Eastern Oregon... what can you tell me? (Bend, La Grande: new home, college)

[Safety First]

Soon I'll be embarking on a journey through part of the North West. One of the areas that has sounded appealing to me is Eastern Oregon & I'd like the observations of those who have seen it or lived there as to how it matches up with my preferences for possible future relocation. I’ll try to be simple & direct.

Things I consider and would like to see in my new home:

* Lack of illegal aliens

* Government that is liberty loving and non-invasive (respects self-defense, 2nd amendment rights, will not limit number of dogs)

* Populace that has a large majority of white folks

* Low rainfall measurements, lack of heavy snows, fairly mild summer

* Availability of lots with 1 acre or more of land (either with a home or suitable for building)

* Grocery stores and a hospital within short distance

Thanks to all who read and can offer a firsthand or intimately knowledgeable view of the area.

[Larry Caldwell]

One acre of land isn't enough to spit on in Eastern Oregon. There aren't many people there. Look for a couple hundred acres or so. Wheeler County, around Fossil, only has a population of 1500 people, and could use a few more. Wheeler County is about 1700 square miles. Some communities there only got phone service in the last 10 years. If you want freedom, Wheeler County is the place. There's no one around to care what you do.

http://www.city-data.com/city/Fossil-Oregon.html
http://www.city-data.com/county/Wheeler_County-OR.html

There isn't anything within a short distance in Eastern Oregon.

[Safety First]

Thanks for that. I'll check those links this weekend.

Not much commentary on Eastern Oregon. Is there just not much to talk about or not too many who are familiar with it on this board?

[tablemtn]

Now see, I was going to come here and tell 'Safety First' about some of the good Mexican restaurants in Burns, Ontario, La Grande, etc... but now I'm just not sure if I should...

[mdvaden]

Originally Posted by tablemtn

Now see, I was going to come here and tell 'Safety First' about some of the good Mexican restaurants in Burns, Ontario, La Grande, etc... but now I'm just not sure if I should...

All I can say is that most of the better burritos I've had come from the Mexican food van parked on corners.

I advanced from the green sauce, to the red hot sauce, to 2 red hot sauce now.

[TribalCat]

You probably wouldn't like Eastern Oregon, there are too many BASQUES there (and yes, I'm one), and a lot of BROWN field workers (yup, I'm Hispanic too). Come to think of it, the town I lived in has a lot of Asians too...(yah, I'm Asian too...)

[Waterlily]

Prineville looks nice. It's only about 36 miles from Bend but a lot less expensive. http://www.city-data.com/city/Prineville-Oregon.html

Another possibility is the John Day area.

[OceansVII]

I don't know - I'd probably suggest Texas or Oklahoma instead.

[st33lcas3]

Perhaps you should try North Idaho.

[nbres]

I think the following towns meet your requirements: La Grande and Baker City. Both places have less than 15,000 people, but do have the basic amenities of a supermarket and a hospital. La Grande also has a college. However, both towns are quite isolated from larger metro areas, especially during winter months. Check with a local realtor about acreage outside both towns. Home prices are very low in both towns, but selection is limited.