Wilsonville, Oregon, is located on the southern end of Portland. And it serves as the gateway to the Willamette Valley. Once a small farming community, Wilsonville has grown into a thriving city with over 26,000 residents. And for those moving to Portland, the city offers the perfect balance of country charm and big-city convenience.
A Thriving Community with Small-Town Spirit
Wilsonville has both high-tech industries and family-owned businesses. The community is very safe. It has a low crime rate and great schools. Residents enjoy a small-town feel while being close to nature. The town sits on the Willamette River and is near Mount Hood, the Columbia River Gorge, and Oregon’s beaches. This makes it a great place for newcomers to settle.
There are many fun activities in the area. For example, you can visit wineries, watch horse shows, or try agri-tourism. Antiquing is also a popular pastime. These attractions make Wilsonville perfect for people relocating to Portland who want both relaxation and fun.
Living in Wilsonville
Wilsonville offers many housing options. Choices include golf course communities, new urban villages, luxury apartments, condominiums, active adult housing, riverfront homes, and suburban houses on quiet streets. This variety makes it easy for newcomers to find the right home.
The schools in Wilsonville are highly rated. Students do well on tests and graduate on time. The city is also home to Oregon Tech, a top public university, and a branch of Clackamas Community College. These schools give students and adults great learning opportunities.
The Wilsonville Public Library is a favorite spot for residents. It has over 100,000 items, including books, movies, and more. The library also offers programs for all ages, like storytime, concerts, film showings, book clubs, genealogy groups, and history nights. Newcomers will find the library a great place to meet others and learn.
Parks and Recreation
Wilsonville has 15 parks covering nearly 200 acres. These parks have water features, tennis courts, a dog park, hiking trails, bike paths, and more. There are playgrounds, sports fields, and a boat dock. The Parks and Recreation Department runs year-round programs for all ages.
The city also hosts fun events like Movies in the Park, the Wilsonville Egg Hunt, the Harvest Festival, the Reindeer Romp, the Daddy-Daughter Dance, and the annual tree lighting. Bigger events include the Summer Concert Series, the Festival of Arts, and Fun in the Park. These events help newcomers connect with the community.
Convenient Transportation Options
Wilsonville has a great public transit system called South Metro Area Regional Transit (SMART), It offers free rides within the city and low-cost trips to nearby places like Portland, Canby, Salem, and Tualatin. The city is also the southern end of the TriMet’s Westside Express Service (WES) Commuter Rail. This rail line connects Wilsonville to Beaverton and links to buses and MAX trains that go to Portland and Portland International Airport (PDX).
Why Choose Wilsonville?
Wilsonville offers small-town charm and big-city convenience. It is safe, has excellent schools, and provides many fun activities. Its location near Portland, Mount Hood, the Columbia River Gorge, and the ocean makes it even more appealing.
In conclusion, for newcomers relocating to Portland, Wilsonville is a place where you can enjoy nature, connect with the community, and take advantage of modern amenities. Whether you love the outdoors, value great schools, or enjoy local events, Wilsonville has something for everyone.
