Salem, Albany, Corvallis, Eugene, Grants Pass, Central Point - PLEASE HELP.. (Portland: real estate, college)

[ExoticFish]

Hi Everyone,

I am planning my visit to Oregon to choose a city to settle down in and my plan is to stay in the following cities:

Salem, Albany, Corvallis, Eugene, Grants Pass & Central Point.

I would love a progressive city with a moderate climate. Portland is too big for me and Bend gets too much snow. Is there any other cities that you recommend that I check out - why?

Thanks so much for any assistance.

[malachai23]

I still think you should check out Ashland

It is not close to the coast (2 hr drive), but it is small, progressive/liberal, moderate climate (including much less rain than cities such as Salem further north get), and has a decent night-life (I remember you were concerned about that on a previous post). It really does have some GREAT restaurants, cafes, and pubs. I also think it is far more picturesque than any of the other cities on your list, but that is just my opinion. Don't be put off that it is a college town because the college is not known for its rowdiness and there is a decent older population there as well. From all your previous posts, I think you'd really like Ashland!

[tablemtn]

Albany would be a good option... it is close to the college town of Corvallis, but has more realistic real estate prices.

[Silverfall]

Well when you are coming out to Salem, you can read the EatSalem blog for food ideas, but I suggest a stop at Word of Mouth Bistro, and French Press for crepes (and some stellar coffee) and easy on the pocketbook. Then we have several not as easy on the pocketbook places which are good too.

[tablemtn]

I would also recommend Lanxang Lao cuisine in south Salem, on Commercial St. near Kuebler Blvd. Ask for the fish sauce. Probably the best Lao food between San Francisco and Seattle.

[malachai23]

Originally Posted by tablemtn

I would also recommend Lanxang Lao cuisine in south Salem, on Commercial St. near Kuebler Blvd. Ask for the fish sauce. Probably the best Lao food between San Francisco and Seattle.

Yummmmmmmmm!!!! I didn't know there was a Lao restaurant in Salem!! I will be there next month and I'm definitely going to try it out.

[Silverfall]

We actually have some good food in Salem despite people saying otherwise....

[malachai23]

Originally Posted by Silverfall

We actually have some good food in Salem despite people saying otherwise....

People say Salem doesn't have good food? I've never heard anyone say that! I'm actually in Salem every few months or so. It does have some great restaurants. This is the first I've heard of the Lao restaurant though, and as you can tell I'm pretty excited about it! LOL

[Silverfall]

Originally Posted by malachai23

People say Salem doesn't have good food? I've never heard anyone say that! I'm actually in Salem every few months or so. It does have some great restaurants. This is the first I've heard of the Lao restaurant though, and as you can tell I'm pretty excited about it! LOL

Hang out on any forum long enough and Salem typically gets dumped on. It had a dismal reputation from many years ago and people still think it is that way.

Have you tried La Capitale?

[malachai23]

Originally Posted by Silverfall

Hang out on any forum long enough and Salem typically gets dumped on. It had a dismal reputation from many years ago and people still think it is that way.

Have you tried La Capitale?

Oh yes - that place has the best quiche EVER. It is out of this world good!!!! I yearn for that quiche every so often