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Lake Oswego / West Linn
Lake Oswego started off as a small mining town that drew families from across the U.S., and became home to numerous businesses including banks, hotels and general stores.
Two centuries later, families still flock to Lake Oswego. It is considered one of the finest residential communities in Oregon and sought after for its schools, businesses, arts and recreation.
West Linn offers the best of both worlds: a quiet suburb in a picturesque setting and an area experiencing vibrant economic growth.
It retains the same natural beauty that settlers fell in love with in the 1800s. Panoramic views of the Willamette and Tualatin rivers, Mount Hood and the wooded highlands have earned West Linn the nickname, “the city of hills, trees and rivers.”
Demographics
Population
Lake Oswego: 36,073
West Linn: 24,180
Climate
Average high 84 degrees (June-Sept)
Average low 34 degrees (Nov-Mar)
West Linn has hot summers (average high 85 degrees) and wet winters (average low 35 degrees) with annual precipitation of 44 inches.
Precipitation:
43 inches per year
Size in square miles:
Lake Oswego 11.2
West Linn 7.9
Neighborhoods
There are 19 recognized neighborhood associations in Lake Oswego as well as the Lake Oswego Neighborhood Action Coalition (LONAC) is an organization made up of representatives from each Neighborhood Association.
There are 11 active neighborhood associations in West Linn.
Industry & Employers
Lake Oswego is a commuter suburb with most of its residents working in metropolitan Portland. The city does have a few major employers including SAFECO Insurance, PacifCare of Oregon and Gage Industries.
Other industries in Lake Oswego include:
Healthcare
High Tech
Renewable Energy
Software Development
Tourism
Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce
State of Oregon Bureau of Industries
Most West Linn residents work outside the city limits with the majority commuting to Portland or surrounding suburbs. There are several major employers in West Linn including West Linn Paper Co., SmithKline Beecham, Oregon Golf Club and Parr Lumber.
Other industries in West Linn include:
Business Development
Education
High Tech
Human Services
Natural Resources
West Linn Chamber of Commerce
State of Oregon Bureau of Industries
Transportation
Lake Oswego is within commuting distance from Neighborhoods like Portland, West Linn, Beaverton and Hillsboro.
Tri-Met offers regular bus service throughout Lake Oswego and the Adult Community Center offers transportation to medical appointments as well as recreational outings.
The Portland International Airport is just a short commute from Lake Oswego.
West Linn is within commuting distance from Neighborhoods like Portland, Lake Oswego, Beaverton and Hillsboro.
One city bus, nicknamed the “Willamette Shuttle” offers a regular route to and from the Oregon City Transit Center where it connects with Tri-Met busses.
The Portland International Airport is just a short commute from Lake Oswego.
Tri-Met
Schools
Schools in Lake Oswego are among the best in the state. The Lake Oswego School District offers small classes and challenging curriculum, earning high marks from the Oregon Department of Education.
There are also several private schools and continuing education classes.
The West Linn-Wilsonville Oregon School District is committed to personalized education, academic excellence, community support and technological innovation. More than 8,000 students attend schools in the district which has received high marks from the Oregon Department of Education.
West Linn is also home to Marylhurst University, a liberal arts college that has been voted one of the top colleges in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report every year since 2001.
Oregon Department of Education
West Linn-Wilsonville Oregon School District
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Oswego Lake, a 4.5-acre lake in the heart of Lake Oswego, is the backdrop for recreation in the area. There are also 600 acres of parks throughout Lake Oswego with miles of bike paths and walking trails as well as a dedicated skate park and a wildlife preserve.
Other options for outdoor recreation include the Tennis Center, Municipal Golf Course and Luscher Farm, an historic farm that offers environmental education and organic garden plots. For more information about local Click Here.
There are a total of 16 neighborhood parks and six nature parks encompassing 292 acres of West Linn. The open spaces that include playgrounds, picnic shelters, sports fields and hiking trails have earned West Linn a Tree City USA designation.
Mary S. Young Park has trails running alongside the Willamette River and is a favorite among urban birders and Camassia Natural Area has over 22 acres of rare plant varieties, animals and hiking trails.
Parks and Recreation
Arts and Entertainment
Lake Oswego is home to an abundance of live performances, historic buildings, art galleries and walking tours.
The Lakewood Center for the Arts hosts art exhibits, concerts and theater performances, the Heritage House is home to a small museum and the Lake Oswego Foundation for the Arts offers walking tours to view local art.
The community spirit in West Linn lends itself to a number of live performances, special events and outdoor activities throughout the year.
The West Linn Community Chorus performs concerts at venues in West Linn and metropolitan Portland. In the summer, live music can be heard at Tanner Creek Park and Willamette Park.
Movie buffs go to Mary S. Young Park where movies are shown at dusk during the summer.
Music in the Park
West Linn Community Chorus
Festivals and Events
Lake Oswego sponsors numerous festivals and events including movies in the park, Festival of the Arts, Wine & Food Fest and the Lake Run. The annual farmers market runs from May to October and features more than 80 local farmers.
Movies in the Park
Festival of the Arts
Lake Run
Wine and Food Festival
Farmers Market
Event Calendar
West Linn offers special events galore including the Annual Exhibit of Handmade Musical Instruments in April, the West Linn Old Time Fair in July and the Mary S. Young Art Festival in September.
The West Linn Farmers and Artists Market runs from May to September and focuses on sustainable agriculture, gourmet foods and local artists.
Farmers & Artists Market
NW Musical Instrument Show
West Linn Old Time Fair
Arts Festival in the Forest at Mary S. Young Park
Shopping and Dining
Some of the best restaurants and hottest boutiques in Oregon are found in Lake Oswego.
Lakeview Village is the most popular shopping destination with shops like Meringue Boutique and Sur la Table. Zeppo, Manzana Rotisserie and Clarke’s Restaurant are Lake Oswego favorites.
There are a number of restaurants in West Linn ranging from cafes and brewpubs to fine dining and restaurants specializing in using local ingredients. Some of the local favorites include McMenamins Pub, Pizza Schmizza and Thai Orchid.
Options for shopping in West Linn include Cascade Summit Shopping Center and West Linn Shopping Center.
Mcmenamins
Thai Orchid Restaurant
Pizza Schmizza
Pet Central
Fido is welcome in Lake Oswego. There are pet boutiques, bakeries for puppies and dog park at Luscher Farm.
Canine Couture
Healthy Pet
Services for pets abound in West Linn. There are veterinarians, pet sitting services, doggie daycare and off leash parks.
Pawsitive Pet Care
Dog Club of West Linn
MARY S. YOUNG STATE RECREATION AREA
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