As a top producing Realtor in Lake Oswego, I am often asked about the unique nature of the lake. One of the most common questions I receive is why Lake Oswego is a private lake, and how families can gain access to this beautiful body of water. In this blog post, I will answer these questions and explain the different ways families can access Lake Oswego.
Lake Oswego is a private lake because it was created in the early 1900s by a group of investors who wanted to develop a recreational community. They dammed up Oswego Creek to create the lake, and then sold lots around the lake for people to build homes. They also established a homeowners association to manage the lake and its amenities. Today, the Lake Oswego Corporation manages the lake and has the authority to regulate access to it.
So, how can families gain access to Lake Oswego? There are three main ways:
- Deeded access to one of two swim parks on Lake Oswego – If you purchase a home that has deeded access to one of these swim parks, you will have access to the lake for swimming and can also participate in fun games at the park like shuffleboard, ping-pong, and basketball. The swim parks are private and only accessible to homeowners with deeded access. PRO TIP: if your kid attends one of the public schools in the Lake Oswego School District, they can go to the swim parks for free!
- Deeded access to one of 18 neighborhood lake easements – Many neighborhoods around the lake have established lake easements that provide access to Lake Oswego. Additionally, these easements provide boat slips for residents, although there is often a wait list to get a slip. They are also private and only accessible to homeowners with deeded access. PRO TIP, ask an experienced Realtor, like myself, to help get you in touch with you local neighborhood easement manager, to learn more.
- Buying a lakefront property on Lake Oswego – If you purchase a lakefront property on Lake Oswego, you will have direct access to the lake from your property. You will also have the ability to build a private dock for your boat or other watercraft. PRO TIP: work with an established Realtor to learn more about off-market lake front homes for sale. I have an incredible network of clients and agents I work with, and can potentially find you an off-market home on Lake Oswego that fits your needs. These homes rarely hit the open market, and I can help you navigate the negotiating process to find an off-market deal.
As you can see, there are several ways families can access Lake Oswego. If you are interested in purchasing a home in Lake Oswego, I highly recommend working with a Realtor who is knowledgeable about the lake and its amenities. As the Founder of the Fendon Properties Team, I have extensive experience working with clients who are interested in buying or selling homes in Lake Oswego. Contact me today to learn more about how I can help you find your dream home in this beautiful community. My phone number is 503-850-8776, I’d love to chat and learn more about your situation!