Hood River vs White Salmon (Portland, Troutdale: sales, rental, home)

[scrapaddict28]

HI! We will be relocating to that area, my husband, myself and young children..

What are the pros/ cons of each area? What would you recommend- or is there an outlying area that we should also consider??

Any information or Thoughts would be VERY helpful! Thank you!!

[malachai23]

Hi Scrapaddict, welcome in advance to Oregon! I am not currently living in Oregon but returning soon. I lived in and around Portland for many years. Hood River is a great little town, in my opinion. I love it! I'm actually considering a commute from there to Troutdale, but a little concerned about the ice that tends to make I-84 a bit difficult sometimes in the winter.

Hood River is much larger than White Salmon, so you will have many, many more ammenities in your "backyard" if you lived in Hood River. But the ammenities would merely be "across the street (river!)" if you lived in White Salmon. But keep in mind that the bridge that connects the two is a toll bridge. The last time I drove over it it was only a one-way toll - I'm not sure if they have changed that or not at this point. It is an OLD narrow bridge though. I do know people who fear it. But I'm assuming you have no bridge phobias

I think size is the biggest difference. You will have more tourists milling about and more traffic in Hood River. They both have similar demographics, I believe, and little to no crime. And both are full of outdoorsy types and gorgeous scenery.

[Wicked Felina]

I think malachai has pointed out the most important aspects of each town. I'm another lover of Hood River, so that'd be my personal choice.

There're lower taxes in Washington aren't there, m? And no personal income tax. You could do your shopping in Oregon, which has no sales tax.

You might even be able to snap up a home with a River view in WS if you're lucky. Add another 20K to that if you're in Hood River (just swag-ing it~)

[malachai23]

Originally Posted by Wicked Felina

I think malachai has pointed out the most important aspects of each town. I'm another lover of Hood River, so that'd be my personal choice.

There're lower taxes in Washington aren't there, m? And no personal income tax. You could do your shopping in Oregon, which has no sales tax.

You might even be able to snap up a home with a River view in WS if you're lucky. Add another 20K to that if you're in Hood River (just swag-ing it~)

hmmm. Actually, I forgot about the taxes. I'm not sure about property taxes but I *think* they are lower on the WA side. However, OP, they do have sales tax in WA, whereas OR does not have any. But I'm assuming if you lived in White Salmon you would be doing most if not all of your shopping in Hood River so that wouldn't make any difference in your situation. Felina is correct - no personal income tax in WA. BUT... you will still get personal income tax taken out of your paycheck by the State of Oregon if you work in Oregon, even if you live on the WA side. I think Felina is also correct about housing prices being a tad less in White Salmon as opposed to Hood River. Probably not *much* cheaper though - it's a highly sought out area for people with substantial reserves set aside for those river views.

[scrapaddict28]

We heard that property taxes are quite high in OR too- is that correct? Does anyone know anything about the school system in Hood River vs White Salmon?

[Yoni777]

I am jealous of you.. I cannot afford to buy, only rent.. Finding a long term rental in either of those towns is next to impossible.

[fizbin]

We were at one point considering the White Salmon area for a retirement location. Question about the general area: How bad is the wind in the area, and how far inland do you have to go to have it be a non-factor.