Hood River vs. the Dalles (Portland, Cascade Locks: real estate, rent, houses)

[xcskier1]

I am a single female and just got a job in the Dalles. Like to cross-country ski, cycle, and other outdoor activities. Wondering whether to live in Hood River or the Dalles. Wondering also about the wintertime commute. Real estate tips also appreciated. Thank you!

[Nell Plotts]

Live close to where you work then you don't need to worry about wintertime commutes. If the outdoor activities you love aren't close you can easily find them nearby.

Were I you I would rent initially to give you time to get to know the community.

[sofia76]

Last time I was in Hood River I was pretty shocked at how expensive real estate was there. Personally, I would choose The Dalles over Hood River because of the larger population, and cheaper cost. Also, I wouldn't want to commute daily on I-84 along the Gorge in the winter; it gets quite windy out there, and sometimes the 84 is shut down - I don't know if they do so out that far east, but between Portland and Hood River there is often a shut down for some weather related reason, and people end up stranded.

[StealthRabbit]

I've been working in TD & HR this winter. (commuting from near Multnomah Falls)
HR will get you closer to your interests.
x-c stuff (and white water) is north of HR (best = Trout Lake, WA / Mt Adams) also available south of HR (crowded, less variety of trails / terrain)
What's happening for singles is in HR
Most folks I know who move away from HR wish they could return (But they can't afford to)
k-12 is best in HR (resale value)
Property taxes lower in HR.
HR has 'snooty attitude' (probably won't bother an immigrant)

People nicer in TD
Properties cheaper in TD
Quite a bit hotter weather in TD

Moiser is a nice compromise, and EZ biking to TD or HR (But not much happens in Mosier, better for 'married' or singles who don't have a high social need)

I have not had much issue with the commute between HR and TD, I-84 Cascade Locks to Corbett is ugly on more frequent occasion.

[mvalenzuela]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

People nicer in TD
Properties cheaper in TD
Quite a bit hotter weather in TD

i lived in the dalles most of my life and i never met these nice people of which you speak. of course that's just my perspective.

ok...

the dalles is cheaper but also a bit dirtier.

hood river has a younger community and the dalles has an older community. i mean retirement old. not that that's a bad thing.

the dalles had a more depressed arura to it where as hood river does not.

you also need to think about where you will live in the dalles. the eastrn side is seen as the safer part of town and more expensive. although i dont know why its considerd safer. ive never had a problem walking around at nigh, but iam also not a woman.

on a final note, the dalles has a high meth problem. i dont kow about hood river, ask the police is this bothers you.

basicaly in the dalles, if your young you need to leave. if your unemployed your not likely to get any where. yet if you do have a job and your middle aged or older youll be just fine.

theres also little to do in the dalles, but your also under 2 hours away from anything enjoyable.

[sofia76]

I do agree with this. The Dalles looks more aged.

Originally Posted by mvalenzuela

the dalles had a more depressed arura to it where as hood river does not.

[Ronnie Israel]

Hood River for sure. My sister lives there and it's sooo nice. A little pricey but worth it. The Dalles is kinda wierd unless it's changed alot from when I was a kid. No offense to the people that live there. It is alot cheaper and there are some cool old houses too. But I would go with Hood River for all that and more.

[xcskier1]

I very much appreciate everyone's comments and would love to read more. Do you thing the presence of Google will change the culture in the Dalles? I'd like to meet educated people in my daily activities, such as going to the gym, for a walk... Realtor feels the Dalles is an up and coming, soon to be "hot" place...

[StealthRabbit]

There are plenty of educated people in TD, but plenty of 'ole-school' too. (who may likely be educated as well). You will have no trouble finding the right crowd for the activities you mentioned.

You want to be REALLY careful listening to a realtor... (marketing mania, I have only bought one of my over 20 houses from a realtor, and definately hope to never have to buy another that way, yuk). TD has potential, but.... don't hold your breath for significant change in the next 5 yrs. You have to realize there is serious 'land-lock' in the Gorge, (Within the CGNSA,) so... eventually the whole place will be maxed out. TD has better 'business-growth' potential, HR will be the 'playground', as it is today, just worse. (for the locals and EX- locals, still trying to cope and do business / school there).

Google has not brought significant change to TD (as far as residents... you bet most live in HR), probably the same as Insitu expands (overflows) to the area.

There is significant displacement of ex-HR folks to TD, tho AFTER their kids get out of k-12 school (Thus causing additional gentrification results in TD)