Jessica Ward Knows Lents

When people search for “history of Lents,” “Lents news,” or “Lents farmers market”, they’re not just looking for facts. They’re searching for connection. My personal and

professional journey in the Lents real estate community has shaped who I am as a neighbor and as a broker.

My First Chapter in Lents and Why I Chose to Live Here

Back in 2015, I began working as an event coordinator at a local business on the corner of 92nd and Foster. At the time, it was called Fruit Face, which later became Team Event Center. My journey with the owner of the juice bar started when he saw I was a patron of Working Class Acupuncture, the neighboring business at that time, and he invited me over for a fresh pressed juice. That connection quickly grew into something much bigger.

I worked directly with the owner to plan, promote, and run events. See our work HERE &  HERE: https://youtu.be/jeQZUN5-TsU?feature=shared These events focused on arts, culture, and philanthropy. Many were free or low-cost, which meant neighbors could participate regardless of income. As a result, this role became about more than event planning—it was about strengthening the Lents community.

Today, that same corner is home to Humdinger Pizza, a popular neighborhood spot. This change shows how Lents real estate and business growth continue to shape the neighborhood while keeping its community spirit alive.

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Returning as a Lents Homeowner and Future Real Estate Broker

In 2020, I returned to the neighbor hood as a first-time homeowner. This move inspired me to invest even more in Lents. I wanted to contribute long before stepping into real estate as a career.

Soon after, I served as President of the Lents Neighborhood Association. In that role, I worked with Portland Parks and Recreation to host a free Community Day at Lents Park. Families enjoyed food vendors, face painting, and games. These events showed me the power of community connection in shaping neighborhood pride.

Partnering with Path Home and Expanding Community Impact

My commitment to housing also led me to work with Portland Homeless Family Solutions, now known as Path Home. I helped secure new real estate that allowed them to expand their services for families.

Path Home’s mission is to empower families with children to get back into housing and stay there. Their vision is a Portland where no family experiences homelessness. Since their values—collaboration, compassion, connection, and accountability—align with mine, supporting their growth felt natural.

By using my expertise in Lents real estate, I was able to help Path Home secure the space they needed to grow their programs. This work reflects my belief that housing is about people first, not just property.

Living in Lents: Food, Culture, and Diversity

Lents is known for its cultural diversity. Neighbors come from all walks of life. On my own block, one neighbor is an attorney while another works as a grocery store clerk. This diversity makes Lents both dynamic and welcoming.

It also shows in our food and gathering spaces. Zoiglhaus Brewing is a staple, offering German-style beer and hearty meals. Flip Side Bar & Carts brings people together with rotating food carts, live music, and a lively atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Lents International Farmers Market highlights the global flavors and traditions that make this neighborhood so unique.

Serving the Lents Real Estate Community as a Broker

As a broker, I’ve helped buyers and sellers navigate the Lents real estate market. My deep roots in the neighborhood give me insight into what makes this market unique.

I’m also a big fan of the Portland Pickles. Every summer, Walker Stadium in Lents Park fills with baseball, laughter, and community pride.

Why Lents Real Estate and Community Matter

The history of Lents tells a story of resilience and growth. The neighborhood keeps evolving with new housing, businesses, and community projects. At the same time, traditions like the farmers market and neighborhood events keep our cultural roots alive.

When people search for “Lents Portland news”, they’re really asking what life here is like. As someone who has lived, worked, and invested in Lents, I can say it’s a place full of energy, opportunity, and heart.

Final Thoughts

For me, Lents isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s home. From coordinating events on Foster Road to buying a house here. From supporting Path Home to cheering on the Pickles. From enjoying a pint at Zoiglhaus to grabbing a slice at Humdinger Pizza. My connection to Lents is personal, lasting, and growing.

If you’re curious about the real estate market in Lents, the latest Lents news, or just want to talk about the best food carts near 92nd and Foster, I’d love to connect.

Because when it comes to Lents, I don’t just know the area—I live it.

See my YouTube video: HERE

Check out my blog post Jessica Ward knows outer NEP: HERE

LENTS

Jessica Ward

Broker | ADU Specialist | OR & WA

She/Her

My life is fueled by a profound passion for serving others and making a positive impact on my community.

https://youtu.be/x1kSQm5UdQo?si=Wam5-ZRcj3VTRn_g I’m a Great NW native and— five years into this industry—a broker known for delivering results while making people feel genuinely taken care of. I grew up in Portland and Southwest Washington, and I know this market—its neighborhoods, culture, pricing nuances, and opportunities. That lived understanding informs every recommendation I make. I’m inclusive of all people, price points and committed to creating a space where clients feel safe, respected, and fully themselves. I’m a mother to my daughter, Wynter Katie, and a dog mom to a very cute Yorkshire terrier, which keeps me grounded in real life and real perspective.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me hiking in the Gorge, wine tasting in the Willamette Valley, dining at local restaurants, hosting social gatherings, perusing an art gallery, flowing through hot yoga, drinking a good hazy IPA at a brewery, listening to an audiobook or podcast, attending a networking event, chaperoning my daughters field trips. boating on the river, or unwinding at local spas and bathhouses.

I stay deeply connected to my community through volunteering and board participation. I’m especially passionate about children’s needs—particularly those involved in the foster care system—climate impact and sustainability, justice and equity for people of color, and mental health advocacy.

My clients consistently rate their experience with me five stars, whether they are buying selling or simply attending one of the first time home buying classes I host for free to educate and empower the community. I’ve been called the “queen of resources and connections,” and I take that seriously. I’m known for navigating down payment assistance programs, grants, ADUs, seller financing, and non-traditional paths to ownership with ease and clarity. Think polished expertise with a side of “I got you.” Access is power. Education is leverage. And I believe everyone deserves both. I’m also a real estate investor who manages my own properties, including an ADU, so my guidance is grounded in lived experience. I understand long-term value, cash flow, development potential, and creative strategy—not just on paper, but in practice. As a black woman in real estate, I lead with excellence and purpose in an industry where representation is still very rare. I’m honored to be the first African American broker in Oregon state history to close a transaction with a Black-owned title and escrow company, but my greatest accomplishment is impact—helping clients secure stability, build wealth, and step confidently into ownership. I run a tight ship—transparent, strategic, and supportive—but don’t get it twisted, we’ll laugh too. I bring luxury-level service without the stiffness. Professional polish with real and genuine personality. To me, real estate isn’t just about property—it’s about security, freedom, and community. And when you work with me, you’re not just closing a deal… you’re building something bigger. Follow along: @Jessica_TheHomeGirl

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What Clients Are Saying:

Clients consistently share that working with me feels:

• Supportive and steady, even in high-pressure moments

• Clear and transparent, with no unanswered questions

• Strategic and informed, particularly during negotiations

• Personal, never transactional

First-time buyers say they felt educated and empowered. Sellers value my pricing insight and communication. Investors trust my numbers, perspective, and long-term thinking. Five stars—because the experience is intentional!

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Affiliations and Accolades:

• ADU Specialist
• Earth Advantage Certified
• Portland NAACP (Member)
• LRR Diversity Chair Award Winner
• Lents Neighborhood Association (Former President)
• Youth Rights and Justice (Board Member & Sponsor)
• Asian Real Estate Association of America (Member)
• National Association of Real Estate Brokers (Member)
• Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors (Member)
• Broker Advisory Group at Living Room Realty (2024-2026)

 

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• T: 971-230-8164
• jessicaw@livingroomre.com