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Inspired by C24L's Permian Basin thread. I like the idea of a dedicated "where would you live" thread for a fairly obscure, less visited region.
Some quick info about each of these towns:
Bend: pop. 99,178 and by far the biggest town on this list; outdoor rec and craft brewery capital on the eastern Cascades; 2-3 hours east of Eugene
The Dalles: pop. 16,010; along the Columbia River; first prominent town heading east on I-84 from Portland, but still about 2 hours from there. Named for les dalles, the French term for the angular yellow bluffs visible on either side of the great river
Enterprise: pop. 1,996; close to the stark, massive Wallowa Mountains in the state's northeast corner; very remote but has been named by the NY Times as "the remote Oregon town to try next".
Klamath Falls: pop. 21,753; also on the eastern Cascades in the southern reaches of the state; close to Crater Lake; very remote from larger population centers
La Grande: pop. 13,614; college town (Eastern Oregon U); located in the low, forested Blue Mountains
Mitchell: pop. 130; closest town to the scenic Painted Hills; an Old West town that hasn't gotten touristy and kitschy and truly hasn't changed much from the 1800s; very much in the middle of nowhere (and close to the geographic center of the state)
Ontario: pop. 10,994; agricultural town on the Idaho border; declining population; flat scenery with few trees; but part of the Boise CSA and thereby the largest metro on this list
Bend would be by far the most livable realistically… That said, Baker City is one that has caught my eye. It’s very scenic situated next to the Wallowas.
I would easily live in Bend if I could afford it. In my opinion, there are few places in the US with better access to outdoor recreation. The town itself is really nice.
I've driven through The Dalles it seems alright. Its major selling point is close proximity to Hood River and the gorge. The town itself was okay.
Not that familiar with the others. I am most interested in the Wallowas area which includes Baker City, Enterprise, and Joseph.
Individually Bend would be to me easily the best self sufficient city on the list and the only place I've actually been on there. But I went for the Dalles just because of proximity to Portland which can be easily a simple day trip in. Bend is just too far from even Eugene. I just need access to a big city wherever I live.
The Dalles and Klamath Falls are in the Western area of Oregon. The Dalles is around 75 miles from Portland.
Ontario is near some of Eastern Oregons most iconic and beautiful desert canyon landscapes. The landscape around the town next to the Snake River is interesting and not flat.
Ontario is also within an hour of the beautiful Idaho and Oregon mountains and forests. It's tax revenues are doing well because of the numerous dispensaries which are among the biggest sellers in Oregon, thanks to It's neighbor.
averysgore, in the PNW, east vs. west is determined by the Cascade mountains, not what's equal. (Edit: The Dalles is definitely east.)
I concur on Pendleton. Nice setting between low hills, with a river, and relatively cohesive downtown.
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