1 hr. to portland airport but sunny??

[fjtee]

One hour and sunny just isn't realistic. The Dalles would be the closest, but if you're going to the airport quite often, then you'll be facing some nasty winds getting around Mt. Hood in the winter. Still, people do the commute daily from Hood River, but it is something of which you should be aware.

[Nell Plotts]

Spokane has a major airport (that is where the jumbos land when SEA is closed), it is in the high western desert. I know its in WA but that area meets the writer's needs better.

[shekman]

Originally Posted by frogandtoad

We are having a TOUGH time finding what we're looking for out West. We need to be within an hour of a major airport (Portland would work).

I know myself well enough to know I could not handle the weather in Portland. I've lived in that weather before and it did not work for me.

Is there anywhere within an hour of the Portland airport with a nice town, but sunnier weather, good schools? We would like to spend under $800K if possible, but can go to about $1Million if we needed to.

Either in OR or WA would be fine...and there would be no daily commute, so that doesn't need factoring in--just time to the airport.

Thank you!!!!

Portland's mild and tame weather as compared to the cold snowy winters and muggy hot summers of somewhere like Chicago is a preferred choice by many so I don't see why weather is such a turn-down. Portland's Airport is rated in the top 10 or maybe even top 5 for conveniences, flights and transit so there's kudos for the airport. As far as proximity, it is anywhere from 10 minutes to 45 to the ticket counter depending on where you're coming from. There's a very slick lightrail that goes right to the ticket counter. As compared to other large airports, Portlands is cake to get to and from. I'd agree that Hood River is the best choice for a bit drier climate and still an hour from the airport if you insist on avoiding Portland for a place to live.

[nanannie]

Originally Posted by shekman

Portland's mild and tame weather as compared to the cold snowy winters and muggy hot summers of somewhere like Chicago is a preferred choice by many so I don't see why weather is such a turn-down. .

Having lived in both places, trust me, Potlands weather is a MAJOR turn down issue for many. There are many many who prefer the seasons. There are not ''long stretches of cold snowy winters'', we have cold snaps,(some ridiculous lows, but it never lasts that long)and occasional snow, not near as much snow as one would think and not the long long long stretches of gray, its always changing. Winters here have a surprising amount of sun, and that sun is a big difference to the weeks of grey drizzle. Its does effect as many people as are effected by cold/snow.I have known people who left Portland after one year, and I have known people who are not bothered at all by the weather. Same with Chicago. We are all wired differently. PS, I happen to love Oregon,weather and all, did not bother me one bit.

[davefr]

The best I can think of would be the Bald Peak area in Washington County. It's about 1500 ft and the highest point between the Cascades and the Coastal range. (it's actually the start of the coastal mtn range).

Bald Peak gets plenty of rain just like Portland but it's high enough to stay above the gloomy fog that tends to linger in the valley between rain storms.

It has some of the nicest homes in Wash. County w/acreage.

PDX is less then 1 hr drive.

Have you considered Salt Lake City? (more sun and major airport)

[sames]

I see that some have posted that Newberg is a great place. By the way Bald Peak is Newberg. At any rate, they are correct. We moved here from California and love it.

It's a beautiful and clean small town atmosphere. Fun festivals, a new state of the art hospital, an awesome library, great restaurants, surrounded by wine country, and virtually no crime. It is approxiamtely 45 minutes to the airport (with traffic). We are somewhat protected from the weather due to the hills around us. It's a tad milder, less windy, and we do get sun when Portland is still socked in with clouds and fog. But you have to consider it is western Oregon and we do get our share of rain. This is a very green place year round. Bald Peak however, ends up in the clouds a good portion of the year. It is nice though. Newberg is on the border of Yamhill county. Taxes are lower, no car smog stuff to deal with, and it is very rural. Lots of hazel nut orchards and farms.

To be honest, we have our small farm up for sale but are not quite sure we want to leave. My husband works 30 miles away so we were hoping to move closer for a shorter commute. To give you an idea of realistic prices, our home is 2000 sq ft on 1 1/2 acres for $410,000 and is very well kept. So you will easily be able to find a nice place. Good luck!

[frogandtoad]

Originally Posted by Arf Arf

The Dalles is what you're looking for. It's starting to get discovered, but prices are very cheap. Eight hundred thousand will buy you the county practically.

Except that I was just reading that The Dalles has a strong skinhead contingent. Is that true? We are white, with a black (adopted) son so I'm not thinking that would be the place for us......!!

[dachmom]

I don't know where you read that, but I don't remember any skinheads there. I have relatives that live there and we have never heard of skinheads there. The population is a majority of white followed by hispanic and there are not many black people there. So your son would definitely be in the minority and may get some stares, etc.