Oregon City Real Estate
Oregon City is the oldest incorporated city west of the Mississippi River and the official end of the Oregon Trail. For much of its existence, Oregon City’s economy has been dominated by the forestry industry, until the decline of the Pacific Northwest lumber industry started in the 1980s. At its height, several mills operated in the city and surrounding communities; all but one paper mill have been shuttered. Today, the city is home to several notable high technology and light manufacturing concerns.
The town is divided into upper and lower areas; the lower area is on a bench next to the Willamette River, and the upper area atop a bluff composed of Columbia Plateau basalt. In 1915 the town built the water-powered Oregon City Municipal Elevator to connect the two parts, which was converted to electricity in the 1920s. In 1952, a new electric elevator was constructed and continues to operate as one of only four municipal elevators in the world and “Elevator Street” remains the only “vertical street” in North America.
The major waterways of Oregon City include the Willamette River, which flows along the northwest side of the city, and the Clackamas River, which merges with the larger Willamette to the north of the city. The Willamette forms the boundary between Oregon City and West Linn; the Clackamas serves as the boundary between Oregon City and Gladstone.
Many of the homes and buildings in Oregon City are on the National Register of Historic Places, and the city takes pride in preserving its historical and architectural heritage. Historic downtown Oregon City is a thriving and vibrant mix of economically viable and unique businesses, activities, restaurants and housing that serves to attract local citizens and visitors and to entice future residents and businesses to relocate into the area.
With 26 parks, a municipal pool, and a recreation center, Oregon City is a great place to raise a family. One of the city’s larger parks is Clackamette Park, at the confluence of the Clackamas and Willamette Rivers. The park’s features include RV camping, a boat launch and dock, a skateboard park, and other recreational facilities. Several community festivals are held there throughout the year. Other major parks include Chapin, Hillendale, Rivercrest, and the new Wesley Lynn.
The city, and several surrounding communities, is served by the Oregon City School District, a public school district consisting of 10 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, a traditional 4-year high school (Oregon City High School), and an alternative secondary school. Several schools in the district offer bilingual English/Spanish programs. The city also is the home of Clackamas Community College. In addition, numerous private and parochial schools serve the community.