Ardenwald - Milwaukie, OR

Ardenwald had humble begginings in the 1840’s when the land was settled by Lot Whitcomb. The town originally centered around a sawmill and gristmill, but eventually it expanded into a large residential area. As the Portland area grew, Milwaukie and Portland merged, and Ardenwald became a suburb of Portland. For more information on the area's rich history, visit the nearby Oregon Rail Heritage Center.

The neighborhood hosts concerts in the park with live music from local up-and-coming artists during the summer to promote neighborhood unity. Ardenwald also offers a summer reading program that promotes children's literacy.

Dining in the Ardenwald area features authentic world cuisines with a mix of local Portland flare. Taste the best burgers in town when you head to PDX Sliders. Order up the braised pork sandwich that includes arugula and spicy aioli on a freshly baked ciabatta bun. PDX dishes out a tasty veggie option featuring marinated portabella mushrooms, herbed goat cheese and baby arugula on a ciabatta. Accompany your meal with hand-cut seasoned fries. Grab a few sliders to go for a picnic with the family.

Shut Up and Eat serves up hearty sandwiches made with fresh local ingredients. If you’re feeling hungry, try the meatball sandwich that includes four pan-fried meatballs, provolone and Parmesan cheese smothered in a rich gravy. Feast on the roasted veggie sandwich with zucchini, mushrooms, carrots and peppers, topped with provolone and asiago cheeses.

Check out Jumbo Restaurant and Lounge for authentic Chinese dishes with a local touch. Chow down on the spicy kung pao chicken or savory crab rangoons. Lunch specials feature a large portion of your choice dish for only $5. Jumbo also has a karaoke bar area with great drink specials, such as whisky and coke for $3.

Since Ardenwald prides itself on being a family-oriented community, it doesn’t have a lot to choose from in the way of nightlife. But there are a few good option that keep locals busy. Head to nearby Gemini Lounge, and dial up your favorite jams on the jukebox as you relax with a cocktail after a long day at work.

Grab the neighbors and head over to Gigantic Brewing Company for a cold beer and good company. Make your way out to the patio to enjoy the weather as you catch up over the gigantic IPA that features fruity undertones and a smooth flavor. Try a taster platter that allows you to sample four different beers. Beer on tap runs about $4.50 a pint.

Located southeast of the greater Portland area, Ardenwald is located off Highway-99 E along the banks of Johnson Creek. It takes round 15 minutes to drive from Ardenwald to the city center of Portland. Public parking is widely available in the area.

The community is serviced by many public transit routes that connect it to the rest of the city of Portland and outlying areas. Taking public transportation from Ardenwald to downtown generally takes around 42 minutes via public bus route 31.

The neighborhood features numerous bike and walking trails that allow residents to bike or walk to work, promoting a healthy lifestyle. Many roads have bike lanes, making biking around town a breeze.

Call Johnny Cab if you're in need of a taxi. You can also use Uber, since it provides regular service to and from Ardenwald and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Portland is the home of many natural park areas, and Ardenwald is no exception. The neighborhood borders the Tideman Johnson Natural Park, which provides hiking trails throughout the historical grounds. This park runs along Johnson Creek and features miles of paved and wooded trails that accommodate walkers and cyclists. Tideman also provides picnic areas and hosts the annual community Fourth of July fireworks display.

Nearby Brentwood Park is the ideal spot for outdoor recreational activities for the whole family. Get your game on playing on one of the park's soccer fields, tennis courts, football fields or basketball courts. Let your kids play on the playground as you grill up some hotdogs on the barbecue. Take your pooches for some frolicking in the sun while they enjoy the park’s off-leash dog park.

Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the Ardenwald area averages $750, which is around the same as the average for the rest of the city of Portland.

Gas prices are typically about 10 percent higher than the national average. A one-way ticket on the metro bus costs $2.50, and a pint of beer at a local pub like Gigantic Brewery usually costs about $4.50. Overall, the cost of living in Ardenwald is about the same as the average cost of living for the Portland area.

While Ardenwald does not have a large number of boutiques located within its borders, you can easily stop over at neighboring Hawthorne Boulevard to shop at upscale boutiques and stores such as Mink Boutique, Sloan Boutique and Cassidy Jewelry. If you're in the area, stop by Sock Dreams, a novelty store that sells themed socks, hiking socks, leg warmers and tights.

Neighborhood residents do their shopping at Trader Joe’s, Good Neighbor or New Seasons Market. Indulge in an array of fresh products and produce when you head over to nearby Woodstock Farmers Market. This market features fresh seafood, artisan cheeses, organic produce, gluten-free products and baked bread. Sip on some freshly brewed local coffee, or munch on masala munch popcorn as you tour the vendor tents. The market provides many free activities for children to keep them occupied while you shop, including face painting, balloon art and other arts and crafts.