Where is a good place to start a family... (Portland: real estate, high crime)

[Devanyhavock]

I am thinking of moving, I have been looking into a lot of smaller mountain towns. I am just wondering if anyone has a suggestion of a good place for someone who is young ,Artistic ,and loves to hike to move to raise some children. I have been looking at real estate for months and it's starting to make my head spin. lol
It's always hard to tell how great a place really is just by looking at pictures so I was hoping someone who has been to/ lives in these areas could maybe tell me a little more about them from their first hand experience.

ok so... a few of the places I have been looking into are Areas around Portland near the mountains... Like Canyonville, Cascade Locks, Cave Junction, Chenoweth, Deschutes River Woods, Mount Hood Village, Myrtle Point, Oakridge, and Pacific City... Places like that, Small towns but not to small, Close enough to drive to a big city if the desire arises, with mountain views or on a mountain.

I know pretty much nothing about theses towns other then to population is under 6000 and that they are near the mountains. ANY information would be greatly appreciated.

[sberdrow]

In some states a view of a mountain is a premium. In oregon, the mountains are just about everywhere. Its truely the most beautiful area in the nation, that is if you like trees, Mountains, low summer humidity (compaired to anywhere east of the Rockies). Canyonville is nice its close to Roseburg and a midsize town called Medford. Its near the Umpqua river, it has some fun if you like to gamble as it has a rather large casino.

[StealthRabbit]

maybe you should overlay your choices on a rain map, then consider school rankings / jobs / commute / taxes / cost of living. You have a pretty broad selection in location and climate. You may need to come and rent, or travel to each destination in an RV and stay for a few weeks to determine the best fit.

examples are;
Cascade Locks has really significant rain, and high winds, but is in the scenic gorge (very nice)
Canyonville is in a quite dry area, but is near Roseburg and I-5 (jobs, commute)
Pacific City can be foggy and cool in the summer, and rainy in winter, but it has nice coastal access north and south

The Mt views from Parkdale are very nice and weather moderate. Access to Hood River is EZ. Costs of property is quite high, and the presence of orchards can expose you to sprays, Blower noise, and smoke (sludge pots). (but I'm fully supportive of the orchardists, they need to make a GOOD living to keep up with their increasing taxes).

[Waterlily]

Chenoweth is just an suburb of The Dalles. I don't think the mountain views would be very good.

Oakridge is in the foothills of the Cascade mountains.If you like mountains it would be a good location. The town is small with just enough shops to do. You'd have problems getting a job there.

[mdvaden]

You are "thinking" of moving.

Are you ready to move?

[parteira]

anyone else have info on Mount Hood Village? I'm interested in many of the same characteristics as the OP, including this town, but can't seem to find much on it.

[dachmom]

Yes you do have mountain views from The Dalles. You can see Mt. Adams in Washington state and Mt. Hood. It is a beautiful view in the summer!

[mirjanaf]

There is so many small cities around Portland, OR but I think you have to come here and see that your self. I remember when I move from TX here I come over for a weekend look around and decide to live in Vancouver, WA which is just a couple minutes from Portladn, OR, but I love smaller cities.

[turnerfamily]

I would recommend looking seriously at a map and take into consideration distances to the coast,the mountains,the larger cities,snow areas(if you like skiing),lakes are pretty much everywhere,and find a town that suits you and inquire about it pros and cons.Some can be vulnerable to high crime and drug traffic.Also strongly consider employment(if you have to work).Alot of people find that if they are left without work(layoffs,shutdowns,etc.)there is no alternative in your area and are forced to relocate.Always have a backup plan.

[PNW]

What about Estacada? That's a small family-oriented city, located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, yet roughly 30 miles SE of Portland.

Silverton is another city that comes to mind--perhaps a tad more "artsy" than Estacada, yet close to the mountains. Silverton is about 20 minutes NE of Salem and about 1 hour SE of Portland. It is the gateway to Silver Falls--a wonderful place to hike. The population is probably a bit more than 6,000.

Both cities are close enough to bigger cities for employment, hospitals, enterntainment, but small enough to be family-oriented, and still very rural. Both are very green--so you'd have to like the rain!

P.S.
You may find helpful info in the thread: Small Towns in Oregon.