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Living in Wilsonville Oregon - EVERYTHING You Need to Know
Are you Living in or Considering Moving to Wilsonville Oregon?
If you're considering moving to Wilsonville, Oregon, you'll find a lot to love about this charming city. From the idyllic location in the Pacific Northwest to its proximity to the big city of Portland, the Portland international airport, and so much more, it is not hard to see why more and more people are moving to Wilsonville. Located in the picturesque Willamette Valley, this vibrant city is the perfect setting for your next adventure. With its small-town feel and close-knit community, you would love living in Wilsonville, Oregon.
Read on to find out about Wilsonville neighborhoods, schools, cost of living, things to do, and even get answers to some FAQs about what it's like to live in Wilsonville, Oregon. By the end of the article you'll have a good idea about what makes living in Wilsonville, Oregon, so special. Who knows, you may find that living in Wilsonville, Oregon, is right for you and your family!
The Moving to Wilsonville Team
Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Wilsonville, Oregon. Elizabeth Davidson has sold real estate in Wilsonville, Oregon, for over 12 years. Her knowledge of Wilsonville and the surrounding areas will be of great value as you navigate this challenging real estate market. 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. Together our Moving to Wilsonville team can help you make moving to or within Wilsonville, Oregon, a reality!
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Skip Ahead to:
1. What's Living in Wilsonville Oregon Like?
2. A Brief History of Wilsonville Oregon
3. What is the Cost of Living in Wilsonville Oregon?
4. Housing in Wilsonville Oregon
5. Best Neighborhoods in Wilsonville Oregon
6. Public Schools in Wilsonville Oregon
7. Top Business & Employers in Wilsonville
8. Top Destinations & Attractions in Wilsonville
9. Pros and Cons of Living in Wilsonville
10. FAQs About Moving to and Living in Wilsonville
Living in Wilsonville Oregon - Photo by Todd Davidson
What's Living in Wilsonville Oregon Like?
Wilsonville is a small city located in Clackamas County, Oregon, with a small portion of the city extending into Washington County. It's situated just 18 miles south of Portland, making it an ideal location for commuters. Despite its proximity to the larger city, living in Wilsonville gives you that small-town feel, with the family-friendly neighborhoods and very tight-knit community. Wilsonville has a low crime rate and is almost always ranked as one of the safest cities in Oregon. Residents have ample opportunity to explore nature, enjoy local restaurants, and get to know their neighbors. No matter if you're looking for an urban or suburban lifestyle, living in Wilsonville, Oregon, has something to offer everyone.
Living in Oregon Tips/Info/FAQs
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A Brief History of Wilsonville Oregon
The city of Wilsonville, Oregon, is 15 miles south of Portland, on the Willamette River. The city was established in 1847 by the Boone family, who built a ferry crossing known as Boones Ferry. The town eventually grew into Wilsonville in 1880. In 1968, Wilsonville was incorporated as a city with a population of around 1,000. The following year, the planned community of Charbonneau was annexed into the city.
Over the next few decades, Wilsonville continued to grow and expand. Shopping centers and housing developments were built, along with a library and several churches. Today Wilsonville is a growing city with more than 26,000 residents. Located at the southern end of the Portland Metro area, Wilsonville is the gateway to the Willamette Valley, a region known for, among other things, its award-winning wines.
What is the Cost of Living in Wilsonville Oregon?
If you're thinking of moving to Wilsonville, Oregon, or any place, the cost of living will play a big part in your decision-making. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Wilsonville, Oregon, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Wilsonville, Oregon, and rent, you would need to make $51,000 a year. To live in Wilsonville, Oregon, and buy a home, you would need to make $85,000 a year. To see how I calculated, check out my blog post, "The REAL Cost of Living on the Oregon Coast." Under the Cost Summary/Explanation, I showed how I came up with these $. The calculations for the cost of living in Wilsonville, Oregon, were done the same way. I will soon release my blog post, "The Real Cost of Living in the Portland Metro Area." To sign up to be notified when my newest blogs are released, CLICK HERE.
Housing in Wilsonville Oregon
Wilsonville is a beautiful and prosperous city with many housing options. The median home value in Wilsonville is just under $700.000 at time of writing, but prices range from $220,000 to nearly $20 million. There are housing options to meet almost any need if looking to move to Wilsonville, Oregon. Whether you're looking for an apartment, single-family home, multi-family dwelling, or condo, you can find it in this little city. Many families decide that Wilsonville is the ideal place to get the most out of suburban living. The city is also attracting more young professionals as nearby Portland's job market continues to grow. More and more people are moving to Wilsonville, Oregon. If interested in looking at homes for sale in Wilsonville, Oregon, CLICK HERE to take a look!
Best Neighborhoods in Wilsonville Oregon
Wilsonville, Oregon, is a vibrant and growing community that offers something for everyone. From golf course dream homes to urban villages and high-end apartments, there is a neighborhood in Wilsonville to suit every taste and lifestyle. A few of the most popular neighborhoods for those looking to move to Wilsonville, Oregon, are:
Villebois
Inspired by European Villages, Villebois is truly a one-of-a-kind community. Boasting around 2300 homes, this master-planned neighborhood in Wilsonville offers diverse housing choices, from apartments, condos, and townhomes to single-family residences. One hundred sixty acres of parks and trails, restaurants and retail are intertwined amongst all the homes. This Wilsonville neighborhood has a skate park, basketball court, and volleyball court, among other parks, and they are all connected and accessible by bike or walking. If you’re looking to move to Wilsonville, Oregon, and live in a safe, walkable, bikeable community with abundant outdoor activity, where you get to know your neighbors, then moving to Villebois neighborhood in Wilsonville would be a good choice for you.
Living in Wilsonville Oregon - Villebois Neighborhood in Wilsonville - Photo by Todd Davidson
Living in Wilsonville Oregon - Wilsonville Neighborhood - Photo by Todd Davidson
Charbonneau
The Charbonneau community in Wilsonville started in 1972 and is one of Oregon's first planned communities. This predominately 55+ community in Wilsonville has a small commercial district, detached homes, one and two-level townhomes, condominiums, garden homes, rental apartments, and even an assisted-care living community. Charbonneau boasts an abundance of amenities, including a 27-hole golf course, 10,000 sq. ft. clubhouse, ten swimming pools and spas, indoor & outdoor lighted tennis courts, miles of walking and jogging trails, soccer and baseball field, marina on the Willamette River, and secure R.V. parking. If you are looking to move to Wilsonville, Oregon, and live an active lifestyle, then Charbonneau would be a good choice.
Frog Pond
If you want to move to Wilsonville, Oregon, you’ll surely want to look at the Frog Pond community, which is currently under construction. The Frog Pond Community will be three connected neighborhoods in Wilsonville (West, East, and South) designed with nature and walkability in mind. The West neighborhood was move-in ready in Fall 2019 and was home to the 2019 Portland Street of Dreams.
This 500-acre community will be home to nearly 2,000 homes by its completion in 2035. It will have four interconnected trails and several prominent community parks. Frog Pond’s streets, open spaces, retail, homes, and other amenities fit into walkable, cohesive, and connected neighborhoods in Wilsonville. The Frog Pond streets are designed for safe and enjoyable travel by bike, on foot, or by car. With the excellent schools and safe community that are the hallmarks of living in Wilsonville, Frog Pond would be a great choice if you want to move to Wilsonville, Oregon.
Whatever type of neighborhood you're looking for, living in Wilsonville has it. Come see why the Wilsonville community has some of the top neighborhoods around! For more information and guidance on the neighborhoods in Wilsonville, reach out to our Wilsonville neighborhood expert, Elizabeth Davidson. With her decade-plus of experience in real estate in the area, she knows the Wilsonville neighborhoods well and can help guide you in picking the right Wilsonville neighborhood for your family. Elizabeth Davidson Website
For more information on homes in Wilsonville or questions on living in Wilsonville, Oregon, reach out to a member of our Moving to Wilsonville, Oregon Team. We'd love to tell you more about the homes and neighborhoods in Wilsonville to help make living in Wilsonville, Oregon, a reality for you.
Public Schools in Wilsonville
If you are looking into what it's like to live in Wilsonville, Oregon, certainly the schools are of significant importance.
The public schools in Wilsonville, Oregon, are some of the top-rated in the state. The West Linn-Wilsonville School District serves the north section of town and is known for its high-quality educational programs. There are three elementary schools, one middle school, Wilsonville High School, and the Art-Tech High School found within the Wilsonville boundaries. For the 2021-2022 school year, 92.9% of students at Wilsonville high school graduated, far outpacing the state average. If the public school system is a big factor in your move, then relocating to Wilsonville, Oregon, would be a good choice.
Residents of the city also have access to post-secondary schooling. The Clackamas Community College campus offers business and vocational training programs. Wilsonville's Oregon Tech campus offers a bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Manufacturing, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Technology, and Renewable Energy Engineering. Wilsonville is an excellent place for students to get a quality education.
For more info and ranking info for Wilsonville schools check out the Great Schools and Niche.com links in our Wilsonville Links section below.
Living in Wilsonville Oregon - Wilsonville High School - Photo by Todd Davidson
Top Businesses & Employers in Wilsonville
When moving to Wilsonville, Oregon, or anywhere for that matter, employment plays a major role in your decision. With Interstate 5 running through the city, there's ample space for large headquarters for these companies and other Fortune 500 businesses that look to relocate to Wilsonville in the future. The job prospects in Wilsonville should only get better.
Top employers in Wilsonville include:
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Mentor Graphics
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Convergys
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Xerox Corporation
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Sysco Food Services
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Rockwell Collins
Along with the big companies, Wilsonville is also home to many small local businesses, with a collection of eclectic boutiques, family-run restaurants, and private medical facilities. This variety makes Wilsonville a great place to live and work. Whether you're looking for a large corporation or a small business, there's no shortage of jobs if you're thinking of moving to Wilsonville, Oregon.
Top Destinations & Attractions in Wilsonville
Whether you fancy a walk through a scenic park, practicing your golf swing on a sunny afternoon, or looking to enjoy a night out or a warm cup at one of your favorite coffee shops, you have all that and more at your doorstep when living in Wilsonville, Oregon. Whatever you're interested in, there's plenty to see, do, and explore in the city with activities and events for the whole family!
Here are a few of the top destinations and attractions that draw so many to Wilsonville, Oregon:
Parks & Nature
If it's the Great Outdoors that you seek, look no further! Wilsonville is home to a number of parks, a skate park, and nature areas that offer lush, green spaces, tranquil hiking paths, and the opportunity to commune with Mother Nature.
Memorial Park is a calm and peaceful oasis in the city, with a beautiful waterfall and pond. Graham Oaks Nature Park is perfect for hiking, biking, and picnicking, and Town Center Park has a playground, basketball court, volleyball courts, and soccer field. For those who love gardens, Boxwood Garden is a must-see, with its hedge maze, topiary garden, and herb garden. And for the thrill-seeker, Bullwinkle's Entertainment offers go-karts, laser tag, and arcade games.
Living in Wilsonville Oregon - Bullwinkle's - Photo by Todd Davidson
Golf & Recreation
Wilsonville, Oregon, is a great place to enjoy a round of golf or participate in a variety of recreational activities. The Charbonneau Golf Club is a 27-hole course that is open to the public. It features well-manicured greens and beautiful views of Mount Hood. Langdon Farms Golf Club is located seconds away in neighboring Aurora, and Kohl Creek Golf Course is another great option with nine holes that are perfect for beginners or those looking for a quick round.
For those looking for more than just golf, there are recreation programs for all ages, from preschool to active adults 55+. Locals can choose from a variety of programs, including fitness programs, sports activities, family events, and plenty of classes. A day on the river more your thing? The Willamette River is right there and offers plenty of kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding.
Living in Wilsonville Oregon - Photo by Todd Davidson
Dining, Shopping or a Night on the Town
This vibrant community has a little something for all taste buds and shopping needs. For a night out on the town, adult outings such as Carabella Vineyard, Vanguard Brewing, and The Oregon Wine Garden are perfect. Or, for a relaxing weekend activity, the Villebois Sunday Market is not to be missed.
When it comes to shopping, Wilsonville has several popular shopping centers, including Town Center, Old Town Square, and Argyle Square. And as for the local restaurants, Wilsonville boasts a diverse selection of eateries, from traditional bars and grills to Italian restaurants to modern breweries. You won't go hungry living in Wilsonville, Oregon.
Pros and Cons of Living in Wilsonville Oregon
Living in Wilsonville Pros
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The Schools: Wilsonville schools are consistently ranked top 5 in the state of Oregon. Many people looking to move to Wilsonville do so because of the great schools. In the most recent school year, 99% of seniors at Wilsonville High School graduated. Well above the 80% state-wide average. Your kids should get a good education living in Wilsonville, Oregon.
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Recreation: With all the master-planned communities, parks, trails and Willamette River you have access to living in Wilsonville, good recreational opportunities are not hard to come by.
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Proximity: Living in Wilsonville, Oregon, puts you an hour and a half from Mt Hood and the Oregon Coast, which you will love. You are also close to the state's second-largest city and the state capital, Salem, just 37 minutes away to the south. Corvallis, home of Oregon State University, and Eugene, home of the University of Oregon, are an hour and a half south. And with Portland situated just 26 minutes north, living in Wilsonville puts a lot of activities and jobs at your doorstep.
Living in Wilsonville Cons
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Rain/Weather: Living in Wilsonville, Oregon, you are surrounded by beauty with all the trees, flowers and green spaces spread throughout the city. The beautiful scenery you're surrounded by if you're living in Wilsonville comes with a price as it gets some sort of precipitation 147 days a year, averaging a total of 43 inches of rain. Are the 141 day's of sun enough for you to move to Wilsonville, Oregon?
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Traffic: Traffic getting in and out of Wilsonville on I-5 can be pretty bad during rush hour. If coming home from Portland between 4-6 PM in the evening, you can expect to sit on I-5 for more than a little bit. The back roads heading into Wilsonville aren't that much better. That said, if you are moving to Wilsonville from California, the traffic here may feel like a breeze.
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Lack of Available Housing: Wilsonville is seeing a lot of new construction with the master-planned communities that have and are being built. The market moves very quickly, though, and prices have gone up, so you need to have a good team you're working with if you are looking to buy a home in Wilsonville. Reach out to the Moving to Wilsonville Oregon Team for help buying a home and moving to Wilsonville Oregon. We are available 24/7 to answer any questions you have about Wilsonville and help you get pre-approved for a mortgage and buy a home. Together we can help make living in Wilsonville, Oregon, a reality for you.
FAQs About Moving to and Living in Wilsonville Oregon
What is Wilsonville, Oregon, known for?
This once teeny farming community has grown into a thriving city, yet it hasn't lost its small-town charm. Wilsonville is known for its welcoming community and country-living atmosphere, nestled along the banks of the Willamette River and covered in beautiful mature trees. Regionally it's well known for having some of the biggest master-planned communities in the state and one of the best school districts. No wonder so many people want to live in Wilsonville, Oregon.
What cities are nearby Wilsonvi