Growing suburb between Portland, Gresham and Boring
A suburban city nestled between the southeastern outskirts of Portland and the cities of Gresham and Boring, Happy Valley’s population of 28,000 grew by nearly 20% from 2020 and 2023 and shows no signs of stopping. “What’s unique about Happy Valley, compared to many other cities in the state, is that we are still a growing community with land available, whereas many other cities are already built out,” says City Council President David Emami, who has lived in Happy Valley since 2013. New constructions, abundant green spaces and organized community events define what the city website refers to as a “planned growth community.”
Boaters Entering the Clackamas River at Riverside Park
Aerial View of Industrial and Retail Locations
Entrance Statue at the Clackamas Business Center
Aerial View of the Baseball Fields at Riverside Park
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New traditional homes and contemporary new constructions
In true suburban fashion, homes in Happy Valley sit behind wide, well-maintained sidewalks, some of which coil into cul-de-sacs. Residential streets consist of new traditional homes and contemporary architecture built after 2000—many new constructions—though split-level and ranch-style homes from the 1970s remain on some neighborhood streets. Single-family homes dominate the market, and three-bedroom townhouses are concentrated throughout the southeast of the city. The median sales price of a townhouse in Happy Valley is around $470,000, while that of a single-family home hovers around $695,000, considerably higher than across the nation, which falls around $407,200.
Single Story Homes in Clackamas
Colorful, Two Story Homes in North Clackamas
Traditional Two Story Homes in North Clackamas
Aerial View of Cul De Sac in North Clackamas
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Waterfall overlook at Hidden Falls Nature Park
Happy Valley is full of expansive green spaces and trails teeming with foliage and wildlife. Hidden Falls Nature Park may be a misnomer—the park’s nearly mile-long, dog-friendly trail leads directly to a waterfall that emerges from a tangle of fern and moss. Scouters Mountain Nature Park offers arguably the best views of snow-capped Mount Hood in the area from the peak of an extinct lava dome. One of the city’s most popular green spaces is Happy Valley Park. Its amenities include a playground, various athletic courts, horseshoe pits, a splash pad and an off-leash dog area, while the 24 surrounding acres of wetland are a haven for migratory birds.
Happy Valley Park is also the setting of several annual city events, like the Concerts in the Valley weekly live concert series and the Fourth of July Family Festival. The patriotic celebration involves a morning hike, a community parade and, of course, a fireworks display. The city rounds out the year with its holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, held outside of City Hall.
The Sign for Hidden Falls Nature Park in Rock Creek Neighborhood.
A Walking Path in Hidden Falls Nature Park in Rock Creek Neighborhood.
The Foot Bridge in Hidden Falls Nature Park in Rock Creek Neighborhood.
HIDDEN FALLS NATURE PARK IN ROCK CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD
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Award-winning Speech and Debate Team at Nelson High
The North Clackamas School District serves most of the city and earns an overall B grade from Niche. The majority of Happy Valley students in the district will attend Adrienne C. Nelson High School, which also receives a B and hosts more than 30 after-school extracurriculars, including Music Theory Club, Aerospace Club and Ukrainian Students/Supporters Club. The school’s Speech and Debate Team had two winners at the 2022-2023 Oregon State Championship and three qualifiers for the National Speech and Debate Tournament the following academic year. Depending on where they live, other students in Happy Valley may attend Clackamas High School, which earns a B-plus, or the B-minus-rated Centennial High School, part of the C-plus-rated Centennial School District.
Clackamas High School's new campus was built in 2002, replacing the old 1957 building.
Clackamas High School's new campus was built in 2002, replacing the old 1957 building.
Centennial High School is a public High School in Gresham Oregon.
The Happy Valley Middle School and Elementary School reside together on one campus.
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Nearly 20 food cart options at Happy Valley Station
Happy Valley’s main business corridor is Southeast 82nd Street, lined with big-box retailers, national grocery chains, local restaurants, fitness centers and other suburban conveniences. One of the thoroughfare’s southernmost destinations is Clackamas Town Center, an indoor mall with more than 130 stores, dozens of dining options, a Dave & Busters and a Cinemark movie theater.
Happy Valley Station consists of a semi-open dining area surrounded by roughly 20 food carts with a variety of international cuisines. Over 100 vendors participate in the Happy Valley Farmers Market every Saturday morning from May through October. The regular market offers fresh produce, locally sourced products, a food court and live music, while the Halloween and winter holiday market renditions both provide more seasonal cheer.
Fred Meyers offers resients of Happy Valley an opportunity ro shop for groceries and home goods.
Residents can chose from many ethnic food options at the Happy Valley Food Carts.
New Seasons Market offers upscale organic grocery options in Happy Valley.
Casa Collima offers authentic Mexican fare and outdoor dining in Happy Valley.
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TriMet MAX connection at Clackamas Town Center
Interstate 205 runs along the west side of Happy Valley, which Portland commuters from the north side of the neighborhood can use to access Interstate 5. Commuters living in southern Happy Valley can take Oregon state Route 212 to reach the Portland city center, which is about 16 miles away. TriMet’s MAX Green Line light rail arrives at Clackamas Town Center every 15 minutes, connecting residents to Portland as well.
The Clackamas to Columbia Corridor Plan aims to improve the only north-to-south corridor east of Interstate 205, which runs directly through Happy Valley. If the project is greenlit, the thoroughfare—known as the 181st/182nd/190th corridor—will receive safer sidewalks, buffered bike lanes and revamped bus services, among other improvements.
The Clackamas Town Center is the last stop on Portland’s Green Line rail service.
Interstate 205 offers Happy Valley residents easy access to Portland, located 15 miles away.
Happy Valley Residents can either light rail or I-205 to Portland International Airport.
Aerial View of Highway 205 Interchange in Context with Clackamas Neighborhood
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Property and violent crime lower than state averages
Both property and violent crime rates in Clackamas County were lower than state averages from 2020 to 2024. Property crime in Happy Valley decreased by almost 17% in 2022 and 2023, from 1,007 reports to 839. Conversely, violent crime trended up by almost 17% over the same span, increasing from 153 violent crimes in 2022 to 179.
Happy Valley has a temperate climate with all four seasons, though October through May tends to be rainy.
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