West Linn

Source: Realtor (9/20/2023)

Nestled in Willamette Valley between the Willamette and Tualatin rivers, West Linn is a city offering an exceptional quality of life in a picturesque, idyllic setting accessible to the big city amenities of Portland.

Located in Clackamas County and home to over 27,000 residents, the city offers a wealth of outdoor destinations, an ideal blend of rural and suburban living, and a small-town charm with a strong sense of community, making it one of the most sought-after places to call home in the Portland metro area.

Looking for homes for sale in West Linn, Oregon? Here, we’ll give you a closer look at the real estate options, the attractions, and what it’s like living in this desirable community.

WEST LINN, OR AT A GLANCE

A brief history of West Linn

• The pioneer settlement known today as West Linn was first occupied by settlers in the early 1840s after Robert Moore purchased over 1,000 acres of land from the Wallamut Native Americans. Moore constructed his cabin on a slope overlooking the Willamette Falls as he started developing a town, which he named Robin’s Nest in 1843.
• In 1845, Moore renamed the town Linn City in honor of his friend Dr. Lewis F. Linn, a well-known senator from Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, and sponsor of the Donation Land Claim Bill. By 1846, the community had four lumber and flour mills and houses for mill workers, all built by Moore. 
• Moore officially became the town’s first postmaster in 1850. In 1852, he purchased The Spectator, a newspaper publication from Oregon City. By then, Linn City already had several establishments including a warehouse, sawmill, gristmill, wharves, and a breakwater to serve as a basin for boats transporting cargo.
• In 1868, Linn City developed further when the Willamette Transportation Locks Co. provided passage to shipping over Willamette Falls. 
• The city of West Linn was officially incorporated in 1913, encompassing the communities of Bolton, Sunset, West Oregon City, and Willamette Heights. With its incorporation, the settlements were permitted to obtain the services, utilities, and improvements they required without annexing Oregon City. There were talks of renaming the city, but after considerable discussions, the founders agreed to honor the pioneer town originally established by Robert Moore.

Location

West Linn is located in the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area and is around 15 miles south of Portland. The city is bordered by the Tualatin and Willamette rivers and includes the former towns and communities of Bolton, Multnomah City, Sunset City, West Oregon City, and Willamette.

West Linn encompasses about eight square miles and is currently home to more than 27,000 residents. 

Climate

West Linn experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm and dry summers and cold winters. The city gets average low temperatures of 45°F and average high temperatures of 65°F throughout the year and around 44 inches of precipitation annually, which mostly occurs during the wettest months (November through March).

Schools

West Linn is a popular choice for families with children since the city is home to some of the most highly rated schools in the state. Public schools in West Linn are administered by the West Linn-Wilsonville School District (WLWSD), a K-12 public school system serving approximately 8,400 students. 

WLWSD schools record some of the highest SAT scores in Oregon, and the state consistently ranks first or second in the country for states with 50 percent and above of its graduating seniors taking the test. Around 90 percent of students who graduate from WLWSD move on to two and four-year colleges.

Schools in West Linn include:

• Sunset Primary School
• Bolton Primary School
• Cedaroak Park Primary School
• Stafford Primary School
• Trillium Creek Primary School
• Willamette Primary School
• Athey Creek Middle School
• Rosemont Ridge Middle School
• West Linn High School

HOMES FOR SALE IN WEST LINN, OREGON

Those interested in homes for sale in West Linn, Oregon will be able to find a diverse selection of properties ranging from comfortable bungalows to sprawling estates with a variety of luxurious features. Many homes feature exquisite architectural styles such as Mediterranean, Cape Cod, Ranch, Farmhouse, and Craftsman.

Although West Linn’s real estate market consists mostly of single-family homes, there are some townhomes and condos available as well. Vacant land is also available for those planning to build their very own custom home from the ground up.

Homes for sale in West Linn, Oregon offer a perfect balance of privacy, comfort, and livability. You’ll be able to find many homes that take full advantage of West Linn’s picturesque setting with features like open-concept floor plans with seamless indoor-outdoor layouts, sundecks overlooking meticulously manicured yards, and oversized patios perfect for al fresco dining. 

Those seeking their very own slice of paradise in the idyllic countryside can choose from a wide selection of high-end homes for sale in West Linn, Oregon. Luxury residences in this coveted community deliver an unsurpassed quality of life together with a harmonious blend of tranquility and accessibility. Whether you prefer a rustic cottage tucked away amongst soaring trees, an expansive farmhouse set on a multi-acre lot surrounded by rolling hills, or an elegant waterfront estate steps away from the Willamette River, the collection of luxury homes in West Linn is sure to impress.

Ready to browse the finest selection of homes for sale in West Linn, Oregon? Head to this page to view our featured listings!

Top-rated neighborhoods in West Linn

West Linn is home to several tight-knit communities with easy access to scenic parks and trails, making it an outstanding place to call home. While the city is less than 30 minutes away from Downtown Portland, it retains a small-town charm enhanced by a breathtaking natural setting with gently rolling hills, serene rivers, and captivating mountain views. 

West Linn offers the best of both worlds for prospective homebuyers, with its enticing selection of historic neighborhoods and contemporary communities. If you’re looking for homes for sale in West Linn, Oregon you’ll be able to find many terrific options in top-rated neighborhoods such as:

• Hidden Springs – Located west of Willamette Drive, Hidden Springs is an affluent neighborhood with well-designed homes in a variety of elegant architectural styles like Colonial, Federal, and Traditional. Nestled among rolling hills, Hidden Springs offers a scenic environment with streets lined with mature trees and manicured lawns. 
• Willamette – Situated along the banks of the Tualatin and Willamette rivers, Willamette is a historic neighborhood home to an enticing mix of residential and commercial properties. It features an outstanding selection of historic homes and has some of the best parks in West Linn, offering picture-perfect views for residents.  
• Bolton – This scenic riverside community is a haven for nature lovers with its undulating hills, beautiful parks, and miles of serene river frontage. Real estate options in Bolton consist of a mix of townhouses, condos, and single-family homes, many on spacious lots with mature trees. Bolton is easily accessible to I-205, making it an ideal place to live for commuters.
• Marylhurst – Located just 20 minutes away from downtown Portland, Marylhurst is a laidback community home to less than 800 residents. The neighborhood boasts a picturesque setting complemented by tranquil tree-lined streets and stunning ravines. As one of the most established neighborhoods in West Linn, homes in Marylhurst are often some of the most sought-after real estate in the city. 
• Robinwood – One of the largest neighborhoods in West Linn, Robinwood is a family-friendly community in a prime location close to a plethora of amenities and destinations. Set along Willamette River’s northern banks, the neighborhood offers easy access to many popular recreational venues including Robinwood Park, Mary S. Young Park, Cedar Island Park, Midhill Park, and Lake Oswego, home to one of the most popular lakes in Portland.
• Sunset – Sunset is a historic neighborhood home to a collection of picturesque parks and recreational destinations like Sunset Park, Wilderness Park, and the Camassia Nature Preserve. It’s also the location of Willamette Falls, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful waterfalls. There’s an extensive selection of stylish and well-built properties available in Sunset including split-levels, cottages, mid-century ranch homes, and contemporary residences. 

LIVING IN WEST LINN

There are plenty of terrific destinations to enjoy when you’re living in West Linn. With the plethora of outdoor attractions, dining options, historical venues, and fun-filled events, there’s always something new to discover in West Linn. 

Outdoor recreation

West Linn residents are always minutes away from a diverse array of outdoor recreational venues. The city is home to over 600 acres of parkland equipped with a range of amenities. Whether you’re planning a picnic with the family, looking to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle, or simply looking to relax and reconnect with nature, you’re sure to find the perfect spot in the city.

West Linn’s extensive park system includes 17 active-oriented parks with features like spray parks, playgrounds, athletic fields and courts, skate areas, shelters, and open turf spaces. Outdoor lovers can also explore over 25 miles of trails winding throughout the city, including 18 miles meandering through parks and open spaces and more than seven miles along easements and neighborhoods. You can view a map of West Linn’s trails and open spaces here. 

West Linn is partnered with the nationally recognized Willamette River Water Trail, offering unforgettable opportunities to enjoy activities like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, rafting, or drift boating. The trail consists of an assemblage of properties spanning more than 200 miles that provide access points to the Willamette River or offer opportunities to camp along the banks. The river’s main stem stretches for 187 miles, including portions of the McKenzie River, Middle Fork Willamette, and Coast Fork Willamette.  

Arts and culture destinations

• West Linn Public Library – The West Linn Public Library serves as a vital part of the community by providing free access to a wide variety of materials and programs. Since it opened in 1939 with just 350 books in its collection, the library has grown alongside the community, and now features a 28,000-square-foot facility with a public art gallery, computer labs, conference rooms, and Wi-Fi throughout the building. 
• Historic Willamette Walking Tour – History buffs can enjoy a walking tour of the Historic Willamette neighborhood. Along the way, you’ll be able to get a closer look at historic properties, heritage trees, and over 70 notable landmarks. The Willamette Historic District is nationally recognized for having the largest concentration of historic residences within city boundaries.

Head to this page for more information and to download a brochure for the walking tour.

Dining

Whether you’re catching up with friends, dining out with the family, celebrating a milestone, or just looking to treat yourself to a tasty meal, West Linn’s abundance of dining destinations is sure to satisfy.

Below are several notable restaurants for you to check out around the area:

• Nineteen 33 Taproom
• Avanti
• Allium
• Five-O-Three
• Bugatti’s
• Backyard Burger Company
• Soku Sushi & Noodle
• J. Willy’s 

Events and festivals

West Linn residents look forward to many spectacular, fun-filled events every year. The community embraces a vibrant array of artistic, cultural, and recreational celebrations that echo the unique spirit of the Pacific Northwest.

Below are some of the events you can enjoy when you’re living in West Linn.

Arbor Week

April

Now in its 30th year as a recipient of the Tree City USA award from the National Arbor Day Foundation. The award is given to towns and cities that go above and beyond to maintain community trees and forests.

West Linn celebrates Arbor Week with events like street tree pruning demonstrations and native sapling giveaways at city hall. 

Old Time Fair

July

Held every July at Willamette Park, the Old Time Fair is West Linn’s signature annual event, attracting over 13,000 visitors each year. The three-day celebration features a range of activities and attractions for all ages, including carnival rides, the Olde Time Baseball Game, a classic car and boat show, a parade, live music performances, and a wide variety of exhibitor and vendor booths.

Annual Holiday Bazaar

November

West Linn welcomes the holiday season by organizing a bazaar featuring more than 30 vendors selling handcrafted products and gift items. It’s the perfect place to go if you’re looking to get a head start on your holiday shopping!

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting & Community Celebration

December

West Linn’s time-honored holiday event treats locals to fun attractions and events including the special tree lighting ceremony, hot cocoa and treats, live performances, and meet and greets with Santa and other characters.

Holiday Sweater Dash

December

Suit up in your most festive holiday sweater and join the community in the annual Holiday Sweater Dash at historic downtown Willamette! After the run, drop by the Ale and Cider House for snacks. 

For schedules and more information on West Linn’s annual events, head to the West Linn Parks & Recreation website’s Community Events page.

FIND YOUR DREAM HOME IN WEST LINN!

Ready to start the search for your dream home in West Linn? Adrian Olmstead is ready to go above and beyond to help you realize your real estate goals in this sought-after market.

As a real estate expert and a top producer at Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty, Adrian delivers a best-in-class service approach centered around each client’s needs. You can count on his experience, in-depth knowledge, nuanced marketing strategies, and unwavering passion for real estate to help you find a home in West Linn that perfectly matches your unique preferences and requirements.

Get in touch with Adrian Olmstead today at 503.449.9580 or send an email.