Rockwood - Portland, OR

The name Rockwood comes from the pioneer history of Western Oregon. In the late 19th century, stone markers were placed at every mile east of the Portland Courthouse. Rockwood stands at the 10th mile marker, a spot at which the deep woods of the area gave way to an abundance of rock formations. Stagecoaches from Portland would stop at the Ten-Mile Inn en route to Gresham, making the area a natural gateway to the city. Schools and community centers soon followed, along with speakeasies and road houses. No museums or galleries call Rockwood home, but a Multnomah County Library branch is available on Stark Street.

The gateway to Gresham has some tasty food offerings for those willing to explore a little. Chinese and Japanese restaurants hold space with Mexican taquerias and even an old-school Italian joint. Giuseppe's Italian Restaurant and Lounge has been serving authentic Italian cuisine in the Rockwood area for 30 years. Classic dishes like baked lasagna and veal marsala are featured in a cozy setting with an attached lounge for drinks. Prices are very reasonable for the generous portions. Try a hand-tossed Calabrese pizza for a real taste of Italy in Gresham. The fare at community-minded Park Place Cafe is decidedly French-oriented, with croque-monsiuer croissants and the Mona Lisa crepe, which contains brie, ham, apple, basil and pesto creme fraiche. Stop in and enjoy the park view, or grab some coffee after playing some disc golf on the Vance park course. Rockwood contains a few nightspots including Al Narah Hookah Lounge, which features DJs and alcohol-free drinks like teas and juices. Cleary's Sports presents an option for enjoying the big game.

Rockwood provides convenient access to Gresham and Portland via the MAX Light Rail, taking passengers into multiple areas of each city. Trains arrive at least every 15 minutes and are fast and clean. Major bus lines also run through the area, providing access to NE and SE Portland as well as other areas. Hailing a cab can be difficult here, so it's usually better to call ahead to a local company like Radio Cab or Broadway Cab. Uber presents another option for ride shares in the area. Parking can be easily found in both in residential and commercial areas. Highway 26 lies within a short distance, permitting passage to Mt. Hood and the Oregon coast, and Interstate 84 lies to the north of the neighborhood. Rockwood is somewhat walkable, with some access to restaurants and parks. Biking lanes on a few major streets help make the area safer for cyclists.

Parks are abundant in Rockwood, with six green spaces within the neighborhood boundaries. Fans of disc golf will go crazy over the abundance of courses here in the neighborhood. Vance and Rockwood Central Park each have wooded disc golf courses. Gardeners will love Vance Park's community gardens and Children's Imaginative Garden, which features volunteers who work with children on crafts in addition to presenting puppet shows and other great community opportunities. Main City Park houses a small skate park for fans of the four wheels, while Columbia View and Kirk Park provide simple escapes from the urban setting. Standard options like basketball, softball and soccer courts and fields can be found at Rockwood Central Park and Pat Pfifer Park. Parks are free of cost and welcome dogs on leashes. The Rockwood Plaza Del Sol, a giant solar system-themed blacktop mural in the site of a demolished Fred Meyer store, hosts the annual Rock the Block event. The event includes a "Feast of Nations" dinner, a kids' parade, two days of free dental and health screenings and dozens of booths providing community resources and programs.

The cost of living in Rockwood is lower on average than Portland in general. TriMet transit costs $2.50 for two-hour unlimited service on buses, light rail and commuter trains. The median rent for a one-bedroom residence comes in at about $706. The typical price for a beer at a local pub ranges from $2 to $4. Gas prices on average are 9 percent higher than the national average, but remain comparable to the Oregon average.

Rockwood contains a good deal of shopping opportunities, from pet stores to car audio and even a year-round farmers market. Most of the stores can be found clustered around Stark and Glisan streets at major intersections. High-end shops are rare here; most retail outlets stock practical wares and day-to-day goods. For a wide variety of produce, specialty foods and more, check out the amazing Grower's Outlet on NE Glisan Street. For over 35 years, this market has provided fresh Oregon produce and food products from around the globe. In addition to a well-stocked market, Grower's Outlet features an extensive garden center with many organic, heirloom and other plants. Potting soil, compost, gardening tools and concrete statuary are also available. For a gift idea, try one of Grower's beautifully arranged fruit baskets with custom and in-house designs. Grower's Outlet serves as the primary farmers market in the area. One of Portland's biggest tropical fish and pond supply outlets is located in Rockwood. CB's Tropical Aquariums is a reliable place for all aquarium and outdoor pond needs, from pumps and decor to all sorts of tropical fish and saltwater creatures. CB's also constructs custom tanks for businesses and residences and can help you with design concepts. Grocery Outlet and Cash and Carry are the only two major grocery stores in the area, and can be found near the intersection of Division and Birdsdale streets.