Small Town Oregon? (Eugene, Corvallis, Albany: house, to buy, university)

[naturelover17]

Hi everyone! My family and I are currently living in California, but would eventually like to get out. Just for the record, we're not stereotypical Californians who surf, live in LA, or own an expensive home. We're currently looking at Washington and Oregon, but don't really know where would be the best spot for us. We like small towns of around 10,000 people, in or near the mountains, four seasons, with a hospital, grocery store(s), and within commuting distance of a four-year college. We're conservative, so we don't need anything in the way of nightlife, but we'd prefer outdoor activities (hiking, etc). We're looking to buy a 3br 2ba house with a few acres, hopefully for around $250,000, so I know that'll limit the area severely. We don't need to be on the outskirts of any large cities, but we'd like to be within a few hours' drive of a decent sized town. I'd be really grateful if anyone had some input.

Thanks in advance,
Elaina

[karlsch]

If you click here you will find a description of Baker City from a different thread:
http://www.city-data.com/forum/orego...ml#post6465176

It's about 40 miles from Eastern Oregon University in LaGrande:
Eastern Oregon University - La Grande, Oregon USA

[Silverfall]

That $250,000 price limit will limit you in the willamette valley. What is commuting distance to a 4 year college?

[2Z4]

I think you just roughly described Dallas or Rickreall and surrounding areas - commuting distance to Oregon State University, but smaller towns with a rural feel.

[StealthRabbit]

or...
Klamath Falls,

or small towns around Monmouth, Eugene, or Corvallis (wetter, less snow, smaller mountains)

choices increase greatly if you can utilize a 2 yr college (I'd look at Winchester, near Roseburg... or Pendleton, or The Dalles, but there are many more)

Prices on homes are on the decline, and the smaller towns will get hit even worse, especially when gas goes back up (probably in next couple years if not sooner).


For WA... Check into Wenatchee, Ellensburg, Colville, Newport, Walla Walla (to the SE of there for Mountians).

I would also look at Moscow and Sandpoint, ID. Especially if you have a conservative bent. OR is least tolerant of conservatives and as with WA there is no reason to be. The majority of voters live in a couple urban counties and can pass laws and elect candidates at will, regardless of harm to the providers of food and jobs. The electorate is largely 'employees' and they don't mind sticking it to their boss, or the evil farmers, loggers, and ranchers.

[Silverfall]

Originally Posted by 2Z4

I think you just roughly described Dallas or Rickreall and surrounding areas - commuting distance to Oregon State University, but smaller towns with a rural feel.

Except for the $250,000 price tag. My first thought was Dallas, OR as well.

[DavePautsch]

Jefferson, Dallas, Independence, Scio, Brownsville, Halsey, Shedd - all kind of fall into the pocket. South of Albany/Corvallis puts you in commuting distance to both OSU (Go Beavers) and U of O.

Any of these towns give you great access to both the coast and the mountains as well.

DaveP

[BLAZER PROPHET]

As a 50-year Oregonian the town I would most suggest is LaPine. Many of the other towns suggested are much larger than 10,000 and are in rain belts where outside activities are restricted to about 5 months per year.

[dachmom]

I think you just roughly described Dallas or Rickreall and surrounding areas - commuting distance to Oregon State University, but smaller towns with a rural feel.

What about Western Oregon University? It's in Monmouth. Talk about commuting distance from Dallas,Rickreall, Independence, etc.

[naturelover17]

Thanks for all your help, everyone. Are any of the places you've mentioned terribly dreary and overcast a good deal of the year? I'm hoping to avoid months at a time of darkness.