If you love the suburbs but hate a long commute, centrally located Bridlemile may be the perfect fit. This Southwest Portland neighborhood has a small-town vibe, but is mere minutes from downtown Portland, with easy access to Highway 26. Despite its proximity to the city scene, Bridlemile is known for its close-knit community of neighbors, good schools and quiet streets. Residents pay a hefty price to live in this special place, however; the median home value is nearly $1 million.
The Bridlemile neighborhood includes sections of Portland proper, unincorporated Multnomah County and Washington County. Named for the 1-mile bridle path created by Dr. John Powell for his wife Ruth in the mid-1940s, modern-day Bridlemile is a car-oriented neighborhood full of families that lacks sidewalks and bike paths. This doesn’t keep neighbors from walking, however, and with four parks located within the boundaries, they don’t have far to go.
What Neighbors Say
PDX Parent account executive Alice Schulz first fell in love with Bridlemile as a college student, babysitting for local residents. She and her family of four moved to the neighborhood in 2018. She says the reputation of neighborliness is well-deserved; Schulz is in constant communication with other families in her section of Bridlemile through a neighborhood text group. They gather for regular happy hours and host rotating monthly get-togethers. When asked if this is exclusive to her friend group, she says no. “It’s open to the whole neighborhood!” she says. Schulz notes that the comradery extends beyond social gatherings: “Neighbors take care of each other here.” During an ice storm, the text chain blew up with offers of help. Their Facebook Buy Nothing group is also very active, and Schulz’s backyard is filled with toys and play structures passed down from generous neighbors.
Bridlemile Elementary School is as chummy as the neighborhood proper, with frequent opportunities to socialize and celebrate. Families connect with other parents through private Instagram pages organized by grade level, says Schulz.
Play Here
Hamilton Park, located across the street from Bridlemile Elementary School, is a neighborhood hub. Families enjoy the playground, tennis courts, soccer and softball fields, and summer movies in the park hosted by Portland Parks & Recreation. Albert Kelly Park is another local favorite, with great shade in the summer and a huge hill perfect for sledding on snow days. For indoor tennis, the family-friendly Portland Athletic Club is on the southern boundary of the neighborhood and offers youth classes to members (pictured above). Bridlemile Elementary School also hosts a variety of events, including family game nights, playdate socials and carnivals.
Eat Here
Most restaurants in Bridlemile are located on the southern border of the neighborhood, along Southwest Beaverton Hillsdale Highway. Neighbor Alice Schulz loves to grab a seasonal drink at Slow Bomb Coffee, a cute, local business with a drive-through and covered outdoor seating. For family dinner, she recommends Steeplejack Pizza and Beer. Pets are allowed outside, and the restaurant is family-friendly all hours, with a game area including shuffleboard, pinball and darts. The Schulz family also loves Tito’s Taquitos, The Oregonian’s 2022 pick for “Best Food Cart in Portland.” Tito’s serves incredible Mexican food in a very casual atmosphere — the cart is gas station-adjacent.
Live Here
$972,500: Median home price
$1,465: Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment
Sources: Realtor and Zumper
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