Welcome to Albany/North Albany
Vibrant and historic neighborhood imbued with community spirit
Albany and North Albany are the county seat of Lynn County and are nestled in the Willamette Valley, where the Calapooia and Willamette Rivers meet. In the early 1850s, various parts of the area served as winter and summer villages for the local Native people. As more settlers arrived, the area flourished, further boosted by the opening of the Oregon and California Railroad in 1871. As in the past, Albany remains an essential economic, social, and commercial center for the Willamette Valley.
Today, this community is an easygoing area with historic charm. Locals appreciate the small-town feel while experiencing the vibrant, newly reconstructed downtown life. The neighborhood’s location, about one hour west to the coast, north to Portland, and just a bit further north to the Cascades, gives residents limitless options for spending their leisure time.
One will find stunning views in every direction. This neighborhood houses over 800 historical buildings, including elegant Queen Anne, Italianate, and Craftsman homes. One has a view of the Coast Range Mountains on two sides, and the city is surrounded by some of the most idyllic countryside in Oregon.
What to Love
- A bustling and walkable downtown
- Historic architecture
- Fun community-minded atmosphere
Local Lifestyle
Residents experience the beauty all around them every day. From the arresting scenery of the mountains and farmland to the historic elegance of the city, residents have it all. When strolling in the Monteith Historic District, one feels as though they are part of a Norman Rockwell painting. The downtown district has been renovated to be walkable, leaving the historical elements untouched. Elegant charm is blended with function and walkability in perfect harmony.
Residents are favored with diverse opportunities for staying active. With four distinct seasons, locals can be seen outdoors participating in diverse seasonal activities. The climate is mild and moderate, creating ideal winter skiing conditions, biking, and hiking in the spring, fishing in the summer, or walking around amid the fall’s fanciful foliage.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Albany and North Albany have numerous fine restaurants and upscale boutiques. The Heritage Mall has several restaurants and shops that could fill one’s day with eating and shopping delights. The New American menu at Sybaris Bistro is elegantly prepared using seasonal ingredients sourced locally. There is outdoor seating available, or guests can dine indoors by the fireplace.
Vault 244 is a chic bistro and bar in an 1895 historic building serving mouth-watering New American fare and a wide selection of drinks. Homestyle breakfast and lunch fare, along with specialty drinks, are the signature of Brick & Mortar Café. With both indoor and outdoor dining, locals are even welcome to bring their fur friends as they savor their food al fresco.
Gamberetti’s is an innovative Italian restaurant serving first-rate pasta dishes, fish, sandwiches, and other fine fare. In addition to its excellent food served on-site, the restaurant offers meal kits for residents to take home to create their own Italian cuisine. Another popular local eatery, Loafer’s Station, serves excellent American fare and drinks in the historic downtown district. Their menu includes special dietary items for vegetarian and gluten-free diets, and they provide catering for events.
Things to Do
With its diverse selections of fairs, festivals, museums, and performing art centers, locals can find anything to enhance their lifestyles. One of Albany’s most iconic sites is the Historic Carousel & Museum. This enchanting attraction features an old-fashioned carousel with over 50 hand-carved animals driven by an authentic 1909 carousel mechanism.
Monteith Riverpark is a scenic park where residents can take their dogs to hike or bike on a trail suited to their abilities. It is wheelchair accessible. The park hosts a summer music series, River Rhythms at Monteith Park, which brings in first-rate entertainment each year. Movies at Monteith is another fun community event that takes place outdoors each summer in the park. Albany and North Albany’s residents can find exciting things to do all year at Monteith River Park.
Neighborhood history buffs can explore the grand architecture of the community while participating in the summer and Christmas Historic Home Tours by horse-drawn wagon or trolley twice a year. The Albany Farmers’ Market is another historical attraction. Oregon’s oldest farmers’ market, this neighborhood event features locally-grown produce and various vendors each Saturday from April to November. North Albany’s farmers’ market is held each Thursday.
The Linn County Veterans Day Parade is an annual celebration honoring local veterans. This 72-year tradition also includes a ball, breakfast, banquet, concert, and memorial events. Veterans Day is one of community togetherness and local pride.
