Top 10 Reasons to Move to the North Willamette Valley

Why are so many people trading the city core for the North Willamette Valley? It’s not just about square footage (though that helps). It’s about a lifestyle that feels a little more grounded.

Here are the top 10 reasons people fall in love with this area (Canby, Aurora, Oregon City, Wilsonville, and beyond).

1. You live where the food grows

In the North Willamette Valley, “farm-to-table” isn’t a marketing slogan; it’s a 5-minute drive. From the Dahlia fields in Canby to berry stands in Aurora and hazelnut orchards in Wilsonville, you are surrounded by local abundance.

2. The “Best of Both Worlds” location

You can be in downtown Portland in 30–40 minutes for a show, or on a hiking trail in the Cascades in 45 minutes. You get the quiet of the country without being cut off from the culture of the city.

3. Serious Wine Country access

You don’t have to drive to Dundee to get great wine. The North Willamette Valley is home to incredible vineyards (like St. Josef’s, Pete’s Mountain, and others) that feel personal and unpretentious.

4. River life

Between the Willamette, the Clackamas, and the Molalla rivers, water is everywhere. Whether you’re into kayaking, fishing, or just dining with a river view, this area defines “river city” living.

5. More space for your money

While prices have risen everywhere, your dollar generally goes further here than in Lake Oswego or inner Portland. It’s often the difference between a condo and a yard, or a small lot and an acre.

6. A slower (but not sleepy) pace

Traffic is lighter. People tend to hold doors open. It’s a lifestyle where rushing isn’t the default setting, yet there’s still plenty to do—from summer concerts in the park to holiday markets.

7. Historic downtowns with soul

Places like downtown Oregon City and Aurora aren’t strip malls; they are walkable, historic districts with independent bookstores, antique shops, and bakeries that have been there for decades.

8. Gardening is a legitimate sport here

Thanks to the incredibly fertile soil (we have the Ice Age floods to thank for that), if you stick a seed in the ground here, it tends to grow. It’s a gardener’s paradise.

9. Community events that matter

The Canby Ferry, the Clackamas County Fair, the Oregon City Elevator—these aren’t just tourist spots; they are local touchstones that create a shared sense of identity you don’t always find in a sprawling suburb.

10. Housing variety

Do you want a floating home? A 1905 Victorian? A mid-century modern on a hill? Or a brand-new build? Because this area developed over decades (and centuries), the housing stock is delightfully mixed.

Keeping it real (estate): Is it right for you?

The North Willamette Valley isn’t for everyone. If you crave 24-hour nightlife or total walkability without a car, it might be an adjustment. But if you’re looking for room to breathe, trees to climb, and a neighbor who actually knows your name, this might be your spot.

If you’re wrestling with the “but where DO we move?” question and want a calm, local perspective on how that decision might play out in the North Willamette Valley, schedule a 30‑minute intro call:
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