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Living in Oregon City Oregon - EVERYTHING You Need to Know

What is Living in Oregon City Oregon Like?

Oregon City, Oregon, located in Clackamas County, is home to approximately 37,000 people. Located south of Portland, Oregon City offers good access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing. The city is near Interstate 205, which runs from Wilsonville to southern Washington, providing easy access to other towns and attractions. Oregon City embodies the Pacific Northwest lifestyle with its lush greenery, mountain views, and proximity to the Willamette River. Those who live in Oregon City, Oregon, enjoy recreational activities such as kayaking, hiking, and exploring the nearby Oregon City Municipal Elevator. The Best of Oregon City includes a historic downtown, modern shopping centers, and residential neighborhoods with stunning views of the Willamette Valley.

 

One of the main attractions in Oregon City is the historic downtown district, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and museums. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike to explore and learn about the city's rich history. Another attraction in the area is the Willamette Falls. With its stunning views, it is one of the largest waterfalls by volume in the United States. Oregon City also has several parks, including Clackamette Park and Rivercrest Park. These parks offer amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and walking paths, providing plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors.

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There are a variety of significant employers in and around Oregon City, Oregon, such as Clackamas Community College and Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center. Additionally, the city is home to several manufacturing companies, including Benchmade Knife Company and Oregon City Brewing Company.

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The cost of living in Oregon City is slightly higher than the national average but affordable compared to other cities in the Portland Metro Area. Housing costs are the main factor contributing to this higher cost of living, as the average home value in Oregon City is around $550,000. There are a variety of housing options available to those living in Oregon City, including single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses. The options help meet the budgetary and lifestyle needs of Oregon City residents. 

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If you're looking for a small town surrounded by many great cities in the Portland Metro Area, a charming downtown, excellent schools, and plenty of outdoor activities, Oregon City, Oregon, would be the perfect place for you! Keep reading to learn more about living in Oregon City, 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 Oregon City, Oregon, is the right choice for you.    

The Moving to Oregon City Oregon Team

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

Thinking of moving to Oregon City, Oregon? If so, the cost of living would likely be an important factor in helping you decide if Oregon City is the right spot for you. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Oregon City, Oregon, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Oregon City, Oregon, and rent, you would need to make $47,000 a year. To live in Oregon City, Oregon, and buy a home, you would need to make $70,000 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 Oregon City Oregon

If you live in Oregon City, Oregon, and have school-aged kids, they will attend public school in the Oregon City School District. With less than 8,000 students spread across 13 schools, the Oregon City School district had an 87% graduation rate in the most recent school.

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According to GreatSchools.com, a non-profit organization that provides ratings and reviews of schools based on test scores, Oregon City High School has a rating of 7 out of 10, considered above average. The elementary schools in the district generally have ratings ranging from 5 to 8 out of 10.

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Niche.com ranks Oregon City School District as the 25th best school district out of 197 school districts in the state for the 2022-23 school year. It gives Oregon City School District a B grade. The district got a B- or better in every criteria.

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If your kids attend school in Oregon City, they have access to an excellent education.

Kids getting on a school bus

Oregon City Oregon Neighborhoods

If you're considering moving to Oregon City, Oregon, you'll want to take a look at some of the great Oregon City neighborhoods. Below are five of the best neighborhoods for you to consider if moving to Oregon City, Oregon:

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  • Canemah: Canemah is a historic neighborhood in Oregon City, located on a bluff overlooking the Willamette River. It features beautiful Victorian homes and easy access to local parks and trails.

  • Hillendale: Hillendale is a quiet, residential neighborhood located in the northern part of Oregon City. It features beautiful homes on spacious lots, with tree-lined streets and easy access to local amenities.

  • Gaffney Lane: Gaffney Lane is a popular neighborhood located in the eastern part of Oregon City. It features beautiful homes on large lots, with easy access to local parks and recreational opportunities.

  • Caufield: Caufield is a newer neighborhood located in the southern part of Oregon City. It features beautiful homes on spacious lots, with easy access to local amenities and recreational opportunities.

  • Redland: Redland is a rural neighborhood located just south of Oregon City. It features beautiful homes on large lots, with easy access to local farms and agricultural attractions.

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

Living in Oregon City Oregon Tips/Info/Blog Posts

Helpful Tips for Moving to Oregon and Buying a Home

NEW BLOG ALERT SIGN UP > CLICK HERE

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

REALTOR CONNECT > CLICK HERE

DOWNLOAD FREE HOMEBUYERS GUIDE > CLICK HERE

DOWNPAYMENT ASSISTANCE INFO > CLICK HERE

OREGON BOOKS AND OTHER RESOURCES > CLICK HERE

Destinations & Attractions in Oregon City

Oregon City is a cultural hub. For those visiting or living in Oregon City Oregon, there's great restaurants, craft brewers, museums, and much more. If you're more into outdoor recreation, boating, fishing, and the local skate park are all very popular for those living in Oregon City, Oregon. Below are a few of the more popular destinations to check out if you're visiting or live in Oregon City include:

 

  • Willamette Falls

  • End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

  • Oregon City Farmers Market

  • Clackamette Park

  • Museum of the Oregon Territory

  • McLoughlin House

  • Oregon City Arch Bridge

  • Stevens-Crawford Museum

  • Oregon City Swimming Pool

  • Stone Creek Golf Course

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Willamette Falls, Oregon City Oregon

FAQs About Living in Oregon City Oregon

What is Oregon City Known for?

Oregon City, Oregon, is most known for its annual Oregon City Festival of the Arts, which takes place every August and celebrates the creativity and talent of local artists. The festival attracts visitors from all over the state and features various events and activities such as art exhibits, live music, and a street fair. The vibrant and diverse art displays are a sight to behold and have become an iconic symbol of Oregon City and the surrounding region.

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What cities and attractions are near Oregon City?

Oregon City, Oregon, is situated in Clackamas County, which is part of the Portland metropolitan area in the northwestern part of the state. The city is approximately 13 miles south of Portland and 20 miles north of Salem. Oregon City is close to several other cities in the area, including West Linn, about 3 miles to the west, and Gladstone, about 2 miles to the south. The city is also within easy driving distance of other popular destinations in the region, such as Mount Hood National Forest, the Columbia River Gorge, and the Oregon Coast. Oregon City's central location in Clackamas County makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding natural beauty and nearby cities.

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What is the weather like in Oregon City?

Living in Oregon City, 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 3 inches of snowfall annually. Summers in Oregon City 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 44 inches of rain yearly, with most precipitation occurring in the fall and winter months.

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Is living in Oregon City Oregon safe?

Safewise.com ranks Oregon City as the 12th safest city in Oregon for 2023. With violent and property crime rates lower than the state and national averages, you'll find living in Oregon City, Oregon, very safe.

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What is there to do living in Oregon City, Oregon?

Living in Oregon City, Oregon, you will always have things to do. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Willamette River and the Cascade Mountains, offering ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing. Oregon City boasts several parks, including Clackamette Park and Singer Creek Park, which feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic walking trails. The city hosts several annual events, including the Oregon City Farmers Market, which attracts visitors from around the region, and the Oregon City Festival of the Arts, offering live music, food vendors, and art exhibits. If you're looking for a day trip, Oregon City is located near attractions like the Oregon Coast and Mount Hood. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities or cultural experiences, there is always something to do in Oregon City, Oregon.

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Who are the large employers in Oregon City?

If living in Oregon City, Oregon, some of the top employers include Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center, which employs over 1,000 workers, the Oregon City School District, which employs over 500 people, and Clackamas Community College, which employs over 400 people. Other notable employers in Oregon City include Benchmade Knife Company, Warn Industries, and various manufacturing companies. With a diverse range of employers, residents of Oregon City can find opportunities in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and more.

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

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

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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 Oregon City 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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