For those who love the outdoors and seek a peaceful way of living, Mid-Willamette Valley Oregon has something for everyone. With 300 days of sunshine every year and a crispness to the air, residents enjoy the beautiful landscape that includes the Willamette River that courses through the entire valley and three mountain ranges: the Cascade Range to the east, the Oregon Coast Range to the west, and the Calapooya Mountains to the south.
While several of the counties of Mid-Willamette Valley are in close proximity to cities, including Portland and Salem, many of the communities have a relaxed, small-town feel with friendly, down-to-earth residents. With a welcoming population and plenty of scenic activities, it’s no wonder that homebuyers are taking notice of Mid-Willamette Valley.
If you are considering calling Mid-Willamette Valley home, you’ll also have plenty to do in terms of leisure activities. Nicknamed "Oregon Wine Country,” this region has 19,000 acres of vineyards and 500+ wineries, providing both pleasure and employment to many in Polk, Marion, Linn, and Benton counties.
The region also offers many different property settings. Whether you are interested in a small-town suburb or a quiet, remote county, Mid-Willamette Valley has both.
To help you decide where you would like to live in this gorgeous landscape, let’s take a closer look at some of the best areas to find land within Mid-Willamette Valley.
Polk County
Located in Polk County, Salem is the state capital and an agricultural center. The progressive downtown area is made up mostly of state government buildings. Surrounding the downtown, there is plenty of room to build up around the local agricultural settings that include orchards, fruits, grapes, nursery stock, and vegetables.
Residents of Polk County are close enough to Portland to enjoy its culture and amenities while also enjoying their small-town lifestyle. Some residents are close enough to commute north to the south sections of Portland that are populated by the high-tech industry.
While the winter climate is gloomy, areas of Polk County are between 50 and 100 miles from the Pacific Ocean, which makes for an easy day trip to the beach on a summer afternoon.
Marion County
Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Marion County is made up of 20 incorporated cities and 37 unincorporated communities. Close in proximity to Polk County, Marion County residents also have access to Portland and the coast for employment and enjoyment.
Marion County’s economy is primarily driven by agriculture and food processing, lumber, manufacturing, and education. The county provides education through Willamette University, Corban University, and Chemeketa Community College.
As for popular attractions, residents and tourists alike enjoy one of many vineyards and distilleries, such as the Carabella Vineyard; the Enchanted Forest Theme Park; and a beautiful walk through Silver Falls State Park.
Linn County
Midway through Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Linn County is bordered by rich farmland on the south, the curves of the Willamette River on the west and north, and the ridge of the Cascade Mountain Range on the east. In more than 2,000 square miles, Linn County is made up of scenic countryside and friendly small towns. Its largest town is Albany, which has a deep history, plenty of spirited cuisine, recreational activities, and outdoor adventures.
Linn County’s principal industries are wood products, agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. The climate and soil of the region make it one of the most diversified agricultural areas in the state.
Benton County
Benton County is made up of many rural and suburban villages as well as two larger municipalities: Corvallis and a part of Albany. The county has a true small-town flavor and provides access to a wide and balanced set of amenities and a fairly pleasant climate devoid of extremes.
Corvallis is home to Oregon State University, which provides education, entertainment, and employment to the residents of the region. Along with Oregon State University, the economic base of the county is formed by agriculture, lumber, and some printing technology research and development. A major highlight of the region is that OSU provides a substantial portion of the nation's research in forestry, agriculture, engineering, education, and the sciences.
Learn More
As you have read, Mid-Willamette Valley has something for everyone. For those interested in professional development in tech, research, manufacturing, agriculture, and more, the counties of the region provide excellent opportunities. But there’s more to life than just work. Residents of these counties really take advantage of the beautiful scenery around them.
If you’re interested in building a new, custom home in the Mid-Willamette Valley of Oregon, now is an ideal time. There is plenty of beautiful land available at a reasonable price, and many buyers are able to easily find property in their preferred area.
To learn more about finding land in the Mid-Willamette Valley of Oregon or about the custom homebuilding process, call us or visit us at our office in Creswell.
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