Troutdale Vs Aurora Oregon (Portland, Gresham: renting, buying, living)

[thompsonclan1]

Well its been a while since the last time I blogged. I moved from Arizona to Oregon 5 months ago. I currently reside in Newberg, OR. My husband had a job opportunity in Aurora,Oregon or Troutdale, OR. He has his choice between the two cities. I have never been to either town. I could use some input. Which would be better to move to? I understand that I could just stay in Newberg if he choose Aurora. However as nice as Newberg is I wish it had more evergreen trees. I love trees. Being born and raised in AZ I have much appreciation for trees!! And greenery!! Any input would be appreciated, Thanks!

[Silverfall]

Well Aurora has about 1,000 people and Troutdale has about 15,000. Aurora is mostly rural properties and typically the folks that live there do so for the close in (to Portland) acreage.

Since you are here, why don't you just drive through each city. Aurora is just a few minutes away from you and Troutdale is a short drive.

[Daisy32673]

I would move to Aurora over Troutdale...less people, less traffic, quieter and more of a country feel.

[Mclaurin]

I second the move to Aurora...if I had to choose....I think. You would be far from services though. Might be hard. You can find trees in many places around here.

[Terryj]

I would choose Aurora over Troutdale, the winters in Troutdale can be brutal if you get the cold east wind blowing down the gorge and the mix of rain can turn Troutdale into an Ice house.

[hamellr]

Not to mention the lovely smells that come up the river from the plants in Camas.

[Smiled]

"Not to mention the lovely smells that come up the river from the plants in Camas."

Hey! That's the smell of money! (It's the paper mill, and after a while you don't smell it, or learn to deny its existence).

It depends on whether you are renting or buying, as you'll probably find more available in Troutdale. And it depends on whether you want to be closer to city services (i.e. Troutdale). Also, the Sandy River has fish in it almost year around, and that's important to some as well.

How are you liking Newberg so far? We live up on the hill between Newberg and Hillsboro, and usually do our shopping/visiting on the Newberg side.

[tablemtn]

Troutdale is a suburb of Portland, and while it can seem a bit isolated, it still feels like a suburb of Portland, in the sense that its streets entangle with those of Gresham and Fairview and continue on into Portland itself. You can hop on Stark St. and take it to the Willamette River.

Aurora is more of a small town. Though it does seem to have several fairs and community events that take advantage of the mass of population sitting to its north. It is much more compact and limited in terms of its connections to other towns.

[mdvaden]

Originally Posted by Terryj

I would choose Aurora over Troutdale, the winters in Troutdale can be brutal if you get the cold east wind blowing down the gorge and the mix of rain can turn Troutdale into an Ice house.

Do we get "brutal" winters in this area? I'm in Beaverton, but know Troutdale well.

From one point of view, I'd take Aurora, mainly since I hike in the redwoods every 10 weeks or so. But for overall outdoor living, I think Troutdale is far better. Washington has some nice places, and Troutdale is right there next to it. The Columbia River Gorge has a lot of hiking, waterfalls, boating and more. There is close access to shopping, the airport. And Mt. Hood if someone skis or has a snowboard. So as an outdoors person, Troutdale would rate a 9 and Aurora a 6

I can really groove having hiking like what's in the photo below like minutes away.