%20(2).jpg)
Living in West Linn Oregon - EVERYTHING You Need To Know
.jpg)
What is Living in West Linn Oregon Like?
West Linn, Oregon, located in Clackamas County, is home to approximately 27,000 people. The city offers its residents a mix of suburban and rural living, abundant outdoor activities, and a friendly community, making West Linn one of the desirable cities to live in, in the Portland Metro Area. Located south of Portland, West Linn offers good access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating on the Willamette River. The city is near Interstate 205, which provides easy access to other towns and attractions. West Linn embodies the Pacific Northwest lifestyle with its lush greenery, mountain views, and proximity to the Willamette Valley wine country. West Linn residents and visitors enjoy recreational activities such as hiking at Mary S. Young State Recreation Area, exploring the historic Willamette Falls, and shopping at the local farmers market. The Best of West Linn includes a charming downtown, modern shopping centers, and residential neighborhoods with stunning views of the Willamette River.
One of the main attractions in West Linn is the historic Willamette district, a charming area filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes. It is a popular spot for locals to gather and spend time with family and friends. Another attraction in the area is the Mary S. Young State Park, which offers hiking trails, river access, and picnic areas. West Linn has several other parks, including Fields Bridge Park and Tanner Creek Park. These parks offer amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields, and walking paths, providing plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors.
Though many people living in West Linn commute to other cities in the area for work, there are a variety of employers in West Linn, Oregon. The Willamette Falls Paper Company and West Linn-Wilsonville School District, which operates several schools in the area, are large employers in the city. West Linn is also home to numerous small businesses across various industries. These businesses, including local restaurants, shops, service providers, and professional services, contribute to the local economy and employment opportunities.
The cost of living in West Linn, Oregon, is higher than the national average, and it is one of the more expensive cities in the area. Housing costs are a significant contributing factor to the higher cost of living, as the demand for housing in the area has increased in recent years due to its proximity to Portland, the desirability of West Linn schools, and the amount of recreation available in the city. The average home value in West Linn is around $750,000, making homeownership a stretch for many. There are a variety of housing options available to those living in West Linn, including single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses.
If you're searching for a small town that offers easy access to larger cities, a delightful downtown area, top-notch schools, and a ton of outdoor activities, West Linn, Oregon, is the ideal place for you! Continue reading to discover more about living in West Linn, including information about its neighborhoods, schools, cost of living, and some pros and cons of living in this charming city. Hopefully, the information in this blog will assist you in determining if living in West Linn, Oregon, is right for you and your family.
Skip Ahead to:
1. The Moving to West Linn Team
2. A Brief History of West Linn, Oregon
3. Cost of Living in West Linn Oregon
4. Housing in West Linn, Oregon
5. Best Neighborhoods in West Linn, Oregon
6. Public Schools in West Linn, Oregon
7. Living in West Linn Oregon Tips/Info/Blog Posts
8. Top Destinations & Attractions in West Linn
9. Pros and Cons of Living in West Linn
10. FAQs About Moving to and Living in West Linn
Welcome to West Linn Sign, Photo by Todd Davidson
The Moving to West Linn Team
Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in West Linn, Oregon. Elizabeth Davidson has sold real estate in West Linn, Oregon, for over 12 years. Her knowledge of West Linn 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 West Linn, 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 West Linn 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 West Linn, Oregon, CLICK HERE to email Todd and schedule a call or just call him at 971-275-2465. Together our Moving to West Linn team can help you make moving to or within West Linn, Oregon, a reality!
A Brief History of West Linn, Oregon
West Linn, Oregon has a long and eventful history. The first settlers arrived in the early 1800s, and the town soon went through a number of unfortunate events; a major fire, the Great Flood of 1862, and commercial and political rivalry with the neighboring town of Oregon City.
Despite all of these challenges, the little city persisted and became incorporated in 1913. The incorporation allowed for much-needed services, utilities, and improvements and so the population grew steadily through the 20th century.
Today, West Linn is a thriving small city home to a number of beautiful neighborhoods and businesses. Thanks to its rich history, West Linn is a truly unique place to live.
What is the Cost of Living in West Linn Oregon?
If you're considering a move to West Linn, Oregon, or any place, the cost of living would be a significant factor in your decision. I calculated the REAL cost of living in West Linn, Oregon, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in West Linn, Oregon, and rent, you would need to make $48,000 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.
Housing in West Linn, Oregon
In the last 60 years, the city of West Linn, Oregon, has developed greatly, adding an extensive mix of homes to accommodate a growing population. Many ranch-style homes were developed between the 1950s and 1970s as the city expanded. These were followed by larger homes in the 1990s and later, as families began moving to the suburbs.
Continuing through the 2000s, many larger, two-story homes and modern builds were developed, offering even more options for homebuyers. In the last decade, plenty of new neighborhoods have been created, featuring contemporary developments with the latest market trends.
The median selling price for a home in West Linn in June 2022 was $899,000 That said there’s a pretty wide range of price points for those looking to move to West Linn. There are condos and townhouses, available for less than $400,00 all the way up to multi-million dollar mansions. No matter your budget or style preferences, if you're considering moving to West Linn, you'll be sure to find a home to best suit your needs. If interested in looking at homes for sale in West Linn, Oregon, CLICK HERE to take a look!
Best Neighborhoods in West Linn, Oregon
Something great about living in West Linn is that there is a neighborhood for everyone. Each community offers its own distinct charm, some from days gone by and others from the modern world. Whether you're looking for a classic, vintage home or a trendy new condo, you'll have a great selection of neighborhoods to find exactly what you're looking for! If looking to move to West Linn, Oregon, below are five of the top neighborhoods in this wonderful city!
Colorful Trees in West Linn Neighborhood, Photo by Lengy Toledo
Bolton
The Bolton neighborhood in West Linn, Oregon, is a beautiful and peaceful place to call home. This welcoming community is made up of detached, single-family homes, multi-family dwellings, and condos. The homes in Bolton range from very modestly priced condo's all the way up to $1.5 Million +.
One of the best things about Bolton is the amazing natural beauty that surrounds it. Many of the lots have spacious yards with gorgeous Oregon views. Whether you're looking for a starter home or your forever home, Bolton is sure to have something for you
Willamette
Willamette is the largest neighborhood in West Linn. This very vibrant neighborhood is located in historic Old Town West Linn. The homes in this popular neighborhood are some of the oldest in the city, and they range from cottages and bungalows to Victorians and farmhouses. Willamette has more modest priced homes and go up to $3 million +. There are also rentals in the area with rents ranging starting at $2,300 per month as of June 2022 and going up depending on the home.
Many residents enjoy walking through the parks or rivers of Willamette. Both Willamette and Tualatin Rivers run through the community, creating a picturesque, rural setting for those living here.
Willamette River and Mt Hood, Photo by Aneliya Sineonova
Hidden Springs
The Hidden Springs neighborhood in West Linn, OR, is far from cookie-cutter. This affluent neighborhood features a diverse variety of homes, including federal, colonial, salt box, and traditional styles. Mature, flowering trees fill the neighborhood, and the beautiful rolling hills add to the charm.
Many of the Hidden Springs homes overlook downtown West Linn and Pete's mountain so there's some wonderful views in the area. With the abundance of parks and nature trails, Hidden Springs is a wonderful place for for those considering moving to West Linn.
Rosemont
If you're thinking of moving to West Linn, Oregon, you must check out the Rosemont neighborhood. This newer master-planned community is situated on the hills overlooking the Willamette River and is known for its beautiful views of the valley. The neighborhood features a mix of residential homes, parks, trails, and natural areas. It is designed to be a walkable neighborhood, with sidewalks and trails connecting residents to the various amenities within the community.
One of the main features of the Rosemont neighborhood is the Rosemont Ridge Middle School, which is located within the community. The school is highly rated and is a significant draw for families with children. In addition to the school, the Rosemont neighborhood features several parks and trails, including the popular Rosemont Trail. The trail is a 1.5-mile loop that winds through the community and offers stunning views of the Willamette River and the surrounding area.
Homes in the Rosemont neighborhood range in size and style, with many newer construction homes available. The neighborhood is known for its upscale homes and is a popular choice for families and professionals looking for a suburban lifestyle with easy access to Portland. If you are considering a move to West Linn, you have to check out the Rosemont neighborhood!
Sunset
The Sunset neighborhood is a beautiful, peaceful neighborhood that offers an excellent quality of life for West Linn residents. It's perfect for families, professionals, and anyone who appreciates natural beauty and a quiet, suburban lifestyle. The neighborhood provides beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, including the Willamette River and the nearby mountains.
Homes in the Sunset neighborhood are primarily single-family, with a mix of older, established homes and newer, custom-built homes. Many of the homes in the area feature large lots and mature landscaping, which adds to the neighborhood's natural beauty.
The Sunset neighborhood is close to several local parks, including Mary S. Young Park, which features hiking trails, picnic areas, and river access. The neighborhood is also just a short drive from the Willamette River, where residents can enjoy boating, fishing, and other water activities.
If you are considering a move to West Linn, Oregon, the Sunset neighborhood should be at the top of your list of neighborhoods to check out!
If moving to West Linn, 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 West Linn, Oregon. To connect with a local realtor, CLICK HERE. One of the most important decisions you'll make when moving to West Linn, 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.
Public Schools in West Linn
If you are looking into what it's like to live in West Linn Oregon, certainly the schools are of major importance. West Linn public schools fall under the jurisdiction of the West Linn-Wilsonville School District. Home to 17 schools and roughly10,000 students, this excellent school district offers quality education to children in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. For school year 2022-23, 97% of seniors who attended West Linn High School graduated and approximately 90% went onto college. These numbers far outpace Oregon averages and are a major reason why living in West Linn, Oregon, is so appealing.
If you are looking at moving to West Linn and the quality of schools in important you could do much worse than relocating to West Linn as it's ranked as one of the top school districts in the state of Oregon.
See the links below in the Moving to and Living in West Linn Links section for more information on West Linn schools.
West Linn High School, Photo by Todd Davidson
Living in West Linn 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 West Linn
McLean House, Photo by Todd Davidson
West Linn, Oregon, is a scenic city located just south of Portland. The city is home to a number of parks and natural areas, as well as several vineyards and wineries. Visitors can enjoy hiking and picnicking in Mary S. Young Park, exploring the Camassia Natural Area, or visiting Fiala Farms.
For those interested in wine tasting, Oswego Hills Vineyard and Winery, Pete's Mountain Vineyard and Winery, and Tumwater Vineyard all offer unique selections of Oregon wines. For a more casual experience, the city is home to many delicious and unique restaurants and pubs for a relaxing night on the town with family or friends.
History and culture buffs will enjoy touring the McLean House, viewing the artwork at TrueLeah's Art Studio, or attending one of the many festivals hosted by the West Linn Historical Society. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure or a taste of Oregon culture, you'll find it in West Linn.
Other Things to do and see Living in West Linn Oregon
-
Visit the Willamette Falls: This is a must-see attraction if visiting or living in West Linn, Oregon. The Willamette Falls is the largest waterfall by volume in the Pacific Northwest and is a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and picnicking.
-
Explore the Mary S. Young State Park: This park covers over 100 acres and features hiking trails, a disc golf course, a dog park, and picnic areas. It's a great place to spend a day outdoors.
-
Go shopping: West Linn has several shopping centers, including the West Linn Central Village and the Willamette Marketplace. You can find everything from clothing to home goods to groceries.
-
Visit the Oregon City Municipal Elevator: Just across the river from West Linn, the Oregon City Municipal Elevator is a historic elevator that takes visitors up to a viewing platform for stunning views of the surrounding area
Pros and Cons of Living in West Linn, Oregon
Living in West Linn Pros
-
The Schools: The West Linn - Wilsonville school district is consistently ranked one of the top in Oregon. For 2023 it ranks #2 in Oregon behind the Lake Oswego school district. Niche.com, a popular school ranking site, gives it a "A+". In 2022-2023 West Linn High School had 97% of students graduate. Among the tops in the state. A lot of people who choose to move to West Linn do so in part, because of the great schools.
-
No Homeless Issue: Many communities throughout Oregon face a homelessness issue. People pitch a tent and sleep on the street. West Linn passed an ordinance many years ago that does not allow people to put up a tent and sleep in the street. Therefore there is no homeless or panhandling issue in West Linn.
-
Location: Living in West Linn, you are within about an hour and a half of the Oregon Coast and Mt Hood. In between, you'll run into greenery, lakes, and rivers. The city is surrounded by beauty and is close to an abundance of outdoor recreation. Plus you are about 20 minutes from Downtown Portland.
-
Safety: With its low crime rate, West Linn is the safest city in Oregon. Live in West Linn and want to leave your door unlocked at night. You'll probably be very comfortable doing this. You'll also sleep comfortably, knowing that your kids are very safe living in this wonderful town.
-
Parks: Everywhere you turn in West Linn, there's a park. There are a total of 32 different parks in the city, all with different amenities. They host music in the park, farmers' market, pickleball, and other events. If you are looking at moving to West Linn, you'll appreciate the community, activities, and green open spaces that these parks provide.
Living in West Linn Cons
-
Traffic: For those who commute from West Linn to surrounding areas for work, traffic can be challenging during certain parts of the day. Highway 43 that those living in West Linn take to downtown Portland and I-205 get pretty backed up during commute time.
-
Lack of Big Box Retail: If you're Moving to West Linn, don't expect big-box retailers in the city. They aren't that far away, but you'll have to go to the next town over for your Target or Home Depot run.
-
Cost of Living: The cost of living in West Linn, Oregon, is pretty high compared to the national average and state averages. With some of the best schools and beautiful surroundings it is a very desirable place to live and people will pay for it.
-
Lack of Available Housing: Available housing is in short supply and it's very competitive if you are looking to move to West Linn and buy a home or rent. If you want to buy a house, you need to be prepared and work with a good mortgage broker to get pre-approved, as well as a good realtor. Reach out to the Moving to West Linn Oregon Team for help buying a home and moving to West Linn, Oregon. We are available 24/7 to answer any questions you have about West Linn and help you get pre-approved for a mortgage and buy a home. Together we can help make living in West Linn, Oregon, a reality for you.
FAQs About Moving to West Linn Oregon
What is West Linn, Oregon known for?
West Linn, Oregon, is most known for its beautiful Willamette Falls, which cascades down a 40-foot drop and is the second largest waterfall by volume in the United States. The falls attract visitors from all over the world and offer various activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking. The stunning views of the falls and the surrounding landscape are a sight to behold and have become an iconic symbol of West Linn and the surrounding region.
What is the weather like in West Linn, Oregon?
Living in West Linn, 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 West Linn 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.
What cities and attractions are near West Linn, Oregon?
West Linn, Oregon, is located in Clackamas County, which is part of the Portland metropolitan area in the northwestern part of the state. The city is situated approximately 15 miles south of Portland and 2 miles north of Oregon City. West Linn is in close proximity to several other cities in the area, including Lake Oswego, about 5 miles to the north, and Wilsonville, about 10 miles to the south. The city is also within easy driving distance of other popular destinations in the region, such as Mount Hood National Forest, Willamette National Forest, and the Oregon Coast. West Linn's central location in Clackamas County makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding natural beauty and nearby cities.
How are the schools in West Linn, Oregon?
Students in West Linn, Oregon, attend public school in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District, which serves the city of West Linn and some surrounding areas. Niche.com ranks the West Linn-Wilsonville School District #2 out of 197 school districts in Oregon, giving it an overall A+ 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. Families living in West Linn, Oregon, can feel confident that their children will receive an excellent education.
Is West Linn Oregon safe?
Living in West Linn, Oregon, you'll find it an extremely safe place. Property crime rates in West Linn are lower than the national average, and violent crime rates are significantly lower than the national average. NeighborhoodScout.com states West Linn has a crime rate lower than 80% of all US cities. Anyone living in West Linn, Oregon, should feel very safe.
I want to move to West Linn. How do I make it happen?
You're not alone in your desire to move to West Linn; it's an incredible city within Oregon! If you're wondering how to make the move to West Linn possible, first off you've come to the right place. With all the information and links (below) in this website it's a great start. You can also check out our Facebook Group > Moving to Oregon, where we've got other professionals located throughout the state to ask questions to. We can also help you connect with other families who are making the move to Oregon, so you can get settled into your new community as quickly as possible. If you're looking to buy a home in West Linn. Your first priority should get pre-approved with a lender. For Mortgage Info reach out to me. I'm happy to help you get started on your way to buying a home and moving to West Linn. So what are you waiting for? Join us today and start planning your move to West Linn! If you just want to to research home prices and homes for sale in West Linn, Oregon, CLICK HERE. No info or login needed to see all the homes for sale in West Linn, 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 West Linn Oregon
Elizabeth Davidson - Realtor - About Me
Elizabeth Davidson - Realtor - Listing your home