Please help me narrow my choices (Portland, Corvallis: salons, how much, homes)

[Redrover]

Now that my husband and I have decided to seriously consider Oregon for our upcoming retirement, I have begun to do some preliminary investigating for a location. I have already made contact with a nice realtor who specializes in the mid-Willamette area around Albany & Corvallis but have not yet finished looking for other options. Some of the communities I am considering until I learn otherwise are: Sherwood, Wilsonville, McMinnville and Oregon City. So far my requirements are few: fairly easy access to Portland, enough local amenities to not have to go to Portland for them such as groceries, bookstores, hair & nail salons etc., good schools (for resale), dining options and easily accessible medical facilities with good doctors. After that initial selection, available housing options would be the priority, especially new construction. Can anyone help me either eliminate something or tell me if I have overlooked an undiscovered gem? One other question, will all or most of these towns have Catholic churches?

[bobmulk]

Redrover--first of all, WELCOME TO OREGON!!

I'm a native, born, bred, educated here. Lived here most of my life and I study demographics and social behavior so I think I'm pretty qualified to help you out.

Since you're already checking out Albany and Corvallis, I won't comment on them. The other cities I have more than a passing familiarity with.

Sherwood is basically a commuter's suburb. It has a quaint downtown that has won awards for the ways they've revitalized and restored all the buildings. Mostly, though, it's suburbia with all the requisite chain stores and restaurants. It is a nice community, though, with a very educated, affluent population. It is also about twenty minutes to downtown Portland. High end shopping is probably ten minutes away along with some great restaurants.

Oregon City I feel is trashy. Traffic patterns are a nightmare and it has grown too quickly for urban services to catch up. The schools are not as good in OC either. I would not suggest living there.

McMinnville is down the highway (99W) from Sherwood. The drive into Portland is going to be longer. However, McMinnville has a great hospital, a MAGIFICENT downtown (you MUST visit there), excellent quality housing and good schools.

Of all the communities, I would say the schools are best in Sherwood, worst in Oregon City. Housing is the best in Sherwood--it's a relatively new suburb so the housing stock is new, but pricey! Medical care probably best in McMinnville. However, Sherwood is close to some hospitals. Virtually all three of these communities will have all the shopping that you'll need.

You don't mention how much you can afford for homes. That can be a major player in determining where to live because there are other communities that are delightful, too. Lake Oswego and West Linn come to mind along with Wilsonville. However, they are very pricey, especially Lake O.

I hope I've been of some help. Please let me know if you have more questions. Welcome!! Where are you coming from??

[lifes2short]

bobmulk--LOL, I live in Sherwood and you described it pretty well