Main differences between west linn, sherwood, mcminnville, etc. (Portland, Tualatin: rated, metro)

[zepp]

What are the main differences between these towns, as well as wilsonville, damascus, and tualatin? From the posts I've read, they sound like great places to raise a family, but knowing nothing else about them, what are some general differences as far as the feel of the place?

I appreciate all the help/information!

[Rob Allen]

Most of the towns you mention are part of the Portland metro developed area (I think the technical term is "conurbation"); McMinnville and Wilsonville are separated from it by some amount of rural space. Wilsonville is closer to Portland than McMinnville is.

Tualatin and Sherwood are in Washington County; McMinnville is in Yamhill County (it's the county seat); the rest are in Clackamas County.

Damascus is the only one on your list that's on the east side of the Willamette River.