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Living in Happy Valley Oregon - EVERYTHING You Need to Know 

Happy Valley Oregon

What is Living in Happy Valley Oregon Like?

Happy Valley, Oregon, located in Clackamas County, is home to approximately 26,000 people. Located southeast of Portland, Happy Valley offers good access to an abundance of outdoor activities. The city is near Interstate 205, which runs through the Portland metropolitan area, providing easy access to other towns and attractions. Happy Valley embodies the Pacific Northwest lifestyle with its lush greenery, mountain views, and proximity to the Columbia River Gorge. Happy Valley residents and visitors enjoy recreational activities such as golfing, hiking, and exploring the nearby Mount Hood National Forest. The Best of Happy Valley includes a mix of new and established neighborhoods, modern shopping centers, and a growing downtown area.

 

One of the main attractions in Happy Valley is Mount Talbert Nature Park, which offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and a nature center that provides education and information about the local plants and animals. Happy Valley has several other parks, including Happy Valley Park and Hood View Park. The parks offer amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and walking paths, providing Happy Valley residents with opportunities to gather and enjoy the outdoors. Hungry? The Happy Valley Station Food Carts is a popular food cart pod offering a diverse range of culinary options. It's a great place to sample a variety of foods, including gourmet burgers, tacos, pizza, Asian cuisine, and more.     

 

The cost of living in Happy Valley, Oregon, is higher than the national average but low in comparison to some cities in the Portland Metro Area. Housing prices have escalated in recent years as Happy Valley's proximity to Portland, great schools, and natural beauty have drawn people to the community. The average home value in Happy Valley, Oregon, is just under $700,000 today. There are various housing options available, including single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and apartments, to meet the budgetary and lifestyle needs of those living in Happy Valley, Oregon, 

 

If you're searching for a peaceful suburb with an involved community, excellent schools, and easy access to Portland, Happy Valley, Oregon is the perfect place for you! Read on to discover more about what it's like to live in Happy Valley, including information about its neighborhoods, schools, cost of living, and some pros and cons of living in Happy Valley. Hopefully, the information in this article can help you decide if living in Happy Valley, Oregon, is right for you.

The Moving to Happy Valley Team

Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Happy Valley, Oregon. Elizabeth Davidson has sold real estate in Happy Valley, Oregon, for over 12 years. Her knowledge of Happy Valley and the surrounding areas will be of great value as you navigate this challenging real estate market. To learn more about Elizabeth, CLICK HERE to check out her About Me video. If you're considering buying a home in Happy Valley, Oregon, CLICK HERE to sign up for Listing Alert to be the first to find out when new homes matching your criteria hit the market. Just enter the price range and other criteria you're looking for, and you'll receive an email when Happy Valley homes matching your criteria are listed.

 

Todd Davidson is an experienced mortgage broker and can help you get the best financing option for your home purchase. Whether you're a first time home buyer, or trying to buy/sell a home at the same time and move to Happy Valley, Todd can help. Not quite ready yet? Todd can work with you to put together a plan to get you there. Whether you're thinking a few months or a year or more if you want to buy a home in Happy Valley, Oregon, CLICK HERE to email Todd and set up a call or just call him at 971-275-2465. Together our Moving to Happy Valley team can help you make moving to or within Happy Valley, Oregon, a reality!

Elizabeth Davidson Oregon Realtor

Elizabeth Davidson

Realtor

Todd Davidson Headshot.JPG

Todd Davidson

Mortgage Broker

What is the Cost of Living in Happy Valley Oregon?

If you are looking to move to Happy Valley, Oregon, or any place, the cost of living would be a significant consideration. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Happy Valley, Oregon, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Happy Valley, Oregon, and rent, you would need to make $52,000 a year. To live in Happy Valley, Oregon, and buy a home, you would need to make $74,000 a year. Rental amount is based on current low end cost of studio or one bedroom, purchase is based on recent low end sales of a three bedroom and monthly payment with 20% down.

Cost of Living

Living in Happy Valley Oregon Tips/Info/Blog Posts

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Public Schools in Happy Valley Oregon

One of the most important considerations if you are considering moving to Happy Valley, Oregon, would be the schools. Students living in Happy Valley attend schools in the North Clackamas School District. The district has 16,458 students in grades PK, K-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1. For 2021 88% of seniors graduated, a record for the school district and well above the state average of 80%. 

For the 2022-23 school year, NIche.com ranks North Clackamas School District 22nd out of197 in the state of Oregon and as the third best school district in Clackamas County. So rest assured if you are considering moving to Happy Valley, Oregon, your kids will have the opportunity to get a good education.

If you're moving to Happy Valley, Oregon, and have little ones at home, be sure to check out the school rankings and boundaries of the North Clackamas School District to find out which schools your kiddos will become a part of. For more information on the Happy Valley Schools, rankings and boundaries, check out the North Clackamas School District, Niche and Great Schools links in the Moving to and Living in Happy Valley Links section below.

Happy Valley Oregon Neighborhoods

If you're considering moving to Happy Valley, Oregon, you'll want to take a look at some of the great Happy Valley neighborhoods. Below are a few of the best:

  1. Sunnyside: Located in the heart of Happy Valley, Sunnyside is a popular neighborhood for families and young professionals. It offers easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including the Clackamas Town Center. Sunnyside also boasts several parks, including the Happy Valley Park and the Hood View Park. Housing options in Sunnyside range from single-family homes to townhouses and apartments.

  2. Jackson Hills: Situated on the eastern edge of Happy Valley, Jackson Hills is a newer neighborhood that offers a mix of single-family homes and townhouses. It is known for its stunning views of Mount Hood and the surrounding countryside. Jackson Hills is also home to several parks, including the Jackson Hills Park and the Scouters Mountain Nature Park.

  3. Scouters Mountain: Located in the southeastern part of Happy Valley, Scouters Mountain is a quiet and peaceful neighborhood that is surrounded by nature. It is home to the Scouters Mountain Nature Park, which offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the surrounding area. Housing options in Scouters Mountain include single-family homes and townhouses.

  4. Rock Creek: Situated on the western edge of Happy Valley, Rock Creek is a popular neighborhood for families and retirees. It offers easy access to several parks, including the Rock Creek Park and the Happy Valley Nature Park. Housing options in Rock Creek include single-family homes and townhouses.

  5. Hidden Falls: Located in the northern part of Happy Valley, Hidden Falls is a newer neighborhood that offers a mix of single-family homes and townhouses. It is known for its stunning views of the surrounding area and its proximity to several parks, including the Hidden Falls Nature Park and the Hood View Park.

  6. Mt. Scott: Situated on the southern edge of Happy Valley, Mt. Scott is a quiet and peaceful neighborhood that is surrounded by nature. It is home to the Mt. Scott Park, which offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the surrounding area. Housing options in Mt. Scott include single-family homes and townhouses.

If moving toHappy Valley, Oregon, and you'd like to buy a home in one of these fabulous neighborhoods, CLICK HERE to sign up for LISTING ALERT to be the first to know when a home matching your criteria gets listed for sale in Happy Valley, Oregon. To connect with a local realtor, CLICK HERE. One of the most important decisions you'll make when moving to Happy Valley, Oregon, is picking an experienced realtor who can help you get the house you want at the best price. At living in Oregon, we work with the best realtors throughout the state and can help you get the right realtor to make your move and home purchase as easy as possible.

Happy Valley Oregon Neighborhood

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Top Destinations & Attractions in Happy Valley

If you're looking for a mix of big-city and small-town vibes, living in Happy Valley may be perfect for you. With plenty of things to do and see, it's no wonder more and more people continue to move to Happy Valley. Some of the more popular things to do in Happy Valley include:

Mount Talbert Nature Park

This four-mile network of trails is the longest in a string of extinct volcanoes and lava domes that extends across the east side of the region.  While you are checking out the views and enjoying a picnic, you might see deer, Western gray squirrels, White-breasted Nuthataches, Western Tangers, and Hairy Woodpeckers. Mount Talbert Nature Park is a great day adventure for anyone who lives in Happy Valley. For more info: Mount Talbert Nature Park Info

Mt Hood Tap Trail

Mt. Hood Territory Tap Trail 

The Mt. Hood Territory Tap Trail takes craft beverage lovers on a journey throughout the region, where they can sample beer, cider, and even spirits from some of the most talented makers out there. Clackamas and Happy Valley are home to three stops on the trail, giving you plenty of opportunities to try some of these great beverages. If you live in Happy Valley and enjoy an adult beverage or two you've got to give this a try. For more info: Mt. Hood Territory Tap Trail

Escape Room

You are missing out if you've never tried an escape room! They are a great way to have some together time while putting all those puzzle-solving skills you've developed to good use. Great for families, team-building, birthday parties, and other fun events. MindTrix has three different options, from easy to medium difficulty. There's School of Magic, Tesla's Mystery, and The Time Machine. Try all three and see if you can beat the best times. MindTrix is Located inside the Clackamas Town Center, giving you some additional options for things to do once you've made your escape. If you're living in Happy Valley, you need to check it out! For more Info: MindTrix Escape Room

Escape Room

Hidden Falls Nature Park

You may not expect to find a gorgeous waterfall in a city, but they're just happens to be one if you live in  Happy Valley, at Hidden Falls Nature Park. You'll wind through verdant forest, helping you to forget you're just moments from civilization. The fall itself is a beautiful cascade viewed from above via a wooden bridge. Younger kids who aren't ready for longer hikes yet? This hike is those who may not be able to go for big hikes yet, but still love to get outdoors. If you need more stability, know that the pathway to the falls, while paved, is steep in some locations. For More Info: Neighborhood Parks

FAQs About Living in Happy Valley Oregon

What is Happy Valley Known for?

Happy Valley is known for being located on top of Mt Scott, an extinct volcano. It's home to Clackamas Town Center, one of the biggest and oldest malls in the Portland area. Lastly, it's known for being one of the fastest growing and most desirable towns to move to in the Portland Metro area.

What cities are nearby Happy Valley?

Happy Valley is surrounded by the cities of West Linn, Oregon City, Milwaukie, Gresham, Gladstone, Damascus, and Portland. One of the reasons so many people love Happy Valley is that it is conveniently located about 10 minutes from downtown Portland, Oregon. To check out other Portland Metro Cities.

What is the weather like in Happy Valley?

If you're looking to move to Happy Valley, Oregon, get used to the rain. It rains on average, 48 inches a year. The beautiful trees and green spaces don't happen without a little rain. Throughout the year the temperature averages between 35 and 84 degrees and the city gets sunshine on average 142 days a year. Often the weather is one of the tougher adjustments for anyone moving to Happy Valley.

 

Does Happy Valley Oregon have good public schools?

If you are looking to move to Happy Valley, Oregon, you can rest easy knowing the schools are very good. The North Clackamas School District is one of the better school districts in Oregon. For the most recent year, 88% of seniors graduated, compared to 80% state-wide. This represented a record for the school district. Niche.com ranked the North Clackamas School District as #22 in the state of Oregon for 2022-23 school year.

Is Happy Valley, Oregon, a good place to live?

In my opinion yes! With a great location, fantastic community, excellent schools, and wonderful surroundings, living in Happy Valley, Oregon, would be a great option for most people. But the answer to this is up to your interpretation. There are many pros and likely a few cons to living in Happy Valley, Oregon. So ultimately it's up to you to decide if Happy Valley, Oregon, is a good place to live. Hopefully the information in this article has helped answer the question "is Happy Valley Oregon a good place to live?" for you.

Is Happy Valley, Oregon, safe?

Happy Valley, Oregon, is a very safe place to live. Being outside a bigger city, insulates it from some of the homeless and property crime issues larger cities deal with. With crime rates well below the national average, you'll feel very safe living in Happy Valley, Oregon.

What is there to do living in Happy Valley Oregon?

Living in Happy Valley, Oregon, you will always have things to do. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Clackamas River and the Cascade Mountains, offering ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing. Happy Valley boasts several parks, including Happy Valley Park and Mt. Talbert Nature Park, which feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic walking trails. The city hosts several annual events, including the Happy Valley Farmers Market, which attracts visitors from around the area, and the Happy Valley Concerts in the Park, offering live music and food trucks. If you're looking for a day trip, Happy Valley is located near attractions like Mount Hood and the Oregon Coast. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities or cultural experiences, there is always something to do in Happy Valley, Oregon.

Who are the large employers in Happy Valley Oregon?

If living in Happy Valley, Oregon, some of the top employers include the Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center, which employs over 2,000 workers, the North Clackamas School District, which employs over 1,500 people, and Clackamas Community College, which employs over 500 people. Other notable employers in Happy Valley include the City of Happy Valley and various retail and hospitality companies. With a diverse range of employers, residents of Happy Valley can find opportunities in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and more.

I want to relocate to Happy Valley.  How do I make it happen?

If you're looking to move to Happy Valley, you've come to the right spot. We've got an abundance of information on this website and page to help, including some helpful links below with other information you'll need. If you want to ask questions, try our Facebook Group > Moving to Oregon, where we have a broad group of locals to answer any question you can think of. If you're looking to move to Happy Valley and buy a home, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be your first step. For Mortgage Info, reach out to me. I have lived in Oregon for most of my life and would love to tell you all about living in Happy Valley as well as help you with your mortgage. I've also got great realtor connections thought the area and can facilitate a connection if needed. Together we can make living in Happy Valley, Oregon, a reality for you. If you just want to to research home prices and homes for sale in Happy Valley, Oregon, CLICK HERE. No info or login needed to see all the homes for sale in Happy Valley, Oregon, currently. 

For FAQs about moving to Oregon or living in Oregon, check out my blog, 31 FAQs About Living in Oregon. For more information about living in Oregon, check out the homepage of LIVING IN OREGON.

Video's on What it's Like Living in Happy Valley Oregon

Elizabeth Davidson - Realtor - About Me Video

Elizabeth Davidson - Realtor - About Me

Elizabeth Davidson - Selling Your House

Elizabeth Davidson - Realtor -  Listing your home

Helpful Links for Moving to and Living in Happy Valley Oregon

Todd Davidson
Loan Originator  | NMLS ID 2003696
UMortgage | NMLS ID 1457759

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