CLACKAMAS COUNTY, OREGON

Clackamas County
2051 Kaen Road
Oregon City, OR 503-655-8581
https://www.clackamas.us/

Chamber of Commerce
7740 SE Harmony Road
Milwaukie, OR 503-654-7777
https://www.yourchamber.com

Encompassing both the southern and southeastern quadrants of the Metro Portland area, Clackamas County blends urban amenities with rural relaxation and outdoor adventure. Residential choices in this area include cities that are close to downtown Portland like Lake Oswego to the scattering of smaller eastern communities that form a gateway to the summit of Mt. Hood. Leading economic activities include agriculture, metals manufacturing, trucking and warehousing, nurseries, retail services, wholesale trade, and construction.

Services
A strong network of public school districts combines with parochial and independent private schools to provide an outstanding education for K-12 students. Close to home in Oregon City, Clackamas Community College guarantees an affordable beginning for a four-year degree, a wide range of two-year programs, and continuing education for students of all ages. The private institution of Marylhurst University adds yet another option for higher education.

Nearby Portland is home to a number of respected hospitals and medical centers, including children’s hospitals, long-term care centers, rehabilitation centers, and specialty institutions. The county also offers convenient services that include emergency walk-in centers and health clinics as well as medical professionals in major specialties for a full spectrum of healthcare options.

Lifestyle
From its 55-foot elevation at Oregon City, the county rises to 11,235 feet at the peak of Mt. Hood, acclaimed as the only year-round ski resort in the United States and the site of Timberline Lodge National History Landmark. The region’s mountains, rivers, and forests provide natural beauty, tourist and vacation revenue, and opportunities for outdoor adventure. More than 100 parks combine with wooded campgrounds and other recreational facilities that include a dozen public golf courses. Hiking, mountain and road biking, backpacking, horseback riding, picnicking, camping, winter sports, kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, and hunting are just a few of the activities that beckon the adventurous.

A simple drive through the countryside guarantees a variety of images and natural wonders. Common sights include verdant vineyards, nurseries with brilliant blooms, berry patches filled with ripe fruit, hazelnut farms, cascading waterfalls, and fields of wildflowers. Country fairs, festivals, and seasonal celebrations contrast with upscale shopping centers and fine restaurants. The Clackamas Town Center near Milwaukie boasts more retails shops and stores than any mall in Oregon. The housing selection is diverse and attractive, from brownstone row houses to restored Victorians, country manors, or classic bungalows. Whether your interest lies in the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, fishing derbies for the youngsters, or guest speakers at the local university, Clackamas County provides an array of quality amenities.

Canby
City Hall
503-266-4021
https://www.canbyoregon.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
503-266-4600
https://canbyareachamber.com/

One of the southernmost suburbs, Canby is characterized as a charming, old-fashioned town. At the same time, this community is graciously accommodating many handsome contemporary subdivisions and quality new-home developments. Residents are able to enjoy the slower pace and intimacy of a smaller town where neighbors greet each other on the street and shopkeepers call customers by their first name. In spite of recent growth, Canby still preserves a quiet atmosphere and the country appeal of its heritage. Newcomers will find pick-your-own farms, a local winery, flower farms, dairy farms, and farmer’s markets. Summer concerts in the park, adult and swim centers, and the county fairgrounds are just a few of the opportunities for relaxation, exercise, and socialization. Canby Ferry, a county-operated service, transports vehicles and passengers across the scenic Willamette River just north of town.

Clackamas
Clackamas is an unincorporated community of more than 7,000 people. It is a suburb of Portland. The community is home to some of the area’s best shopping, including the Clackamas Town Center mall. Clackamas is a good base for those looking to do a little exploring the Mount Hood Recreation Area, with its variety of outdoor adventures. Clackamas is also home to a variety of restaurants and shopping opportunities for those looking for a more relaxed adventure. Clackamas is home to a branch of the Kaiser Permanente Hospital and also home to its own schools. It is the location of Camp Withycombe a 77 acre site that contains historic military structures and has had a military armory on site since 1956. Homes in Clackamas are varied and range from single family properties in newer sub-divisions to apartments and Townhomes. The community offers its residents a great quality of life with the urban conveniences of Portland close by.

Estacada
City Hall
503-630-8270
https://www.cityofestacada.org

Chamber of Commerce
503-630-3483
https://estacadachamber.com/

Small town living in the southeastern edge of the metropolitan area is the attraction to Estacada. Forest products dominate the local economy of this beautiful community that serves as the recreational gate to the upper Clackamas River. The city’s slogan, “Close to everything, but away from it all,” sums up the lifestyle advantages. The selection of homes includes some with outstanding vistas and scenic lots. The city is often called the Christmas Tree Capital of the world, and natural beauty forms a backdrop for vibrant new residential development. While the community plans for a dynamic future, it remains proud of its heritage. Constructed in 1882 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Philip Foster Farm was the last stop that refreshed pioneers along the Oregon Trail on the way to Oregon City.

Gladstone
City Hall
503-656-5225
https://www.ci.gladstone.or.us

Chamber of Commerce
503-654-7777
https://www.yourchamber.com

The residential choices that are southeast of Portland include Gladstone, combining the amenities of a major metropolitan area with the advantages of a convenient and comfortable small community. Just minutes from downtown Portland, Gladstone offers an excellent school system, lush local parks, and tree-shaded neighborhoods lined with attractive homes. Recreational opportunities in and near Gladstone are abundant, and water sports are popular on the Clackamas and Willamette rivers. Newcomers will find a calendar of colorful events and festivals, from holiday activities to the spectacular Chautauqua Festival. An easy commute to Portland and a good housing selection have made Gladstone a popular choice.

Happy Valley
City Hall
503-768-3800
https://www.happyvalleyor.gov/

The east suburban community of Happy Valley and the unincorporated enclave of Sunnyside offer quality residential choices for newcomers to the Portland Metro area. A number of contemporary subdivisions are springing up in this area with inviting names like Red Rose Valley, Blue Heron Pointe, and Happy Valley Heights. Once a region of picturesque farmland and patchwork fields, this fertile area now blends regional retail and commercial centers with quality homes. Residential developers have taken advantage of the area’s natural beauty whenever possible, offering home sites with spectacular views of rolling hills. Those who are interested in spacious yards or even multiple-acre lots are likely to find the ideal property in Happy Valley or the surrounding scenic countryside.

Lake Oswego, River Grove
City Hall
Lake Oswego

503-635-0270
https://www.ci.oswego.or.us
River Grove
503-970-5858
https://www.cityofrivergrove.org/

Chamber of Commerce
503-636-3634
https://lakeoswegochamber.com/

Just eight miles south of Portland, the suburb of Lake Oswego stretches into Washington and Multnomah counties. This popular area for newcomers provides an outstanding housing selection in upscale neighborhoods and supports some limited commerce and light industry. Magnificent estates, lakefront living, or panoramic hilltop view homes are all possibilities at this enviable address. The original neighborhoods feature charming English cottages and Tudor Revival homes designed by Richard Sundeleaf. Excellent schools and superb recreational amenities that include Lake Oswego water sports add to the attraction. River Grove is a small community in the Lake Oswego area that was incorporated in 1971.

Milwaukie
City Hall
503-786-7555
https://www.milwaukieoregon.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
503-654-7777
https://www.yourchamber.com

Small-town friendliness, waterfront living, and easy access to urban amenities are all descriptions of the “City of Dogwoods,” nestled between Portland and Oregon City. This family-oriented community combines a strong local economy with transportation efficiencies, excellent services, and many opportunities for cultural enrichment. The recreational amenities in the Milwaukie area are equally outstanding, from whitewater kayaking on the Clackamas River to fishing, hunting, or biking in more than 100 parks across the region. Colorful annual festivals and seasonal celebrations frequently draw the community together for delicious food, lively parades and carnivals, entertainment, contests and games, farmer’s markets, and exhibits. Bing cherries were first discovered here, and the town still favors this delicious fruit variety.

Molalla
City Hall
503-829-6855
https://www.cityofmolalla.com

Chamber of Commerce
503-829-6941
http://www.molallachamber.com/

Situated between Portland and Salem, the small town of Molalla excels in providing recreational opportunities. Nestled in North Willamette Valley at the foot of the Cascade Mountains, Molalla is convenient to premier attractions like Mt. Hood & Timberline Lodge and ski area, Bonnie Lake State Park, Milo McIver State Park, Molalla River State Park, Mt. Hood National Forest, Mt. Hood National Wilderness, Salmon-Huckleberry National Wilderness, and the Bull of the Woods National Wilderness. Those who prefer a hearty, healthy lifestyle of outdoor adventure within a reasonable commute of major metropolitan amenities will find a variety of affordable housing choices and a welcoming atmosphere.

Oregon City
City Hall
503-657-0891
https://www.orcity.org

Chamber of Commerce
503-656-1619
https://oregoncity.org/

The home of early pioneers and the former capital of the Oregon Territory, historic Oregon City has preserved its past and rural acreage while developing new residential subdivisions. The community is situated on the Willamette River’s east bank, where the river takes a dramatic plunge 40 feet over a basaltic ridge at Willamette Falls. On a clear day, residents can even catch a glimpse of Mt. Saint Helens in the distance. In addition to tourism revenue from the town’s legacy of historic attractions, a community college campus adds vitality to the local economy as well as opportunities for higher education close to home. Nearly 30,000 students take advantage of the degree and certification programs as well as continuing education and vocational training. The 15-minute drive to Portland makes Oregon City a convenient choice for commuters.

Sandy
City Hall
503-668-5533
https://www.ci.sandy.or.us/

Chamber of Commerce
503-668-4006
https://sandyoregonchamber.org/

Situated along Mt. Hood Highway between Portland and Mt. Hood, Sandy provides a welcoming community with scenic views in a country setting. Residents have all the advantages of small-town rural living just 45 minutes from the downtown Portland. Evolving from its roots of logging and saw milling, Sandy has developed a diversified economy that encompasses a strong service sector, light industry, and agriculture. The latter consists primarily of nursery stock and production of a variety of berries. Small communities in this area like Damascus and Carver provide additional options for a rural lifestyle in close proximity to outstanding recreational sites like Mt. Hood National Forest and major ski resorts.

West Linn
City Hall
503-657-0331
https://westlinnoregon.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
503-655-6744
http://westlinnchamber.org/

Referring to itself a city of “trees, hills, and rivers,” West Linn is an attractive and well-balanced suburb south of Portland. West Linn’s location south of Lake Oswego along the Willamette River ensures opportunities for outdoor adventure, boating, and water sports. A portion of this desirable bedroom community is actually perched on the ridge overlooking Mt. Hood, which encourages the construction of handsome homes that capture breathtaking views. The influence of Marylhurst University creates a culturally rich and intellectually stimulating setting where education is respected and the public schools are highly rated. Neighborhood and community parks combine with open space and an active recreation district for a wide variety of sports and activities that are close to home. Strong neighborhood associations assist in maintaining a high quality of life.

Wilsonville
City Hall
503-682-1011
https://www.ci.wilsonville.or.us

Chamber of Commerce
503-682-0411
https://wilsonvillechamber.com/

Located south of Tualatin just 17 miles from Portland, Wilsonville is characterized as a comfortable bedroom community. Closer to the convenient Interstate corridor, the city offers many homes constructed in the late ’80s and ’90s. Larger parcels of land and gracious country homes with river access can be found in the tree-shaded enclaves set against the backdrop of the Willamette River. Resort-style living is the hallmark of the neighboring village of Charbonneau, where the focal point is a lush 27-hole golf course. Wilsonville is a balanced community with a strong local economy, modern industrial parks, and thriving distribution businesses. Primarily situated in Clackamas County, the city also sprawls into Washington County.

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