Neighbors Southwest - Beaverton, OR

Scholls Ferry Road, named after Peter Scholl, an early settler in the area, runs through modern-day Neighbors Southwest. In earlier times, Scholls Ferry was one of the important crossing sites of the Tualatin River. Before settlers arrived, the Tualatin Valley housed the Kalapuya Native Americans.

Beaver-made lakes were drained, and farms were established in the fertile land left behind. Beaverton was officially platted in 1868, and was the site of agricultural and industrial fields including brick-making, flour-milling and timber production. By 1908, electrified rail service took commuters to and from Beaverton quickly and cleanly. Post WWII saw the creation of Highway 26, and housing and commercial developments.

Beaverton maintains a reputation for its tech industry, apparel companies and food production. Agricultural influences persist in the form of wineries and farmer's markets.

Neighbors Southwest hosts an impressive number of restaurants ranging from Thai, Lebanese, Japanese and classic American fare. Most dining establishments tout an aesthetically pleasing setting, with locations attractively placed near either Marryhill or Burrows park.

Located near Barrows Park, Oasis Restaurant showcases authentic and delicious Lebanese dishes in an inviting space and open space. Classic dishes such as lamb shawerma and gyros satisfy any craving for Middle Eastern delights. For something new, sample the salmon, stuffed with parsley, garlic and almonds, topped with tahini sauce and served with a bed of rice and sautéed vegetables. This local favorite also serves traditional Turkish coffee for an after dinner jolt.

Cafe Murrayhill stands as a flagship restaurant of the Neighbors Southwest neighborhood with lakeside dining and a menu of American favorites. An outdoor patio sits by a lovely man-made lake. The filet mignon comes with smoked mushrooms and a cabernet butter sauce, paired with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarians love the quinoa dish, featuring roasted beets, swiss chard, oyster mushrooms, sage, and walnut pistou.

Nighttime entertainment can be found at Ava Roasteria, where live jazz groups and other musical acts play on the weekends. The cafe remains open 24 hours a day for emergency espresso runs. Cinetopia combines the joys of drinking and movies under one roof, serving up beer, wine and entrées along with feature films.

Neighbors Southwest has the advantage of being away from the city while remaining close enough to commute. Parking remains available and free of cost. Highways and expressways can be accessed within a short drive. Within the neighborhood itself, amenities sit within walking or biking distance. Buses are available on Scholls Ferry road, taking passengers to downtown Beaverton, Portland and Tigard. Bike lanes remain uncommon but cautious cyclists are safe. Taxis are available by telephone, and Uber presents an option for ride shares.

This neighborhood hosts a pair of fine parks with access to nature, trails, swimming, tennis and more. A recreation center allows for swimming and other lessons, and maintains leagues for sports. Dogs are welcome at both parks but need to be leashed.

Murrayhill Park stretches across the northern section of the neighborhood, providing runners, walkers and cyclists with a lovely wooded path that cuts through much of the area. Murrayhill also has a swimming pool and tennis courts. Because Neighbors Southwest lies in a semi-rural area, Murrayhill provides access to nature and bird-watching.

Barrows Park in the southern part of the neighborhood provides great play structures especially created for younger kids. Nearby Northview Park provides a great place to let dogs be dogs. Just outside the neighborhood to the east, Summerlake City Park provides an off-leash area for dogs, a beautiful lake and sports facilities.

Cost of living in Neighbors Southwest sits higher than the Beaverton average. Trimet tickets to ride on either the bus or light rail cost $2.50 for a trip downtown. The median rent for a one-bedroom residence averages $1029. The typical price of a beer at a local pub runs between $3 to $5, less for options like PBR. Gas prices stand at about 11 percent higher than the national average.

Neighbors Southwest contains a good deal of shopping opportunities for a neighborhood of its size. Several pharmacies and grocery stores, shopping centers and more can be found in the area. Commercial areas can be found along SW Murray Blvd and SW Scholls Ferry Rd.

Piccolo Mondo Toys carries a wide variety of kids toys, dress-up clothes, stuffed animals and more. The family-owned store specializes in innovative toys that focus on creative play and imagination. Each month, Piccolo Mondo highlights a different country, showcasing themes, toys and characters from around the world. From bath time to story time, the shop has got you covered.

Pet lovers of all kinds rave about Nature's Pet Market. The shop has an impressive selection of natural and organic foods for dogs, cats and more. Locally made and environmentally friendly supplies and toys are also available. Bring fido in for a gentle grooming, complete with full washing and shampooing, hair trimming and styling, and nail trimming. Nature's Pet Market also hosts rescue events, which facilitate animal adoptions for pets who need a loving home.

Neighbors Southwest has a great grocery store selection too, with options ranging from New Seasons Market to Albertsons and Safeway. A farmer's market also serves residents seeking fresh produce, with a location close to downtown Beaverton.