On the business side, Wilsonville is home to some of Oregon’s largest and most influential corporate citizens, including Xerox, Mentor Graphics, Hollywood Entertainment and Nike. For residents, Wilsonville provides many city services including police, mass transit, senior services, parks & recreation, and a newly expanding library.

Wilsonville’s demographics are unusual in that home values and education levels are higher than national or regional averages. In addition, the percentages of the City’s population older than 65 and younger than 18 are higher than national and regional averages. Wilsonville is a relatively wealthy community that is both a great place to raise a family and a great place in which to retire.

With a Tree City USA designation and a commitment to both long and short term community planning, Wilsonville is a beautiful place to both live and work.

Wilsonville has long been considered the gateway to Oregon’s wine country and benefits from a location situated in a beautiful area with wonderful scenery. Here, nature-lovers can indulge a passion for both the city and the great outdoors every day of the year.

For family-friendly outdoor amenities, consider the Town Center Park, which includes a waterfall and wading pool, a half-court basketball court, play structures, picnic tables, and a pavilion – making it the perfect place to spend a sunny summer day. There’s something here for every member of your family.

Visitors and new residents often make use of Wilsonville’s popular driving tours, which are designed to give a beautiful overview of the region. The Sherwood Loop Tour, for example, winds through North Willamette Valley, providing views of Mount Hood, the Caprice Farm Nursery, historic Sherwood, and plenty of local farmland. Other day trip options include Champoeg State Park, whose ten miles of hiking and biking trails are easily accessible from the town of Wilsonville.

Many people who choose Wilsonville real estate, however, do so because of excellent job opportunities. This includes easy access to Portland’s downtown, as well as employment with companies such as Mentor Graphics, Nike, and Xerox, all of which have facilities in Wilsonville. Excellent job opportunities draw residents to the area and then keep them there.

With the help of a Wilsonville Real Estate Agent, homebuyers are sure to find exactly what they want in a new home. Looking for easy access to world-class golf? Homes are available near the Charbonneau Golf and Country Club, a 27-hole public course that is open year-round. Searching for a home that provides easy access to Portland’s cultural offerings? A Wilsonville Real Estate agent can help you find something that suits your needs.

No matter who you are and where your priorities lie, you’re sure to find the home of your dreams in Wilsonville, Oregon. All you have to do is come and look!

(Information provided by City of Wilsonville)

As it is bordered by the Willamette and Tualatin Rivers, West Linn is home to fishing enthusiasts of all types. Kayak, canoe and boating enjoyment is available as well. The Cedaroak Boat Ramp Park offers access to the river, wildlife viewing, fishing and hiking trail access.

Mary S. Young State Park is a favorite of birders, with numerous walking trails and river views. There are also sports fields, a shelter, and an unleashed dog area, as well as a walking bridge to Cedar Island. The Camassia Natural Area, owned by the Nature Conservancy, has more than 300 plant species in the preserve, including the common camas. Camas, formerly used as a food source by Pacific Northwest Native Americans, has beautiful blue blooms in April and early May. Birders can find the wood duck, western bluebird, and California quail, as well as other well-known bird species in the natural area.

West Linn’s historic Willamette neighborhood is the host of the city’s annual West Linn Old Time Fair. Held in July, the three day event includes musical entertainment, good eating, family fun, games, carnival rides, and a custom car show.

Choosing to live in West Linn, Oregon, then, makes a good deal of sense for many buyers. West Linn, one of Portland’s popular suburban communities, represents an excellent option for families with a variety of needs: living in West Linn offers easy access to jobs and culture in downtown Portland without giving up a close-knit community and accessible mountains and beaches.

Recently, the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland released a look at the annual housing forecast, which concluded that any excess inventory of homes is likely to be exhausted buy 2008. What does this mean for homebuyers? Simple: tight availability for housing means that prices are likely to continue to rise while interest rates fall – making the Portland area a great choice when purchasing real estate. Here, buyers don’t have to worry about a burst nationwide “housing bubble:” West Linn real estate are likely to retain their value in the coming years.

Purchasing a West Linn real estate, however, is not something that can be done while blindfolded. It is still wise to work with the assistance of West Linn Real Estate Agents to ensure that the buying process is smooth, affordable, and stress-free. A West Linn Real Estate Agent will listen to what you want in a property, then seek out only those homes that meet your needs. Four bedrooms? Done. A large backyard? Done. Easy access to a major interstate or proximity to a good elementary school? Done. The right real estate agent can be the tool you need to really find the home that works best for you and your family – guaranteed.

Purchasing a real estate in West Linn, Oregon is a smart choice for savvy buyers. Choosing to buy a home in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area is a great way to avoid the housing woes that have befallen the rest of the nation. Here, you’ll find a community that works well for families and professionals alike who share a love of the outdoor atmosphere that comes with living in the Northwest. With property values strong, interest in the Portland area is likely to continue for many more years.

(Information provided by the City of West Linn website)

Tualatin, which takes its name from the river that meanders along its northern board, is the Atfalati Indian word for “lazy.”  Though the region was settled in the 1850s, Tualatin was not incorporated until 1913.

The Tualatin Commons are the focal point of the city. The Commons hosts a number of festivals and social events, especially during the summer months.  The largest is the annual Tualatin Crawfish Festival, which attracts thousands of Pacific Northwest residents and includes live entertainment and music, Historical Society mini-museum, parade, dance, and pancake breakfast (not necessarily in that order).  The Commons also hosts the Tualatin farmer’s market each Saturday morning from early June through late October.  And a Friday evening concert series runs from mid-July through late August, including jazz, instrumental, big band, and traditional African music, as well as a children’s concert.  A showcase for local artists that also highlights the main attraction of the downtown area, the Tualatin Commons.

Tualatin Commons and the lake especially provide a variety of recreational opportunities.  During the summer months, a vendor rents paddle boats while hobbyists enjoy captaining radio-controlled boats across the lake.  Though no swimming is allowed in the lake, children and adults alike are encouraged to frolic in the water of the main plaza’s crawfish fountain.  Other residents and visitors picnic, stroll, and otherwise take advantage of the public open spaces.

Tualatin is home to a majority of Bridgeport Village (“Bridgeport”), a lifestyle center that opened in early 2005. (The northern part Bridgeport Village is in Tigard.) Built at the site of an old quarry, Bridgeport is built in faux Italian village style, and features an 18 screen movie theater, several national and regional chain restaurants and many chain retail stores, but has no major department store anchor. Additional nearby retail areas are being constructed (July, 2006).  Tualatin is a great place to work, play and call home.

While many residents are choosing to reside within the Portland city limits, a growing number of families are looking for a more relaxed way of life that blends the best of both urban and suburban living. For these homeowners, the city of Tualatin, Oregon offers an excellent option. Tualatin real estate encompasses a wide range of properties that are well suited for buyers in all stages of life.

Located just 13 miles south of Portland at a transportation hub offering easy access to both Interstate 5 and Interstate 205, Tualatin represents a fantastic landing point for families who require easy access to jobs or entertainment in Portland. As recently as 1970, Tualatin was a small agricultural community of just 750 residents. Today, however, Tualatin is a booming suburb with a population of around 25,000 people.

To find the right Tualatin OR Home for Sale that will meet your needs, it can help to employ the services of Tualatin Oregon Real Estate Agents. Why? Simple: using a real estate agent in your search for a new home can make the process fast, simple, and more or less painless. Tualatin Real Estate Agents are experts in the Tualatin market: they know the areas well and can greatly expedite the process of finding a home. Simply tell your agent what you need in your next home and he or she will do the research for you, only taking you out on physical showings when a property truly matches your needs.

Tualatin real estate for Sale is guaranteed to put you and your family in a location that provides an amazing community with unprecedented access to arts and culture. The offerings of Portland, for example, are only a short drive away – and Tualatin itself has plenty of offerings, including perennial favorites such as the Art Splash art sale, the ongoing Art Walk, and summer Concerts on the Commons. Theatrical offerings can be found at the Broadway Rose Theatre, where a local theatre company puts up consistently strong fare, and children can indulge their creative urges at the yearly Willow brook Summer Arts Camp.

Choosing a home in Tualatin, Oregon, then, represents a great option for a wide variety of families. No matter whom you are and what you need, you’re sure to find a wonderful home in Tualatin.

(Information provided by Terrain.org, Wikipedia, and the City of Tualatin website)

But all the growth has not squelched the small-town atmosphere of the historic Old Town, and the camaraderie that is evident at community gatherings such as the city’s annual Robin Hood Festival.

Sherwood is a medley of juxtapositions – the old and the new creating a unique harmony. The protected wetlands of the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge and the rolling hills of fertile farmland surround Sherwood’s bustling roads and city center. The quiet of Old Town’s antique stores and tea shops are only minutes away from new commercial businesses such as the ACT III 10-screen theater, the YMCA, and the Ice Hus, a double-sheet ice rink.

This vitality of oppositions makes Sherwood one of Oregon’s most livable cities, providing attractions for all. It is a family-oriented community not far from the commercial bustle of Portland.

The city is located on Highway 99W, between Tigard and Newberg, an important transportation triangle in south Washington County. The location also makes it ideal for professionals who commute to work in Portland and return to live in the quiet of the Sherwood community.

Also, Sherwood was recently voted #18 in Money Magazine’s annual Top 100 Best Cities to live in.  “For this year’s list we focused on smaller places that offered the best combination of economic opportunity, good schools, safe streets, things to do and a real sense of community.   By Kate Ashford, Andrea Bartz, Jeff Cox, Asa Fitch, Stephen Gandel, Josh Hyatt, Rob Kelley, Kathleen Knight, Joe Light, Ismat Sarah Mangla, Sarah Max, Jennifer Merritt, Brad Nelson, Donna Rosato, Ingrid Tharasook

Population: 14,800
Median home price (2006): $303,126
Average property taxes (2006): $2,889

“Like much of the Northwest, Sherwood is home to an array of beautiful parks and natural beauty. But the quickly growing commercial sites of Sherwood offer true insight into the town’s character: a juxtaposition of old and new, with reverence toward both the city’s historic past and its bright, expanding future. The community events calendar is always full and the town’s location makes for a fairly easy commute to nearby Portland. -A.B.” For more information go to: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2007/snapshots/PL4167100.html

In Sherwood, residents will find excellent housing options and an easy commute to Portland for work and entertainment. Its location along highway 99W makes travel easy and accessible, allowing residents to live in a peaceful small-town atmosphere without completely abandoning the pluses of city life.

When you’re searching for Sherwood real estate, a smart choice is to seek out the assistance of Sherwood Real Estate Agents. Why? Simple: having a real estate agent on your side makes it much easier to find and purchase a property that meets your needs. When you’re looking for a property on your own, you wind up spending a lot of time paging through real estate listings and going to visit properties that do not live up to the ad’s promises. With the help of Sherwood Real Estate Agents, you’ll find that options are pre-screened for suitability before you even head out to view the property – saving you time and money in the long run.

Sherwood real estate for Sale offer a wide variety of choices for buyers from all walks and stages of life. What draws many people to Sherwood, however, is the small-town atmosphere present in the historic Old Town and the yearly Robin Hood Festival. Here, you’ll find quite antique stores and cozy tea shops right across town from a 10-screen movie theatre and a large ice rink. If it’s the outdoors that you crave, consider the protected wetlands of the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge or the acres of farmland that still surround Sherwood’s city center.

(Information provided by the City of Sherwood website)

Sellwood has a fantastic old time amusement park called “Oaks Park” that is still a great place to go with little kids.  There is roller skating and amusement park rides.  In 2005, Oaks Park celebrated its 100th anniversary and is a staple for most generations when they were young.

Sellwood-Moreland also has fantastic stores, dining, and entertainment with an old town flavor.  The streets are wide, the homes are older and beautiful, and it is not unusual to see families and pets strolling the streets.  In Sellwood, there is the Sellwood park with pool, Sellwood community center, Sellwood Riverfront park (which holds Sundaes in the Park – an annual ice cream social), and Sellwood community garden.  Moreland has the Eastmoreland golf course, Eastmoreland playground and Westmoreland park.

Schooling in Sellwood-Moreland not only includes K-12, but also has the distinguished Reed College which is located in Eastmoreland, and is known for its rigorous academics and independent study.  Sellwood-Moreland is served by the Portland Public Schools.

Sellwood-Moreland still remains a funky, quirky, small town. There are local eateries; the smallest licensed microbrewery; an art-gallery-espresso bar; and a coffeehouse where you can hear live music, drink coffee, get a massage, and meet friends and neighbors.  The vintage Moreland theater which still has its 1920′s decor is open and still running first-run movies.

A fantastic place to live, visit, work, or play, Sellwood-Moreland has it all and then some!

(Information provided by portlandneighborhood.com, and wikipedia)

Known for the Tigard Balloon Festival, which is part of Portland’s Rose Festival in June.  Tigard is also host to many other events and activities year round.  Tigard has a 4th of July festival, as well as the end of summer blast.  Tigard also has a Farmers market every Sunday, from Mid-May until October.  Neighbors and visitors bring food, fun, entertainment, and other home-made goods to sell.

Shopping is plentiful in Tigard as well.  The superior Washington Square Mall which has been undergoing renovations for the past few years has every upscale store and food one could dream of.  The new and upscale Bridgeport Village is also a destination.  Downtown Tigard is also undergoing changes.  There are many unique eateries, shops, antique stores, and the civic center also located downtown.

Tigard is part of the Tigard-Tualatin school district.  Northwestern Tigard also feeds into the Beaverton School District as well.  Summer reading programs at the library and swimming programs offered through the school district keep children entertained as well.  With more than 300 acres of parks located in Tigard, including Cook Park (where the Balloon festival is held), all residents and visitors alike are able to enjoy the natural beauty of Tigard.

Bull Mountain is a hill located to the east of Tigard.  While Tigard voters have tried to annex Bull Mountain, the residents of Bull Mountain has fought hard to not allow this to occur.  Bull Mountain feeds into Tigard schools and residents get all the amenities of Tigard while living in a lovely area on a hill.

Tigard real estate offer a wide variety of options for families and singles of all stripes: no matter what exactly you need in your next (or first) home, there is sure to be something in Tigard that meets your stipulations. Tigard Real Estate Agents are well versed in helping potential residents find the perfect home: these seasoned professionals know exactly how to help you look for the right property at the right price.

Located in Washington County between Beaverton and Tualatin, Tigard real estate for sale offer the opportunity to live in a community filled with history. Tigard, which is snuggled serenely in Willamette Valley, was originally settled by several families who together put together a community that has lasted until today. The growth of Tigard was spurred strongly in 1910 by the arrival of the Oregon Electric Railway. This new transportation option kick-started the development of Main Street and the city’s downtown, ultimately pushing the community into a period of growth that continues through today.

Tigard Real Estate Agents, then, are well suited to help homebuyers find the houses of their dreams. Looking for four bedrooms and a yard that’s big enough to host a German Shepherd? The right real estate agent will be able to help you find it. How about a small, single-level town home appropriate for couples reaching retirement and beginning to downsize? Again, the right real estate agent will tune into your needs and help you find the right property for your lifestyle.

In Tigard, Oregon, residents really can have it all: a community-oriented family-friendly town in a historic setting that offers easy access to the city, the mountains, and the ocean.

(Information and images provided by City of Tigard homepage)

Within the Central Portland area is downtown Portland.  The jewel of the city, Portland offers one of the most beautiful downtowns of any city, anywhere.  Portland’s downtown area is vibrant and alive.  Neighborhood concerns are focused on improvements to the downtown area while maintaining a balance of quality urban living space, a thriving business community, unique shopping, and natural beauty offered along the riverfront, in the Park Blocks, and other integrated green spaces.  “Portland’s Living Room”, Pioneer Courthouse Square, is a centralized community hangout where millions visit annually.  Downtown is home to the Portland Saturday Market, where local artisans sell a variety of arts and crafts.  Portland State University is Oregon’s largest, most diverse, and only urban university.

One of the most popular areas within the Southwest region is known as Portland.  The hilly terrain and lush nature parks in this area create stunning views from many of the homes. Depending on which area you are in, you may have a panoramic view of downtown Portland,and on a clear day it is possible to see Mt.Hood, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Saint Helens in the distance. Homes are typically larger custom designs built over years in many different architectural styles from Ranches, two-story Traditionals, Colonial, Craftsman, Contemporary, and even the occasional Victorian. Many of the homes are built on the side of the hill and are cantilevered over the forest floor below. As many of the streets in this area wind through the tree-lined forest, this makes the West Hills an interesting place to drive, and a serene and beautiful place to live.

The most popular community within the Northwest borough, is the Nob Hill neighborhood, also known as NW 21st and 23rd Avenue neighborhood (with street signs also referring to the area as the Historic Alphabet district). This is a very popular and trendy area to shop, dine, walk, and generally just hang out. Many restaurants, coffee shops, and specialty retail shops and boutiques line the two main drags of NW 21st and NW 23rd Avenues. You’ll also find some great bars, spas, salons, and local markets…all with a creative flair.  There are some homes above the shops, as well as older homes surrounding the shopping areas.

In the Southeast, the Brooklyn neighborhood is uniquely situated to enjoy the wonderful city of Portland. Brooklyn is still a quiet, quaint, and safe place to live, but it remains in close proximity to all that the Portland metro region has to offer. The newly built Eastbank Esplanade and the OMSI-to-Springwater extension allows the Brooklyn Neighborhood to embrace the Willamette river front once again. In addition, the riverside trail will link the Brooklyn neighborhood to the entire 40 Mile Loop trail system. The neighborhood board has been working with city officials to design a more direct access to the Springwater Trail from Brooklyn.

In North Portland, the Boise neighborhood, sometimes referred to as “Boise Eliot” and most commonly referred to as the Historic Mississippi District or just simply “Mississippi”, is located on the East side of the Willamette River. It is bordered by the Overlook, Humboldt, King and Eliot neighborhoods in North Portland. Boise is in a fantastic location for both commuting, as well as getting to many other great Portland neighborhoods. Major freeway ramps located nearby include I-84 and I-5. Drive over the Fremont or Broadway bridge to get downtown or to the Pearl District, and Old Town/Chinatown in mere minutes. The “MAX” light rail is only minutes away on foot.

In East Portland, the Hazelwood neighborhood offers quiet, tree lined residential streets in the midst of several busy Portland roads such as Burnside Street and 122nd Ave.  The TriMet MAX line runs through the area (Gresham-Portland line, and to the airport), making this a fairly easy commute for those residents riding the train.   Hazelwood does have a mix of residential and commercial areas.  The largest area employer is the Adventist Hospital — and there are a lot of other medical related businesses in the area (mostly closer to 102nd Ave). You’ll find Mall 205 and the Gateway Shopping Center, many retail shops, and some automobile-related businesses such as car dealerships, which are primarily located along 122nd Ave.  Important issues in the area for Hazelwood neighbors include the Gateway Urban Renewal Project and the 122nd Avenue Station Area Study.

Finally, in Northeast Portland is the Alameda neighborhood.  Alameda is a gorgeous neighborhood with quiet, tree-line streets, and some incredible homes, many on larger lots. Homes that are located on Alameda ridge have a stunning view of Portland and the West hills. Alameda is a popular and prestigious community, with a strong sense of community. Nearby (Beaumont-Wilshire) you will find coffee shops, a brewpub, and some nice residential and commercial areas to take a stroll. Alameda overlaps on one side with Irvington, also an older historical neighborhood with grand homes.  Homes in Alameda consist of older East Portland styles of Craftsman, Bungalow, and larger custom designs, as well as some more modest cottages and ranch style homes.

The market of Portland real estate, then, is as varied as Portland’s current and eventual residents. If you’re a young, single professional, you’re sure to find an appealing loft, condominium, or town home near the city center, where you can have easy access to restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and Portland’s famous tax-free shopping. If you’ve got a family, the market of Portland real estate includes plenty of spacious single-family dwellings close to great schools and including amenities such as yards and garages.

One of the best ways to find an appropriate home in Portland, Oregon is to use Portland Real Estate Agents. Why? Simple. Buying a home is a long, arduous, and expensive proposition – and the timeline can dramatically increase when you’re trying to do things on your own. Simply open the paper on Sunday mornings and you’ll be awash in real estate listings: scanning through these listings can take hours, and you’re likely to head out on a large number of showings for properties that turn out to be a far cry from what you want and need. With the help of Portland Real Estate Agents, you’ll be able to, quite literally, cut right to the chase: a fully trained real estate agent will listen to what you want and need in a home (four bedrooms, a new kitchen, and a two-car garage) and do the research for you. This means you’ll only be visiting homes that have been pre-screened for features and price by someone who has your best interests in mind. Plus, when it comes time to make an offer and start signing contracts, Portland Oregon Real Estate Agents can help ensure that all your if’s are dotted and your tm’s are crossed – meaning you won’t have to waste time with inaccurate paperwork.

Purchasing a home in Portland, Oregon, then, is well worth the effort. This stunning American city offers everything a homebuyer could want in a spectacular natural setting. Whether you’re looking for a sleek new condo or a vintage single-family home with plenty of character, the city of Portland is sure to have what you need.

(Information provided by portlandneighborhood.com)

Children in Oregon City are in the Oregon City School District and several schools within the district offer bilingual English/Spanish programs.   Oregon City High School is the third most populated high school in Oregon.  Oregon City is also home to Clackamas Community College as well as several private and parochial schools.

Oregon City has many museums devoted to his history, including the Clackamas County Historical Society Museum.   The museum has exhibits of Clackamas county history documented in artifacts and photographs.  Other exhibits include one on America’s first long distance electric transmission, which was from the Willamette Falls, as well as an immigrant wagon fully loaded bound for the Oregon Trail.

The End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center allows visitors to be guided by a history interpreter, who tells the journey from Missouri to Oregon through story telling and dramatizations.  There are also artifacts, video presentations, and a gift store.

There is also the Stevens Crawford Museum, which is located in the original 1908 home which has most of the original furnishings.   There are 15 rooms furnished which include living room, bedrooms, working kitchen, dining room, and a doll collection.  There is also a museum area which the usual souvenirs.

Oregon City also has many stores, dining, and entertainment throughout the year.  Oregon City is also home to the Oregon City Golf Club at Lone Oak, which was established in 1922 and has sweeping views of the cascades.  With so much to offer, Oregon City is truly a place worth visiting and living.

(Information provided by Oregon City homepage and chamber of commerce)

Newberg is home to over 20,000 people and enjoys a diverse, economic base. The community’s strategic location also provides numerous recreational opportunities. A short drive provides access to the urbane pleasures of Portland. Countless rivers and forests are within easy driving distance, offering boating, fishing, and hunting opportunities. Several golf courses are located in the county.

World-class wine tasting is available throughout Yamhill County, which has the reputation of being the Napa Valley of Oregon. A one-hour drive east will take one to the Cascade Mountains for skiing, camping, fishing and hiking. A one-hour drive west will take one to the breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline, with its many beautiful beaches.

With an elevation of only 175 feet above sea level and a relatively close location to the Pacific Ocean, Newberg enjoys a very moderate climate. The average high temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius) and the average low temperature is 39 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius). The local growing season is approximately 174 days. The annual avarage of rainfall is 42 inches.

Newberg is a fast growing community that has still managed to maintain a relaxed pace that complements the friendly people who live here. It is a community where its citizens are rightfully proud of their Newberg heritage and its future.

(Information provided by the Newberg Area Chamber of Commerce)

Milwaukie is also situated to allow the outdoor enthusiast the best of all worlds.  Only an hour away from Mt. Hood for skiing, two hours away from the Oregon coast and only a half an hour away from the gorgeous Columbia Gorge and the incredible Multnomah Falls.

There are many activities and events within Milwaukie.  One of them is held in the summer, called the Milwaukie River Fest, held on the riverfront.  There is a parade, live music, food, entertainment for kids and family, beer garden, crafts, and Dragon Boat races. There is also fireworks at the riverfront.  Every Sunday from May until October, there is the Milwaukie Farmer’s Market.

Children attend the North Clackamas School District, with the nationally recognized Milwaukie High School which holds the annual Living History Day in which thousands of veterans are welcomed to come and teach students about the past.  There is also several private schools, a Catholic school and including the acclaimed Portland Waldorf School.

With so many incredible features, Milwaukie is definitely the place to live, work, and play.

(Information and image provided by City of Milwaukie homepage)