Set along the banks of the Willamette River, the city of Independence holds the key to Oregon’s origin as it is the well-preserved end of the historic Oregon Trail. Named after its founders' home settlement — Independence, Missouri — the city’s rich history can be found all around town, detailed in everything from artistic murals to intricate statues, keeping the spirit of the city alive and thriving. “One of the things we pride ourselves on is no one day is like another,” says Natascha Adams, Director of the Independence Heritage Museum. “We’re 15 minutes from Salem, the state capital, and an hour from Portland. We can get to the coast in under an hour and a half, and we’re under two hours away from snowcapped mountains for the skiers.”
Beautiful water fountain is the landmark in Independence downtown.
You can find Elvis and Marilyn Monroe sculptures at Independence Cinema in Independence.
History is alive and well in Independence's historic downtown.
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A mix of modern-day and yesteryear
With a mix of modern-day eclecticism and historic homes of yesteryear, Independence offers a wide variety of housing styles for residents. Spacious traditional homes sit on large lots with wide driveways and attached garages. Ranch-style homes have fenced-in yards and don’t require as much maintenance. The city’s historic homes were built in the early 20th century with the majority in the Victorian style, offering multilevel bay windows and ornate detailing, and a few new builds are finding their way around town. Prices can range from the mid-$200,000s to the mid-$600,000s, with new builds starting in the $400,000s.
Independence could be your rural escape in the Willamette Valley.
Victorians-style homes are available in Independence.
Ranch homes are plentiful in Independence.
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A park with a river view
Independence offers residents four main parks for outdoor activity. The largest of them all, Riverview Park is the starting point of a 3.1-mile soft surface path that has the Willamette River running alongside it. The park also houses the Bicycle-Boater Campground, a respite for trail and bikeway travelers, and the outdoor Independence Amphitheater, which hosts several events during the year. Furry friends freely frolic around at the Independence Dog Park. At just over two acres, the park separates the big dogs from the small ones so they all can enjoy their time. The Willamette River is next to the park for dogs who like to take a dip.
Grab your canoe and float on the gentle currents of the Willamette River in Independence.
Enjoy the serene surroundings at Riverview Park in Independence.
Ash Creek Trail is the perfect place for an afternoon hike in Independence.
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Main Street is where it’s at
Downtown Independence keeps everyone busy. “Downtown Main Street is thriving with boutiques, stores, restaurants and bars. There’s always somewhere to go and something to do,” says Adams. New and used home furnishings can be found at The Collection, and tasty Thai dishes are served at Silk Thai Cuisine. Jubilee Champagne & Dessert Bar has sweet treats and cool drinks on the menu, while The Little Mall on Main is a favorite hot spot to catch up with friends. The Grocery Outlet is a local go-to for groceries and daily essentials with Roth’s Fresh Markets.
The MI Trolley serves to connect the residents of Monmouth and Independence together.
Find your vintage and new home furnishings at The Collection on Main in Independence.
The Little Mall on Main Street is a local hot spot in Independence.
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Independence Day
Thursday and Friday are when the party starts during an Independence summer, with the Riverview Park Amphitheater hosting the annual River’s Edge Summer Movie and Concert Series. “Because we’re Independence, we heavily celebrate Independence Day, and that kicks off the summer concert and movie series that goes until Labor Day Weekend,” she says. Every Thursday for eight weeks, family-friendly recent releases are shown on the big screen, followed by Friday night jam sessions on the stage with local food trucks and an all-ages beer garden. “The Hops & Heritage Festival happens every September and is very reminiscent of the festivals the city had in the 1880s,” says Adams.
Where former students go to the Super Bowl
Served by the Central School District, students share several schools with the neighboring city of Monmouth. Students can attend Independence Elementary School and Talmadge Middle School to prepare for studies at Central High School. With an emphasis on athletics, the school won the 2019 United Spirits Association National Championship in varsity cheer and counts NFL defensive end Jeff Charleston among its notable graduates. Central and Talmadge have an overall Niche grade of C-plus, while Independence has a C-minus.
Independence Elementary School has dozens of effective and excellent teachers in Independence.
Talmadge Middle School challenges and encourages children to learn in Independence.
Central High School has great academic and athletic opportunities for students in Independence.
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A trip on the MI Trolley
Oregon Route 51 leads locals just a hop and a skip to Monmouth, where Oregon Route 99W opens access to the surrounding areas. The Monmouth-Independence (MI) Trolley is an old-fashioned streetcar made for the modern age, connecting the cities of Independence and Monmouth. Dating back almost 100 years, the trolley runs along Independence’s Monmouth Street and Monmouth’s Main Street, providing free public transit to the cities’ residents.
The MI Trolley serves to connect the residents of Monmouth and Independence together.
International Hops Capital of the World
As the International Hops Capital of the World, Independence prides itself on how that history has shaped the city today. “Back in the 1880s, the city grew more hops for beer production than any other place in the world,” says Adams. “People really enjoy that tidbit. “We’re right on the Willamette River — in the Willamette Valley – so we have about 70 wineries in the area and have a bunch of local breweries that locals like to visit.”
Independence downtown is a hot spot in Independence for events, dining, and shopping.
The River in Independence serves all of your favorite Gilgamesh Brewing craft beers.
Boutique shops, restaurants and cafes located at Independence downtown district.
Sean is a proud Oregonian, with over 35+ years of residency in the state. Having been raised in various locations throughout Oregon, as well as spending some time in California, he has developed strong communication skills and the ability to assist individuals from all walks of life. This led him to pursue a career in customer service, where he thrives in helping people.
Sean has extensive experience managing multiple cell phone carrier locations and Apple Stores until the pandemic hit. However, his true passion lies in connecting with people, learning about their needs, and finding ways to assist them. He finds great fulfillment in making people's lives easier and providing support to others.
With a goal to start his own business, Sean decided to venture into the world of real estate and discovered it to be his true calling. He has helped numerous individuals throughout his life, but there is something deeply satisfying about helping clients find their dream homes. Sean enjoys working alongside his clients, guiding them through the process of homeownership and ensuring they have a positive experience.
In his real estate career, Sean has also found opportunities to assist others in expanding their real estate portfolios, helping them achieve their goals while safeguarding them against potential pitfalls in the market. He approaches his work with humility and feels honored to be in a position where he can make a difference in people's lives.
Sean is dedicated to serving his clients and prioritizes their needs above all else. He is committed to providing exceptional customer service and looks forward to assisting you on your real estate journey.
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