cheaper than portland

[ORexpat]

I know many of the places mentioned to live in western Oregon look good to someone from out of state. But, from my view, having been raised there, the deterioration and degeneration of cities, towns and the environment is appalling.
When I was looking for a house in January I felt that anything under $1000 in rent was disappointing as to quality, even for a small house. Columbia county should be cheaper, but I have always found it depressing. It has been a poor county for as long as I can remember, with an on again off again economy. Once long ago some relatives of mine nearly starved trying to make a go of it there, and that has been the experience of many other people.

[LB-Basket-Lady]

Well if you're looking to be close to Mountains, good fishing, snow at times, good camping and still be close to PDX I'd recommend Molalla. It's very affordable compared to other communities. It's a close knit small town with lots of things to do! You can check out the home prices on RMLS™ Regional Multiple Listing Service - Home just do a Molalla search!

[Smiled]

Hood River/White Salmon is not commutable to Portland, and is very expensive. The Gorge gets icy in the winter.
Vernonia is OK (I like it) but it's rebuilding after the second big flood in ten years (watch Ax Men, you'll see what I mean).
Anywhere between Portland and Salem is commutable. I don't know whether you want to buy or rent, or how close you need to be. Light rail goes downtown from three outlying areas (soon to be four) and the airport.