's and Grocery Outlet. Less than a half-mile from neighborhood's borders, the Oregon City Farmers Market takes places just outside of Gaffney Lane and operates year-round.