What's the most affordable place to live in Oregon? (Portland: sales, oceanfront)

[jtinaka7]

Hello all,

I want to travel to Oregon as I have been to Washington State in the past and really enjoyed the weather, natural beauty, and the occasional showers. In the future, I would love to visit and stay for a couple of months. I was wondering what's the most affordable place to stay in the state of Oregon?

Note: I apologize as I know nothing about Oregon. I don't know where to look to start learning about this state.

[StealthRabbit]

Specify your climate / activities... get a plant / pet / house-sitting gig.

I noticed over 25 'requests' for FREE PNW housesitters yesterday on a website.

Such as...

Beautiful oceanfront view, free use of 3,000 SF ocean shore home from 1 Oct - 1 April in exchange for feeding my very mellow cat. (gathering mail and occasionally watering my house plants).

Just to find your own spot to stay and be CHEAP... ;

• Moderate temps = low energy needs
• Close to civilization or interests = low transportation costs.
• Close to Year round gardening / farmers / gleaners = low food costs.
• (Or you can be close to a mtn river / lake and 'catch and / or kill your own meat')

My housesitters are free to take from my freezer (Salmon / berries / fruits / veggies / meat...)
Weekly sales at local groceries and visiting the produce manager when he is removing the 'culls' = VERY inexpensive produce / food goods). We have survived well on $100 / month food and entertainment, so PNW can be VERY inexpensive place to hang out.

Warning: the absolute less expensive housing will be in the boonies (eastern / SE OR) and you might miss a LOT!

What did you like about WA, do you want to pursue the same in OR or different?

Really will depend on
Climate,
Terrain
Access to metro / airport / activities / needs...

Some will be fine in a Mtn Cabin, (with occasional trips to services / every 10 - 20 days) others... want a flat (apt) in the middle of the city. (with public transport) and go out to meet people several times / day

[Johnny Z]

beatty

[PNW-type-gal]

Originally Posted by jtinaka7

Hello all,

I want to travel to Oregon as I have been to Washington State in the past and really enjoyed the weather, natural beauty, and the occasional showers. In the future, I would love to visit and stay for a couple of months. I was wondering what's the most affordable place to stay in the state of Oregon?

Note: I apologize as I know nothing about Oregon. I don't know where to look to start learning about this state.

Much like Washington, Oregon has a relatively dry side and a relatively wet side.

Most of Oregon's population lives to the west of the Cascade Mountains, in the greener part of the state. Probably 75-80% of the entire state's population is in the Willamette Valley, which stretches from Portland to Eugene. The coastal area is, more-or-less, isolated from the populous Willamette Valley by the Coast Range, with only a few major routes between - thus the coast area is a string of small tourist/retiree towns in a long, somewhat isolated chain. There are many stretches of just mountain, cliff and sea at the coast.

The most affordable places tend to be in the small, remote towns on the dry high desert side of the Cascades. On the other hand, there is a lot of beauty in the high desert.

What is it you want to see? The south coast redwoods? The wild coast, the touristy coast? The wet side mountains with lush undergrowth and ferns? The dry side mountains with ponderosa pine and much less undergrowth? The mountain peaks? The Alvord playa with the 9,000' mountains looming overhead? The Alp-like Wallowas and Eagle Cap Wilderness?

[Silverfall]

How much driving do you want to do?

[jtinaka7]

Originally Posted by PNW-type-gal

Much like Washington, Oregon has a relatively dry side and a relatively wet side.

Most of Oregon's population lives to the west of the Cascade Mountains, in the greener part of the state. Probably 75-80% of the entire state's population is in the Willamette Valley, which stretches from Portland to Eugene. The coastal area is, more-or-less, isolated from the populous Willamette Valley by the Coast Range, with only a few major routes between - thus the coast area is a string of small tourist/retiree towns in a long, somewhat isolated chain. There are many stretches of just mountain, cliff and sea at the coast.

The most affordable places tend to be in the small, remote towns on the dry high desert side of the Cascades. On the other hand, there is a lot of beauty in the high desert.

What is it you want to see? The south coast redwoods? The wild coast, the touristy coast? The wet side mountains with lush undergrowth and ferns? The dry side mountains with ponderosa pine and much less undergrowth? The mountain peaks? The Alvord playa with the 9,000' mountains looming overhead? The Alp-like Wallowas and Eagle Cap Wilderness?

Hello,

Thanks so much for your comment. I would love to live in a small town that is comparable to Olympia in Washington state. While I do enjoy the slower pace and lifestyle of a small town, I don't want it to be dead where it feels too isolated from everyone else. Being somewhere where there isn't too much development would be ideal, but in today's day and age, I don't expect that. I love the rain, lush green mountains, and rain forests as I like to hike.

[PNW-type-gal]

Most comparable to Olympia would probably be Salem (state capitol), right in the middle of the Willamette Valley. By Willamette Valley standards the housing is reasonable (not cheap, but reasonable).

[take57]

Originally Posted by PNW-type-gal

Most comparable to Olympia would probably be Salem (state capitol), right in the middle of the Willamette Valley. By Willamette Valley standards the housing is reasonable (not cheap, but reasonable).

Just to riff off of that, a 20 minute drive outside of Salem offers Monmouth, Stayton, Dallas, Silverton and a bunch other little burgs. Job opportunies may be limited but COL may be manageable.

[DKM]

Originally Posted by jtinaka7

Hello,

Thanks so much for your comment. I would love to live in a small town that is comparable to Olympia in Washington state. While I do enjoy the slower pace and lifestyle of a small town, I don't want it to be dead where it feels too isolated from everyone else. Being somewhere where there isn't too much development would be ideal, but in today's day and age, I don't expect that. I love the rain, lush green mountains, and rain forests as I like to hike.

Do you know what it feels like to hike in 40 degrees rain? If you do and you like it, Oregon will be a paradise.

[Hawk J]

Look around Dallas, Oregon. Y'all might like it...