Moving to a nature area outside of/around Portland - Need feedback! (Gresham: ski resort)

[niko_11]

I'm from out of state, and I'm going to be moving to Oregon very soon. I'm trying to figure out in which areas to begin looking...

My main priorities are (A) to live right by a lake/river (B) within a forest-like place, NOT just a residential area on a lakeshore with tons of neighbors and a handful of trees. I really want to feel that I'm living in nature. (C) to be within 30 minutes or less driving distance to Portland and within an hour to a ski resort. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Also, once I have a better idea of which areas might be a good fit, WHERE does someone looking to rent a room begin the search? The only site I can think of is craigslist.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post.

[Rickers]

You can find better rental rates than the ones listed on C.L. but you have to be in the area a while to get connected. I really think with the criterea you stated, unless you are a gazillionaire you're about fifty years too late !

[tiffela74]

or go a bit further out than 30min.
I was trying to remember, in the little towns of ZigZag, or Rhodedendron, dont either of them go along the river? Might be something out that way, although, again, probably on the spendy side...

Or, if you go out the other way, I know theres homes along the Wilson River, and the Tualatin River. many of them w/some acreage. But again, how much are you looking to spend?

Anyone know if theres any property up for sale on Sauvies Island? Spendy..but....?

[StealthRabbit]

You will be best to rent for awhile and you should be able to find plenty of places a little ways out where folks can't afford to commute anymore, plus there is plenty of 'price adjustment' room left in real estate.

You need to determine which area of Portland you need to be close to, as it is over 30 min across it, but... for trees, river, non-urban sprawl, affordable, community, and close to skiing I would start around Estacada / Mololla and branch out from there. Route 26 through Sandy is more expensive and crowded. If wind surfing AND skiing is your interest Cascade Locks would have been good one year ago, but the Casino speculators are salivating over its previously low property values. There are still potential places out east that are worth looking into.

Depending on your job / income, you might also look to WA areas within 30 min to Portland. Stevenson, WA is 45 min, and pretty nice place. Hood River and points south (Odell / Parkdale) would be my choice for 1 hr from Portland and 30 min to skiing and 10 min to wind surfing. Not sure on your idea of a 'ski-resort', but the downhill areas of Mt Hood are not like the others in Mtn States and New England. These are 'day-use' and not 'resort' (as in a town and variety of accommodation available). There is a place to eat your lunch and warm up, and the daily commute is on you... Unless you get 'on staff', then you can take an employee's bus up and back.

You can also head West and NW of Portland, but it will add to your skiing commute. Look at St Helens, OR as an option to the NW.

[niko_11]

Thank you to those of you who have responded so far!

There was some mention that I would need lots and lots of money to find what I am looking for. As a clarification, I am ONLY looking to RENT a ROOM in a cottage by a lake/river. Just trying to determine a good location to look & then I will begin to search for rooms available.

[Silverfall]

Mt. Hood is 1-1/2 hours away from Portland which is the closest skiing. So if you want to be 30 minutes to Portland, then outer Gresham, Troutdale, and Sandy are your choices.

If you want to be on a river, Sandy, Zig Zag, and Rhododendron are it. Not sure how many people are going to rent just a room in a cabin. Most of those are people's vacation homes.

[tiffela74]

well....my inlaws rent out their little 1bdrm lakefront cabin, I think for like 300.00month, fully furnished w/utilities/cable paid, but its out on Siltcoos lake, by Florence, so that'd be a bit of a drive.
i agree w/silverfall, most people that own them its their vacation home, or many are rented out for short periods of time....
Id suggest finding areas you like, then maybe put an ad in the local paper "Need Cabin/Room to Rent"

[StealthRabbit]

You should be able to find a senior couple who would like to rent a basement apartment, guest house, or to have a house sitter so they can escape for the winter. There may be a youth or church camp that would have a place to rent (we did that in Canada one winter).

I would suggest Craigslist, but... some folks will be more picky who they bring into their home so... There is a monthly senior newspaper in east Portland, but I don't have the name at the moment. Also I would target the potential areas and post in the local rag (usually published weekly). "wanted" items are often free to post. Then I would do the following. Make up a cute COLORFUL 3x5 card and do some networking to get someone to post for you in these spots;

senior and community centers,
grocery stores
town halls
library
churches
convenience stores
feed stores

BTW, which area of Portland do you want to be close to?
Will you need access to public transportation.
Will you be working or going to school?
(folks who rent to you will want to know this stuff + it would be easier to determine the correct spot for you)