top of page

Living in Damascus Oregon - EVERYTHING You Need to Know

What is Living in Damascus Oregon Like?

Damascus, Oregon, located in Clackamas County, is home to approximately 11,000 people. The city offers a unique blend of rural charm and suburban convenience, making it an appealing place to live in the Portland Metro Area. Situated east of Portland, Damascus provides easy access to various outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and camping. The city is conveniently located near Highway 212, which connects to other towns and attractions in the area. Damascus embodies the beauty of the Pacific Northwest with its lush forests, scenic views, and proximity to the Clackamas River. Residents and visitors of Damascus can enjoy recreational activities like fishing, boating, and exploring the nearby Mt. Hood National Forest. The Best of Damascus includes a quaint downtown area, amazing outdoor recreation, and residential neighborhoods with picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.

 

One of the main attractions in Damascus is the Damascus Centennial Park, a beautiful outdoor space that offers a variety of recreational activities. The park features walking trails, sports fields, picnic areas, and a playground, making it an excellent place for families to spend time together. Another attraction in the area is the Clackamas River, which offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities. Damascus is also home to several other parks, including Milo McIver State Park, Clackamas Park and Boring Station Trailhead Park, which provide additional options for outdoor recreation. Overall, Damascus offers a range of attractions and outdoor spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.

 

The cost of living in Damascus, Oregon, is lower than many cities in the surrounding area, making it an somewhat affordable option for those looking to live in the Pacific Northwest and the Portland Metropolitan Area. Today, the average home value in Damascus stands around $650,000. If you want to rent, you'll find the average cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Damascus is around $1600 a month. There are a variety of housing options available for Damascus residents to choose from, including single-family homes, townhomes, 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, Damascus, Oregon, would be the perfect place for you! Keep reading to learn more about living in Damascus, including details about 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 Damascus, Oregon, is the right choice for you.    

Are You Considering Buying a Home in Damascus Oregon?

Would you like to buy a home in Damascus, Oregon? Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in the Damascus area. To connect with a local expert/real estate professional in Damascus, Oregon, to help you navigate your home buying journey, CLICK HERE. To start receiving emails with homes that match your criteria, CLICK HERE and sign up for Listing Alert. With a little info on what, where, and how much, you'll get newly listed homes matching your criteria sent to your inbox as they hit the market. This can give you a big leg up in your home search.

The first step in the home-buying process is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. 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, reach out to Todd and he can help. CLICK HERE to email Todd and set up a call to get the process started or just call at 971-275-2465. 

Todd Davidson Headshot.JPG

Todd Davidson

Mortgage Broker

What is the Cost of Living in Damascus Oregon?

If you're having thoughts about moving to Damascus, Oregon, or any place, the cost of living would definitely be a big factor in your decision-making. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Damascus, Oregon, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. If you were to live in Damascus, Oregon, and rent, you would need to make $51,000 a year. To live in Damascus, Oregon, and buy a home, you would need to make $77,000 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 Damascus Oregon Tips/Info/Blog Posts

Helpful Tips for Moving to Oregon and Buying a Home

NEW BLOG ALERT SIGN UPCLICK HERE

WANT TO KNOW WHEN A HOME MATCHING YOUR CRITERIA GETS LISTED? SIGN UP FOR LISTING ALERT > CLICK HERE

REALTOR CONNECTCLICK HERE

DOWNLOAD FREE HOMEBUYERS GUIDECLICK HERE

DOWNPAYMENT ASSISTANCE INFO > CLICK HERE

OREGON BOOKS AND OTHER RESOURCES > CLICK HERE

Top Neighborhoods in Damascus Oregon

Welcome to Damascus, Oregon, a charming community nestled in the heart of Clackamas County. Damascus is home to several distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own unique blend of housing options, amenities, and community spirit. Let's explore some of the diverse neighborhoods that make living in Damascus, Oregon, so wonderful:

  1. Sunset Acres: Sunset Acres is a residential area with a mix of single-family homes and larger properties. It provides a serene and suburban atmosphere, making it an attractive option for families seeking a quieter lifestyle. While there might not be many commercial establishments within this neighborhood itself, residents can find restaurants, grocery stores, and other services a short drive away.

  2. Damascus Heights: Damascus Heights is a newer development offering various housing options, including single-family homes and townhouses. The neighborhood's design emphasizes green spaces and walkability, with several parks and playgrounds for families to enjoy. Residents here often appreciate the sense of community and the opportunity to be close to nature.

  3. Carver: Carver is a rural area located along the Clackamas River, offering a mix of single-family homes and larger properties with a more secluded feel. The neighborhood is known for its scenic beauty, making it an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. Carver residents can enjoy fishing, boating, and hiking in nearby parks like Carver Park.

  4. Sunrise Place: Sunrise Place is a family-friendly neighborhood that mainly features single-family homes. It boasts well-maintained sidewalks, local parks, and recreational areas, making it ideal for families with young children. The neighborhood is close to schools, making it convenient for families with school-aged kids.

  5. Killin Wetlands: Killin Wetlands is an area that prioritizes preserving natural spaces and wetlands. Housing options here typically consist of larger properties and single-family homes. Residents can enjoy walking trails and birdwatching in the nearby Killin Wetlands Park.

  6. Clear Hills: Clear Hills offers a mix of housing options, including single-family homes and townhouses. The neighborhood has a friendly atmosphere and is known for its community-oriented events. It's close to local schools and has convenient access to grocery stores and other essential businesses.

If moving to Damascus, Oregon, and you'd like to buy a home 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 Damascus, Oregon. To connect with a local realtor, CLICK HERE. One of the most important decisions you'll make when moving to Damascus, 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.

Want to buy but not Ready to Apply?

Click below to get a free no obligation rate quote to start figuring out what you can do.

Living in Damascus Oregon Pros & Cons

Living in Damascus Oregon Pros

  1. Peaceful Suburban Environment: Damascus offers a quiet and peaceful suburban environment, making it an attractive place for families and those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle.

  2. Close to Nature: The city is surrounded by natural beauty, with nearby parks, nature reserves, and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and fishing.

  3. Proximity to Portland: Damascus is conveniently located near Portland, one of Oregon's major cities. This allows residents to access urban amenities and employment opportunities while still living in a quieter area.

  4. Community Atmosphere: The city's smaller size fosters a strong sense of community, where residents often know and support one another.

  5. Quality Schools: As mentioned earlier, Damascus is part of the North Clackamas School District, which provides quality education to students.

  6. Low Crime Rates: Compared to larger cities, Damascus typically has lower crime rates, contributing to a safer living environment.

  7. Access to Healthcare: With Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center nearby, residents have access to medical facilities and healthcare services.

  8. Diverse Dining Options: Despite being a smaller city, Damascus offers various dining options, and residents can easily explore nearby areas for even more choices.

  9. Real Estate Options: Damascus has a range of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and rural properties, catering to different preferences and budgets.

  10. Scenic Views: The city's location provides beautiful views of nearby landscapes, including picturesque scenes of Mount Hood and the surrounding nature.

Living in Damascus Oregon Cons

  1. Limited amenities: Damascus is a smaller community, which may lack certain amenities, entertainment options, or shopping centers that larger cities provide.

  2. Commuting distance: If you work or study outside of Damascus, you may face a longer commute to nearby cities or job centers.

  3. Traffic congestion: Depending on your location and commuting routes, you might experience traffic congestion during peak hours.

  4. Limited job opportunities: As a smaller community, Damascus has fewer job opportunities compared to larger urban areas.

  5. Higher cost of living: Damascus's cost of living is higher than other small towns in Oregon due to its proximity to Portland and other large cities.

  6. Limited cultural and diversity experiences: As a smaller community, Damascus lacks some of the cultural diversity and events found in more cosmopolitan areas.

  7. Limited social scene: If you enjoy a vibrant nightlife or a diverse range of restaurants and entertainment options, you might find Damascus lacking in comparison to larger cities.

  8. Zoning and development issues: As an unincorporated community, Damascus has faced zoning and development challenges, leading to uncertainties about the future of the area.

  9. Flooding: With its location near the Clackamas River, areas of Damascus are prone to flooding.

  10. Seasonal weather extremes: The Pacific Northwest experiences significant weather changes throughout the year, including a substantial amount of rain, which may not suit everyone.

Sandy River

FAQs About Living in Damascus Oregon

What is Damascus Oregon known for?

Damascus, Oregon, is most known for its annual Lavender Festival, which takes place every July and celebrates the blooming of thousands of lavender plants in the Willamette Valley. The festival attracts visitors from all over the state and features various events and activities such as lavender field tours, art exhibits, live performances, and a farmers market. The fragrant fields of lavender are a sight to behold and have become an iconic symbol of Damascus and the surrounding area.

What cities and attractions is Damascus Oregon close to?

Damascus, Oregon, is located in Clackamas County, part of the Willamette Valley region in the northwestern part of the state. The town is approximately 20 miles southeast of Portland and 30 miles west of the Cascade Range. Damascus is close to several other cities in the area, including Gresham, about 10 miles to the northwest, and Oregon City, about 15 miles to the southwest. The town is also within easy driving distance of other popular destinations in the region, such as Mount Hood, Columbia River Gorge, and the Willamette National Forest. Damascus' central location in Clackamas County makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding natural beauty and nearby cities.

What is the weather like in Damascus Oregon?

Living in Damascus, 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 Damascus 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 Damascus have good public schools?

The majority of Students in Damascus, Oregon, attend public school in the North Clackamas School District, which serves the city of Damascus and surrounding areas. For school year 2022-23, Niche.com ranks the the North Clackamas School District #22 out of 197 school districts in Oregon, giving it an overall B rating. The district is dedicated to providing a comprehensive education, including arts and athletics, and offers a wide range of programs to cater to students with different interests and needs. With a diverse student body and strong partnerships with local organizations and businesses, families residing in Damascus, Oregon, can be assured that their children will receive a high-quality education within the public school system.

Is Damascus Oregon safe?

Living in Damascus, Oregon, you'll find it a pretty safe place. Property crime rates in Damascus are lower than the national average, and violent crime rates are significantly lower than the national average. NeighborhoodScout.com states Damascus has a crime rate lower than 65% of all US cities. Damascus, Oregon, residents should feel relatively safe in their daily lives.

What is there to do living in Damascus Oregon?

Living in Damascus, 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. Damascus boasts several parks, including Damascus Centennial Park and Clackamas River Park, which feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic walking trails. The city hosts several annual events, including the Damascus Days Festival, which attracts visitors from around the region, and the Damascus Farmers Market, offering fresh produce and local crafts. If you're looking for a day trip, Damascus is located near attractions like the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities or cultural experiences, there is always something to do in Damascus, Oregon.

Who are the large employers in Damascus Oregon?

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

How is the healthcare in Damascus Oregon?

Living in Damascus, Oregon, puts you near a couple hospitals. The Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center, which is a level III trauma center and has 48 beds and the Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center, which has 182 beds are close by. These hospitals 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 Damascus area, you're around 20 miles away from the Oregon Health & Science University Hospital in Portland, Oregon, which is the largest hospital in the state and has over 600 beds.

I want to relocate to Damascus, Oregon.  How do I make it happen?

You've come to the right spot if you're considering relocating to Damascus, Oregon. There's some good information on this website about moving to Damascus, Oregon, and living in Damascus, Oregon, We've also assembled a a good group of professionals, locals, and recent Oregon transplants in our Facebook Group > Moving to Oregon, to help answer any questions you might have. They can fill you in on what living in Damascus, Oregon, is like and give you some good information on moving to Damascus, Oregon. If you're looking to buy a home in Damascus, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be your first step. For Mortgage Info, contact me. I would love to tell you more about what living in Damascus, Oregon, is like and help with your mortgage if you decide to purchase a home.

 

If you're thinking of relocating to Damascus, Oregon, you'll find the community atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and there are plenty of amenities and beautiful scenery surrounding you. Living in Damascus, Oregon, has something for everyone, so don't miss out on the chance to call it home.

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.

bottom of page