need info about Sandy (Portland, Eugene: how much, transfer, movies)

[bluebird39]

Hi there,

I am looking for information about Sandy OR. We have lived in Medford, and recently Northern Michigan. We have family in Portland, so I know a lot already about the area, but have never been to Sandy, or haven't in a very long time.

What are the schools like? the community? Does it have a good library? a public pool? Is it high enough to get above the fog in winter? What are the pros and cons? Are the people friendly? Is it mainly a commuter community? Where's the nearest hospital?

We are also considering Montrose CO. If anyone has been to both places, which would you prefer?

Thanks.

[jiffin4java]

We lived in a Sandy for a little while when we first moved here to Oregon (my husband recently got transfered from Portland to Eugene). I absolutely loved Sandy. It's a small town, but big enough to have everything you need. I have a 7yr old son who has Aspergers and was undiagnosed at the time he started school there and I have to say, in all the school districts I've been in and the terrible experiences my son has had in schools, Sandy Grade School and the Oregon Trail School District was phenomenal. They were very understanding and accommodating to my son's difficulties and were very proactive in getting him tested and putting an IEP in place for him. They truly care about the kids and not just their statistics. We lived within walking distance from the library and visited often. The community values its library services so you would be happy about that. There is a community aquatics center right next door to the elementary school that offers very inexpensive swimming times and swim lessons. My son loved it. We had the Sandy Mountain Festival in the summer which was a lot of fun. There's a ton of local artists selling their crafts and it's really neat some of the treasures you can fine. Good music and entertainment at the Festival too! In the summers they do music in the park one evening a week with a good variety of styles. They also do movies in the park one day a week at dusk in the summer. They show a family movie and sell popcorn and candy to benefit the school. Admission is free and you just bring your blanket or chair and enjoy the movie under the stars. My kids loved this the most. If you like outdoor fun, there's a ton of trails to hike in the area and you can get info on that at the Dept. of Forestry (I think?) Office in town. They have a little museum in there you can check out as well. The trails are everything from really easy that you can take the kids with you to really difficult and they're all really beautiful. Be careful driving on a clear day!!! Mt. Hood really jumps out at you and it's so captivating you can't help but look at it! LOL! The only person I ever met in Sandy that rubbed me the wrong way was the really old lady living next door to us who hated kids and animals....both of which we have and love. LOL! I really miss Sandy, especially for the hills and mountains so close to it. I miss living a short driving distance from the Gorge, which is also breathtaking. But I have to say, Eugene suits us just as well, if not better.

We didn't get the opportunity to stay through a winter so I can't help you much there but I hope this was what you were looking for! Good luck!

[bluebird39]

Thanks for the info! What's Gresham like? It seems to be close too. Glad to hear about the schools. I have school-aged kids and that's important.

[frgmnt13]

How much does it snow there? More is better!