​As the seat of Clackamas County, Oregon City’s history stretches back farther than the county itself. In fact, after Oregon City’s founding in 1829, it became the first U.S. city incorporated west of the Rockies in 1844. It even boasted the earliest print newspaper in the west: The Oregon Spectator. 

Rising from that history is a vibrant modern center at the southern edge of Portland’s metropolitan area. Oregon City has continued to carve out its identity as its historical industries of lumber, and then paper mills slowly became defunct. Now it is in the process of revitalizing itself as far more than just a suburb of Portland. The End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center sheds insight on the area’s fascinating past, complete with costumed guides. Continue your journey through history at the Museum of the Oregon Territory, before checking out some of the Oregon trails — no wagon train required. 

In terms of amenities, the city offers a broad selection of food options. Mike’s Drive-In boasts 1,500 reviews with an almost-five-star average, a convenient option for social distancing. Check out the Oregon City McMenamins by the Willamette River, or the Falls View Tavern for outdoor seating with a view of the water. The city also contains 22 parks with options for camping, hiking, skating, and more. 

Unfortunately, the Willamette Falls themselves have long remained closed to the public. But an exciting new initiative called The Willamette Falls Legacy Project seeks to change that. In fact, a riverwalk from historic downtown Oregon City along the Willamette is already in progress. Overall, Oregon City is a lovely place with a rich history and exciting prospects for its future development.

Just south from the bustle of downtown Portland, Milwaukie is a hip place to live right on the border with Multnomah County. With a walkable downtown beside the Willamette River, Milwaukie feels cozy while being only a quick jaunt from the city proper. As the last stop on the MAX line, you can be downtown on public transit in about half an hour. But there’s enough to do in and around Milwaukie that you won’t be jonesing for a trip into the city. Milkwaukie’s beautiful waterfront park is a perfect place to take a to-go lunch and spread out a picnic blanket. With a wide selection of downtown restaurants, there are tons of options to choose from. Check out Cha Cha Cha Taqueria or Gramma’s Corner Kitchen, both a five-minute walk or less from the riverfront. 

If you’re looking for even more options, stop by the food truck pod by the Milwaukie MAX station. Here you’ll find delicious cuisines from gyros to green curry, all in an outdoor setting with picnic tables to eat at. If you’re looking for a cup of coffee, Wind Horse is a lovely spot to grab a latte and a pastry while strolling Milwaukie’s downtown. Sci-fi fans should swing by the Dark Horse Comics offices, where life-scale models of the Xenomorph, from the Aliens franchise, and Predator stare out from glass windows. 

When it comes to the natural wonders of Clackamas County, Mount Hood is the gem in a glittering crown. Even the drive down Route 26 offers stunning panoramas and lush forests. The county contains portions of both Mount Hood National Forest and Willamette National Forest, making for a wide selection of hiking and camping all within an easy drive. 

A hotspot for ski tourism in the winter, Mount Hood draws  travelers from across the land with its coveted slopes and breathtaking beauty. In the summer, hiking, fishing, and camping in the surrounding area are just as popular. The Mount Hood Scenic Loop is a great way to check out the gorgeous sights without even having to leave your car.

Of course, Mount Hood and its surrounding lands could provide enough recreation opportunities to last a lifetime. But rest assured, there are enough natural wonders in Clackamas County to keep you busy year-round. The placid blue waters of Timothy Lake lie just south of the mountain. Bonnie Lure and Milo McIver State Parks are also a quick drive from Clackamas County’s main metropolitan centers, offering more riverside recreation opportunities. From lakes to mountains, rivers to trails, Clackamas leaves nothing to be desired.

Due to the  diversity between wilderness and city areas across Clackamas County, it contains a wide span of property values. Zillow lists the median home price within Clackamas County at just below $460,000. In Milwaukie, that number is closer to $392,000; Oregon City’s sits at $443,000, and Damascus at $513,000. Housing prices have climbed steadily since 2012 when the median cost of a home in Clackamas County was $260,000. Bestplaces.com notes housing as the largest contributor to the cost of living in Clackamas county. With more affordable options in smaller, more remote hamlets such as Sandy and Molalla, Clackamas truly contains something for everyone.

A look at renting options shows a similar trend in diversity. The average rent for an apartment in Oregon City is $1,378, making it an attractive option compared to the higher rents closer to the city center. Milwaukie’s average rent is $1,417, and Damascus  $1,537. This places much of Clackamas county lower than the average rent in Portland, which is about $1,540. 

If you live in Clackamas County and think your home would make a great rental, look no farther than Rent Portland Homes by Darla Andrew. We handle all the details of renting your home, from creating a listing to finding the best tenants. With our help, you’ll never need to worry about collecting rent or handling repairs. Just take a look at our testimonials page if you want to hear what our clients have to say. If you’d like to hear more information, call or text anytime at (503) 515-3170 or by filling out the contact page on our website.