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Living in Gladstone Oregon - EVERYTHING You Need to Know

Gladstone Oregon

What is Living in Gladstone Oregon Like?

Gladstone, Oregon, located in Clackamas County, is home to approximately 12,000 people. Located south of Portland, Gladstone offers good access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The city is near Interstate 205, which runs through the Portland metropolitan area, providing easy access to other towns and attractions. Gladstone embodies the Pacific Northwest lifestyle with its lush greenery, mountain views, and proximity to the Willamette River. Gladstone residents and visitors enjoy recreational activities such as kayaking, hiking, and exploring the nearby Clackamas Town Center. The Best of Gladstone includes a charming downtown, modern shopping centers, and residential neighborhoods with stunning views of the Cascade Range.     
 
One of the main attractions in Gladstone is the Gladstone Downtown Historic District, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. Another attraction in the area is the Clackamas River, which offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities. Gladstone also has several parks, including Max Patterson Memorial City Park and Dahl Beach Park, which offer playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. These parks provide plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends.     
 
There are several major employers in and around Gladstone, Oregon, including the Clackamas County government, which has a significant presence in the area, and the Gladstone School District, which employs many teachers and staff members. Additionally, there are several large retail and healthcare companies in the nearby city of Oregon City, such as Providence Health & Services and Fred Meyer.     
 
The cost of living in Gladstone, Oregon, is slightly higher than the national average but relatively affordable compared to other cities in the Portland Metro Area. Housing costs are the main factor contributing to the higher cost of living in Gladstone, as demand for housing in the region has increased in recent years due to its proximity to Portland and the area's popularity. Today the average home value in Gladstone is around $500,000, making homeownership more attainable for those living in Gladstone, Oregon, than in other areas in the Portland Metro Area. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Gladstone is around $1600 monthly. A variety of housing options are available to those living in Gladstone, Oregon, including single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and apartments.     
 
If you're searching for a peaceful small town with a strong sense of community, easy access to Portland, and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, Gladstone, Oregon, might be the perfect place for you! Read on to discover more about what it's like to live in Gladstone, including information about its neighborhoods, schools, cost of living, and some pros and cons of residing in this fantastic city. With this knowledge, you can decide if living in Gladstone, Oregon, is right for you!     

The Moving to Gladstone Oregon Team

Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Gladstone, Oregon. Elizabeth Davidson has sold real estate in Gladstone, Oregon, for over 12 years. Her knowledge of Gladstone 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 Gladstone, 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 Gladstone 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 Gladstone, 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 Gladstone, Oregon, CLICK HERE to email Todd and set up a call or just call him at 971-275-2465. Together our Moving to Gladstone team can help you make moving to or within Gladstone, 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 Gladstone Oregon?

Thinking of moving to Gladstone, Oregon? If so, the cost of living would be a very important factor in helping you decide if Gladstone is the right town for you. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Gladstone, Oregon, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Gladstone, Oregon, and rent, you would need to make $51,000 a year. To live in Gladstone, Oregon, and buy a home, you would need to make $67,000 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 Gladstone Oregon Tips/Info/FAQs

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20 Pros and Cons of Living in Gladstone Oregon

Living in Gladstone Oregon Pros

  1. Proximity to Portland: Gladstone is just a short drive away from Portland, offering residents easy access to the vibrant city's employment opportunities, cultural attractions, shopping centers, and dining options.

  2. Small-Town Charm: Gladstone maintains a welcoming small-town atmosphere, providing a tight-knit community where neighbors often know and support one another.

  3. Natural Beauty: The city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including the scenic Willamette River, nearby forests, and parks. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and boating.

  4. Family-Friendly Environment: Gladstone is known for its family-friendly environment, with quality schools, safe neighborhoods, and ample recreational facilities for children to enjoy.

  5. Affordable Housing: Compared to neighboring areas, Gladstone offers more affordable housing options, making it an attractive choice for individuals and families looking for a place to call home.

  6. Strong Sense of Community: Gladstone residents often describe the city as having a strong sense of community, with regular community events, festivals, and farmer's markets that bring neighbors together and foster connections.

  7. Education: Gladstone is served by the Gladstone School District, known for its quality education. The district provides a range of educational opportunities and extracurricular activities for students.

  8. Access to Outdoor Recreation: Gladstone's location offers easy access to a wide array of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, parks, and camping areas. Nature lovers can explore the nearby Clackamas River and the city's stunning natural landscapes.

  9. Safety: Gladstone has a relatively low crime rate, providing residents with a safe and secure living environment.

  10. Pacific Northwest Lifestyle: Living in Gladstone allows residents to embrace the unique Pacific Northwest lifestyle, characterized by a love for nature, outdoor activities, and a strong sense of community.

Living in Gladstone Oregon Cons

  1. Limited Job Market: Although Gladstone is located near Portland, the immediate job market within the city is limited, leading some residents to commute for work or seek employment opportunities in neighboring areas.

  2. Traffic Congestion: The proximity to Portland means that residents may encounter traffic congestion during peak commuting hours, especially when traveling to and from the city.

  3. Higher Cost of Living: While housing in Gladstone can be relatively affordable compared to certain areas, the overall cost of living may be higher when considering factors like healthcare, utilities, and groceries.

  4. Weather: The Pacific Northwest is known for its wet and cloudy weather. Some individuals may find the frequent rainfall and gray skies a downside, particularly if they prefer sunnier climates.

  5. Limited Cultural Amenities: While Gladstone offers a small-town charm, those seeking a wide range of cultural amenities, such as museums, theaters, and art galleries, may find that they need to venture to Portland for more diverse options.

  6. Limited Shopping Options: Gladstone has some local shops and stores, but residents may need to travel outside the city for a broader selection of retail options or specialty stores.

  7. Limited Dining Scene: While there are local dining options available, those seeking a diverse culinary scene or specific types of cuisine may find more choices in neighboring areas or Portland.

  8. Limited Public Healthcare Facilities: While there are healthcare providers in Gladstone, residents seeking specialized medical care may need to travel to Portland or other larger cities.

  9. Limited Diversity: Gladstone is primarily a homogenous community, and individuals seeking a more diverse population or cultural experiences may find a greater variety in larger cities.

  10. Limited Public Recreation Facilities: While there are some recreational facilities in Gladstone, such as parks and sports fields, individuals seeking a wide range of amenities like community centers or sports complexes may find more options in larger cities.

View of Clackamas River and Mt Hood

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FAQs About Living in Gladstone Oregon

What is Gladstone Oregon Known for?

Living in Gladstone, Oregon, you'll find it's saturated with parks. There are 14 recognized parks and recreational areas in this small city. Abernathy Lane Trail, Cross Park, Dahl Beach, Dierickx Field, Gladstone Nature Park, Glen Echo Wetland, High Rocks Par, Max Patterson Memorial City Park, Meldrum Bar Park, Nich Shannon Park, Ridgate Tracts, Robin Hood Park, Salty Acres Wetlands and Stocker Park, are the parks/recreational areas located in Gladstone, Oregon.

What cities and attractions is Gladstone close to?

Gladstone, Oregon, is situated in Clackamas County, part of the Pacific Northwest region in the northwestern part of the state. The city is approximately 12 miles south of Portland and 20 miles north of Salem. Gladstone is close to several other cities in the area, including Oregon City, about 3 miles to the north, and West Linn, about 5 miles to the northwest. The city is also within easy driving distance of other popular destinations in the region, such as the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood National Forest, and the Oregon Coast. Gladstone's 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 Gladstone?

If you plan to move to Gladstone, Oregon, expect to see your fair share of rain. Gladstone averages about 43 inches of rain a year, which plays an important part in keeping the town looking as beautiful and green as it is. The summer months are fantastic. It doesn't rain much and doesn't usually get too hot. The average high temperature throughout the year is 86 degrees. The average low temperature is 37 degrees. You can expect little snowfall during the year living in Gladstone, Oregon.

 

Does Gladstone have good public schools?

Students in Gladstone, Oregon, attend public school in the Gladstone School District, which serves the city of Gladstone and some surrounding areas. For the 2022-23 school year, Niche.com ranks the Gladstone School District #28 out of the160 school districts they ranked 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. Families living in Gladstone, Oregon, can feel confident that their children will have access to a quality education attending schools in the Gladstone School District.

How safe is Gladstone Oregon?

In 2023 living in Gladstone, Oregon, you'll find violent crime rates much lower than the national average. Property crime rates in Gladstone, are slightly higher than the national average. You'll find living in Gladstone reasonably safe but perhaps not the safest town in Oregon to live.

What is there to do living in Gladstone, Oregon?

Living in Gladstone, Oregon, you'll have plenty to do. You're about an hour and a half from the Oregon Coast, an hour and a half from Mt. Hood, and an hour and a half from Hood River. So you'll have an abundance of outdoor recreation within an hour and a half. Gladstone is located at the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, so water recreation is abundant close by. Throw in the before-mentioned parks and a great downtown area, and you won't need to look too hard to find something to do living in Gladstone, Oregon.

How is the healthcare in Gladstone Oregon?

Living in Gladstone, Oregon, puts you near one of the largest hospitals in the state. With 633 beds, the Oregon Health & Science University Hospital in Portland is a level I trauma center and would likely be able to provide you with any medical care you may need. If looking for a specialist and can't find them in the Gladstone area, you're around 20 miles away from the Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center, which offers a wide range of specialty services as well.

I am thinking of relocating to Gladstone, Oregon.  How do I make it happen?

You've come to the right spot if you're looking to move to Gladstone, Oregon.  There’s a lot of information on this website to help including some helpful links below. If you want to ask questions, try our Facebook Group > Moving to Oregon  where we have broad group of locals to answer any question you might have. If you’re looking to buy a home in the Gladstone 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 Gladstone is like as well as help with your mortgage if you decide to purchase a home. If you just want to to research home prices and homes for sale in Gladstone, Oregon, CLICK HERE. No info or login needed to see all the homes for sale in Gladstone, 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 Gladstone Oregon

Elizabeth Davidson - Realtor - About Me Video

Elizabeth Davidson - Realtor - About Me

Elizabeth Davidson - Selling Your House

Elizabeth Davidson - Realtor -  Listing your home

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