Rural living and competitive home prices in Vernonia
Among the dense woodlands and rolling hills of northwest Oregon, Vernonia has an active local business scene, evergreen-lined streets and ample space for outdoor recreation. Around 45 miles from downtown Portland, Vernonia has a rural atmosphere without sacrificing the amenities of suburban living. “The area draws in people looking for a small-town, country community with natural beauty,” says Amie Krieger, a Realtor with John L Scott Real Estate who has lived in the community for over 15 years. “It’s also much more affordable compared to towns closer to Portland. We’ve got an outdoorsy crowd, with fishing, horseback riding and hiking spots all within a short drive.”
Craftsman-style architecture and tree-lined lanes
Ranch-style homes and Craftsman bungalows line the shaded residential streets of Vernonia, with wooded land and mature trees providing a degree of privacy. Most homes sit on lots of a quarter-acre or more, with some reaching 2 acres. The majority of homes were built between the 1960s and early 2000s, though a few date back to the 1920s and '30s and some 2020s builds are sprinkled throughout. Homes range from $240,000 to around $620,000, with prices increasing with square footage and lot size.
Outdoor learning and CTE courses at Vernonia schools
The community’s three public schools share one campus, starting with Vernonia Elementary School, which earns a C-minus grade from Niche. Vernonia Middle School receives a D-plus and has an outdoor program where students start the school year learning about the surrounding Pacific Northwest environment. The C-plus-rated Vernonia High School has six career and technical education programs, with courses in natural resources, manufacturing and digital art. The Vernonia Public Library hosts weekly preschool story time on Fridays, an adult writer’s group and regular craft workshops.
Bridge Street is the hub for local businesses and dining
Most of the town’s businesses are on Bridge Street, from antique stores to the local pharmacy. “For a small town, we have some great food,” Krieger says. “Our restaurants are comparable to those in Portland, which is known for its dining scene.” The Blue House Cafe has counter-service coffee, baked goods and Mediterranean cuisine from flatbread to dolmades. “The Greek food at Blue House is amazing,” Krieger says. “You’d never think there would be such great food in a small rural town like ours.” The Black Iron Grill offers brunch fare and pub-style bites, with weekend specials from prime rib to steak and potatoes. Grey Dawn Gallery showcases local artwork inspired by the Pacific Northwest’s natural landscape, while Bargains on Bridge Street sells thrifted clothing, home decor and furniture. R & S Market is the local grocery store, while around 30 miles east, St. Helens has a Safeway.
Miles of walking trails and a seasonal swimming hole
Rock Creek runs through the center of town and is a popular fishing spot. “In the summer, the town dams up the creek so people can swim,” Krieger says. “We call it our swimming pool.” Vernonia Lake is about a mile from downtown and has campsites, hiking trails and docks where anglers can fish for bass, bluegill and rainbow trout. The Banks-Vernonia State Trail is accessible from the lake’s south side and spans over 20 miles south along an abandoned railroad to the small town of Banks and is accessible to bikers, runners and horseback riders. In the summer months, lake visitors can enjoy soft-serve ice cream or a milkshake from Calypso’s. Spencer Park has baseball diamonds, a playground, a picnic pavilion and a skate park. The park also hosts the community’s youth baseball teams. The nine-hole Vernonia Golf Course is open to the public and a short drive west of town.
Annual events bring the community together in Vernonia
The Intercultural Society of Vernonia hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the Fourth of July Great American Bash, complete with a parade, live music, local vendors and games. In August, the Vernonia Friendship Jamboree and Logging Show comes to town, with a parade, food and one of the oldest-running logging shows in the area, dating back to 1957.
Winding roads to St. Helens and Portland
St. Helens is about 30 miles east of Vernonia along the Scappoose Vernonia Highway, while downtown Portland is around 45 miles southeast via Oregon Route 47 and U.S. Route 26. “When the weather is nice, Vernonia draws in motorcyclists that enjoy riding on our windy roads,” Krieger says. The nearest major airport is Portland International, located roughly 55 miles away.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
