Independence, OR

73 Apartments for Rent

Independence, Oregon, is a town so steeped in history that 30 of its oldest square blocks form the Independence Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A suburb of nearby Salem, Oregon, Independence is home to about 8,500 residents. It was founded by honest-to-goodness pioneers (you know, the ones you killed with dysentery on the _Oregon Trail _on your elementary school's Apple IIe). Elvin A. Thorp founded a town called Thorp's Town of Independence in 1845. Two years later, Henry Hill founded Henry Hill's Town of Independence. Someone wised up to this nomenclatural inefficiency and incorporated both areas as Independence. As late as the 1950s, Independence's economy was largely based on its position as a shipping port on the Willamette (that's Wi-LAM-it) River, a hub for both rail and boat for lumber and agricultural products. These days, Independence is a thriving community along with its neighbor and twin Monmouth. And since progress took a bit of a holiday from Independence, its great historic core was saved from modernity's bulldozer approach to city redevelopment in the 1950s and '60s.

Moving to Independence

Oregon certainly has a rainy season, but you'll come to appreciate it since it keeps the Willamette valley verdant and stunning. Temperatures are never too bad here and, save the rain, there's nothing to prohibit you from moving here any time you want.

Make yourself attractive to landlords by having all the necessary information at your disposal when you're looking for property rentals. Make a folder to carry your proof of income, contact information for references, and credit history. Be prepared to pay first and last months' rent as your deposit when you sign your lease on your new premier apartment as well as a security deposit (usually equal to another month's rent).

Independence Neighborhoods

This is a pretty small city -- just under three square miles -- so why don't we highlight an apartment complex or four and encourage you to spend a day exploring the city at least a month or so before you plan to relocate so you can pick the area best for you.

Creekside Meadows Apartments: if Fido or Fifi are coming with you, check out these pet friendly apartments. You'll need to bring an extra pet deposit, but can you really put a price on love?

Franklin Apartments: technically in Monmouth (barely), these 2 and 3 bedroom apartments are within walking distance to Western Oregon University. It also boasts easy walkability to local amenities and services like the library, shopping centers, and more.

College Manor: similar to Franklin Apartments, College Manor is walking distance to Western Oregon University and offers studio, one, and two bedroom apartments for rent. Ample closet space, on-site laundry, and assigned parking make this an attractive stop on your apartment hunt.

Legacy Oaks: back in Independence, Legacy Oaks offers 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments, recently constructed and generously sized. This non-smoking community offers a fitness facility and clubhouse for residents' enjoyment. Cable and internet are available for a very reasonable monthly fee and Spot is welcome for another small rate hike.

Living in Independence

The first stop you need to make when you set out to explore your new town is the Independence Historic District. Located on the eastern edge of town along the rolling Willamette River, this 30-block preservation district is a refuge for about 250 homes and businesses representative of the town's prosperous past.

Main Street runs along the Willamette and is a typical example of turn-of-the-century city planning and brick construction. Independence knows it has a hot commodity in this historical district and is positioning itself as a tourist destination.

As with any great small town, you can't beat the yearly calendar of local events. Beer lovers will appreciate the town's history as a major hops producer. Sadly, the foamy days didn't last and the decline of the hops industry dragged Independence down with it. However, happy days are here again as the Hops Fiesta celebrated in the 1930, '40s, and '50s has been reborn as the Hops and Heritage Festival, which takes place the last full weekend in September, thanks to beer's current renaissance. Fiesta Mexicana features Latin music, a lowrider car show, and fire dancers each year in conjunction with Mexican Independence Day. As you'd expect, America's Independence Day is celebrated in this namesake city as well during the four-day Western Days celebration each summer.

Running errands requiring you to hit big-box retail stores will take you into Salem most of the time. There are some small boutique shops and local necessities in town, however. Don't miss western regional coffee stalwart Dutch Brothers Coffee. It'll give that mermaid brand a run for her money.

Chain restaurants are clustered around route 99W while local fare can be found along Main Street and throughout the historic district.