Milwaukie , Oregon

What It Is Like to Retire in Milwaukie

Milwaukie, Oregon, is a small town in northwestern Oregon, just south of Portland, with a population of 20,512 (2013 census).  Founded in 1847, along the banks of the Willamette River,  Milwaukie is known as the birthplace of the Bing cherry, developed by orchardist and resident Seth Lewelling, and is still a major cultivar in Oregon.

The town is unique in that it consists of 7 Neighborhood District Associations (NDAs), each with their own set of bylaws, and holds elections of officers who represent their neighborhood to local government.  Each NDA also hosts their own festivals, newsletters, projects and events.  For a small town, Milwaukie is undergoing a lot of change which includes the Neighborhood Main Street Project, which is revitalizing part of the downtown area,  a beautiful new Riverfront Park on the Willamette River, and a light rail system that is now under construction and will run between Milwaukie and Portland.  

Where to Retire in Milwaukie and Home Prices

According to Zillow, the median home value was $485,907 in mid-2021, a 21.4% increase over the past year.

What Is Special about Milwaukie

The town, known as "Dogwood City of the West",  is located on the Wiliamette River with parks, a town center, community gardens, and a light rail system for easy access to Portland.

What Is Not Special about Milwaukie

High cost of living; winters are chilly

Who Will Like Retirement in Milwaukie

Retirees who are looking for a small town with a low crime rate and a lot outdoor activities may enjoy living in Milwaukie.  A visit to the coast and Mt Hood are easy day trips. 

Local Economy Is Driven by

The economy is driven by Retail and Manufacturing.  Downtown Milwaukie is home to Dark Horse Comics,  which occupies three city blocks.  

Climate and Physical Environment

Milwaukie's average January temperature is about 40 degrees, the average July temperature is 70 degrees. The town gets about 45 inches of rain and only about 4 inches of snow annually.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Milwaukie boasts over a dozen parks including an aquatics park and a new water front park with a boat launch and amphitheater.   There is a historical district, and the attractive town center offers shops and dining.  The community hosts events and festivals throughout the year, as do some of the individual Neighborhood Districts; the Milwaukie Arts Committee works to connect the arts with the community.  For more entertainment and the cultural scene, Portland is just a few miles away.

Crime

The crime rate in Milwaukie is low.

Medical facilities

Providence Milwaukie Hospital serves the area.

Transportation

Amtrak is 6 miles away in Oregon City, or 7 miles away in Portland; Portland International Airport is about 17 miles away. A light rail system is being constructed which will connect Milwaukie to Portland.

Valuable Links

Milwaukie, Oregon