moving to Pendleton! ??? about housing (Portland, Medford: real estate, rentals, house)

[bluebird39]

WOW! DH just got a job offer that's too good to refuse in Pendleton. We're in Northern Michigan now, but moved here from Southern Oregon, and have family in Portland. My husband has hunted elk near Pendleton for many years (even after moving to MI), so he's familiar with the area and town, but I've never been there. I'm a bit nervous....

Is there a "better" place to live in town? If so, where? Also, are rentals available in town? We have a family of 4, a dog and cat. Considering how horrible the housing market is and economy in MI, we're expecting that it'll take a long time to sell our house.

Any descriptions about Pendleton would be great. Especially comparing Medford area vs Pendleton. TIA

[Dolphinswink]

Some links that might help:

East Oregonian newspaper (has classifieds listing rentals, real estate, etc.)

Pendleton Chamber of Commerce (they have relocation information and are a great place to ask questions about the area.)

Pendleton Round Up (You'll become well acquainted with this annual event. 2010 is the 100th anniversary so you're just in time for a huge celebration there )

Pendleton School District (not sure you have kids? But in case ... )

Umatilla-Morrow Education Service District (http://www.umesd.k12.or.us/ - broken link)

Oregon.com (Link to info on Pendleton and the surrounding area)

Blue Mtn Comm. College (Pendleton's local college. If you're looking for a University, E. Oregon Univ. is in La Grande, approx. an hour east of Pendleton.)

City of Pendleton, Oregon


Pendleton has a current population of about 15-16K. It's a pretty solid four season climate area. Summers can be hot, but they are dry. Winters can be cold and sometimes snowy, but nowhere near as bad as the midwest

Blue Mtns are a drive away for lake related activities, hiking, camping, skiing, etc. Oregon Coast is at least a five hour drive, depending on where you want to visit, but it's well worth it. Portland is about a 3-4 hour drive along the beautiful Columbia River.

Politically, if it matters, Pendleton is, IMO, considered a mostly "red state" sort of area. Definitely an agricultural/farming environment with Cowboy / Native American leanings.

There are other threads on this forum relating to Pendleton as well .. just do a search.

Hope this helps! And wishing you all the best in your move!

[bluebird39]

Thanks! I am familiar with Eastern Oregon, but mostly SE. I've driven through the area but have never "been" there.

The links will be useful!

[Hawkbacker]

We visited Pendleton on a trip earlier this month. They have a Walmart and all the usual fast food restaurants. I thought the Mexican restaurant in town was pretty good when we ate there. We enjoy going to the Wild Horse Casino just east of town but that is another matter...If I were to live in Pendleton, would want a view of the nearby Blue Mountains, so probably best on the east side of town. I have a good amount of pictures on my site Jason's Oregon Photoblog Introduction if you'd like to check out areas nearby Pendleton.

[skinem]

This is a generalization, but the poorer part of town in the east side, the part closest to the rez. "Seargeant City" on the west side is also a poorer area...you get a lot of ladies who have followed their "man" to Pendleton there....their man being a guest of the state at the prison. Generally up toward McKay (pronounced Mc-Ki) is nice, but just be aware some properties up that direction are below the dam. Of course, up the hill toward former Senator Gordon's house is nice...

[bluebird39]

Thanks. We've talked with several folks there and pretty much have an idea. We'll be out there soon.

[malagagirl]

So Bluebird, are you in Pendleton now? Just wondering how things turned out for you. I have some friends who moved their recently and had a really hard time finding a rental that would accept pets. Curious to know what your experience was.