Any Oregon/Washington Members?

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by particlewave

My wife, my son and I are moving to the area in October and we don't know what to expect or what different areas are really like.

I'm looking for recommendations on nice areas with forests/sites nearby. I'm trying to avoid bad towns/areas, but would like to be close enough to a bigger town for shopping, etc.
We like the forest and cooler weather, and I want to get into paragliding, so something within an hour or so of the coast would be ideal.

My wife has had job opportunities spanning both states, but some of the areas we are looking at include;
Longview, WA (the town doesn't look great, but considering a smaller town out west within 30 minute commute);
Newport or Florence, OR (pays well enough to offset the tax difference in Oregon);
Salem, OR (again, better pay than WA);
Astoria, OR.

Thanks for any advice!

I was raised in the PNW. These are just my opinions...

Longview. Puts you across the water from Portland. Could be doable.

Newport? Meh.

Florence? Meh.

Astoria? I'd be all in. Portland 100 miles away... Seaside... Cannon Beach... Tillamook... forest right next door... fishing... and lots of windies. Definitely paragliding on the coast.

If you like forests (Read: Green), and cooler weather, you'll love it.

[Pirate50]

Can't speak much for Washington side, but you could check out McMinnville or Forest Grove if you want to be closer to the coast. If you prefer Mt Hood area, you could check out Sandy or maybe Mollala. All semi small towns about the size of Longview just not quite as industrial based. All are about the same distance from Portland if that's what you are aiming for.