Big Developments Shaping Portland and Why I’m Excited About Living Here

There is a lot happening right now that is going to make Portland even more of a destination city. I want to give you an inside look at some of the biggest projects under way and share why I think they matter if you are thinking about moving to Portland Oregon.

A Major League Baseball Stadium Could Be Coming to Portland

One of the most exciting projects in the works is the proposed Major League Baseball stadium right here in the South Waterfront. Right now, Portland does not have a major league team. But in September 2024 the Portland Diamond Project announced a letter of intent to purchase a thirty-acre site called the Zidel Yards. This is right along the Willamette River with views of Mount Hood.

Imagine watching a game in the summer with that incredible backdrop. The plan is for a state-of-the-art stadium with a retractable roof plus retail shops and restaurants on the ground level to make it more of a destination. The streetcar and Max line already run through the South Waterfront so it will be easy to get there. I have helped clients buy condos in this area and it is already a vibrant spot. If this project goes through it will add even more energy and value to the Portland housing market.

Rebuilding the I5 Interstate Bridge

Another massive project is the replacement of the I5 bridge connecting Oregon to southwest Washington. This has been talked about for decades but now it looks like it’s finally moving forward with work expected to begin around 2025 or 2026.

This is a six to eight billion dollar project that will bring a modern safer bridge including a Max line across the river. As someone who crosses that bridge frequently, I know how big of a deal this is. Beyond just traffic improvements it means thousands of local jobs and is a huge investment into the future of the greater Portland area.

Lake Oswego’s North Anchor Project

If you have been exploring living in Lake Oswego there is another exciting development you should know about. The North Anchor Project has been delayed for a few years due to funding but is still moving forward. This will bring a boutique hotel with eighty-six rooms plus dining lounges and other businesses right to B Avenue. They are also planning sixty-seven apartments including units set aside for workforce housing.

This part of downtown Lake Oswego is currently pretty empty so adding a high-end project here will really round out the area. It means more restaurants, more shops and more reasons for people to spend time in this charming city which keeps local real estate values strong.

New Housing Developments in West Linn and Wilsonville

Now let’s get to what you probably care most about which is the Portland housing market and new construction.

Over in West Linn there is a small community called Savannah Summit by David Weekley Homes. It is in the highly rated West Linn Wilsonville School District which matters a lot whether you have kids or not. Great schools protect property values. These homes start around nine hundred thousand and go up to around one point one million. Some of the layouts even include a full bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor, which is perfect if you have an ageing parent or older child living at home.

In Wilsonville there is the massive Frog Pond development by Stone Bridge Homes. Prices start in the eight hundreds and run to around nine fifty with square footage from eighteen hundred to thirty four hundred feet. You can buy a home already under construction or pick your lot and customize everything from countertops to flooring. Wilsonville is known for its master planned communities and also shares the West Linn Wilsonville School District, so you get great schools plus newer homes and neighborhoods.

Why I Am Optimistic About Portland Real Estate

All of these projects, whether it is a potential baseball stadium or new housing communities show the strong investment happening in Portland. I think it is a big reason why living in Portland Oregon continues to attract people from across the country. When you combine the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest with economic growth and quality of life it is easy to see why so many people are moving to Portland Oregon.

I am a local real estate agent who loves talking about all of this. If you have questions about the Portland housing market or any of these new developments feel free to contact me anytime.

Also be sure to check out the full video on my YouTube channel Moving to Portland Oregon where I walk through all these projects in more detail. I would love to help you figure out if Portland is the right place for your next move. Let’s connect and make sure you are getting all the information you need to make a smart decision.