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Living in McMinnville Oregon - EVERYTHING You Need to Know
What is Living in McMinnville Oregon Like?
McMinnville, Oregon, located in Yamhill County, is home to approximately 35,000 people. The city offers a unique blend of small-town charm and urban amenities, making it a desirable place to live and visit. In the heart of Oregon's wine country, McMinnville is known for its vineyards and wineries, attracting wine enthusiasts from all over. The city is conveniently located near Highway 99W, providing easy access to other towns and attractions in the area. McMinnville showcases the beauty of the Pacific Northwest with its picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and proximity to the Willamette River. Residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the nearby Yamhill Valley. The Best of McMinnville includes a vibrant downtown area with boutique shops, art galleries, and award-winning restaurants.
One of the main attractions in McMinnville is the historic downtown area, known for its charming shops, restaurants, and wine-tasting rooms. Visitors can stroll along the streets, explore the unique boutiques and art galleries, or enjoy a meal at one of the many local eateries. McMinnville is also home to the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, which houses a collection of aircraft and space artifacts, including the famous Spruce Goose. The museum offers interactive exhibits and educational programs for visitors of all ages. Additionally, McMinnville is surrounded by beautiful vineyards and wineries, making it a popular destination for wine enthusiasts. Visitors can participate in wine tastings, tours and even stay at a vineyard bed and breakfast for a unique experience.
There are many large employers in and around McMinnville, Oregon, including Cascade Steel Rolling Mills, which has a large facility in the area, and Linfield University, which operates several educational institutions in the region.
The cost of living in McMinnville, Oregon, is lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for those looking to live in the Pacific Northwest and Willamette Valley. Today, the average home value in McMinnville stands around $480,000, making homeownership accessible for many individuals and families living in McMinnville, Oregon. If you are looking to rent, you'll find the average cost for a one-bedroom apartment in McMinnville is around $1200 a month. There are a variety of housing options available for McMinnville residents to choose from, including single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and apartments.
If you're looking for a small town with easy access to bigger cities, a charming downtown, excellent schools, and plenty of outdoor activities, McMinnville, Oregon, would be the perfect place for you! Keep reading to learn more about living in McMinnville, Oregon, including its neighborhoods, schools, cost of living, and some pros and cons of living in this lovely city. This information should help you determine whether living in McMinnville, Oregon, would be right for you and your family.
Skip Ahead to:
1. The Moving to McMinnville Oregon Team
2. A Brief History of McMinnville, Oregon
3. What is the Cost of Living in McMinnville Oregon?
4. Housing in McMinnville, Oregon
5. Best Neighborhoods in McMinnville, Oregon
6. Public Schools in McMinnville
7. Living in McMinnville Oregon Tips/Info/Blog Posts
8. Top Business & Employers in McMinnville
9. Top Destinations & Attractions in McMinnville
10. Pros and Cons of Living in McMinnville
The Moving to McMinnville Team
Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in McMinnville, Oregon. Elizabeth Davidson has sold real estate in the McMinnville, Oregon, area for over 12 years. Her knowledge of McMinnville 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 McMinnville, Oregon, CLICK HERE to sign up for Listing Alert. Just enter the price range and other criteria you're looking for, and you'll receive an email as new homes hit the market in McMinnville that match your criteria.
Todd Davidson is an experienced mortgage broker and can help you get the best financing option for your home purchase. Not quite ready yet? Todd can help you 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 McMinnville, Oregon, CLICK HERE to email Todd and schedule a call to get the process started or just call him at 971-275-2465. Together our Moving to McMinnville team can help you make moving to or within McMinnville, Oregon, a reality!
What is the Cost of Living in McMinnville Oregon?
Are you wondering what it would be like to live in McMinnville, Oregon? It's a beautiful town with a lot to do, but the cost of living in McMinnville, Oregon, would probably be a significant determining factor if you can live there. I calculated the REAL cost of living in McMinnville, Oregon, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in McMinnville, Oregon, and rent, you would need to make $44,000 a year. To live in McMinnville, Oregon, and buy a home, you would need to make $65,000 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.
A Brief History of McMinnville Oregon
Consider moving to McMinnville if you want to be a part of a friendly suburban community. Located 34 miles from Portland, McMinnville is the largest city in Yamhill County, with a population of just under 36,000 and a growth rate of 0.97% annually. The median age of those living in McMinnville is 38. However, you will also find plenty of families and retirees residing in McMinnville.
History lovers considering moving to McMinnville will fall in love with Third street and the surrounding area, whose historic buildings were built between 1890 and 1912. The city has also made an effort in recent years to maintain the historic feel of Third street by designating it as a Historic District.
Before Third street became Oregon's favorite main street, it was home to a gristmill erected by William T. Newby, a traveler of the Oregon Trail seeking farmland and proximity to the friends he traveled with. Newby claimed the land believing it would be a good site for a town. The original town was platted on a portion of his land in 1856 and was incorporated as a town in 1876. Newby named the new city McMinnville after his hometown in Tennessee. In the following years, McMinnville grew from a small village to the largest city in Yamhill County.
Today, McMinnville is a thriving town with a population of almost 35,000 residents. The strong economy in the area, an abundance of activities, and a close-knit community make living in McMinnville special.
Housing in McMinnville Oregon
The cost of living in McMinnville is higher than the national average but lower than the state of Oregon's standard. The median home value is just under $500,000.
The cost of living in McMinnville will be worth it when you experience all the natural beauty and community events this city offers. The town of McMinnville has a variety of housing options available. There are apartments, duplexes, single-family homes, and townhomes available for rent or purchase. The city also has several senior living communities and 55+ retirement communities.
Best Neighborhoods in McMinnville Oregon
Living in McMinnville, you'll find some great neighborhoods. Here are just a handful of the best places to live in McMinnville:
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St. Joseph.
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Downtown McMinnville / Northeast Gateway.
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McMinnville Northwest.
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McMinnville West.
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Tice Park.
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McMinnville Southwest.
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Linfield University McMinnville Campus
If moving to McMinnville, 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 McMinnville, Oregon. To connect with a local realtor, CLICK HERE. One of the most important decisions you'll make when moving to McMinnville, 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.
Top Businesses & Employers in McMinnville Oregon
The top industries in McMinnville are healthcare, education, and manufacturing. If you are looking for a job in McMinnville, you have a reasonable prospect of finding something.
Some of the largest businesses and employers for those living in McMinnville include:
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Linfield College
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Evergreen Aviation
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Yamhill Community Care Organization
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Willamette Valley Vineyards.
The city is also home to an abundance of small businesses and boutiques
No matter your background, if relocating to McMinnville, Oregon, there are plenty of job opportunities!
Public Schools in McMinnville
So if you're thinking of moving to McMinnville, Oregon, the schools will likely play a part in your decision if you've got kids of school age. The schools in McMinnville are part of the McMinnville School District and are highly rated, with a graduation rate of 92%, compared to 80% state-wide. If you want to move to McMinnville with children, you can rest assured that they will receive a quality education. Linfield College is also located in McMinnville and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
If you're moving to McMinnville, Oregon and have school aged kids, be sure to check out the boundaries of the McMinnville School District to find out which schools your kids would go to.
For more information on the McMinnville Schools, rankings and boundaries, check out the McMinnville School District and Great Schools links in the Moving to and Living in McMinnville Links section below.
Living in McMinnville Oregon Tips/Info/Blog Posts
NEW BLOG ALERT SIGN UP > CLICK HERE
WANT TO KNOW WHEN A HOME MATCHING YOUR CRITERIA GETS LISTED? SIGN UP FOR LISTING ALERT > CLICK HERE
REALTOR CONNECT > CLICK HERE
DOWNLOAD FREE HOMEBUYERS GUIDE > CLICK HERE
DOWNPAYMENT ASSISTANCE INFO > CLICK HERE
OREGON BOOKS AND OTHER RESOURCES > CLICK HERE
Top Destinations & Attractions in McMinnville
Living in McMinnville is perfect if you are looking for a friendly suburban community with a thriving downtown! With a growing job market and quality schools, McMinnville is a great place to call home. There's also a ton to do. No wonder so many people want to move to McMinnville.
A few of the biggest attractions for those visiting or living in McMinnville:
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
Home of the "Spruce Goose", Howard Hughes plane built out of wood during World War II, the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is a must see for anyone visiting or who lives in McMinnville. Besides the Spruce Goose the museum houses over 150 aircraft, spacecraft and exhibits that tell the story of flight and space exploration.
The Wineries
McMinnville is at the heart of Oregon's famous wine valley with over 220 wineries and vineyards in and around McMinnville. The area, famous for its Pion Noir and is a wine lovers paradise. Some of the more popular wineries and vineyards in McMinnville include: Willamette Valley Vineyards Tasting Room, Maysara Winery, Coeur de Terre Vineyard, Youngberg Hill and Eryie Vineyards.
Wings & Waves Water Park
Adjacent to the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, the Wings & Waves Water Park is a must if you are visiting or live in McMinnville and have kids or even if you don't. An indoor, all-season waterpark that includes ten waterslides, ranging from slides for little ones to slides for daredevils and a fun wave pool. You even get to slide out of a real 747 aircraft sitting on the roof. It is fun for the whole family!
Historic Downtown McMinnville
Third Street in McMinnville, otherwise known as "Oregon's Favorite Main Street," is the heart of McMinnville. With tree-lined streets, boutiques, cool coffeehouses, bars, wine tasting rooms, and some amazing restaurants, downtown McMinnville is one of the best downtown areas in the state. With a variety of events and community celebrations throughout the year, such as the weekly farmers market, UFO festival, Dragin Gut Festival, and Turkey Rama, you'll surely want to check out downtown if you're visiting or living in McMinnville, Oregon.
Pros and Cons of Living in McMinnville Oregon
Living in McMinnville Pros
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The small town feel: Living in McMinnville is great for anyone wanting that small-town feel. Small towns generally offer a slower pace of living as well as a sense of serenity and community. Without the big city hustle and bustle, you’ll have more peace and quiet than a big city has to offer. Plus, there’s generally less traffic!
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The great outdoors: If you are a nature lover, another great thing about relocating to McMinnville is being able to enjoy the outdoors! With the vast amount of wineries and parks, there’s something to do for everyone!
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The friendly people: The people already living in McMinnville are incredibly friendly and supportive. Another benefit of the small town atmosphere is knowing your neighbors. Here people enjoy spending time with each other.
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The Wine: It's been referenced to several times so I won't go too into it but if you live in McMinnville and love a good wine you aren't likely going to be able to find a better place to live.
Living in McMinnville Cons
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The lack of nightlife: A con of small town living is the lack of nightlife. While there are plenty of things to do here, you won’t find many too much to do after hours.
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The limited shopping options: Another drawback to small town living is that you won’t find all the big shopping options as you would in a city. However, downtown does have shops and boutiques, and there is a plaza with sixteen stores that range from JC Penny to Famous Footwear. Notably, there is a Walmart for those who live in McMinnville.
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The rainy weather: It’s no secret that Oregon gets its fair share of rain. Living in McMinnville you can expect on average 43 inches of rain a year. However, the rain is part of the reason Oregon is as beautiful and livable as it is today!
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Ultra competitive housing market: It's no secret that the housing market today is tough and competitive. You'll find moving to McMinnville and finding a home is no different. If you are looking to move to McMinnville and buy you need to work with a good mortgage broker to get pre-approved, as well as a good realtor. Reach out to the Moving to McMinnville Oregon Team for help buying a home and moving to McMinnville, Oregon. We are available 24/7 to answer any questions you have about McMinnville and help you get pre-approved for a mortgage and buy a home. Together we can help make living in McMinnville, Oregon, a reality for you.
FAQs About Living in McMinnville Oregon
What is McMinnville Oregon known for?
McMinnville, Oregon, is most known for its annual UFO Festival, which takes place every May and celebrates the mysterious world of extraterrestrial life. The festival attracts visitors from all over the world and features various events and activities such as UFO-themed lectures, alien costume contests, live music, and a street fair. The fascination with UFOs and the possibility of otherworldly encounters have become an iconic symbol of McMinnville and the surrounding region.
What cities and attractions is McMinnville Oregon close to?
McMinnville, Oregon, is located in Yamhill County, part of the Willamette Valley region in the northwestern part of the state. The city is approximately 35 miles southwest of Portland and 40 miles from the Oregon Coast. McMinnville is close to several other cities in the area, including Salem, about 25 miles to the southeast, and Hillsboro, about 30 miles to the northwest. The city is also within easy driving distance of other popular destinations in the region, such as the Willamette Valley wine country, the Oregon Coast Range, and the Columbia River Gorge. McMinnville's central location in Yamhill County makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding natural beauty and nearby cities.
What is the weather like in McMinnville Oregon?
Living in McMinnville, Oregon, you can expect mild weather throughout the year. In the winter months, the average high temperatures range from 45°F to 50°F, and the average low temperatures range from 32°F to 35°F. The city occasionally experiences light snowfall during the winter, with an average of 7 inches of snowfall annually. Summers in McMinnville are mild, with average high temperatures ranging from 70°F to 75°F and occasional hot spells in the 80s and 90s. The city receives around 33 inches of rain yearly, with most precipitation occurring in the fall and winter months.
Does McMinnville Oregon have good public schools?
Students in McMinnville, Oregon, attend public school in the McMinnville School District, which serves the city of McMinnville and some surrounding areas. For school year 2022-23, Niche.com ranks the McMinnville School District #11 out of 197 school districts in Oregon, giving it an overall B+ rating. The district is committed to providing a well-rounded education, including arts and athletics, and offers a variety of programs for students with different interests and needs. The district has a diverse student body and strong partnerships with local organizations and businesses. If you're living in McMinnville and have kids, they will attend public school in one of the top school districts in the state.
Is McMinnville Oregon safe?
Living in McMinnville, Oregon, you'll find it a pretty safe place. Property crime rates in McMinnville are lower than the national and state averages, and violent crime rates are significantly lower than the national and state averages. Taking normal everyday precautions you'll be very safe living in McMinnville, Oregon.
What is there to do living in McMinnville?
Living in McMinnville, Oregon, you will always have things to do. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Yamhill River and the Coast Range Mountains, offering ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing. McMinnville boasts several parks, including Wortman Park and Joe Dancer Park, which feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic walking trails. The city hosts several annual events, including the International Pinot Noir Celebration, which attracts wine enthusiasts from around the world, and the Turkey Rama Festival, offering carnival rides, live music, and turkey-themed activities. If you're looking for a day trip, McMinnville is located near attractions like the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum and the Willamette Valley wine country. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities or cultural experiences, there is always something to do in McMinnville, Oregon.
Who are the large employers in McMinnville?
If living in McMinnville, Oregon, some of the top employers include the Willamette Valley Medical Center, which employs over 500 workers, the McMinnville School District, which employs over 600 people, and Linfield University, which employs over 400 people. Other notable employers in McMinnville include Cascade Steel Rolling Mills, Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, and various wineries. With a diverse range of employers, residents of McMinnville can find opportunities in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and the wine industry.
How is the healthcare in McMinnville Oregon?
Living in McMinnville, Oregon, puts you near the Willamette Valley Medical Center, which is a level III trauma center and has 48 beds. This hospital would likely be able to provide you with most of your medical needs. If looking for a specialist and can't find them in the McMinnville area, you're around 40 miles away from the Providence Newberg Medical Center in Newberg, Oregon, which is a larger hospital and has over 500 beds.
I want to relocate to McMinnville. How do I make it happen?
You've come to the right spot if you want to move to McMinnville. This website has a ton of information to help you and there are links below with other sources of info you'd need. You still have more questions? Try our Facebook Group > Moving to Oregon where we have broad group of locals as well as people who have just moved to McMinnville and other areas to help. If you’re looking to buy a home in the McMinnville area, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be your first step. For Mortgage Info, reach out to me. I would love to tell you more about what living in McMinnville is like as well as help with your mortgage.
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.