Bend or Hood River?? (Portland: transplants, neighborhoods, theatre)

[meltinjohn]

Which town is better if you want kinda hip neighborhoods, coffee shops and less suburbanite things?
I am curious because I saw previews of both cities but Bend looks a lil better than Hood River altho both look real neat in their own ways. Id say its a tie as far as how I like both from what I seen.
Isnt Hood River better if your into water sports? It seems like it would be.
HR is approximately an hr from Portland also isnt it?

[msanna]

Bend meets all of those and has lots of water sports, hiking, biking, mts, fishing. You have many lakes and plenty of outdoorsy activities in Bend Hood River is a great location for water sports being on the river. But, I have only visited there, I lived in Bend for over ten years. I hope you aren't thinking of a daily commute to Portland from Hood River?? Bend is a very nice area, but so is Hood River, visit both and make your decision.

[rosecitywanderer]

They're both very nice, diverse areas. I can guarantee you'll get more of a small-town feeling with Hood River. Bend is still a down-home area but it is EXPENSIVE. Gorgeous scenery, though.

[BendOregon]

Both areas are great! I live in Bend, so I'm a little bias. Bend is bigger, and offers more in the dining, shopping, and night life fields.

[RogueRiverRat]

If I had to choose, I'd go with Hood River.

[StealthRabbit]

Bend...
If you like 'dry - arid', more remote (2.5 + hrs to Int'l airport), medium size city with outward growth (sprawl), Higher edu, and a bit more culture availability (concerts, arts, theatre). Close to 'open area' hiking / recreation, dry area events; motorcycles, horses, ranches, farming. Much more 'yuppie' control on city / social. Some serious social structure, as many of the originals have been 'chased-out'. (and those remaining are none too happy) Lots of Californians and the culture they bring (cars / attitude ). Recreation is mtn based, and some rafting / lake spots

Hood River, - more rain / moisture / clouds
climate is transitional... near 'rain forest' 20 miles to the west (High undergrowth and 70+" rain / yr). High desert to the east ~ 20 miles- Closer to Portland / airport / culture (1hr) -
restricted growth (constricted physical area... valley surrounded by CGNSA / National forest / river)
small trendy area (shops) and folks have learned to 'live-together', tho painful for locals; they still are allowed a 'presence' in community and gov. The transplants seem more tolerant of the existing culture, and I don't see it 'transforming' as has happened to Bend.
Recreation varied - Mtn, Water, (wind surf/sail) + fishing, Kayak, and rafting (20 min north on Klickatat or White Salmon rivers), Gorge Hiking, (very scenic comparatively, but different)

Need to try them on, and really look to what you want (socially). HR might be too 'slow' if 'social excitement' is a high need. If you can be happy finding / doing your own recreation, and driving to Portland when you need a 'social hit'... HR would work. (jobs will be tough to find in HR)

I hope the gorge can continue to support locals and transplants...

good luck, your mileage may vary