Tucked into the foothills of the Cascade Range, Molalla is a small but slowly growing town in the countryside with a population of approximately 10,000. “Molalla is a really cool area — it’s a quiet area but still close to city for jobs. It’s about a 45-minute trip to Portland or maybe an hour with traffic,” says Ryan Brooks, a real estate agent with Premiere Property Group, LLC and former resident. “It’s definitely grown a ton over the past ten years, but it’s still a multigenerational town for sure.”
Before the city was officially incorporated in 1913, the area was inhabited by the Molala, a Native American tribe of which the regional Molalla River and the town were named after. It wasn’t until the beginning of the 21st century that Molalla saw a drastic influx of residents, businesses and national franchise developments. In 2002, the town’s first stoplight was installed. Up until the 1980s, timber and logging were the primary industries driving the local economy; although these industries still play an influential role in the community today — RSG Forest Products remains one the area’s biggest employers — Molalla has also seen a rise in residents who commute out to urban centers for work.
Molalla is about a 45-minute trip to Portland or maybe an hour with traffic,
RSG Forest Products remains one the Molalla area’s biggest employers.
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New subdivisions meet midcentury homes
The housing options in Molalla include midcentury dwellings, tract homes in newly built subdivisions, historic farmhouses and Craftsman-style properties from the early 1900s. The median home price in Molalla is just over $480,000, with listings spending an average of 51 days on the market before selling. Most single-family homes range from about $300,000 to $590,000. “When it comes to home prices here, you might get a little more bang for your buck,” Brooks says. He also notes that Molalla’s growth has prompted new residential developments like the Bear Creek subdivision, which was established in 2018.
The median home price in Molalla is just over $480,000.
Most single-family homes in Molalla range from about $300,000 to $590,000.
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Exploring city parks and the Molalla River Recreation Corridor
Because of its location in the countryside, Molalla is a hotspot for outdoor recreation and scenic beauty. “If you like the outdoors and things like hiking or mountain biking, it’s a great place to be in the countryside,” Brooks says. The city has eight parks; Ivor Davies Nature Park is the largest of the eight and has a fishing pond and a 9-hole disc golf course. Billy Sheets Field and Leonard Long Park have athletic facilities where recreational sports teams can host practice or play games. Bordering the city is the Molalla River Recreation Corridor, a natural area filled with trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. East of Molalla is Mount Hood, an iconic mountain and ski resort surrounded by a national forest covering more than 1 million acres of land. In true country fashion, the city also has the Molalla Buckeroo; since its establishment in 1913, this 8,800-seat arena has drawn in thousands for its annual July rodeo and the Molalla Apple Festival.
The Molalla River Recreation Corridor provides many hiking, fishing and mountain biking opportunities just outside of Molalla.
Ivor Davies Nature Park is the largest of the eight city parks in Molalla.
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Students attend Molalla River School District
Students in kindergarten through 12th grade are served by the Molalla River School District, which receives an overall C rating from Niche. The district includes four elementary schools, Molalla River Middle School and Molalla High School, which has a nearly 90% graduation rate.
The Molalla River School District receives am overall C rating from Niche.
The Molalla River School District serves students from K-12.
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Downtown Molalla is home to local businesses
Molalla has a sparsely developed downtown area along Main Street near the center of the city. Local businesses, boutiques and a smattering of restaurants populate the downtown corridor. The city also has three main shopping plazas: Molalla Market Center, Cascade Center and Molalla Square. Between these, residents can find grocery stores, chain eateries and national retailers like Home Depot and Ace Hardware. Brooks says that the town has also welcomed many new establishments in recent years. One such establishment is the Molalla River Brewing Company, a popular family-owned business that frequently hosts live music, food trucks and community events.
Local businesses, boutiques and a smattering of restaurants populate the Main St in Molalla.
Molalla Market Center is one of three large shopping plazas in Molalla.
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Commuting by car in Clackamas County
Molalla borders the intersection of state highways 211 and 213, the former of which runs through the entire town. Commuters can take Route 211 and drive 14 miles west to get to Woodburn for access to Interstate 5, a major north-south thoroughfare that travels 35 miles up to Portland. Molalla is a car-dependent community, so public transit options are limited to a few local bus routes operated by the South Clackamas Transportation District. Commercial flights are available at Portland International Airport, approximately 33 miles north.
Written By
Hayley Simms
Photography Contributed By
Brian Lee
Video By
Taylor Gilbert
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Angie Lawton-Wallesen,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Incredible Value for a 3-bedroom town home in Molalla! Modern townhouse on a quiet dead-end street offering low-maintenance living and outstanding value. The $250/mo. HOA covers water, sewer, roof and siding replacement—both completed within the last 7 years—giving you long-term confidence and fewer future expenses. Inside, this 3-bed, 2.5-bath home features 1,344 sq ft of efficient, comfortable
This is the private and gated property you've been waiting for with 20 acres of land in Molalla. Enjoy the tranquility of a year-round creek, a spring-fed pond, fruit trees and mushroom foraging. The property is also well-suited for hobby farming, with existing chicken and turkey coops, as well as dedicated garden space with a sprinkler system.The home itself features five bedrooms, three full
Incredible Value for a 3-bedroom town home in Molalla! Modern townhouse on a quiet dead-end street offering low-maintenance living and outstanding value. The $250/mo. HOA covers water, sewer, roof and siding replacement—both completed within the last 7 years—giving you long-term confidence and fewer future expenses. Inside, this 3-bed, 2.5-bath home features 1,344 sq ft of efficient, comfortable
If you’ve been looking for a place where you don’t have to give up space, freedom, or convenience, this might be the one that finally makes sense. Set along Arrowhead Golf Club, this single-level home offers a rare chance to enjoy golf course living without HOA rules telling you how to use your property. This is the kind of place that works with your lifestyle, not against it. Need room for your
Price reduced—motivated seller ready to review offers. Opportunity to purchase a 12,000 square foot+/- lot in a subdivision established for affordable housing. End-of-street location with only one neighboring home and adjacent to a firetruck turnaround, offering a more open setting.Lot for sale only. Property is tenant-occupied; tenant owns the manufactured home and all personal property. Buyer
Price reduced—seller motivated and ready to review offers. Unique opportunity to purchase 15 +/- acres in the Forest Haven subdivision, a community established for affordable manufactured housing. Only approved homesite location is at 15931 S Forest Haven Rd (follow GPS; sign on site).Manufactured homes required: minimum double-wide and no more than five (5) years old at time of placement (see
Price reduced—motivated seller ready to review offers. Opportunity to purchase a treed 5,000+/- square foot lot in a subdivision established for affordable manufactured housing. Monthly HOA includes water & sewer.Lot with trees for sale only. Property is tenant-occupied; tenant owns the manufactured home and all personal property. Buyer to assume tenant at closing (month-to-month tenancy). Tenant
Price reduced—motivated seller ready to review offers. Excellent opportunity to secure an affordable, build-ready 8,000 square foot+/- lot in a subdivision designed for manufactured housing. Monthly HOA includes water, sewer, and community services. Manufactured homes must be minimum double-wide and no more than five (5) years old at time of placement per CCRs. Carports and garages permitted if
Price reduced—motivated seller ready to review offers. Opportunity to purchase a 5,000 square foot +/- lot in a subdivision established for affordable manufactured housing. Monthly HOA includes water& sewer.Lot for sale only. Property is tenant-occupied; tenant owns the manufactured home and all personal property. Buyer to assume tenant at closing (month-to-month tenancy). Tenant is aware of the
32+/- acre residential lot for sale. This subdivision was created for affordable housing. Homes must be manufactured homes, minimum double-wide, and no more than five (5) years old at time of placement (see CCRs for full requirements). Carports and garages are not required but are permitted if designed to match the home. Monthly HOA fee which includes water, sewer, and HOA services. CCRs
Bring your vision and unlock the full potential of this property in the heart of Molalla! Whether you’re an investor, builder, or homeowner with an eye for opportunity, this property offers endless possibilities. You can renovate and personalize the existing home or start fresh to build your dream residence. The property is zoned R3, allowing for multi-family standards, a duplex, or a
Seller Carried Financing Available! Positioned on a 1.8-acre parcel, this breathtaking estate presents a rare opportunity with R1 zoning and potential for future rezoning and development, making it especially attractive for investors, developers, or those seeking a legacy property. At the same time, the scale and thoughtful layout of the residence create an ideal multi-generational living
Welcome to this extraordinary estate nestled on 14.67 acres of pristine riverfront property in the picturesque countryside of Molalla, Oregon. This stunning 6-bedroom, 4 full bath, and 2 half bath residence offers the perfect blend of refined luxury, privacy, and natural beauty creating an unparalleled living experience. Inside you will be greeted by expansive windows and timeless finishes that
Steeped in history and full of character, this Queen Anne–designated historic landmark farmhouse, known as the Julia Staudinger House, sits on 32 beautiful acres, offering a rare combination of charm, functionality, and usable land.The home showcases custom millwork, vintage hardware, wainscoting, tongue-and-groove paneling, and unique period lighting. A stunning built-in library with rolling
Welcome to Cascade Place Apartment HomesModern designs, elegant finishes, and upscale amenities await you at Cascade Place Apartment Homes. Our spacious and adaptable studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments in Molalla offer the perfect blend of comfort and style. Enjoy interior luxuries like quartz counters, LVP plank flooring, complimentary cable and Wi-Fi, and more. As a resident of our
Welcome home to Stoneplace Apartment Homes, where a vibrant, welcoming community awaits you! Our apartments in Molalla combine modern amenities with spacious layouts and beautiful landscaping to create a comfortable, enjoyable lifestyle. Experience a resort-style pool, fitness center, and pet-friendly spaces all within a convenient location that makes it easy to enjoy shopping, dining, and
Now Leasing at Bear Creek Apartments! Located in Molalla, OR.Bear Creek is a brand-new apartment community full of luxury finishes! The community sits in a park-like setting and boasts several state-of-the-art amenities. Offering 2 and 3 bedrooms with open floor plans and high-end finishes. Finally, luxury you can afford!
5 year old house with all vinyl plank floors. Custom beautiful covered back deck and retaining wall. Looks out into walking path, newly build play area and the beautiful sunset. Brand new 5 piece stainless steel appliance set. Low maintenance yard. Central air and gas heat and stove for efficiency. Single car garage with shelves and storage above. Nestled into a great neighborhood within walking
Welcome to Colima Apartments, a quiet and well-maintained community located in Molalla, Oregon. These comfortable apartments offer spacious layouts, natural light, and a convenient location close to local shopping, schools, parks, and major routes.Apartment Features:1–3 bedroom floor plansOpen living areas with ample storageBright kitchens and living spacesOff-street
Welcome to Colima Apartments, a quiet and well-maintained community located in Molalla, Oregon. These comfortable apartments offer spacious layouts, natural light, and a convenient location close to local shopping, schools, parks, and major routes.Apartment Features:1–3 bedroom floor plansOpen living areas with ample storageBright kitchens and living spacesOff-street
Welcome to Colima Apartments, a quiet and well-maintained community located in Molalla, Oregon. These comfortable apartments offer spacious layouts, natural light, and a convenient location close to local shopping, schools, parks, and major routes.Apartment Features:1–3 bedroom floor plansOpen living areas with ample storageBright kitchens and living spacesOff-street
Welcome to Colima Apartments, a quiet and well-maintained community located in Molalla, Oregon. These comfortable apartments offer spacious layouts, natural light, and a convenient location close to local shopping, schools, parks, and major routes.Apartment Features:1–3 bedroom floor plansOpen living areas with ample storageBright kitchens and living spacesOff-street
Welcome to Colima Apartments, a quiet and well-maintained community located in Molalla, Oregon. These comfortable apartments offer spacious layouts, natural light, and a convenient location close to local shopping, schools, parks, and major routes.Apartment Features:1–3 bedroom floor plansOpen living areas with ample storageBright kitchens and living spacesOff-street
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