What Is Living in Clackamas, Oregon Like?
Clackamas is located in Portland Metro and is known for its shopping center and position as a major Portland suburb. With a population of approximately 18000, it offers Oregon living 15 miles from Portland.
Clackamas sits at the base of the Clackamas River canyon — one of the most pristine wild and scenic rivers in the Northwest — and was home to the Clackamas Indians for thousands of years before European settlement. The Clackamas Town Center is one of Oregon's largest shopping destinations.
Whether you're relocating for work, retiring to Oregon, or simply looking for a change of pace, Clackamas offers a compelling combination of natural beauty, community character, and Oregon lifestyle. Read on for everything you need to know before making the move.
Thinking about buying a home in Clackamas?
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Todd Davidson
Executive Loan Officer · Rocket Mortgage · NMLS #2003696
- Specializes in Oregon home buyers & relocators
- Lender-paid 1% rate reduction in Year 1 on purchase loans
- Some buyers starting with first-year rates under 5% — up to $500/mo savings
- FHA, VA, Conventional & Jumbo loans available
- Fast pre-approvals — often same day
Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. Rocket Mortgage NMLS #3030. Rate offers subject to qualification.
Clackamas at a Glance
How Much Do You Need to Live in Clackamas?
Use this calculator to find out exactly how much income your family needs to live comfortably in Clackamas, Oregon — whether renting or buying. Then compare with nearby cities.
Cost of Living Calculator — Clackamas, Oregon
Select your family size and whether you plan to rent or buy.
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Ready to see what you qualify for in Clackamas?
Talk to Todd — free, no obligation.Clackamas Neighborhoods
Clackamas has several distinct neighborhoods — each with its own character and appeal. Here's a breakdown to help you narrow down where to focus your home search.
🛍️ Clackamas Town Center Area
The commercial heart of Clackamas — anchored by the major regional mall with excellent retail dining and services.
🌊 Johnson Creek Corridor
Residential neighborhoods along Johnson Creek with parks trails and a natural corridor through the urban area.
🏡 Sunnyside
Established suburban neighborhood with good schools parks and a family-oriented character.
🌳 Mt. Scott Area
Older established neighborhood with mature trees affordable homes and easy MAX Green Line access.
🏠 Happy Valley Fringe
Newer development on the edge of Happy Valley with modern homes and excellent access to the Clackamas Town Center.
Want to see what's for sale in these neighborhoods?
Sign up for listing alerts — get notified when homes hit the market.Pros & Cons of Living in Clackamas
Every city has trade-offs. Here's an honest look at what residents love — and what they'd warn you about — before moving to Clackamas.
✅ Pros of Living in Clackamas
- Major regional shopping at Clackamas Town Center
- Easy MAX Green Line access to Portland
- 15 miles to downtown Portland
- Lower home prices than closer-in suburbs
- Strong school options including Clackamas High
- Easy access to Mt. Hood recreation corridor
⚠️ Cons of Living in Clackamas
- Suburban character — limited walkable areas
- Heavy traffic around the Town Center area
- Less community identity than established neighborhoods
- Noise and congestion near commercial corridors
- Limited historic character
Thinking About Buying in Clackamas?
Todd Davidson has helped buyers across Oregon navigate the mortgage process — from first-time buyers to retirees relocating to the coast. A quick conversation can save you thousands.
Schools in Clackamas, Oregon
Families moving to Clackamas will find quality public school options through the North Clackamas School District. The district serves K–12 students across Clackamas and surrounding communities.
🎓 School District
North Clackamas School District
Ranked #18 in Oregon (Niche 2026) with a Niche grade of B+. View on Niche →
🏆 Graduation Rate
The 4-year high school graduation rate for North Clackamas School District is approximately 89% — compared to Oregon's statewide average of ~80%.
📚 Higher Education
Portland (15 mi) offers additional college and university options for students continuing beyond high school.
🌐 Online Learning
Oregon State University Ecampus and University of Oregon Online offer fully accredited online degrees for remote learners statewide.
Job Market in Clackamas, Oregon
Clackamas's economy reflects the character of Portland Metro — here's a look at the key industries and employers that define the local job market.
🏪 Retail Hub
Clackamas Town Center — one of Oregon's largest malls — and the surrounding retail corridor drive significant retail employment.
🏥 Healthcare
Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center is a major employer, along with multiple Providence and OHSU-affiliated facilities in the area.
🏭 Manufacturing & Industrial
The Clackamas Industrial Area hosts manufacturers including Precision Castparts suppliers, food processors, and light industry.
🏛️ Government
Clackamas County government, headquartered in Oregon City nearby, is a significant employer for the unincorporated community.
💻 Portland Metro Commute
Clackamas residents commute easily to Portland, Lake Oswego, and Wilsonville — accessing tech, finance, and professional services employment.
🏗️ Construction & Trades
Strong residential and commercial growth in the SE Portland metro drives active construction employment.
Distances from Clackamas
Here's how far Clackamas is from key Oregon cities — helpful context whether you're commuting for work or planning weekend trips.
Things to Do in Clackamas, Oregon
Clackamas offers a variety of activities and attractions for residents and visitors alike. Here's a taste of what you'll find:
- Clackamas Town Center
- MAX Green Line access
- Clackamas River fishing
- Mt. Hood day trips (45 min)
- Springwater Corridor Trail
- Oregon City historic downtown (nearby)
FAQs About Moving to Clackamas, Oregon
What is Clackamas Oregon known for?
Clackamas is primarily known as a major suburban commercial hub — home to Clackamas Town Center (one of the Portland metro's largest malls) and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry's former location. It's a well-positioned suburb with easy access to Portland and the Mt. Hood corridor.
What are home prices like in Clackamas Oregon?
Clackamas offers good value in the Portland metro — homes typically range from $420000–$620000 depending on the neighborhood and home type.
Is Clackamas Oregon a good commute location?
Yes — the MAX Green Line provides frequent direct service to downtown Portland and major employers. Driving access to I-205 and I-84 is also strong.
What outdoor recreation is near Clackamas?
Mt. Hood is about 45 minutes east via Highway 26. The Clackamas River provides excellent fishing. The Springwater Corridor Trail for cycling and walking is easily accessible.
How do I get a mortgage for a home in Clackamas, Oregon?
The first step is always getting pre-approved. Todd Davidson (Executive Loan Officer, Rocket Mortgage, NMLS #2003696) specializes in Oregon home buyers with a current offer of lender-paid 1% rate reduction in Year 1 on purchase loans — potentially saving up to $500/month.
Cities Near Clackamas, Oregon
Exploring other Oregon cities? Here are communities near Clackamas — each with its own character and lifestyle. Click to explore any of them.
Helpful Links for Moving to Clackamas
Ready to Make Clackamas Home?
Whether you're buying your first home, relocating from out of state, or retiring to Oregon — Todd Davidson will walk you through every step of the mortgage process and make it easy.