He has completely restored it with historically correct paint colors, a new roof and other improvements. Kathy Sanchez, a sales agent with Real Estate Association, calls Central Beaverton a neighborhood in transition. In addition to the price, buyers appreciate being in a safe, established neighborhood with well-maintained parks, the Beaverton Swim Center and shopping nearby. Senior citizens and young mothers pushing strollers pass each other on their daily walks. One of the charms of the neighborhood is the large, narrow lots and the pockets of huge old fir trees.
Buyers are often surprised at the size of the lots, which extend deep behind the houses.
Quarter-acre lots are common. Most of the houses range from about 900 to 1,200 square feet, with two or three bedrooms and one bath. Many buyers convert garages to living space, said Sturkie. Buyers can sometimes find jewels that have been completely updated, such as the three-bedroom home Sturkie recently sold on Main Avenue. Balmes considers it a real find with its large fenced yard, garden area, RV parking and country kitchen.