Happy Valley Real Estate > Happy Valley Community Info

The climate in the great northwest is warm and pleasant in the summer and not too severe in the winter. The colder months make for excellent snow skiing conditions while the summer months allow for recreational water sport activities such as jet skiing and boating. Fishing is a year-round experience for Happy Valley residents with the Pacific Ocean less than an hour away and bountiful lakes, rivers and creeks scattered throughout the region.

The Portland International Airport is only 11 miles away and an enhancement in the region's overall transportation network has improved commute times and made traveling in and out of the city more economical. A recent study shows that the average employment commute time for Happy Valley residents is less than 30 minutes.

Employment opportunities can be found in nearly every industry, ranging from manufacturing to forestry. A strong emphasis on environmental protection is present and locals are very cautious when it comes to tapping into the region's natural resources. This results in an area dominated by excellent timber, tall grass, shrubs and bushes, offering the city a beautiful landscape while preserving the natural habitats of Oregon's wildlife.

The exact origin of Happy Valley's name is still debated, but the version most locals believe goes something like this: the valley was referred to as a "Hollow." Boys from the "Hollow" enjoyed drinking Grandpa Deardoff's delicious apple cider before attending church services at Sunnyside and often used to arrive singing loudly and gaily. Sunnyside dwellers were soon referring to them as "the happy boys from the Hollow," and after a while, the area became known as "Happy Valley."

Happy Valley's rich past and promising future make this northwest city an excellent place to live, work and play. Happy Valley's small town atmosphere, combined with the additional employment, recreation and education opportunities available in nearby Portland it is no wonder why people speak so highly of this family-oriented community.

Neighboring Portland is filled with everything one would expect from a thriving metropolis, including a fine selection of restaurants, shopping malls, specialty stores, boutiques, museums, theatres, concert venues, music halls and performing arts centers. Nightclubs and bars abound as do city parks and open spaces for hiking, biking, hunting and fishing. All in all, the city of Portland is the perfect compliment to Happy Valley where safe neighborhoods make for a great environment to settle down and raise a family. So, for those contemplating a move to the northwest part of Oregon, consider the many real estate opportunities available in this small valley town where the pulse of a major city is just a heartbeat away.