West Linn
A Quiet Suburb and an Appealing Place to Raise a Family
Median Household Income
$111,042
Median Home Value
$675,000
Average Rent
$1,754
Walk Score
34
About West Linn
Hemmed on three sides by the waters of the Willamette and Tualatin Rivers, West Linn is a quiet bedroom community 20 minutes south of Portland. Great schools, close access to nature, and a safe, laid-back environment make it an appealing place to raise a family.
On an early summer morning, you could head out to the banks of the Willamette with a fishing rod to do some casting. If you have a ski boat, you could go in search of a glassy stretch for water skiing or just drag a gaggle of kids behind the boat on a giant inner tube. The mellow waters and forested banks of the Tualatin River make it an idyllic place for canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding. Find a rope swing along the banks to swing out high over the river and jump in.
Other options for the weekend include a round of golf at the Oregon Golf Club’s award-winning championship course, exploring the forested nature trails at the 128-acre Mary S. Young Park, or wine tasting at one of a handful of wineries in West Linn. The tasting room at Tumwater Vineyards is housed in a beautiful, rustic, open-beamed barn next to a pond overlooking rows of pinot noir and chardonnay vines.
Afterwards, gather with friends and family at the historic Willamette Ale & Cider House. The English style pub is housed inside the town’s oldest landmark in a charming historic district near the river. The Willamette district also includes other great restaurant options, including Allium Bistro and Bellagios Pizza, which are just a few blocks away.
West Linn’s rolling hills are draped with swaths of homes from different eras. Near the river, you’ll find historic farmhouses and cottages mixed with newer riverfront estates. Climbing up the hillsides, you’ll find tracts of late 20th century ranch homes, large new construction developments, and gated communities. Many of the hilltop properties offer beautiful views of the rivers and the Cascade Mountains. Furthest from the city’s reaches, West Linn’s suburbs begin to give way to rural life with picturesque vineyards and Christmas tree farms.
