Where is my Oregon paradise?

[Marko3]

I would have to say Eugene, or surrounding area. It is going to rain, but summers are nice, there is no humidity on the west coast thanks to the fast moving pacific winds. Eugene is a liberal town, a university town where you'll find some educated people. It's also 2 hours away from Portland, which is a very large city. Eugene has some cultural services it offers. Willamette Pass ski resort is also roughly an hour away from Eugene, and you're about 2 hours away from Mt. Bachelor and Bend, weather and road conditions pending. Winters are mild, if it snows in Eugene, it won't last more than a day or so typically, temperatures are typically in the 30's in winter time, occasionally dipping down to the 20's. Highs in the 40's during winter time. There are many beautiful sights all over Oregon and Washington, many lakes close by, many rivers, bike, walking and running trails, and plenty to do outdoors. Eugene is about 1 hour away from the Ocean, so it seems to fit many of the criteria you specified. Any of the cities in the valley, and along I-5 are going to be roughly an hour away from the coast, with relatively similar climates. Might also want to check out areas around Salem.

[Pippa]

I would check out Bend, Walla Walla, Ashland and Eugene. Salem is dumpy and rainy all the time.
The summers on the west side (ie-Eugene and Ashland) aren't like the dry summers on the east side of the Cascades but they aren't too humid either.
I think Eugene is your best bet but it does still rain a lot in the winter.

[Myrtle Creek Oregon]

Go take a look at: www.myrtlecreekchamber.com

We like it here, but don't expect to avoid rain almost anywhere in OR.

[LarryMorris]

Eugene sounds abot what you're looking for.

[ORexpat]

It doesn't rain everywhere in Oregon all the time. A large part of Oregon is out of the rainy zone. Somewhere between Hood River and The Dalles it changes to dry.
The non-rainy areas are quite conservative. For a low income person I think Ashland and Bend are too expensive. The drier areas are less, but I feel housing is scarce at present. There is virtually nothing to rent in Walla Walla and Milton-Freewater right now, and this is the situation in a lot of other places.
Also, places like Madras and Hermiston have become heavily Hispanic. As much as I would like to say that's ok, it can bring a lot of problems. Most came as farm workers, have low education, and use up a lot of services.
I was recently in Silverton and there is a growing Hispanic population. What happens is that lower priced property is scarce, and the lack of cohesion in the population means the demise of things like newspapers and certain types of business. I would probably prefer La Pine.
Have you considered Port Angeles, WA? It has half the rainfall of Portland, and you can get to places that are larger.

[tdekany]

Not to sound harsh but here it is:

We have found 2 green (liberal) places.

Eugene & Portland

Ashland would be an ideal place (really pretty sorrounding & great weather) but the people are something else. Beverly Hills wanna bes. Also much more $$$$. Bend is also very ""california"" like but more deserty. Lots of traffic as well. Too dry.
Portland and its surrounding for me is the perfect city, however I detail cars for a living so I am not sure how that would work but there are many detailers there so we will see. It does rain alot in Portland. But soooooo beautiful and the nicest people, plus the food is out of this world and I lived in NYC for 8 years.

I hope that I was helpful.

[lisaonthemove]

>>>>Portland and its surrounding for me is the perfect city... It does rain alot in Portland. But soooooo beautiful and the nicest people, plus the food is out of this world<<<<

tdekany is right...Portland IS perfect, I visit yearly and adore it. And the food and the GARDENS (public and private ones you walk by) are just unending. These gardeners are serious! =) Very interesting town, good coffee houses and cool little shops. Not too big to lose its charm...oh and has anyone noticed how well people dress downtown? Classy, creative, not at all pretentious.

My Q is....I have bad knees. I would love to live in Portland, more than anything, but am worried about the moisture there. In the past two years after a car accident, I haven't been back to Portland and worry the humidity will cause my knees to swell up. The barometric pressure jumps are actually what get to me...can anyone speak to that? I currently live in Chicago and because of the lake here the pressure can zigzag more than once daily: total agony. Constant humidity isn't nearly as bad.

I am obviously considering the areas mentioned here and elsewhere that are less humid. Cities in CA and CO seem too crowded and the desert states are currently burning up, which breaks my heart (besides, my knees are the ONLY part of me that likes 20% humidity!).

Thoughts, anyone? I'd welcome feedback/suggestions.
Thanks!
Lisa

[Larry Caldwell]

It will be tough to afford what you are looking for. West coast real estate is a lot more expensive than east coast real estate. It will be hard to buy a house that a single woman could handle (no continuous repairs) for under $200,000. Your best bet is a small urban house in the Portland Metropolitan area or Salem. Both of those cities are an easy commute to the ocean or ski areas.

Be sure to pay for a home inspection before buying.

[Ouzel]

How about Oakridge / Westfir. It's second heyday is yet to come IMHO.> http://www.city-data.com/city/Oakridge-Oregon.html
or
Oakridge / Westfir Chamber of commerce - Welcome

Sorry, I couldn't figure out how to hotlink.