Lake Oswego vs. West Linn (Portland, Wilsonville: low crime, buying a home, landscaping)

[123ZZZ]

Many people moving to the Portland area have heard of both Lake Oswego and West Linn and can't decide between the two. So I feel a compare and contrast is necessary. The data used for these current statistics is from CNNmoney.com

Wealth:
Although West Linn recently surpassed Lake Oswego in average per-capita income, the average Lake Oswego family makes more than the average West Linn family.

Median family income in Lake Oswego: 115,599
Median family income in West Linn: 109,773

Housing:
The houses in both cities are some of the most expensive in the state, many selling for over a million dollars.
Median price for a home in Lake Oswego: 465,000
Median price for a home in West Linn: 407,450

You can get a better bang for your buck in West Linn, but are the prices in Lake Oswego worth it?

Education:
89% of residents in Lake Oswego have completed at least some college
82% of residents in West Linn have completed at least some college

Both school districts are ranked exceptional by the state of Oregon, however Lake Oswego schools have higher test scores.

Personal opinion:
The statistics show a virtual tie between both cities, but give Lake Oswego the slight edge.

The personal differences I see between both cities:

1. Environment. Lake Oswego has had wealth for decades, while West Linn has recently acquired it. This has made the environment in Lake Oswego full of flower baskets, trees, statues and art. Making Lake Oswego a more aesthetically pleasing city. Lake Oswego also has a developed downtown area full of restaurants and shops, unlike West Linn. Furthermore, Lake Oswego has the lake. Yes, the lake isn’t as clean as it should be, but going out on a boat is always nice…I don’t care what lake you’re on!

2. Convenience. Lake Oswego is located closer to both Portland and Bridgeport Village. This makes the commute for work and the festivities in the city shorter, and gives you all the fun at Bridgeport virtually at your footsteps.

3. Reputation. If you care at all about reputation, anyone will tell you “Lake-Ego” has it. West Linn just doesn’t have the name recognition Lake Oswego has had for decades.

4. Community involvement. Yes, both cities are full of active citizens, but I’ve never seen as much fund-raising and activism in any other city besides Lake Oswego. Truly one of a kind!

As you can see I prefer Lake Oswego. That doesn’t mean West Linn is bad, it just doesn’t have all the extra perks that go along with living in Lake Oswego.

[Metlakatla]

It would be no contest for me--Lake O, definitely. The lake is good for rowing and it's got all kinds of ducks.

[123ZZZ]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

It would be no contest for me--Lake O, definitely.

I agree!

[Nature Girl]

Well being as I live in WL, I would have to disagree Sorry have to! No really, LO is beautiful without a doubt, but not all residents (most) have access rights to the lake! WL's Willamette can be enjoyed by everyone. Forgot to mention that small factor. For me, WL feels a bit more homey and has abundance of trees, hills, views, and rivers! But I have to say, LO has the most beautiful styled homes and tree lined streets! Bottom line, you can't go wrong with either city in my opinion, both beautiful with different things to offer!!

[123ZZZ]

Downtown Lake Oswego borders the Willamette River. There is a rather large area with barbecues and restrooms for the citizens of Lake Oswego to use right along the Willamette River. This is located at George Rogers Park in downtown Lake Oswego.

Furthermore, Oswego Lake is open to the public from the Lake Grove Swim Park and other areas. The Lake Grove Swim Park has tables, barbecues, a restroom, trees for shade, a large dock, snack shop, volleyball nets and ping-pong tables.

Willamette River access from Lake Oswego:





Oswego Lake access from the Lake Grove Swim Park:



^^^The dock extends more to the right, and on the other side of those trees (not in the picture) is the snack shop etc. Some of the homes this park borders are some of the nicest on the Lake, making it an extremely beautiful place to tan, swim and enjoy the summer.

So as you can see, living in Lake Oswego gives the public access to both the Willamette River and Oswego Lake through many nice areas.

Also, I feel Lake Oswego, landscape wise, is much nicer than West Linn. Look at the pictures of downtown Lake Oswego and some homes in LO:












Overall, West Linn has nice homes. Lake Oswego has nice homes. But in terms of the city, which includes streets, public landscaping, flower baskets and art...Lake Oswego is far superior and in an entirely different league.

[Topaz]

Lake Oswego is gorgeous and West Linn looks like it is in the process of becoming gorgeous. When my husband and I were house hunting, we were a bit shocked at how seedy some areas of West Linn seemed. But then on the same block would be some really nice new houses and some other houses in the process of being completely re-done. West Linn is changing so if you are looking for a potential investment gain, West Linn might be a good bet.

[Nature Girl]

There is no doubt LO is beautiful, anyone who has visited will know this. I still have to disagree on WL being out of LO's league. There are some stunning areas in WL with amazing parks and views just like the pics you posted. It may not be as affluent, but still has so much to offer. Not to mention the fact that it's more reasonable in price for a home, I would think that would also make it a bit more appealing??? Especially since we have great schools! It's all about how you look at it, and what is most important to you when looking at a city/state. It shouldn't be LO is better, or WL is better, it's a chosen lifestyle, and what people look for in a community. For my family and I, WL has it all and we couldn't be happier! :-)

[123ZZZ]

Originally Posted by Nature Girl

There are some stunning areas in WL with amazing parks and views just like the pics you posted.

My point was that not only does Lake Oswego have stunning areas full of parks and gorgeous views, just as West Linn does, but it also has a stunning downtown full of restaurants and shops, something that is missing from West Linn.

I also wanted to clarify a few things you said. You seemed to imply that everyone in West Linn had access to the Willamette, while those in Lake Oswego did not. However, those in Lake Oswego do have access to the Willamette, just as those in West Linn do. Also, everyone in LO has access to Oswego Lake during the summer.

Originally Posted by Nature Girl

Not to mention the fact that it's more reasonable in price for a home, I would think that would also make it a bit more appealing???

Part of the reason homes in LO are more expensive is because LO is closer to Portland, making the commute to Oregon's main city for work or fun more convenient. We are also closer to Bridgeport Village and Washington Square, which have some of the best shopping in Oregon. You are also paying for LO's reputation, access to its many wonderful amenities (Lusher Farm, Golf Course, in-door Tennis courts etc.) and beautiful landscaping maintained by the city, such as flower baskets, trees etc.

Originally Posted by Nature Girl

Especially since we have great schools!

Both LO and WL school districts are ranked exceptional by the state of Oregon. But the great thing about LO is there are two high schools in the city, and you can transfer between the two if you like one more than the other. WL kids could technically transfer to Wilsonville, but these high schools are very far from one another and in two totally different cities.

Originally Posted by Nature Girl

It shouldn't be LO is better, or WL is better, it's a chosen lifestyle, and what people look for in a community. For my family and I, WL has it all and we couldn't be happier! :-)

It is just a difference of opinion. I feel LO is better for numerous reasons, and you may feel WL is better for other reasons. But this thread is to give those who are debating between the two reasons for why one is better than the other. There's nothing wrong with a little heated discussion!

[Nature Girl]

Well I guess I was wrong then in regards to access to the lake. I was under the impression that it was more difficult for the residents, but I was misinformed. As far as location, it doesn't matter much for us because we are right next door to LO, therefor we are a hop and a skip to LO on the 43 for all the great amentities. So for us, it was a smart move and for anyone else debating on the two cities here's some things to think about-- Pay less in WL, still have the great schools, great parks, great scenery, low crime, family friendly city, but yet still be close enough to LO for a change of scenery! I have never experienced bad traffic at any time of the day on 43!! Can't beat that! A lot of families care more about good schools, low crime, affordable housing, rather than access to shopping. :-) WL will only get better too! I see people turning their homes around like crazy. It's just a matter of time,,,

[Nature Girl]

Oh, and I do not feel we are having a "heated discussion", we are just pointing out why we love our cities so much. No harm in that! Like I said, LO is an amazing place to live, but we all have our list of needs and wants when buying a home. For us, WL had everything on our list!