2023 Best Places to Live in Clackamas County

• Suburb of Portland, OR

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  95 reviews

Current Resident: I love my neighborhood! We have such kind, thoughtful neighbors. Everything we need is within 10 minute drive... resturants, grocery, movies. The Lake Theater is the best!... Read 95 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 40,390

• Suburb of Portland, OR

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  Rating 4.05 out of 5  86 reviews

Current Resident: West Linn is a great place to live, lots of trees and natural areas. There is an overall diverse selection of housing, with tidy upscale residential in Hidden Springs, Rosemont, and BHT built in the 90s/early 2000s. Marylhurst has a bit more of a range with many houses being built as far back as the 60s/70s, and the Robinwood, Bolton, and Sunset areas have a lot more affordable homes in the sub-$600k area. The charming Old Willamette area has many different shops and bars/places to eat and two(!) large hardware stores. Oh, and you can't forget the beautiful estates in the Stafford and Pete's Mountain area. Overall the city is safe and tidy, having everything you would need. Multiple grocery stores, hardware stores, and fast food places. One downfall is the lack of gas stations up on the hill, you need to go all the way to basically Oregon City to fill up, which is a pity as most of the nicer homes are on the hill. There is a nice Chevron with a touchless carwash in Willamette though.... Read 86 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 27,173

• Suburb of Portland, OR

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  Rating 4.32 out of 5  60 reviews

Current Resident: Was looking to buy in Lake Oswego but chose HV. It's so safe and clean. And the city is well run. Right now the main park is getting new sports fields, the already awesome library is expanding and I see improvements coming for the Scott Creek trail and Southern Lites Park. I run up Scouters Mtn. And Talbert all the time. A little worried about all the new homes being built. May make Sunnyside congested or push away the wildlife critters I love.... Read 60 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 23,442

• Suburb of Portland, OR

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Population 1,999

• Suburb of Portland, OR

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  57 reviews

Current Resident: Wilsonville, Oregon feels safe with its low crime rate and quiet neighborhoods. I appreciate this coming from an inner city where my car was broken into, my boyfriends car was stolen and people were threatened a daily basis. There is a wide variety of restaurants to chose from with different types of cuisines. The public library is very spacious and has a diverse selection or reading materials. They come in a bunch of different formats including audio books and digital copies to “check out”. With numerous parks to choose from, my dog and I get plenty of walking in, keeping us healthy and in shape. The parks are well kept and feel safe. Again something I appreciate due to where we used to live. It’s far enough from the main cities (Portland & Salem) to not have too much traffic, but close enough to not make errands in either a long trip.... Read 57 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 25,887

• Suburb of Portland, OR

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  Rating 3.78 out of 5  103 reviews

Current Resident: Milwaukie is a quiet suburb of Portland, Oregon with panoramic views of Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens throughout the neighborhoods. Its streets are lined with towering Douglas fir trees so you would never know it's just a 15 minute drive to the Pearl district of Portland. Milwaukie is the perfect distance away from the bustle of the city and the quiet of the mountains, easy access to Saturday markets, walking trails, bike paths, and so much more. Settled near two great rivers, the Columbia and the Willamette, water activities are easy to get to from Milwaukie during the summer months. During the winter, its just a short drive to Timberline for some sledding and hot coco! True to the PNW, there are also many coffee shops, breweries, and wineries in the surrounding area to explore. Milwaukie is an easy-going, family-friendly suburb with so much to offer its residents.... Read 103 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• Population 21,108

• Suburb of Portland, OR

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  Rating 3.12 out of 5  17 reviews

Current Resident: We have lived in Oatfield for six months and we love it here. Very quiet, beautiful houses, convenient to restaurants and grocery stores.... Read 17 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 12,993

• Suburb of Portland, OR

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  Rating 4 out of 5  28 reviews

Current Resident: Its a very nice and welcoming community to newcomers with community events either nearby or in town happening frequently. Easy access is available to natural parks, small community centers, and religious resources for those interested. A naturally beautiful area for those who visit or live in the area.... Read 28 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 12,017

• Suburb of Portland, OR

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  Rating 3.86 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: I love the neighborhood and how the neighbors all look out for each other. I wish there was more funding available for the homeless population here. I am working for a non-profit in the area and trying to house the homeless with minimal funding.... Read 7 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Population 17,382

• Suburb of Portland, OR

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  Rating 3.83 out of 5  124 reviews

Current Resident: The Clackamas Community College here is in a beautiful spot with big pine trees surrounding the perimeter. It is next to a high school which give you a chance to work with the high schoolers. Oregon city is a quiet city that has lots of amenities including boating, and swimming on the willamette river. hiking,biking,and running trails. The Downtown is a historic strip full of coffee shops,bars,restaurants,shops,and other unique spots. Near the downtown area you can see the rumbling willamette falls. You can visit the end of the Oregon trail museum. If your looking to venture outside of oregon city, you can find The countryside and the forest just minutes away. You can go to the busy, Lively city of Portland. There is a great night life in the downtown area. Though Housing is a bit expensive There is several cute old historical homes. The city is blooming in population with a little under 38,000 residents. Next time you are in oregon come see the cute little town of oregon city.... Read 124 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Population 37,160

• Town in Oregon

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  Rating 3.7 out of 5  67 reviews

Current Resident: Being a Canby resident for over a year. This small town is making a name for itself. With a lush downtown with diverse restaurants to eat from. This town doesn't stay quiet on the weekends or holidays. There's also an art gallery that opened up last year which has thrown monthly art sessions and collaborated with local business in supporting small business. Schools are family friendly, close to walk to and school parks are shared with the community. Many folks are active in lifestyle and a pleasure to be around. You'll feel like a family member easily!... Read 67 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Population 18,078

• Town in Oregon

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  Rating 4.2 out of 5  35 reviews

Current Resident: I like how connected everyone seems in Sandy, it feels like a very safe little town that has a lot to give. I came from a town that wasn't the safest or the prettiest and I feel Sandy provides a lot of beauty through the people, opportunities, and nature. There's many places to get outdoors and it's a town that has a little bit of everything. It's a very pet friendly place and I love to see the variety in animals and plants we have. I love supporting small businesses and Sandy provides the perfect opportunity for this. The one thing that I think could change about this wonderful town is the amount of places we continue to try and cram in this small town. A small town is a small town for a reason and they tend to be beautiful, so let's keep it this way.... Read 35 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Population 12,383

• Suburb of Portland, OR

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  Rating 4 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: Close Community no crime and lots of bands! The schools are Community orientated with latchkey programs for working parents. Mad Max and buses make commuting to Portland easy.... Read 4 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Population 7,953

• Suburb of Portland, OR

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  Rating 3.84 out of 5  37 reviews

Current Resident: One thing I really liked about growing up in Damascus was the fact that I lived within reach of the city, but was still able to maintain a level of seclusion from the everyday hustle and bustle. I enjoyed the balance of rural and urban life that Damascus provided for many years. However, within the past ten years, there has been a huge influx of people living in or around that area, making this quiet space less of a haven than it was before. The primary reason that this has been so difficult is because traffic right outside of my neighborhood has worsened more and more over time. Therefore, I would like to see an overall of the intersections and thoroughfares along Highway 212. I believe this would help ease the tidal wave of traffic and compensate for increased foot traffic along the Damascus suburbs.... Read 37 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Population 10,878

• Town in Oregon

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  Rating 3.77 out of 5  35 reviews

Current Resident: Molalla is an interesting little town. It doesn’t consist of many stores or places to eat, but it is one of the best country towns. Molalla has multiple outdoor activities and recreational areas just outside the town. Weather people want to go on a hike, go to the river, or just relax at a park, Molalla has it. If interested in city like atmosphere Molalla is probably it the first option.; but if people are interested in outdoor activities, Molalla is the place to go.... Read 35 reviews

• grade C

• grade C+

• Population 10,060

• Town in Oregon

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  Rating 3.6 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: We live in Welches and love it. Mt. Hood Village is a rather a small community where everyone knows everyone, most people are friendly and warm. The scenery is breathtaking! Locals are highly proud of the land. Although we live in the forest we have all of Portland’s commodities fairly close. Great place to live.... Read 5 reviews

• grade C

• grade B

• Population 4,445

• Town in Oregon

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  Rating 3.83 out of 5  18 reviews

Current Resident: Growing up in Estacada, I couldn't wait to get out. I felt trapped, there was never enough to stimulate me and I felt like my dreams were much bigger than anything it could ever offer. It wasn't until recently moving back that I realized that this vast evergreen prison was my home. I use to dread running into someone I knew at the local grocery store or gas station, until I noticed that small talk is much more than common causalities. It's a slower way of life than the big city. Everyone is invested in the community and shows up to high school football games. Neighbors wave when you're out for a walk with your dog. And everyone shows up for the summer celebration on Main Street in June. Estacada is much more homely than small town with a single stop light, it's warm comfort you can run back to when the rest of the world feels a bit too cold.... Read 18 reviews

• grade C minus

• grade C

• Population 4,353

• Suburb of Portland, OR

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 545

• Suburb of Portland, OR

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 451

• Town in Oregon

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  Rating 3.86 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: Beautiful countryside out here! I have grown up in this area and it sure is a beautiful small town. It is close to the city, which makes it pretty easy to take a trip to Portland or the suburban area. I like the quiet, trees, wildlife, and the Molalla River that runs through the area.... Read 7 reviews

• grade C

• grade C+

• Population 2,251

• Town in Oregon

• grade C minus

• grade B

• Population 184