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.

Sars,
Lake Oswego and West Linn are right next to each other. The Stafford area, just outside of Lake Oswego and West Linn is more open country (last time I checked). I've always loved that area -- great properties out that way. Also heading down towards Wilsonville, big country lots. mms, I know the area has grown, but isn't that area still quite open?

Gemstone--Yes, Stafford is beautiful. Lots of open space, but definitely at a price. Wilsonville is growing rapidly. I am not a fan of Wilsonville though. My husband refers to it as the worlds largest strip mall. I don't think it is that bad, but still not my cup of tea.

Thanks, mms, no I don't mean the town of Wilsonville, I meant the Stafford area and just south. If I were to move back to Oregon, the Stafford is where I'd want to be most, I think.

Gemstone--Yes, that area is very nice. I take those backroads quite a bit and love driving thru them. There are some fantastic homes in there. A friend just filmed a commercial in a home there about a month ago.

Ag3046, Of course we are researching and planning on visiting several times before we make our choice. We have already been to Oregon and I have family that lives in the Portland area. Your comment made me laugh. We want to get more of a feel.

Kailee, it depends on if you want a big city or a small city. As you may already know, the Portland/Vancouver metro area is growing tremendously. It's cheaper, and maybe closer to nature, to live out in the suburbs (Hillsboro, Beaverton, Gresham). If access to downtown is a concern, there are some condo developments on the MAX line (the light rail), or you can use the park and ride spots.

If you want a smaller town, McMinnville might fit the bill. It's a college town, in the winery region, and it's a easy drive to Portland, if you just want to drive in for the day.

I live in Beaverton, and quite enjoy the suburban mix of city/country that the town provides. But we are getting more crowded, and if traffic bothers you, choose a smaller town, or be very close to mass transit ("Trimet") here in Portland.

Thanks for all the advice…I am going to have to look into some of the suburbs of Portland. We both grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and watched our small towns get swallowed by urban sprawl and strip malls (Literally) My parents’ neighborhood had the first five houses get torn down to make room for a strip mall. I guess that would be one of fears of moving to the suburbs of Portland. Now we live an hour and a half from Chicago and land is rapidly getting turned into neighborhoods.

Portland is completely different than Chicago (safe public transportation, more green space, about a forth of the population). I have never lived in a city bigger than 24,000 so it would be a big change to move to Portland. I think it would be exciting. How are the public schools in Portland?

Are there any trails in Corvallis? If we moved to Corvallis would we have to go to Salem or Albany for shopping or entertainment. I have heard mixed things about both of these towns (gangs,drugs,smelly. . ). I don’t know if there is any truth or not.

I have been to Cannon Beach and love it of course. How are the beaches closer to Corvallis or Eugene? How safe is Eugene? How long would it take to get from Portland to Eugene?

Thank-you for reading all my random thoughts this process is exciting, scary, and overwhelming!!

I grew up in Salem and still like it. The south and west sides are the best. Great place for families, IMO.

I went to college in Corvallis, so lived there for 4 years. Loved it! We have friends that are raising their families there and are very pleased. We go back for ball games, and really enjoy the town.

I have family in Albany. I have never cared for it, but I have to say that it is definitely improving. The people who live there love it, and they do have good schools. It definitely doesn't smell near as bad as it used to. So I think my opinion is a bit outdated, lol!

I can't help with Eugene. My experience there is pretty limited, so hopefully sunbum will see this and help you since she is a local.

Eugene would suit you just fine, too. It's about two hours from Eugene to Portland on the freeway. It can be done in a day trip.

Growth in the Portland area is controlled by the urban growth boundary, and we have less sprawl than some other metropolitan areas in the country. (You might google this subject to learn the details.) That said, some folks are unhappy about the density we see here. Even in the suburbs, and especially within the Portland city limits, you see condos and townhouses sprouting up, sometimes just on a strip of land that used to be something else.

Any town in the Willamette Valley will be about 60 to 90 minutes from the beach. Keep in mind that the beaches here are rather cold and windy. You don't see people sunbathing much. People will walk the sand in shoes and hoodies.

There are a couple of small towns up on the Columbia Gorge that are quite suited to the outdoors-minded. That's an easy drive to Portland.

If you're interested in one of the Portland suburbs, visit the Trimet site http://www.trimet.org for
info on mass transit. Being on the MAX, or a frequent bus line, might be a deciding factor in choosing a home. The MAX line will be extended to Clackamas in 2009, and maybe Milwaukie in a few years.

Living in Vancouver, Washington might be an option for you. There is no state income tax there, so some people live on the Washington side of the Columbia River, and drive/commute into Portland for work, fun, and shopping. Keep in mind that both bridges over the Columbia are quite busy these days, and we're talking about replacing the I-5 bridge because of the heavy traffic.

"Traffic" is relative. Portland's traffic is much better than most of the bigger cities, but worse than a small one. And if that is a concern, I would rule Vancouver out. With all traffic having to funnel over only two bridges, you can be sure of back-ups.

In the Portland area - I'd avoid Vancouver or the Beaverton area if I didn't like traffic. Suburbs in other directions don't have as bad of traffic.

Just a quick vote for Ashland. Lovely. Portland is a first class city. Without children I'd skip Lake Oswego/West Linn.

The 2 fastest growing areas of the state are the Bend-Redmond area and the Rogue Valley-Ashland to Grants Pass.
Both areas have sunnier weather than the Willamette Valley, lots of outdoor opportunities, including skiing/snowboarding, and lots of restaurants to boot.
Rogue Valley is much lower (700ft-2000 ft)
than Bend and we have milder winters.

Paulina. Undiscovered gem.

Bend is my favorite with great restaurants, hiking, biking, skiing and great fishing. Portland's great too with the exception of traffic although it has improved over the years. The major plus for Portland is that it is a connector for all the PNW Highways and the Airport has more flights than Redmond/Bend. Running in Portland wold be more diverse while Bend excels in all outdoor activites. Bend is not cheap!

Def go out there first, narrow down the cities you might like to live in then visit. There are no good food choices in Oregon in terms of restaurants. Love the farmers market tho

There's no good restaurants in the entire state of Oregon?

suze--LOL, I was thinking the same thing;)

I happen to have read other posts from this person... who is really really homesick and wants badly to move back to Chicago, or at least a city like Seattle. There's nothing that Oregon can do good enough for her. I don't think it's fair to be saying things like the crack about restaurants as if it is a fact. It's misleading and simply not true.

>>There are no good food choices in Oregon in terms of restaurants. Love the farmers market tho...<<

HUH? Wasn't Portland just highlighted in a New York Times article as one of the best dining spots in the nation???

I've seen all the sights, so planning my meals is the main preparation I do when heading to Portland!

Corvallis is getting a pretty good food scene as well.