Out of California and heading to Oregon (Portland, Eugene: apartments, safe neighborhood)

[artist traveler]

Graphic designer here looking to relocate from California to Oregon. I work out of my home.

Needs
Small town surrounded by lots of green (I am a nature girl at heart...rivers, creeks, leaves, rain)
Apartments/studios that are in a safe neighborhood (Female living on my own)
Only basic places needed nearby like a grocery store, post office, bank.

Wants
Snow in the winter

I am not liking the heat and dessert here in the inland empire. I want to get out of this suburban area and move somewhere quieter and simpler. I love to cook, garden, hike, and star gaze. I wouldn't need to be too close to the city. I would love to live in a rural area but I am guessing there is not going to be too many apartments around.
I am planning a trip to Oregon so I can check out some areas. Where would you recommend I start? Thanks in advance!

[EnricoV]

You'd probably like just about anywhere in the foothills of the Cascades. On the western slope, it tends to be greener than the eastern slope. I'm more familiar with the Portland area, but further south would be similar weather. Somewhere like Sandy or even further up Mt. Hood like Welches or Rhododendron would fit the bill.

[Silverfall]

I assume as a graphic designer high speed internet will be important. I think Sandy might be a good fit as Forest Grove, Silverton, maybe McMinnville. Only Sandy gets regular snow in the winter. Most of us get our snow fix by driving to the Mountains. The nice thing about the valley is we are between the coast and the Mountains. Our coast is stunning and worth heading out to see.

You could also consider Sisters, OR, but it is really expensive to live there, but Redmond out that way is more affordable.

There are some nice smaller towns in the Eugene area and down south and I'm sure those folks can chime in. Just remember it probably has to have high speed/DSL access.

[PNW-type-gal]

I have DSL access (okay, it's officially 1 Mip but actually runs about 3, which is pretty sad compared to the 10+ I had in the Portland metro area) and I live almost 40 miles from Klamath Falls. It's pretty common even out here in the sticks.

Given the poster's stated preferences, she might try the Ashland - Medford - Grant's Pass corridor. Out in Jacksonville, perhaps.

Other than that, I'd suggest Mt. Angel, Silverton and that general area. Not much snow there, but you can always live up in the foothills.

[EnricoV]

Now see, I don't feel like Sisters, Ashland, Medford, etc. are as green as would be towns on the valley side of the Cascades. They seem drier to me, and have less undergrowth. Less of the "rivers, creeks, leaves, rain" requirement. But then, maybe that's just my preference rearing it's ugly head. I think those are all great places (though I definitely don't think Medford is what they're looking for), but just wouldn't call them green and wet.

[KarlaT2]

Originally Posted by artist traveler

Graphic designer here looking to relocate from California to Oregon. I work out of my home.

Needs
Small town surrounded by lots of green (I am a nature girl at heart...rivers, creeks, leaves, rain)
Apartments/studios that are in a safe neighborhood (Female living on my own)
Only basic places needed nearby like a grocery store, post office, bank.

Wants
Snow in the winter

I am not liking the heat and dessert here in the inland empire. I want to get out of this suburban area and move somewhere quieter and simpler. I love to cook, garden, hike, and star gaze. I wouldn't need to be too close to the city. I would love to live in a rural area but I am guessing there is not going to be too many apartments around.
I am planning a trip to Oregon so I can check out some areas. Where would you recommend I start? Thanks in advance!

You are in same area I am now. I'm in La Quinta area. It is hot isn't it? I was born in Oregon, and lived there for over 30 years. I'm hoping to go back too someday. Good luck on finding your spot. It's a beautiful state.

[KarlaT2]

Originally Posted by artist traveler

Graphic designer here looking to relocate from California to Oregon. I work out of my home.

Needs
Small town surrounded by lots of green (I am a nature girl at heart...rivers, creeks, leaves, rain)
Apartments/studios that are in a safe neighborhood (Female living on my own)
Only basic places needed nearby like a grocery store, post office, bank.

Wants
Snow in the winter

I am not liking the heat and dessert here in the inland empire. I want to get out of this suburban area and move somewhere quieter and simpler. I love to cook, garden, hike, and star gaze. I wouldn't need to be too close to the city. I would love to live in a rural area but I am guessing there is not going to be too many apartments around.
I am planning a trip to Oregon so I can check out some areas. Where would you recommend I start? Thanks in advance!

Forgot to suggest Silverton. Close to Oregon Gardens, and SIlver Creek Falls park that has gorgeous waterfalls. That's my favorite place anyway. Very small, quaint town. Love it.

[ConeyIsBabe]

If I were in your shoes..... I'd head to Ashland ! Check it out and see for yourself

[Silverfall]

I was going more for the snow factor.

[scone]

I'm only about 500' above sea level, and I'm getting snow every year. It's just like California in that respect-- more elevation = more snow. IIWY I'd get a job here before moving--Oregon is already awash with artistic people who are having trouble finding work. OTOH, if you already have an indpendent business, with steady clients, that's another thing. For stargazing, stay away from the wetter areas. IIWY I'd look at Roseburg and the towns around Eugene. It's a lot cheaper than Portland.