Looking east of the Cascades (Salem, Bend: ski resort, for sale, real estate)

[GBeckhart]

Hi,
We're looking at possibly relocating to Oregon on the east side of the Cascades. We would be relocating with several horses, so the area needs to be horse friendly and reasonable access to a vet. Our main areas of interest would be central around Bend and vacinity and northeast, Baker City, La Grande, Pendleton, Hermiston, and Milton-Freewater. Any insight into those communities? Availability of a vet, farrier, hay, feed, horse friendly activities, etc?

Thanks in advance!

[StealthRabbit]

Do you want Mtns? I would look into Prineville to be 'affordable' and close to Bend, tho you didn't mention cost restrictions. There is a lot of depressed real estate for sale in Bend area. It is still a spendy location, and a bit snooty since they chased most of the locals away. (thus horse equip / supply will be higher costs too)

I would look to be someplace with irrigation rights, as horses are terribly hard on pastures. Call the local extension services to see what the grazing requirements are in your chosen areas (They probably have a statewide data sheet for 'boarding costs', including importing hay. 'Several' horses will require MANY acres + good supply of hay (local preferred) which may make LaGrande the most affordable place to have horses.

As always... WATER is the most important thing, so be careful acquiring rural props.

[sidhesadie]

Unless you are willing to purchase a mobile home on acreage, a horse property in Bend area is still going to run you 400K and up, easily. Probably more.
I don't know if you do not need jobs, but there are not many here. This area is FAR more depressed economically than west of the mountains, just FYI.

I find the weather better further east (baker city, etc) and the costs are lower.

[PNW-type-gal]

Originally Posted by sidhesadie

Unless you are willing to purchase a mobile home on acreage, a horse property in Bend area is still going to run you 400K and up, easily. Probably more.
I don't know if you do not need jobs, but there are not many here. This area is FAR more depressed economically than west of the mountains, just FYI.

I find the weather better further east (baker city, etc) and the costs are lower.

Likewise to the south - Lakeview, Klamath Falls are a bit sunnier than Bend, especially in the winter. Jobs are an issue, though.

[walkerdawg]

Why are you considering Oregon? All those cities have huge Meth and property crime problems and super high unemployment. Bend is very expensive to live in as most goods are trucked in and there is no real major employer other than the hospital so property tax revenue is extremely important. Bend and it's surrounding areas has unbelieveable meth problems as does Sweet Home and Salem, Oregon as well as dozens of smaller Oregon towns because Oregon lawmakers have told police not to 'harass' illegals because they need them for crop and nursery work. Most lawmakers are lobbied by the affluent who own these primary industries in Oregon. A former lawmaker was having sex with her meth supplier just a couple of years ago-that was the final straw for us and we left for Washington-much better.

Why not Idaho which has tougher laws and will round up criminals? Why not Wenatchee, Washington which is gorgeous and has sound law enforcement and there for lower crime?

We lived in Oregon and were shocked at the difference in the lack of culture, rampid crime, lack of policy to support the police and the cost of living. Of course, if you are going to vote in every law that raises your taxes and protects criminals-please move to Oregon-Ha! Ha!

[GypsyLaura]

I live in between La Grande and Baker in a small town. The mountains are beautiful and ski resort is 20 min. The town I live in (but house goes on market tomorrow) is the last town without regulated water control. The school is K-12. There is a restaurant, store and soon a clinic. You can have horses, cows, etc in town. Big ranching here.
I am moving, but you sound like you would like it here. Only drawback is the snow and ice. But you get used to it.
As for the above post, I honestly feel Wa is an evil state. Period!

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Originally Posted by GBeckhart

Hi,
We're looking at possibly relocating to Oregon on the east side of the Cascades. We would be relocating with several horses, so the area needs to be horse friendly and reasonable access to a vet. Our main areas of interest would be central around Bend and vacinity and northeast, Baker City, La Grande, Pendleton, Hermiston, and Milton-Freewater. Any insight into those communities? Availability of a vet, farrier, hay, feed, horse friendly activities, etc?

Thanks in advance!

Of those you mention, in order, LaGrande & Baker are my picks.