Oregon is considered the gem of the Pacific Northwest, known for its breathtaking natural beauty. The state is also renowned for its vibrant cities, including Eugene and Portland, and has many small and charming towns that each come with their own unique character and appeal. One of those towns is Independence, a genuine treasure nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley. Picturesque and quaint, Independence embodies its fierce name and the natural beauty of Oregon. If you’re considering a move here, the information below will be beneficial. These are reasons why you should move to Independence, brought to you by the Oregon storage experts at Northwest Self Storage!
1. The Weather is Genuinely Pleasant
The climate in Independence is temperate, with warm, sunny summers and mild winters compared to many other parts of the northwest. Indeed, the comfort index in summer is a fantastic 9.2/10, nearly perfect! Because of its pleasant weather, residents of Independence can enjoy outdoor activities most of the year.
2. Housing is Affordable
If you’ve checked out prices in Portland, Eugene, or some of the other larger cities in Oregon, you might be shell-shocked at this point. The good news is that Independence is one of the more affordable towns in the northwest.
Housing is more affordable than in many of the larger towns in the state, and there’s a broader range of options, from modern apartments to historic homes. The housing index is 116/100, far better than Portland or Salem and just as good or better than many comparable towns and cities in the northwest. In fact, the average Oregon housing index is 150/100, making Independence almost 40% lower than the rest of the state, on average.
3. The Education System in Independence is Good
While it might not have the top-ranked schools in Oregon, Independence has a solid and well-liked public education system. Schools in Independence have a reputation for academic excellence and a commitment to extracurricular activities, which provide a well-rounded school experience and a good starting point for college.
4. Independence is Close to Salem
There’s no denying that small towns come with smaller experiences, especially when it comes to shopping, entertainment, and so forth. The good news is that Independence is a stone’s throw from Salem, Oregon’s capital city. You’ll find excellent shopping and dining opportunities, world-class entertainment, beautiful parks, museums, and more there. At a mere 13 miles away, a day trip into Salem will be on your regular to-do list.
5. There’s a Lot to Do Outside around Independence
Depending on the time of year, you can be involved in a wide variety of outside activities when you live in Independence, OR. For example, in summer, you can go fishing and kayaking on the Willamette River! There’s golfing in some of Oregon’s most scenic golf courses and a local farmers market with fresh produce.
Independence also has some of the best hiking, biking, and camping in the northwest, as well as wine tasting at various phenomenal local wineries in the Willamette Valley. Hunting is also a way of life here and an activity many enjoy, as well as climbing. In short, there’s never a dull moment when you live in Independence!
6. There are So Many Hiking Trails in Independence!
We mentioned it just a moment ago, but it bears to repeat that you will be ecstatic living in Independence if hiking is your passion. The town is surrounded by hiking trails that cater to every skill level. They include gentle, relaxing walks and challenging treks that lead you to some of the most incredible landscapes and views Oregon offers!
7. Independence Hosts Several Exciting Community Events
Living in a small town has its perks, and one of them is Story Time, which is held weekly at the Independence Library. This free event is delightful, promotes reading, and gets people engaged in the Independence community. Below are some other exciting community events you’ll celebrate when you live in Independence!
River’s Edge Summer Series- Featuring free movies and concerts at the local park.
Independence Day at Riverview Park- With national music talent, homegrown products, exciting games, and eye-popping fireworks, the Independence Day celebration at Riverview Park sees the entire town turn out for fun!
St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Stroll- Grab the family and stroll through downtown Independence while you enjoy live music, holiday-themed food, and an eclectic, vibrant, and fun atmosphere!
Hop & Heritage Festival- Did you know Independence is the hop capital of the world? It is, which is why the Hop & Heritage Festival is celebrated here, and the opportunity to explore hop history while you taste delicious adult beverages!
Drop the Hammer Weekend / Bike Indy Oregon- This annual event is centered around cycling and encourages everyone in town to get active and healthy on two wheels.
8. The Restaurants in Independence are Great
With a population of less than 10,000, you wouldn’t be blamed for assuming it was difficult to find good food in Independence. Luckily, the opposite is true, and the town offers a surprising array of culinary experiences. From cozy cafés and dive bars to fine dining, the cuisine in Independence is diverse and features farm-to-table-sourced ingredients from many of the area’s top farms!
9. Overall, Independence is Quite Affordable
You’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that, while it’s not the most inexpensive town in the northwest, Independence is close. The overall cost-of-living index is 108/100, 8 points above the national average.
When You Get to Independence, Store Your Things with Northwest Self Storage
We hope you enjoyed our list of the reasons why you should move to Independence, Oregon! If you need a secure place to store your belongings in Independence while you search for your new Oregon home, count on Northwest Self Storage! You can reserve an Oregon storage unit online in less than 5 minutes when ready. Until then, best of luck making your choice on whether or not to move to lovely Independence, Oregon!