Where to live? (Portland, Gresham, Hood River: living, price, move to)

[REBECCAPI]

I would like to make the move to oregon sometime within the next few years. I am looking for a small town, near portland with biking/hiking trails and a fitness center. Any thoughts?

[Wicked Felina]

You may try heading east and look into St. Helen's or Scapoose. Traffic might be fairly heavy when you head into Portland, though. Portland is surrounded by suburbs and to get to a true small town you'd have to travel quite a ways.

You can try looking up on Mt. Hood area. Places like Wemme, Brightwood, ZizZag...but perhaps the closest fitness center might be in Sandy. Hood River is nice & beautiful as well, but it's spendy.

I've only mentioned places that I like & where I wouldn't mind living. And we might need more info from you. Suggestions all depend on what you want in conveniences, price range, jobs, etc. All of that!

[Silverfall]

What does "small town" mean to you? and what is "near" to Portland?

[REBECCAPI]

I guess i am hoping for a town of about 5 to 10 thousand. Bike trails is my main priority right now. Within about 15 miles of portland would be ideal. Does such a place even exist?

[Silverfall]

Most of the mountain bike trails are off to the east in the Mt. Hood National Forest. There are some in Mt. Tabor, Forest Park, etc, but the longer trails are in the national forests.

Sandy Oregon sounds like what you are after. It's between Portland and Mt. Hood. It's the right size and puts you equidistant between the two. Not sure if they have a fitness club, but Gresham would.