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Living in Milwaukie Oregon - EVERYTHING You Need to Know

Willamette River Near Milwaukie Oregon

What is Living in Milwaukie Oregon Like?

Milwaukie is located in Clackamas County in Oregon, with a tiny portion of the city extending into Multnomah County. With a population of just over 21,000. This quiet suburb of Portland, Oregon, has panoramic views of Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens throughout its neighborhoods. Located just 13 minutes from downtown Portland, Milwaukie is home to many young professionals who travel downtown for work.

In recent years, downtown Milwaukie has undergone a revival. Today main street Milwaukie is littered with wine bars, tap rooms, coffee shops, retail stores, and apartments. Mix in a Sunday farmers market and a riverfront park and there's a plenty to do if visiting or living in downtown Milwaukie, Oregon.

 

Milwaukie is also home to many parks and other recreational areas. Some of the more prominent include, North Clackamas Park, Spring Park Natural Area, Milwaukie Riverfront Park, and Ardenwald Park. Boating and fishing are available in the area at Kellogg Lake.

Living in Milwaukie, Oregon, is a great option for someone who wants to live in a vibrant, beautiful city with abundant activities at your fingertips. Mix in the proximity to downtown Portland and its job opportunities, and you can see why people are moving to Milwaukie, Oregon. If considering a move to Milwaukie, Oregon, read on to learn about Milwaukie schools, cost of living, neighborhood, and get some answers to FAQs about living in Milwaukie, Oregon. 

The Moving to Milwaukie Oregon Team

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

Thinking of moving to Milwaukie, Oregon? If so, the cost of living would be a very important factor in helping you decide if Milwaukie is the right town for you. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Milwaukie, Oregon, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Milwaukie, Oregon, and rent, you would need to make $48,000 a year. To live in Milwaukie, Oregon, and buy a home, you would need to make $74,000 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

Public Schools in Milwaukie Oregon

If living in Milwaukie, Oregon, with school-aged kids, they will attend public school in the North Clackamas School District. The district educates just over 16,000 students in 30 schools. For the most recent school year, the district had an on-time graduation rate of 86%, well above the state average. Niche.com ranks the North Clackamas School District 22nd out of 197 districts in Oregon. The district earns B's and A's in all criteria ranked, with Diversity A-, College Prep B+, and Sports B+ ranking the highest. If you live in Milwaukie, Oregon, your kids will attend school in one of the best school districts in the state. 

Kids getting off a school bus

Top Neighborhoods in Milwaukie Oregon

Milwaukie, Oregon, is known for its beautiful neighborhoods and close proximity to Portland. With a good variety of neighborhoods, with many parks and outdoor recreation, you should have no problem picking out a great neighborhood if you're thinking about moving to Milwaukie, Oregon:

Ardenwald-Johnson Creek

If you are looking for a diverse and vibrant community, look no further than the Ardenwald-Johnson Creek neighborhood in Milwaukie, Oregon. Bounded by Johnson Creek to the east, the Trolley Trail to the west, and SE McLoughlin Blvd to the north, the neighborhood is predominantly residential, with a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and apartment complexes. The neighborhood is known for its beautiful parks and green spaces, including Ardenwald Park and Tideman Johnson Nature Park, which provide opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities.

Some neighborhood businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities include Linn City Pub, Lighthouse Coffee, Milwaukie Floral and Garden, Johnson Creek Veterinary Care, Portland Waldorf School, Ardewald Elementary School, and Providence Milwaukie Hospital.

Island Station

If you are moving to Milwaukie, Oregon, and looking for a beautiful and peaceful neighborhood with easy access to Portland, the Island Station neighborhood could be a good choice. Its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities makes it a great place to live for those who appreciate a quiet, suburban lifestyle. The neighborhood is located in the northern part of Milwaukie, Oregon, and bounded by the Willamette River to the west, SE McLoughlin Boulevard to the east, SE Concord Road to the north, and SE River Forest Place to the south. The neighborhood is primarily residential, with a mix of single-family homes and apartment complexes. One of the defining features of the Island Station neighborhood is its proximity to the Willamette River. Residents of the neighborhood enjoy easy access to the riverfront, where they can enjoy scenic views, fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities.

Other attractions and businesses located in the neighborhood include Subway, Milwaukie Liquor Store, River Road Veterinary Hospital, Milwaukie Community Center, Spring Park, Elk Rock Island, Kronberg Park, and Kellogg Creek Park. 

Lewelling

Located in the southwestern part of Milwaukie, Oregon, the Lewelling neighborhood in Milwaukie, Oregon, is primarily residential, with a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and apartment complexes. This Milwaukie, Oregon, neighborhood is bounded to the north by SE Johnson Creek Boulevard, SE Lake Road to the south, SE 37th Avenue to the west, and SE Railroad Avenue to the east. The neighborhood is known for its beautiful parks and green spaces, including North Clackamas Park and Spring Park, which provide opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and other outdoor activities. Residents of the neighborhood enjoy a high quality of life thanks to the area's beautiful parks, excellent schools, and convenient amenities.

Linwood

The Linwood neighborhood is located in the southern part of Milwaukie. The neighborhood is primarily residential, with tree-lined streets and a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. One of the most notable parks in the area is North Clackamas Park, located just east of the neighborhood. It offers a variety of recreational amenities, including sports fields, basketball courts, picnic areas, and a playground. Several schools, including Linwood Elementary School and Rowe Middle School, also serve the Linwood neighborhood. Both schools are part of the North Clackamas School District.

 

SE Ochoco Street bounds the neighborhood to the north, SE Railroad Avenue to the east, SE Concord Road to the south, and SE 32nd Avenue to the west. Many amenities are located in and around the neighborhood, including Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Milwaukie Market Place (shopping center), Elmer's Restaurant, and Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medica Center (just south of the neighborhood).

If moving to Milwaukie, 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 Milwaukie, Oregon. To connect with a local realtor, CLICK HERE. One of the most important decisions you'll make when moving to Milwaukie, 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.

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Living in Milwaukie Oregon Tips/Info/Blogs

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

Living in Milwaukie Oregon Pros & Cons

Living in Milwaukie Oregon Pros

  1. Location: Milwaukie is conveniently located just a few miles south of Portland, which offers access to all the amenities of a big city, including museums, theaters, sports venues, and a thriving food scene.

  2. Affordable Housing: The cost of living in Milwaukie is lower than in most cities in the Portland Metro Area, which makes it a more affordable option for people looking to buy a home or rent an apartment.

  3. Outdoor Recreation: Milwaukie is located near several parks, including Elk Rock Island, a 13-acre park along the Willamette River that offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the river.

  4. Community Events: Milwaukie is known for its community events, such as the Milwaukie Farmers Market, First Friday events, and the Milwaukie Daze Festival, which celebrates the city's history.

  5. Good Schools: The North Clackamas School District serves Milwaukie, and the schools in the district are highly regarded for their academic programs, extracurricular activities, and facilities.

  6. Public Transportation: Milwaukie has several public transportation options, including the MAX light rail system, which connects the city to downtown Portland and other destinations in the area.

Living in Milwaukie Oregon Cons

  1. Weather: Milwaukie is located in the Pacific Northwest and experiences a lot of rain and cloudy weather, especially during winter.

  2. Traffic: Milwaukie can experience heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak commuting hours, as it is located near major highways and interstates.

  3. Limited Nightlife: While Milwaukie is located near Portland and has many nightlife options, the city has a more subdued nightlife scene, with limited bars and restaurants open late.

  4. Homelessness: Like many communities in the Portland metropolitan area, Milwaukie has a homeless population, and homelessness is an issue the city is actively working to address. 

  5. Property Crime: Like many urban areas, Milwaukie experiences property crime, including theft and burglary. However, the crime rate in Milwaukie is generally lower than in many other parts of the Portland metro area, and the city is considered pretty safe overall.

Milwaukie Oregon Waterfront

FAQs About Living in Milwaukie Oregon

What is Milwaukie Oregon Known for?

Living in Milwaukie, Oregon, you'll find it's known as a friendly community with a walkable downtown, great shopping, wine bars, and taprooms. It's very well known for its spring blossoms that dot the landscape and nicknamed the "Dogwood City of the West."

What cities are nearby Milwaukie?

The cities of Tigard, Tualatin, Lake Oswego, West LinnGladstone, Clackamas, Oregon City, Happy Valley, and Portland are all located within a short drive of Oregon City. Living in Oregon City, Oregon puts you in close proximity to so many great cities and about 20 minutes from downtown Portland.

What is the weather like in Milwaukie?

If you plan to move to Milwaukie, Oregon and hope it doesn't rain much, you're out of luck. Milwaukie 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.

How safe is Milwaukie Oregon?

Safewise.com ranks Milwaukie as the 2nd safest city in Oregon for 2023. Though the city has its share of property crime, rates for it and violent crime are lower than the state and national averages. Overall you'll find living in Milwaukie, Oregon, safe!

What is there to do living in Milwaukie, Oregon?

Living in Milwaukie, 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. Looking to stay in Milwaukie? It's located on the Willamette River and close to the Clackamas and Columbia Rivers, so water recreation, camping, fishing, and hiking are very popular for those living in Milwaukie, Oregon. And, oh yeah. You are a little over ten minutes from downtown Portland and its amenities.

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

You've come to the right spot if you're looking to move to Milwaukie, 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 Milwaukie 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 Milwaukie 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 Milwaukie Oregon, CLICK HERE. No info or login needed to see all the homes for sale in Milwaukie, 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 Milwaukie 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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