Finding a place to call home is quite possibly one of the most difficult aspects of moving to a new city. In Klamath Falls and the surrounding areas, there are a wide range of neighborhoods to choose from that offer different settings, views, and feels; as well as many professional services to aid in renting or purchasing in the Basin. 

Downtown

Downtown Klamath offers a variety of shops and restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops, a grocery store and pharmacy, two community theaters, a small nightlife scene, and several parks. Many of the upper floors of downtown shops have been or are being converted to apartments that overlook Main Street. Up the hills to the west of Main Street are single-family homes. This is an older section of town, so many homes are beautifully designed craftsman or Victorian style – some even boast geothermal heat. Basin Transit Service has several bus stops within easy walking distance of most home locations. Additionally, there is a separated bike lane running through part of downtown, and many of the shops and restaurants are bike-friendly. 

 

North Klamath

Lynnewood neighborhood is located west of Main Street, off of Lakeshore Drive. These homes are tucked among the trees near Moore Park. These are typically larger family homes, highly shaded by the surrounding woods. Some of the homes near the top offer views of Klamath Lake. In this neighborhood you can expect to see plenty of wildlife of all kinds. Lynnewood has easy access to Moore Park, as well as many miles of walking and mountain bike trails that run up the hillsides. This is a wonderful neighborhood that gives an out-in-the-woods feel while being only minutes from downtown. For avid boaters, the Klamath Lake boat ramps are right across Lakeshore Drive.

Just off the northern shore of lower Klamath Lake, a short five minute drive from downtown is the Harbor Isles community. This community would be well-suited for retirees who enjoy golf, or families who enjoy quieter neighborhoods with low traffic. Harbor Isles provides easy access to the Yacht Club, Harbor Isles Tennis and Fitness Club, Golf Course and a restaurant. It is close to JELD-WEN, the hospital, and OIT.

Nob Hill is a neighborhood with room for growth, located on the northwest side of Klamath, off of Eldorado Avenue. These are larger homes, prominently situated near the top of Hogback. The roads leading up are quite steep, and can be a challenge when weather turns icy, but the beautiful views of Klamath Lake and sunsets over the western mountains can make it worth the effort and traction tires. This neighborhood is conveniently located five-minutes from Sky Lakes Medical Center and OIT. A six-minute drive in the other direction reaches Downtown Klamath Falls.

Pacific Terrace is well-established, known for its geothermal heat and craftsman-style family homes. In the center of this neighborhood sits Roosevelt Elementary School, with Kit Carson Park and a jogging path a few blocks below the school. Pacific Terrace is generally quiet, excellent for families, and has beautiful shade trees throughout. Like Nob Hill, Pacific Terrace is an easy distance from downtown, OIT, and Sky Lakes Medical Center.

 

East Klamath

The North Hills neighborhood is split into two parts. Upper North Hills is situated on the side of Hogback and offers perhaps the best views of the Basin, from Stukel Mountain on the southeast side of town to Lake Ewauna downtown, to Mount Shasta in the far distance. North Hills is a newer neighborhood with room to grow, featuring well-manicured yards, nice sidewalks, and a lot of Klamath sunshine. Just across Foothills Boulevard is the lower section of North Hills, much of which consists of well-kept townhomes and apartments. The single-family homes are similar to those on the hillside, minus the complete view of the Basin. Both sides of North Hills are well connected by main roads that will quickly and easily connect to both uptown and downtown Klamath. Additionally, Steen Sports Park is just down the street, as is a paved bike and jogging path. 

Moyina Heights is the next-door neighborhood of North Hills. Moyina is also built up the side of Hogback. This is a well-established neighborhood with homes that vary in size and style, from 70’s style rock facing to newer construction. Winding streets, mature trees and evening sun grace this family neighborhood. Moyina is across the road from Shasta Elementary School, and close to main roads for easy access to town. Sierra Heights is a hidden gem tucked up on the lower part of Hogback. 

Sierra Heights is a currently expanding neighborhood with ample room to grow. Housing is a mix of older homes and new construction. Some lots are larger, providing room for animals. This, too, is a family-friendly, quiet neighborhood, offering a slightly-removed country feel in a suburb setting. Commute time to downtown Klamath, Sky Lakes Medical Center, or JELD-WEN is 12-15 minutes. 

 

South Klamath

The southern side of Klamath Falls runs across the Basin floor and has more of a suburban feel. These neighborhoods are in closer proximity to the Air Force Base, offering short commute times, and are well connected to major roadways to anywhere in town Sunset Village and Sunset Village East are located on the outer edge of suburban Klamath Falls, in between Highway 39 and Homedale. There are a variety of housing styles, with many larger trees. Sunset Village is an older neighborhood, with many 70’s style ranch houses. Tucked up near the OC&E Woods Line State Trail is a small grouping of multi-family dwellings. Sunset East is slightly more spread out, with newer construction. Many of the houses are split level, suitable for larger families. Both Sunset and Sunset East are within walking distance to Keller Park. 

The Ferndale, Gatewood, and Americana Neighborhoods are located on the southernmost side of the Klamath Falls suburbs, directly under the airport approach path. Both neighborhoods echo with the sounds of freedom as jets fly throughout the day and occasionally at night.

Ferndale is wrapped around Brixner Junior High School. This is a very sunny neighborhood, with 70’s to 90’s era, mostly single-level housing. Small families will enjoy fenced yards and low traffic streets, excellent for children riding bikes. Americana is very similar in feel to Ferndale: plenty of sunshine for medium-sized family or retiree dwellings. Americana is a two-entrance neighborhood, established in the early 90’s, that has seen consistent growth. 

Gatewood is directly across Homedale from Ferndale. It is a two-entrance, family neighborhood, with winding streets that discourage fast-paced traffic. Gatewood is home to Hosanna Christian School and Southside Park. Homes range from 70’s construction to new as this neighborhood continues to grow. 

 

Outer Developments

Previously military housing, Falcon Heights is a public, semi-gated community, 20-minutes south of Downtown. Residents are car dependent as there is no public transit nearby. This quiet community offers condominium dwellings in a quiet, safe family setting. Enjoy walking the hills or taking your children to community parks. The Homeowners Association covers water, sewer, garbage, snow removal, front yard care, exterior and roof maintenance. This is an excellent neighborhood for young families and retirees who enjoy a mix of quiet country living in a suburban setting. 

Ridgewater Properties is an exclusive, private, gated community, established in 2000. Homes in this neighborhood are not just built, but thoughtfully crafted, blending the looks of its woodsy natural surroundings with comfortable, high-end finishes. This community enjoys a wide variety of wildlife and tall trees. Ridgewater has an abundance of room to grow, and “encourages like-minded people to enjoy the best of nature on a large property without the work associated with managing and maintaining such a place.” An easy 12-minute drive connects to the heart of Downtown Klamath. 

Running Y Ranch is a large resort community that boasts outdoor adventures, from the Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course to miles of paths, horseback riding and more. Also available on the resort are shops, a small market, several restaurants, a salon and spa, a private pool and fitness center, and a community calendar of fun events. Running Y offers chalets and townhomes, as well as sprawling, well-manicured homes, enjoyed by retirees and families. Running Y is a scenic, 16-minute drive from downtown, and 15-minutes to Kingsley Field Air Force Base. 

 

Surrounding Communities

For those who don’t mind a longer commute, Klamath Falls is surrounded by several smaller communities, all of which offer small town charm, quiet living, and a little more room to stretch. Malin, Merrill, and Bonanza are mainly agricultural – each with a tight knit community feel. Many Klamath residents look forward to Merrill’s Annual Potato Festival and the Bonanza Chili Cook-Off. Additionally, Merrill and Malin are a short drive from Lava Beds National Monument. 

Chiloquin and Keno are woodsy. Chiloquin is closer to Crater Lake National Park, with many ranches, miles of beautiful land, the gorgeous Wood River, and Upper Klamath Lake. Keno is situated along the Klamath River and boasts eight miles of excellent water skiing, tall evergreen trees, and is home to Bill Scholtes Sportsman’s Park. Keno is also a short 52 miles from Ashland, OR. 

 

Malin, Oregon 

  • 31 miles southeast of Klamath Falls 
  • 37 minute commute to Main Street, Klamath Falls 
  • Population: 805 people (2010 census) 
  • Schools: Malin Elementary School; Lost River Jr ./Sr . High 
  • Rural/Agricultural town CityofMalin.org 

 

Merrill, Oregon 

  • 21 miles southeast of Klamath Falls 
  • 26 minute commute to Main Street, Klamath Falls 
  • Population: 844 people (2010 census) 
  • Schools: Merrill Elementary School; Lost River Jr ./Sr . High 
  • Rural/Agricultural town CityofMerrill.org

 

Bonanza, Oregon 

  • 24 miles east of Klamath Falls 
  • 24 minute commute to Main Street, Klamath Falls 
  • Population: 415 people (2010 census) 
  • Schools: Bonanza Elementary School; Bonanza Jr ./Sr . High 
  • Rural/Agricultural town TownofBonanza .com 

 

Chiloquin, Oregon 

  • 27 miles north of Klamath Falls 
  • 29 minute commute to Main Street, Klamath Falls 
  • Population: 734 people (2010 census) 
  • Schools: Chiloquin Elementary School; Chiloquin Jr ./Sr . High 
  • Rural town Chiloquin .com 

 

Keno, Oregon 

  • 13 miles southwest of Klamath Falls 
  • 18 minute commute to Main Street, Klamath Falls 
  • Unincorporated community 
  • Schools: Keno Elementary School; Henley Middle School; Henley High School 

 

Gilchrist, Oregon 

  • 99 miles north of Klamath Falls 
  • 1 hr . 33 min . commute to Main Street, Klamath Falls 
  • Population: 710 people (2010 census) 
  • Schools: Gilchrist Elementary School; Gilchrist High School Chemult, Oregon 
  • 72 miles north of Klamath Falls 
  • 1 hr . 24 min . commute to Main Street, Klamath Falls 
  • Population: 278 (2010 census) 
  • Schools: Gilchrist Elementary School; Gilchrist High School

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR