If you’d like to live in Mt Tabor but can’t afford to buy a home there, you might be interested in the Montavilla neighborhood, just northeast of Mt Tabor.
The Montavilla neighborhood
Montavilla’s original name was actually Mt Tabor Villa Addition, but in the early 1900s folks started referring to the neighborhood as “Mudvilla” due to the muddy-dirt streets. That was resolved in 1908 when Montavilla became annexed into Portland and the neighborhood was provided with paved streets, sewers and road lighting.
While Montavilla was originally a farming community, today it’s much different. As you cruise down 82nd Drive you’ll find used car dealerships, pawn shops and fast food restaurants. The commercial areas draw in loads of traffic, along with unique cultures and lifestyles.
Despite the changes, you’ll still see interesting pieces of history in Montavilla, like these old horse rings which can be found embedded into the sidewalks.
Even some of the schools in Montavilla are historic landmarks, including the beautiful Vestal Elementary School built in 1929 (pictured below). Other schools in Montavilla include Binnsmead Middle School, and Madison High School.
Things to do in Montavilla
If you’d like to explore the Montavilla neighborhood, start by visiting Montavilla Park located right off 82nd and Glisan Street.
It’s the perfect place to escape for an afternoon picnic, and your kids will love its playground, baseball fields and community center swimming pool.
Another great attraction is the annual Montavilla Farmer’s Market which runs from July 22nd to September 30th. There are fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, breads, hand crafted goods and entertainment for the whole family.
And for dinner, enjoy a great family atmosphere and some of the best hand-tossed pizzas in Portland at the Flying Pie Pizzeria.
You’ll also want to catch a movie at Montavilla’s Academy Theater—it recently underwent a million dollar renovation and is absolutely stunning!
They have excellent food including the aforementioned Flying Pie Pizza, salads, popcorn, ice cream, 10 beers on tap and wine all at reasonable prices. In addition they offer on-site babysitting for only $5 per kid and affordable movie tickets.
Buying a home in Montavilla
Homes in Montavilla range from fixer properties to beautiful historic homes, so whatever type of home you’re looking to buy, it’s probably there.
The cheaper areas in Montavilla include post World War II homes and newer infill construction with townhouse style homes. In the older, nicer sections of the neighborhood you’ll find late 1800s homes with lavish woodwork and large lots. This area is sprinkled with churches and is close-in to Mt Tabor.
As far as price goes, buying a home in Montavilla will cost you anywhere from just under $200k to $400k.
If you’re thinking about buying a house in Montavilla or you’re selling your own home in Montavilla, we’d love to help. Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Peter Stewart is a licensed real estate broker in Portland, Oregon as well as a frequent contributing writer for OHM. Please don't hesitate to contact him with any questions you may have about buying or selling a home in the Portland area.
In the same category » Buying a House » Neighborhoods & Cities
Or by the same author » Peter Stewart