Rural Affordable Places Between Portland & Salem? (Woodburn, Canby: to rent, employment)

[NicoleWorks4u]

We are considering moving to Oregon and are "torn" between Salem and Portland, so we were wondering if it's possible/reasonable to live between the two and open up more employment options for us?

If that would be a commute of less than an hour in either direction, what areas would you recommend (or advise we avoid)? We live in Central Pennsylvania right now, which has many positives, but we're tired of the hot/humid summers and COLD winters (will GLADLY trade for rain anyday!). Not to mention, there aren't as many opportunities for job advancement here - nor does PA have the Pacific Ocean and all the other beauty that is Oregon (even though PA is beautiful in its own right, it just doesn't compare to OR to us). We visited Oregon on 3 separate occasions around 10 yrs ago and we've never forgotten it.....and we're feeling the time has come for major life changes.

Having said that, we also lived in Northern NJ for a period of time and while the Portland/Salem area isn't the same as NJ (thank goodness! lol), it is still a major metropolitan area, so we'd rather live outside of the city and make the commute to get a lifestyle more like what we're used to here in Central PA - if it's at all affordable to do so.

We also would require pet-friendly housing b/c we have two Shelties and several indoor declawed cats - and they are like children to us, so eliminating them from the equation isn't a possibility. We would like to rent first before we buy so we can scope out different areas, but have also seen some inexpensive single-wide trailers that might suit, so our pets won't be as much of an issue. As we zero in on our target move time, we intend to scour craigslist for housing and jobs - any other sources/advice you would recommend?

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read my post (and for responding, if you do)!

[Silverfall]

The area between Portland and Salem is expensive because it allows people to access jobs in both cities. Not sure what you consider affordable. Between Portland and Salem is Aurora, which is expensive. Donald, Hubbard, Brooks and Gervais which are primarily farming communities. Woodburn is between the two, but I would suggest you visit before moving there.

[bman15470]

Top choices- Silverton, Canby, Sherwood. Nice but pricey. Silverton may be a little cheaper, 20 minuets to Salem, 30 minuets to Clackamas, 15 minuets to Silverfalls state park (arguably most beautiful in the state) 2 minuets to Oregon gardens, artsy/fartsy downtown Silverton. Yep, check out Silverton.