If you’re hunting for a place that serves up stunning river views, top-notch schools, and a community that actually waves back when you walk down the street, let me introduce you to West Linn, Oregon. This city of hills, trees, and rivers sits just 12 miles south of downtown Portland, giving you the best of both worlds: peaceful suburban living with big city perks just a quick drive away.
West Linn has been honored multiple times by CNN and Money Magazine as one of the “Best Places to Live” in America, and honestly? The accolades are well deserved. With a livability score of 85 out of 100, West Linn ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities in the nation.
Small Town Feel, Big City Convenience
Located approximately 15 miles south of Portland in Clackamas County, West Linn offers something increasingly rare: a genuine sense of community without the isolation. The city is well served by public transit, including TriMet bus services, making it easy to commute to downtown Portland. With Portland just 25 minutes away, most residents commute into the city during the week and spend weekends enjoying waterfront recreation.
Easy access to Interstate 205 and Highway 43 provides quick travel options whether you’re heading to work, catching a Timbers game, or exploring the Willamette Valley wine country.
Schools That Actually Deliver
Parents take note: West Linn has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Oregon. We’re talking about real results here. Public schools in the area have an average math proficiency score of 52% compared to the Oregon state average of 31%, and reading proficiency scores of 64% versus the 44% statewide average.
West Linn High School ranks in the top 9.7% of Oregon high schools, and the West Linn Wilsonville School District’s SAT scores are among the highest in Oregon. The district includes award-winning teachers, outstanding primary schools, and strong visual and performing arts programs.
Over 600 Acres of Parks and 25 Miles of Trails
Here’s where West Linn really shines. Within West Linn’s seven square miles, there are over 600 acres of parkland and 18 miles of trails through parks and open spaces. Whether you want to explore old-growth forests, walk your dog by the river, or find a splash pad for the kids, you’ll find it here.
Mary S. Young State Recreation Area is a local favorite, offering about 128 acres of quiet, forested trails perfect for urban birders. Wilderness Park spans 51.4 acres of beautiful natural hiking trails where you can escape city noise within minutes.
The Cedaroak Boat Ramp Park offers access to the river, wildlife viewing, fishing, and hiking trails, while bank fishermen can enjoy seasonal runs of Chinook salmon, white sturgeon, steelhead, and Coho salmon from the West Linn Fishing Dock.
The Second Largest Waterfall in the Pacific Northwest
Yes, you read that right. Willamette Falls is the largest waterfall in the Pacific Northwest by volume and the seventeenth widest in the world. This horseshoe-shaped natural wonder is 1,500 feet wide and forty feet high, sitting right between West Linn and Oregon City. For thousands of years, the falls served as a major fishing ground and cultural hub for Native American tribes, and that rich history adds depth to this already spectacular natural feature.
Wednesday Farmers Market and Community Events
The Wednesdays in Willamette summer market brings over 60 distinct farmers, artisans, and crafters to the community. Located along Historic Willamette Main Street, the market features local produce, artisan foods, cideries, wineries, and handmade goods. Kids ages 5 to 12 can participate in the Power of Produce Program, receiving tokens to spend on fresh produce and honey.
The city also hosts the Music in the Park concert series, the annual Street Dance, and various waterfront activities throughout the year.
Safe Streets and Friendly Neighbors
West Linn boasts a crime rate far below the national average, making it a genuinely safe place to raise a family or simply enjoy evening walks without concern. The median household income of West Linn residents is $92,342, which is 185% of the median household income in Oregon, and 56.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The neighborhoods themselves offer something for everyone: vintage Victorians in the Willamette and Bolton neighborhoods, quaint bungalows, mid-century moderns, and Northwest Contemporary developments in areas like Tanner Ridge and Savanna Oaks. Many homes offer spectacular views of the Willamette River, Pete’s Mountain, or Mount Hood. West Linn is a place to actually enjoy living.
Sources: westlinnoregon.gov, alltrails.com, historicwillamette.com
Header Image Source: City of West Linn – Government Facebook Page
