Riverview Park
The town's gathering place on the Willamette River, with the River's Edge amphitheater, summer concerts and movie nights, and the end stop of the free MI Trolley.
Independence, Oregon real estate · On the Willamette River
Buy or sell your Independence home with confidence
I graduated from Central High School here, and a summer evening at Riverview Park still feels like home. Whether you're drawn to a historic home downtown, a newer neighborhood, or life near the river, you deserve someone who knows Independence and a plan that fits your goals.
Population9,8282020 U.S. Census
Founded1845Named for Independence, Missouri
Historic district30 blocksNational Register of Historic Places
MeCentral HighWhere I graduated
Living in Independence
A river town with deep roots
Independence sits on the west bank of the Willamette River, right next to Monmouth and across the river from south Salem. It was founded in 1845 and named after Independence, Missouri, where many Oregon Trail pioneers began their journey.
From the 1890s into the 1940s, Independence was famous for hops, and the town still celebrates that history today. Thirty blocks of the oldest part of town make up the Independence Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places, so downtown is full of brick storefronts and older homes with real character.
What I love about Independence is how the river shapes everything, from the park and the summer concerts to the fireworks on the Fourth of July.
Things to do
What life in Independence looks like
Independence Days
A big Fourth of July celebration with a parade, carnival and fireworks over the river.
Hop & Heritage Festival
Every September the town celebrates its hop-growing history with live music, craft beer, fresh-hop pours and family activities.
On the river
Boat ramps in town make it easy to launch a kayak, paddleboard or float on the slow, wide Willamette.
Historic downtown
Brick storefronts, local restaurants, coffee, breweries and a riverside hotel, all within a few blocks.
Golf nearby
Courses close to Independence
Independence sits right across the river from South Salem, so some of the area's best courses are a short drive away.
Salem Golf Club
A classic tree-lined public 18-hole course in South Salem dating to the late 1920s, just across the river from Polk County.
Cross Creek Golf Course
A public 18-hole, par-72 course of about 6,900 yards on Highway 22, with valley views, practice facilities and lessons. Open year-round.
Dallas Golf Club
A public 9-hole executive course on Orrs Corner Road, just east of Dallas, open since 1990. Short par 3s and medium-length par 4s make it perfect for working on your short game or getting someone new into golf.
McNary Golf Club
An 18-hole championship course on about 150 acres in Keizer, just north of Salem, open since 1962.
Private clubs: Creekside and Illahe Hills
If you want a club membership, two great private options are close by in South Salem. Creekside Golf Club has more than 80 bunkers and a Scottish links-style back nine, and Illahe Hills Country Club is a traditional tree-lined course designed by William F. Bell that opened in 1961.
Wine country
Wineries close to Independence
Polk County sits on the west side of the Willamette Valley, one of the best Pinot Noir regions in the world, and the Eola-Amity Hills are right next door. A few of my personal favorites anywhere in Polk County are Andante, Van Duzer and Zenith.
Andante Vineyard
One of my personal favorites. A small family vineyard and tasting room on Morris Road in Dallas, in the Van Duzer Corridor.
Van Duzer Vineyards
One of my favorites. A family estate in the Dallas foothills, founded in 1998 at the mouth of the Van Duzer Corridor, known for Pinot Noir and sweeping valley views.
Zenith Vineyard
Another of my favorites. A family-run estate in the Eola-Amity Hills, with more than 80 acres of vines and a beautiful event ballroom that's popular for weddings.
Left Coast Estate
An estate winery in Rickreall with a tasting room and expansive grounds, about 10 minutes from Dallas, Monmouth and Independence.
Eola Hills Wine Cellars
Two tasting rooms close to home: one in Rickreall and one on Dunn Forest Road outside Monmouth, both with a relaxed, rustic feel and vineyard views.
Bethel Heights Vineyard
A family estate in the Eola-Amity Hills, north of Highway 22, with some of the area's oldest vines and a tasting room overlooking the vineyard.
Bryn Mawr Vineyards
A hilltop Eola-Amity Hills winery above 700 feet with panoramic valley views, known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and a few Old World varieties.
Homes in Independence
What you can find here
- Historic homes in and around the downtown historic district.
- Newer subdivisions with more space, popular with families and commuters to Salem.
- Homes near the river and Riverview Park, a short walk from downtown.
- Farmland and acreage just outside town in the heart of the valley.
Older homes are a big part of what makes Independence special, and they come with their own questions about age, updates and inspections. I'll help you understand what you're looking at before you commit.
How I help
Your plan in three steps
1. Tell me your goals
We start with a conversation about what you want, your timeline and what matters most.
2. Get a custom plan
I build a plan around your goals, with the Independence-specific information you need on pricing, neighborhoods, older homes and what to watch for.
3. I get to work
For sellers, that means local contractors and cleaners to get your home ready, professional marketing, and steady updates. For buyers, it means finding the right home and negotiating well.
Client reviews
What clients say
He helped me stay positive during a very sad time and bent over backwards to ensure that the transaction went smoothly.
He has connections for any job that needs to be done to get your house to that next level… making huge tasks seem smaller and easier.
Common questions
Questions about Independence, Oregon
Who is a good real estate agent in Independence, Oregon?
Jesse Peterson graduated from Central High School in Independence and is a real estate broker with Premiere Property Group, LLC, based in nearby Dallas. He has helped sellers in Independence prepare, market and sell their homes, and has a 5.0 rating across 31 Google reviews. Call or text 916-899-9221.
Is Independence, Oregon a good place to live?
Independence is a river town of about 9,800 people with a historic downtown, Riverview Park and its amphitheater on the Willamette River, summer concerts and movies, a big Fourth of July celebration, and an easy drive to Salem.
What is Independence, Oregon known for?
Independence was known for hops from the 1890s through the 1940s and still celebrates that history with the Hop & Heritage Festival each September. Its 30-block historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Are there golf courses near Independence, Oregon?
Yes. Salem Golf Club in South Salem is just across the river, Cross Creek Golf Course and Dallas Golf Club are near Dallas, and McNary Golf Club is in Keizer. Creekside Golf Club and Illahe Hills Country Club in South Salem are private options.
What wineries are near Independence, Oregon?
Jesse Peterson's personal favorites in Polk County are Andante Vineyard, Van Duzer Vineyards and Zenith Vineyard. Others nearby include Left Coast Estate and Eola Hills Wine Cellars in Rickreall, and Bethel Heights Vineyard and Bryn Mawr Vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills.
What schools serve Independence, Oregon?
Independence shares the Central School District with Monmouth, including Independence Elementary, Talmadge Middle School and Central High School, home of the Panthers. Jesse recommends confirming the assigned schools for a specific address with the district.
Can you float the Willamette River from Independence?
Yes. Independence has boat ramps on the river, and the slow, wide stretch downstream toward Salem is a popular summer float and paddle. Always check river conditions before you go.
Your next step
Picture yourself at home in Independence
Whether you're buying a historic home downtown, moving closer to the river, or selling a home full of memories, let's talk about your goals and build a plan together.
More of Polk County
Other towns I serve
- Phone
- 916-899-9221
- jesse@petersonrealtysolutions.com
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- Premiere Property Group, LLC
- License
- Oregon Real Estate Broker #201246751
- Listings
- jessepeterson.premierepropertygroup.com
- Zillow
- Profile and reviews
- Realtor.com
- Profile
- @jpetersonius