McMinnville—a city of roughly 34,450 almost equidistant to Portland and Salem—is known as the heart of the Willamette Valley wine region, recognized for its Pinot Noir. However, it’s the city’s historic downtown, defined by its Third Street, that gives the community its flavor. “We call Third Street our McMinnville ‘Living Room’ because it’s where folks come to spend time together in our community,” says Emily Matsuda, the communications and events manager for the McMinnville Downtown Association. “Third Street is for everyone, whether that’s tourists visiting wine country or locals who come downtown to spend their evenings and weekends.”
Manufacturing is McMinnville’s largest industry. Over 90 manufacturing sites in the area account for over 21% of the city's job market, including companies like Cascade Steel Rolling Mills and Meggitt Polymers & Composites.
Coeur De Terre Vineyard grows expressive organically farmed Pinot Noir in the heart of McMinnville.
Experience the regional Pinot Noir at the Willamette Valley Vineyard tasting room on historic 3rd street.
The McMinnville community gathers for Drum Circle Mondays led by Sister of the Osage Terry Filer.
Cascade Steel Rolling Mills is one of the major manufacturing employers in McMinnville.
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James Beard finalists and a distinguished Oregon wine region
Six blocks of local restaurants and shops make up historic downtown McMinnville’s Third Street. Tree-lined sidewalks create welcome shade during warm summer days and make for a cozy holiday light display in the winter months. McMenamins’ Hotel Oregon hosts one of the largest Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) Festivals in the country each May that gathers area pubs and restaurants and invites lecturers from all over the country. The hotel is also the site of regular farmers markets on Thursday evenings.
Third Street is also lined with several wine tasting rooms, which account for a small fraction of over 220 wineries that make up the surrounding Oregon wine country. Ancient lava flow from the Cascade Mountain range created volcanic soil prime for cultivating grapes. The soil, along with other unique environmental factors, led the Willamette Valley to receive Protected Geographical Indication status from the European Union, making it the second American wine region to receive the distinction, after the Napa Valley. At the heart of the region, McMinnville hosts the International Pinot Noir Celebration. With its surrounding agricultural bounty, the city’s food scene focuses on farm-to-fork dining. In fact, local restaurant Hayward, which was a finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best New Restaurant Award in 2024.
Historic 3rd street lights up for the winter Holidays.
Residents gather for great wine and good food at Jacob Williams Winery on 3rd Street.
Locals enjoy burgers, cold drinks and good times at Blue Moon Lounge.
McMinnville’s Hayward was a finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best New Restaurant Award in 2024.
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Growing home values and new traditional builds
Central McMinnville’s gridded streets are flanked by shady, old-growth trees and neatly maintained gardens. Smaller bungalows were constructed during the last mid-century, followed by ranch-style homes from the later portion of the 1900s. The latest architectural trend in McMinnville is the new traditional combined with Craftsman features, mostly built throughout the 2000s. The median sales price across the city rests around $490,000, which is slightly over the national median of $412,000.
Vibrant landscaping adorns a cedar planked bungalow home in McMinnville.
You’ll find Mid-century rancher homes throughout McMinnville.
New constructions in McMinnville feature Craftsman inspired entry ways.
Residential McMinnville is expanding with tightly knit traditional new build communities.
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Wings and Waves Waterpark and an aquatic center
Several green spaces, three athletic facilities and extensive programming from the McMinnville Parks and Recreation Department are at residents’ disposal. The Joe Dancer Park has a baseball diamond, a softball field, a playground and a skatepark, while the McMinnville Aquatic Center offers daily pool passes for less than $6. More aquatic activities are found at Wings and Waves Waterpark, where water slides spiral around a Boeing 747 jet. The air- and spacecraft-themed indoor waterpark is across the parking lot from the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum.
Linfield University features a baseball, softball and football field.
Attend baseball games in the summers at Joe Dancer Park.
Children enjoy the vibrant playgrounds at Joe Dancer Park.
Residents can enjoy some exercise indoors at the McMinnville Aquatic Center.
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Spruce Goose—the world’s largest wooden airplane
The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is home to more than 150 historic aircraft and exhibits, though it’s best known for Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose, the largest wooden airplane ever built. The vessel was originally designed as a flying boat that could outmaneuver the German submarines that were sinking American ships in the Atlantic Ocean during World War II. Because of wartime restrictions on aluminum and steel, it was assembled using an estimated 200 tons of birch wood.
Learn about the iconic stories of aviation history housed at The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum.
Walk through the chronological display of aviation history centered around The Spruce Goose.
Learn about the iconic flight of The Spruce Goose, the largest wooden plane to take flight.
Helen Richey set an endurance record in 1933 by refueling from a C-1 Robin mid-flight.
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High on-time graduation rates and Linfield University
The McMinnville School District covers around 6,800 students in the city and the nearby Lafayette community across its nine schools. It is ranked among the Top 10 school districts in the state by Niche, which scores it with an overall grade of A-minus. McMinnville High School’s on-time graduation rate is also considerably higher than that of the state average—93% of McMinnville high school students graduate in four years, compared to 81% of high school students across the state, as calculated by the Oregon Department of Education for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Linfield University, a private liberal arts college, has established its main campus in the city, though its nursing program is based in Portland.
The new Keck Science Center provides collaborative research labs for Linfield science students.
Pioneer Hall is the oldest building on Linfield's McMinnville campus.
The Miller Fine Arts Center offers a range of artistic experiences to the McMinnville community.
The McMinnville School District is ranked among the Top 10 school districts in the state.
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Highway access and public transit routes to Portland
McMinnville is connected to Portland, which is about 40 miles north, by the Pacific Highway, also known as Oregon state Route 99. The city is conveniently positioned between the "City of Roses" and Salem, which is about 25 miles south. The Yamhill County Transit Area maintains bus service throughout the city. Its routes also connect to the TriMet Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) Light Rail in Hillsboro and the TriMet Westside Express Service (WES) Commuter Rail in Tigard for Portland travelers, as well as the Salem Area Mass Transit Cherriot service.
Moderate summers and rainy winters in McMinnville
Property crime in McMinnville is falling faster than it is across the state of Oregon. Across the state, property crime dropped by about 10.6% between 2022 and 2023. On the other hand, violent crime in the city decreased by 18.49%, from 1,817 to 1,481, with larceny being the most reported offense.
The climate in McMinnville is pretty moderate, with summer highs that stay in the low 80s and winter lows that rarely drop below freezing. While summers stay fairly dry, winters receive higher levels of precipitation.
Written By
Julia Straka
Photography Contributed By
Elizabeth James
Video By
Mallory Nolte
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Welcome to Oak Ridge, an 18-lot project in McMinnville, built by Chad E. Davis Construction LLC. This Project is conveniently located off of Baker Creek Road, offering quick access to Highway 99 and historic Downtown Third Street. The "Arlington" plan features five bedrooms, including a bedroom and a full bathroom on the main level. The kitchen will boast quartz countertops, gas appliances, a
Welcome to Oak Ridge, an 18-lot project in McMinnville, built by Chad E. Davis Construction LLC. This Project is conveniently located off of Baker Creek Road, offering quick access to Highway 99 and historic Downtown Third Street. The "Colton" plan features four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and a large bonus room upstairs. The primary room is on the main level with two other bedrooms on the
Located in Chegwyn - McMinnville’s first community thoughtfully designed with garages tucked behind the homes - this light-filled cottage offers charming, walkable streets and a timeless neighborhood feel that truly stands out. Inside, tall ceilings, an open layout, and abundant natural light make the home live larger than its square footage. The kitchen is both welcoming and functional with
Well-cared-for, spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home with high ceilings, located in an all-ages park. Dual Living possibility!!!! This home includes a large family room, a living room, and a dining room with a split floor plan. The property sits in a quiet cul-de-sac, and the back yard is fenced. The front deck is great for bird-watching, thanks to the privacy the trees provide. The primary suite is
Corner lot! Spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home - 1954 sq ft with vaulted ceilings near the edge of McMinnville. If you desire to be within just a minute of shopping, grocery stores, restaurants, and in a neighborhood where you can bike, jog, or walk near nature, this spacious home is a "must see". The kitchen features granite countertops, beautiful cabinetry, and looks out onto a private
Welcome to 2805 NW Mt Ashland Lane—an exceptional opportunity to build your dream home in one of McMinnville’s most desirable and established neighborhoods. Nestled in a peaceful community conveniently located to everything you need and minutes to the golf course. Financing available so bring your favorite builder.
Welcome to Oak Ridge, an 18-lot project in McMinnville, built by Chad E. Davis Construction LLC. This Project is conveniently located off of Baker Creek Road, offering quick access to Highway 99 and historic Downtown Third Street. The "Arlington" plan features five bedrooms, including a bedroom and a full bathroom on the main level. The kitchen will boast quartz countertops, gas appliances, a
Escape the noise. Embrace the quiet. Tucked into the gentle hills just minutes outside of McMinnville, this 20-acre haven offers the rare chance to create a life that’s deeply rooted in nature, creativity, and self-sufficiency. Whether you're dreaming of planting vines, harvesting fruit from your own orchard, raising chickens, or simply stargazing under wideopen skies, this property invites you
Located in the desirable Olde Stone Village, a vibrant 55+ community, this well-maintained 2014 Fleetwood home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,492 sq ft of comfortable, easy living. The home comes with a paint credit, allowing buyers to choose their own exterior paint colors and make it truly their own. Enjoy the convenience of a carport and storage shed, along with outstanding community
Welcome to 16780 SW Muddy Valley Rd—an incredible opportunity to own 60 picturesque acres. This diverse property offers a mix of open pasture, mature timber, ideal for farming, livestock, recreation, or simply enjoying the peaceful rural lifestyle. Whether you're dreaming of your own private retreat, working farmland, or a generational estate, this property offers endless potential. The expansive
Welcome to this delightful 3-bedroom, 2 1/2 bath ranch home offering 1880 sqft of comfortable and well thought out living space on a large corner lot. This home beautifully blends original character like oak floors and built-ins throughout with many recent tasteful updates including flooring, paint, windows and mouldings. Inside you will find the living room is bright and inviting, with ample
Presenting an exceptional opportunity to acquire a spacious four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom residence situated in a highly sought-after neighborhood. The chef’s kitchen features gas appliances, quartz countertops, and a central island that seamlessly integrates with the dining and living areas, ideal for hosting gatherings. The living room is enhanced by an electric fireplace, creating a
Donna DempseyBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices NW Real Estate
A breathtaking, custom one-level home offers the serenity of country living while being just minutes from McMinnville’s famed 3rd street. The property strikes a perfect balance between rural charm & convenient access to restaurants, wine tasting, shopping & all that the city has to offer. Designed with a “prize- winning”, single-level floor plan, the home presents an exquisite open layout that
Located in Olde Stone Village, a vibrant 55+ community, this 2014 Fleetwood home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,492 sq ft of comfortable living. Enjoy the convenience of a carport and storage shed, plus fantastic community amenities including a seasonal pool, clubhouse, playground, sports court, and gym. Easy living in a friendly, well-cared-for neighborhood.
Charming updated farmhouse on large 1/4 acre lot. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Master bedroom is on the main level with it's own bathroom. The massive kitchen has all new appliances including range, hood vent, dishwasher and refrigerator. Vinyl windows, wood floors, new carpet in upstairs bedrooms. Washer/dryer are included. Enjoy a quiet courtyard setting through the back slider and a nicely
Beautiful Garden Style complex located close to shops and dining. Consisting of 2 and 3 bedroom apartment homes. The community Serves households at or below 80% the Area Median Income.
Welcome to Bluebird Cozine Creek, a charming apartment community nestled in the heart of McMinnville, OR. Our apartments offer a unique blend of comfort and convenience, with amenities designed to enhance your lifestyle. Each unit comes with off-street parking, ensuring easy access to your vehicle at all times. Inside, you'll find a spacious living room, perfect for relaxation or entertaining.
Stratus Village has been a long time coming. For nearly five years, our community leaders in McMinnville, Oregon, have dreamed of vibrant, inclusive, affordable housing that meets the needs of its residents—and doesn't feel like traditional low-income housing.Witnessing the growing need for affordable housing in our community inspired us to create a vibrant apartment community where
RENT REDUCTION!! Don't miss out on this amazing deal, your new home is waiting! Reduced Rent: $1,575 (previously $1,625). READY Wednesday, November 12th!! Vineyard Apartments is located in a very beautiful area with a "woodsy" type setting. It is close distance to Linfield College as well as other commercial stores. There are great places to walk/run/ride a bicycle. It's a great place to call
Welcome to The Grapevine Getaway, your ultimate wine country retreat in McMinnville! Feel at home in this spacious 5-bedroom, 4-bath home designed for comfort, relaxation, and unforgettable moments.This modern, 3,500 sq. ft. retreat features three inviting living spaces, a chef’s kitchen with a massive island bar and breakfast nook, and an epic game room. The chef’s kitchen is perfect for
Property Id: 2348819Welcome to your new home at 4601 SE Booth Bend Rd in McMinnville, OR! This charming single unit features laminate flooring, a well-equipped kitchen with oven, refrigerator, and freezer, and convenient off-street bicycle parking. With utilities included and no pets allowed, this cozy space is perfect for peaceful living. Don't miss out on this opportunity, schedule a
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