where to move in eastern wash or oregon? (Portland, Pendleton: relocate, property taxes)

[cleanairkids]

We are looking to relocate to a town in central to eastern Washington or central to eastern Oregon. We're trying to avoid the big cities along the coast. So far we have done research on the Walla Walla, tri cities, Pullman, and La Grande, Oregon areas. We were really interested in the tri cities area until we found out there is an expired nuclear waste dumpsite in the Hanford Reach area. Contamination is a concern. Does anyone have any info on this? Pullman sounds great because it has the university there. Also, Moscow? Don't know much about Pendleton, Ore.

We have 3 children ages 6 and under and another baby on the way. My husband is an avid hunter and fisherman and the closer he is to the wilderness, the better. I, on the other hand, will be having to cart 4 kids around to run errands so I need to be close to civilization (Target and/or Costco or something similar are really all I need ). My parents are originally from Lewiston and Boise and we would like to find something somewhat close to their original homes where they might feel more at home.

Here are the things that are most important to us, in this order: clean air, good schools, opportunities/activities for our kids, low crime and fair housing prices.

Any information anyone has would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!

[Waterlily]

You could take a look at Baker City. It has a population of about 9,700. The air is clean and there's plenty of wilderness around. It'll get some snow in winter but it shouldn't be too hot during summer. Since it's close to Id. it might be similar to areas there.

Housing prices are reasonable too. Crime is low. I don't know anything about the schools.

[janb]

From your comments and choices, I'd do Moscow or small towns nearby. Pullman is a MAJOR party town (might be noisy and get on your nerves, and make you fret for your kids on bikes). Moscow is a bit more conservative, and I feel a nicer landscape. I also Like Troy, and Kendrick, ID. to the SE. If you need low income taxes, then consider WA state. (property taxes higher) Start with Colfax (just watch your speed ), I prefer points north and east of there (more trees)
Pullman has superb school ranking, but I expect Moscow would be decent.

Pomeroy, WA is looking for a Dr. if you are one of those ! It is very close to wilderness hunting (Blue Mountains).

Moscow gives you a pretty central location to superb hunting and fishing, (+ MT, and WA closeby), jobs, education and things for kids to do, and even a small airport! The UoI campus is nice, and maybe you could take classes or join the staff to get access to Recreation Facilities !!

Walla Walla has a nice feel about it and has jobs, and a couple college choices., Check out the nice historic Homes and Commercial Buildings in Waitsburg while you are close. (commute distance to Walla Walla)

Sorry I haven't added much OR... it does have some state finance issues to deal with. LaGrande wouldn't be too bad of a choice, and has college and probably some decent jobs. It can get foggy in winter (base of mountains) and pretty cold. Nice area to the NE, but... it ends up being quite a hike in the winter to get to your relatives. (except Boise is EZ from there) Maybe Milton-Freewater, ?

Climate is pretty moderate in Moscow area, but, Walla Walla / Pomeroy can get pretty hot (same with Milton-Free, and LaGrande)

My Favorite spot out that way = Almota,WA. just above Granite Dam (west of Pullman). There is NOTHING there according to my spouse

Costco might require a monthly trip to Spokane or Boise or Portland (if you need some rain)