Lake Oswego / West Linn Real Estate
Lake Oswego
Located in the northwestern corner of Clackamas County, Lake Oswego sits on the west bank of the Willamette River and is ideally situated close to Oregon’s major metropolitan areas–just eight miles south of downtown Portland and 45 minutes north of the state capitol in Salem. The city was the hub of Oregon’s brief iron industry in the late 1800s and is today one of the most affluent suburbs of Portland.
Lake Oswego’s original neighborhoods reflect a glimpse of England, with English Cottage and Tudor Revival homes designed by architect Richard Sundeleaf between 1920 and 1940, but most residents live in new developments designed to accommodate busy urban lifestyles. Highly desirable Lake Oswego properties surround Oswego Lake; a private lake for residents with a dock at the east end where boaters can disembark and walk to the nearby businesses.
Lake Oswego is primarily a residential community, but there is also some commercial development and light manufacturing. The city’s largest employers include the Lake Oswego School District, the City of Lake Oswego, Gage Industries, Inc. and Micro Systems Engineering, Inc. Most of the businesses are located downtown near the Willamette River, which is the City’s eastern boundary, or on the west end in Lake Grove and Kruse Way near Interstate 5.
Lake Oswego has many attractions for visitors to enjoy. Downtown Lake Oswego offers fine shops and boutiques, and many different kinds of restaurants. Outdoor art graces each downtown block, and is enhanced by beautiful hanging baskets, plaza plantings and green trees everywhere. In addition, there is a City-owned water sports center on the Willamette River, two public swimming facilities on the 405-acre Oswego Lake, a self-financed, 18-hole public golf course and an indoor tennis center. Spring brings the farmer’s market season. Lake Oswego Farmers Market is held every Saturday from mid-May to mid-October. The European style market includes a wide variety of regional produce, baked goods and nursery stock, as well as live entertainment. There are also rides available on the historic Willamette shore trolley. The six mile rail line runs between Lake Oswego and Portland along the west bank of the Willamette River. Beautiful river views and a trip through “Oregon’s darkest tunnel” are a few of the highlights of the journey.
The schools in Lake Oswego rate among the best in the country. More than 90% of the high school students attend college. The Lake Oswego School District operates two high schools, two junior high schools and nine elementary schools. There are several colleges in or near Lake Oswego–Lewis & Clark College and its affiliate Northwestern School of Law, Marylhurst University, and Portland Community College (Sylvania campus).
West Linn
West Linn, Oregon, known as “the city of hills, trees and rivers”, is a fast-growing residential city located 12 miles south of Portland. It has all of the advantages of being close to the urban amenities of the metropolitan area, while still retaining small town charm.
Flanked 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 trails.
Mary S. Young State Park is a favorite for bird lovers, 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.
Beautiful custom homes cover the hillsides of West Linn, a community with elevations ranging from 40 to 580 feet above sea level. Many of those homes feature breathtaking views of the Willamette Valley, the Willamette and Tualatin Rivers, and a spectacular stretch of the Cascade Range that includes Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams. Located on the west side of the Willamette River, West Linn is one of the fastest growing communities in the metro 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.