Buying mansions in Boring, where there’s ‘more bang for the buck’

An aristocratic rustic chalet on three acres along the Sandy River in Boring hit the market April 7 with an asking price of $1.5 million. It took only a week for an offer to be accepted.

In the same bedroom community built on a dried lava field, competition in the million-dollar-plus price range includes a ranch-style house on five acres and a few other properties marketed as retreats or equestrian estates.

Sale prices have spiked almost everywhere, but in this Portland exurb, which counters its Boring name with the slogan, “the most exciting place to live,” the median sale price has ballooned to $713,500, a 27% rise since April 2021, according to real estate marketplace Redfin.

Who’s buying in Boring, 12 miles southeast of downtown Portland and past Happy Valley along Oregon 212 in Clackamas County?

People who can work remotely and “carry on life and business 35 minutes from Portland,” says Kate Alvord of Portland Works Real Estate. Alvord received instant attention after listing the chalet at 35719 Southeast Lusted Road, which is now pending.

Since the start of pandemic shutdown orders in March 2020, some home shoppers have been targeting properties in Oregon and Washington with acreage, work and study rooms, and extra living quarters for grandparents, adult children and other relatives.

“What’s going on with COVID and the war in Ukraine has more families wanting to be together,” says Lizbeth Hale of Tree City Real Estate and the president of the Happy Valley Business Alliance.

People interested in growing food can find a property in rural Boring with well water and greenhouses, she says.

Alvord says potential buyers for her Boring listing ranged from neighbors who wanted to live closer to the Sandy River to out-of-staters.

“People wanting a place on the river have been watching and waiting,” she says.

The 15 residential properties for sale in Boring are a third less than 12 months ago, according to Redfin.

Oregon has small towns most people have never heard of, but Boring is famous. At least two TV series — Disney Channel’s “Gravity Falls” and Netflix’s “Everything Sucks!” — were based on the community named after pioneer William Harrison Boring.

The town of Boring also made news when it formed an alliance with Dull, Scotland, and later Bland, Australia.

Owners get more than a house in Boring, Alvord says. They’re close to Mount Hood and river recreation.

“They’re buying privacy,” she says. “In general, there’s tranquility and more bang for the buck in Boring.”

Here are some of the priciest residential properties for sale in Boring:

11460 Southeast 282nd Avenue is listed at $1.8 million. The equestrian estate with a Tudor Revival-style farmhouse was built in 1991 on 19 acres.

In addition to the main house with 1,703 square feet of living space, the property has a shop with an office, barn with an indoor arena, 15 stalls, three tack rooms, hay storage, four gates and a round pen.

Here’s “a chance to build three additional homes; buyer to verify,” says listing agent Kurt Johnson of All County Real Estate.

10400 Southeast 282nd Avenue is listed at $1,799,000. The custom house, built in 2002 on 7.68 acres, has windows imported from Nova Scotia.

Within the 5,336 square feet of living space is a gourmet kitchen, five bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, plus a self-contained in-law quarters with a kitchen and bathroom.

“Perfect for a multi-generational family,” says listing agent Lizbeth Hale of Tree City Real Estate. “Breathtaking views of Mount Hood, this gorgeous home is ideal for connoisseurs of natural beauty.”

There is also a barn.

33220 Southeast Brooks Road is listed at $1,550,000. The custom house is under construction on five acres.

There will be vaulted ceilings, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and 3,140 square feet of living space.

“Double glass doors open to an amazing view of the pond and its wildlife,” says listing agent Kristina Molina with Kim Wheeler of John L. Scott Sandy.

35719 Southeast Lusted Road, listed at $1.5 million, is pending. The price includes the 3.18-acre residential property as well as half ownership in 17 additional acres with a garden and pond.

The chalet-style house, built in 1964, has large windows and views of the Sandy River. There are two entertainment areas, six bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and 4,236 square feet of living space. The deck and patio with a fire pit allow for outdoor entertaining.

“Escape to this stunning, modern retreat, nestled on the banks of the river,” says listing agent Kate Alvord of Portland Works Real Estate.

13835 Southeast 312th Drive is listed at $1,499,900. The remodeled house, built in 1999 on five acres, has a primary suite with a gas fireplace and a bathroom with heated tile floors, a walk-in shower and clawfoot tub.

There are two more bedrooms, two more bathrooms and a powder room among 3,376 square feet of living space.

Outdoors, a pavilion has a wood-burning fireplace, plus there is a barn with two stalls, tack room and indoor arena and an RV garage and large shop.

“A horse lover and gardener’s dream,” says listing agent Tami Hayes of John L. Scott Northeast Portland.

— Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072

jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman

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• Oregon’s ‘Terrible Tilly’ lighthouse on private island for sale at $6.5 million

• Portland’s huge mansions for sale: What kind of homes with space can you get for $8 million or less?

• Oregon’s best-known baker, Ken Forkish, puts SW Portland house with bread oven up for sale

• Portland homes designed by Pietro Belluschi come with camaraderie

• Former Timbers’ star Diego Valeri puts NW Portland home with private soccer field up for sale at $1,199,000