Moving to Oregon, but where?
 

We (a young couple with no children) are planning on moving out to Oregon. Given our jobs, we can move just about anywhere. Some of our interests are running, hiking, going out to eat (nothing fancy just good food), and going shopping. A variety of places to run is a must. We both hate traffic, but would not want to live too far out in the country that we would have to drive far to get groceries, dining, and so on. We have been looking into McMinnville, Corvallis, Eugene, and possible even Portland. Please provide some positives and negatives about the places I have mentioned or some towns I have overlooked. THANKS!

If it was me, I would research about Oregon cities, including climate, activities, home prices, and then make a trip out there rather than ask random strangers to make equally as random suggestions.

Ag3046 makes a good point. I'd do some major researching, then fly in to Portland and spend 4 or 5 nights visiting those places. And stay longer if you can.

Corvallis and Eugene were the two places I was going to suggest when I opened this thread and began reading.

I have family in Corvallis now (we didn't grow up there) and I think it's near perfect for a good cross of not being ultra-urban but not feeling stuck out in the boonies either. Very people-oriented (lots of helping civic organizations, various clubs and groups, classes, churches, etc.). A funny mix of liberal and conservative people. It's naturally very beautiful countryside in the valley, and only an hour out to the coast.

Excuse me? Havin' a bad day there Ag3046?

I am not a random stranger making random suggestions. I've spent a LOT of time in Eugene, Corvallis, and Philomath & feel with such a well-detailed post as Kailee13 wrote about their likes and dislikes, qualified to make some helpful comments.

You can't really get the feel for a place from the statistics. For example there are many people with gun racks in their trucks and more chewing tobacco sold at the Bimart, then I'm used to seeing in Seattle. There's also a great organic farm that has a restaurant. Along the newly remodeled riverbank in Corvallis there is a terrific farmers market certain days. You can get naturally raised fruits, vegetables, even things like goat cheese and meats. I love to read the local paper when I'm visiting. It's a very down-to-earth, common-sense part of the country imo. And did I mention the natural beauty?

Portland's nice too, but it's a whole different deal.

Give Portland a try, you will not regret. I moved to California since 2001, but I have lived in Portland all my life, still have families which I still frequently visit, at least once a month. Portland has grown so much within the last 5 years. Being young with no children, you will enjoy the lifestyle surrounding the hip Pearl district, NW 23rd, and the up and coming South Waterfront community along the Portland downtown Willamette river.

Portland has so much too offer for runners and outdoor enthusiasts. I am a runner myself with about 7 marathon under my belt. You will find out, Portland is a runner paradise. Also, many of Portland pocketed neighborhood has turn into a very charming, close knit, neighbor with specialty coffee shops, breweries, and mouth watering dessert. Especially this time of the year where the weather are changing, the leaves are fallen, the holidays are coming. It's the best of Portland in term of the coziness atmosphere. Don't let the rain gets to you. If you are active, like you said the things that you do, you will probably going to enjoy the activities that Portland has to offer.

The cities you listed sounded like you wanted to stay south of Portland. The city of Tigard and Beaverton is in between Portland and McMinville. Traffic in Beaverton can be a headache.

If you like running trail/path. Portland waterfront has over 20 miles stretch from N. Portland passed through Portland downtown waterfront and out to Milwaukie. You can easily run a very long scenic route along Portland downtown waterfront.

A lot of people have compare Portland to San Francisco, but on a smaller scale, where it's very diverse, with numerous pocket eateries and establishments.

Well, good luck with your research. Not sure where you were moving from, but being a young active couple with no children, sounded like the Pearl district and NW 23rd Ave is within your taste of a lifestyle. I would be glad to answer any more of your question. I hope soon I will be able to move back to Portland myself.

Well, obviously they are going to have to visit, won't they?

I live in Eugene but my first preferance would be Portland because I am a city girl at heart.

However, Eugene has a lot going for it-
we have easy access to hiking and the great outdoors and several hikes within the city, lots of biking lanes connecting to all parts of the city, reasonable housing prices,
traffic is not bad - takes me 10 min to get to work on most days.

If you truly don't depend on the local economy for your livelihood, then Eugene or Corvallis. The two have slightly different vibes but are both great places. McMinnville is much quieter and more limited, although it has a fair sprinkling of restaurants and shops (and wineries nearby of course).

However, Portland is an extremely livable city and should be considered as well. Also, if you plan to rent before you buy a place, the rental market is better in Portland (students gobble up most rentals in Eugene and Corvallis).

Hope you add skiing or snowboarding to your list of activities...great opps to do both in Oregon.

In traveling cross country during my college days I stopped over in Portland for a week and absolutely loved it. It's a very youthful and vibrant city, but eclectic as well, especially for young professionals.

I live in southern California, but would move to Portland in a heartbeat!
You really need to spend time in each city and try to go back during various times of the year.
I think Portland has everything, it has great public transportation, great cultural venues, world class restaurants, the city of Portland concerned about the environment and it is reflected in their bike paths, public transportation, etc. It is a very livable city.

Portland is a great city but if you dont like traffic as you state in your post - it might not be the place for you-they have some pretty serious traffic.

However, if you choose Eugene where traffic is not a big problem - you can always drive up to Portland for shopping and activities and can be there in a couple of hours

Eugene has a small airport which is handy.

Lake Oswego or West Linn, a few miles south of Portland. Has the best of both worlds, sort of a country feel and close enough to the big city to drive in for an evening of excellent restaurants. Surrounds a gorgeous lake and runs next to the Willamette river. Beautiful wooded parks. Highly desirable living and top schools, should you need them later. Can you tell I still miss living there? Good luck with your search.

Agree Eugene has a nice small airport - but the downside is that only a few airlines fly in and out so cost more expensive than Portland/

Also agree that Lake Oswego or West Linn would be a great place to live

Another area not mentioned yet, is Bend. Fantastic area for outdoor recreation!

Gemstone--Those are very nice areas. Traffic can be bad there though. They are both pretty high density now.

I second the Bend idea - its a great city and much to do if you like the outdoors

mms, I read somewhere that the Max will eventually stretch to West Linn but not Lake Oswego...for us, that would tip the balance toward WL.

Sunbum, I've heard grumblings that the restaurant scene in Bend isn't up to expectations and way, way below Portland in quality and variety. True? False?

you know I am not real familiar with the Bend restaurants - usually when I go over I stay with a friend at SunRiver and just go over to Bend for the day

I bet mms knows more about the restaurant scene

I still think it would be fun place to live though

Like Sunbum, when we are in the area we stay at Sunriver and just wander downtown Bend during the days. But, I have some family that lives there for about half the year and they rave about the restaurants. We have been to a few, and have no complaints at all. The area really is booming, including the shopping and dining scene. I would not hesitate at all.