A Local's Guide on What it's Like Living in Independence Oregon

Historic Independence, located 17 miles from the State capital, 1 hour from the coast, and 1 hour from Portland, is a friendly, rural community with a rich sense of place.  Independence's lively downtown is located along the beautiful Willamette River and offers excellent antiquing, dining, and entertainment opportunities.  Independence is surrounded by a bounty of natural amenities, including the Willamette River, Polk County's scenic farmlands, and several wildlife refuges and natural areas. There is also an excellent riverfront walking/jogging path right in town! 

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Riverview City Park, Pfaff Park, Henry Hill Park, Mountain Fir Park, and Pioneer Park offer facilities for outdoor recreation to the residents of Independence. The Independence Heritage Museum provides insight into the area's history. The city also offers easy access to the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge, the Willamette Mission State Park, the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, and the Maud Williamson State Park.