Holly Brook - Gresham, OR

Before 1884, the city of Gresham was known as Powell Valley, named after one of the first families to settle in the area. In 1884, the name was changed to honor the city's postmaster, Walter Gresham. Today, many local streets are named after early pioneer families, and act as a reminder of the past, including Powell Boulevard in Holly Brook.

Step into the city's past at Gresham History Museum, a little more than a mile from Holly Brook's borders. Home to the city's historical society and a gift shop, the museum also houses research materials, displays rich historical narratives and provides changing exhibits of the city's early pioneer settlers through curated photographs and various written records.

Gresham's Art Festival takes place every summer in historic downtown Gresham. Take a day to explore booths and displays from artists around the Pacific Northwest, including pottery, jewelry, paintings, woodwork and photography.

Residents of Holly Brook take advantage of restaurants and bars scattered along the edges of the neighborhood and throughout the city of Gresham. Near the eastern corner of the neighborhood, a fine selection of cafes and bistros call to locals, as do several enticing ethnic restaurants.

Take a trip to Trufflehunter to experience one of Gresham's proudest breakfast and sandwich shops. Start your day right with the renowned Trufflehunter omelette, or spoil yourself with a bowl of the Hungarian mushroom soup paired with a slice of homemade bread.

Feed your Mediterranean cravings at Nicholas Restaurant, where you can sample everything on the mezza platter and still have enough room — and cash — left for another meal. Relish the house-made Turkish coffee, and get ready to eat your fill of pita bread. Dine in the warm, welcoming atmosphere, or choose to take your meal to go.

Eat breakfast and brunch made from scratch with locally supplied food at Mark's Northwest Table, or save your pennies on huge portions at the Tamale Factory. Across the street, enjoy the exquisite Tom Kha soup at the Srisiamchai Thai tea room.

When the sun sets, stick around the same area and join locals at Spinella's Off the Wall, one of the area's favorite bars. Listen to live music in the low lighting and brick walls of an old church, or sign up for a rollicking night of karaoke. If you prefer DJ music, an outdoor patio and amazing bartenders, spend your night at Bar 33, another Gresham favorite.

Portland's award-winning public transportation system, TriMet, serves the city of Gresham and its neighborhoods. Besides connecting Gresham to downtown Portland via a quiet, convenient ride on the Blue Line light rail, many bus routes wind through the city. In particular, Route 9 connects Holly Brook to the rest of the city with a buses that run every 15 minutes, stopping in several places along Powell Boulevard and Southwest Birdsdale Avenue.

While the city of Gresham offers streets packed with restaurants and shops, the residential nature of Holly Brook means that many stimulating destinations lie outside of reasonable walking distance. Bikes are common on the neighborhoods quiet streets, as well as throughout Gresham and Portland. Major neighborhood roads with dedicated biking lanes include Powell Boulevard and Southwest Eastman Parkway.

When you prefer a cab ride, take a safe, fast and classy ride from Holly Brook or anywhere in Gresham with the on-demand ride-share company Uber. Order and pay from the convenience of your smartphone.

Highway 26 runs right along Holly Brook and connects the neighborhood to Interstate 205, just 20 minutes to the west.

Gresham's park system includes more than 300 acres of park land, 849 acres of natural area and 8 miles of trails. Explore this network of green spaces to take advantage of picnic areas, trails, sports courts and playgrounds throughout the city. Shelters and sports fields are available to the public free of charge, though can be reserved up to a year in advance for a special event.

Hollybrook Park provides almost 3 acres of well-maintained lawns and a pretty walking area located centrally in the neighborhood. Bring your picnic basket or a soccer ball to relax or run around on the field. Given its location next to Hollydale Elementary School, kids often enjoy the park as well.

The paved Springwater Trail forms the southern border of Holly Brook, and cuts through bountiful park and wilderness areas. Refresh yourself in the natural surroundings as you walk or bike the trail, and take a few extra moments to dip your toes in the winding Johnson Creek while you're at it.

In the summer, consider claiming a plot in the nearest community garden, less than 2 miles away. Nearby, make your dog's day when you let her run free at Gresham's off-leash dog park.

With a cost of living just two percent higher than Gresham's low city average, Holly Brook constitutes a solid alternative to living in the heart of Portland. Pay an average of about $735 to rent a one-bedroom residence in this attractive neighborhood, and $2.50 to ride unlimited public transportation for up to 2.5 hours. Expect to spend between $3 and $4 on a beer at a local pub, while local gas prices average five percent higher than the national average.

Bountiful shopping opportunities exist near the eastern corner of Holly Brook, just across Powell Boulevard. In addition to such classic chains as Ross, Dick's Sporting Goods, JoAnn Fabrics, and Sears Home Appliance Showroom, many independent stores sell unique wares in this area.

Pick up a delightful new outfit at Glass Butterfly, where you can find every type of women's clothing you desire, whether it be casual lounge-wear or a ball gown. Pamper yourself with a new haircut and a manicure at Meuy's House of Beauty, or learn a new game from the owners of Off the Charts Games, the most comprehensive hobby and game shop around. Come back on a Wednesday or Friday evening to partake in game night.

A Safeway grocery store services the neighborhood from the southwestern corner of Holly Brook, while Grocery Outlet sits a few blocks north of the neighborhood boundaries. The Gresham Farmers Market takes place less than 2 miles away in historic downtown, every Saturday from May to October.