About Lake Oswego/West Linn
LAKE OSWEGO/WEST LINN
Once a small mining town, Lake Oswego became home to numerous businesses including banks, hotels and general stores. Today, families still flock to Lake Oswego. It is considered one of the finest residential communities in Oregon for its schools, businesses, arts and recreation.
West Linn is not only a quiet suburb in a picturesque setting, it is also an area experiencing vibrant economic growth. 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.”
Neighborhoods
There are 19 recognized neighborhood associations in Lake Oswego. 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
Both Lake Oswego and West Linn are commuter suburbs with most of their residents working in metropolitan Portland. The cities do have a few major employers including SAFECO Insurance, PacifCare of Oregon and Gage Industries, West Linn Paper Co., SmithKline Beecham, Parr Lumbar & Oregon Golf Club. For a full list visit Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce, West Linn Chamber of Commerce or State of Oregon Bureau of Industries.
Schools
Both the Lake Oswego and West Linn - Wilsonville Oregon School Districts have received high marks from the Oregon Department of Education. Schools in Lake Oswego are among the best in the state. The Lake Oswego School District offers small classes and challenging curriculum. 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. There are also several private schools and continuing education classes in Lake Oswego and West Linn.
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.
Parks & 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 the city with miles of bike paths and walking trails. Other options for outdoor recreation include the dedicated skate park, wildlife preserve, Tennis Center, Municipal Golf Course and Luscher Farm. Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation
There are 16 neighborhood parks and 6 nature parks in the 292 acres of West Linn. Residents and visitors enjoy the playgrounds, picnic shelters, sports fields, skate parks and hiking trails. West Linn eared its Tree City USA designation. Mary S. Young Park has trails running alongside the Willamette River and is a favorite among urban birders. West Linn Parks & 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 Music in the Park at Tanner Creek Park and Willamette Park. Movie buffs go to Mary S. Young Park where movies are shown at dusk during the summer.
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.
West Linn offers special events galore including the Annual Exhibit of Handmade Musical Instruments, the West Linn Old Time Fair and the Mary S. Young Art Festival. The West Linn Farmers and Artists Market runs from May to September and focuses on sustainable agriculture, gourmet foods and local artists.
