In search of a great family town... (Portland, Eugene: environment, suburbs)

[cuttinhairkaren]

I have been on a quest to find the perfect family town to raise our children and enjoy a tad bit slower lifestyle...with a combination of small town feel and yet still with some refinement. It seems if we look at "country settings" the people are not too refined...no offense to anyone. We would love more nature and trees surrounding us. We are frankly just so tired of the big city...with all the emphasis on how you look and what you drive.
Anyone have suggestions for a sweet family town?? I have heard Tigard is very family oriented.
So appreciate your suggestions!

[zilfondel]

Originally Posted by cuttinhairkaren

I have been on a quest to find the perfect family town to raise our children and enjoy a tad bit slower lifestyle...with a combination of small town feel and yet still with some refinement. It seems if we look at "country settings" the people are not too refined...no offense to anyone. We would love more nature and trees surrounding us. We are frankly just so tired of the big city...with all the emphasis on how you look and what you drive.
Anyone have suggestions for a sweet family town?? I have heard Tigard is very family oriented.
So appreciate your suggestions!

Well, just like to say that Oregon is one of the most laid-back states in the US. Even people who live in Portland are generally pretty unconcerned for the 'emphasis on how you look and what you drive' - as long as its an environmentally efficient vehicle, that is.

Otherwise, there are lots of smaller towns in Oregon: Eugene, Corvallis, McMinnville, Wilsonville, Hood River, Bend, etc, etc... although many of them are growing and becoming more urban over time (to varying degrees). Bend, for instance, is supposed to double in size in the next 10-20 years (80k -> 150k)


As far as the Portland area, places like "Tigard" and Gresham, Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Lake Oswego aren't really "towns," they're suburbs. And they're not exactly rural in nature, considering how quickly the metro area is urbanizing: Portland is set to grow by another 1 million residents over the next 20 years.

[sharonaly]

a degree of sophistication and culture and a more laid-back, less hectic lifestyle. I know a lot of people who have moved to Eugene for the reasons you gave.