Affordable ski towns

[NWSkiGirl]

OR has so much to offer, besides skiing. You'll only be an hour and a half from the coast. I drove to CA last fall but did lots of side trips in OR on the way down, like to Silver Falls State Park, Eugene, Willamette Valley, Ashland...I forgot how nice it all is. It feels to me like the lower population density in OR (compared to WA) might make life saner, though I don't really know.

Yes, I agree! It's a beautiful state with lots to see. I didn't see everything in Washington while I was here, though, and I'll miss Mt Rainier. What an amazing mountain that is - right within view from everywhere. I made it to Camp Muir on a once in a lifetime hike, but I wanted to summit it.

I actually somehow felt calmer when I visited Portland a few weeks ago. The freeways were very nice, and the drive through Beaverton and up to the area I'll be living in was not congested. It seems like there's lots of space for everything! A lot of new development happening there right now though.

 

[NWSkiGirl]

OMG congrats! I'm so glad you made this work, or are close to making it work.

It's so crazy around here. My sister is a realtor based in Bellevue and she just had 39 offers on a listing. My good friend is looking in Seattle in the $1.7-1.8m range and just lost out for the fifth time to someone paying cash and paying over (in this case $175k over--on a 1.8m house).

Thanks! :-) I'm very happy. My boss said "you've been looking at options for ages." lol

In a meeting someone said he saw a cute little house in Seattle he liked, and then found out it was selling for $2 million dollars. I think my townhome would cost a million or two here in an area like Redmond or Issaquah.

There is a new condo complex in North Bend, which as you know is WAY out away from the city. They have a one bedroom/one bath with carport for sale for $500K. There's parking surrounding the property so there's not really a view. It feels like an apartment complex.

Seattle is just unaffordable for me!

 

[NWSkiGirl]

Fantastic. So happy for you. We went the townhouse route too in NWCT and it works for us. No weekend yard work. We have a very spacious place in the country that's close to skiing and breweries that's 3 levels, has a huge deck and a 2 car attached garage. I'm 100% team townhouse.

Sounds like you are getting your dream and it'll work out great. I've heard Oregon is beautiful.

Thanks! :-) Yes, I think the townhouse is a great compromise. I'll have grass out my front door that the HOA will maintain, and they'll maintain the roof and other things I could never manage. The city is developing beautiful parks and a trail system all throughout the neighborhood so I'm fine without a fenced yard. There's actually a path down to a cute little park right outside my front door. Packages will go straight to my door, which wouldn't happen with a condo. The attached garage is great, and I won't have neighbors above me. Everything is new in that area, and even the schools are new. The school district is well funded and award winning. I could never afford a good school district in the Seattle area.

I think it's the perfect move for us - mom, baby, and two dogs! Oregon here we come.

 

[NWSkiGirl]

glad you found a spot

Thanks! :-) I didn't find anything in Spokane on the MLS or with the home builders. If I had been open to buying a house it may have worked out, but even the houses seemed pricy. I also looked in Vancouver, WA and the townhome options were few...

 

[geargrrl]

Not many town homes or condos, that's for sure. Also there's a huge builder shortage. The fires of last summer destroyed almost 400 homes. The good builders are booked for years. I'm really fortunate we are working with an excellent guy who only does his own developments but that's a whole different post.

 

[NWSkiGirl]

Not many town homes or condos, that's for sure. Also there's a huge builder shortage. The fires of last summer destroyed almost 400 homes. The good builders are booked for years. I'm really fortunate we are working with an excellent guy who only does his own developments but that's a whole different post.

I'm sorry about the fires! Glad you have a good developer.

Yes, my search got restrictive fast when I decided to exclude houses. If houses were a lot less expensive then I could pay people to help me maintain one. Help is in short supply these days, too though! So right now a house isn't right for me.

I did see some lovely condos in Spokane in the $1.5 to $2 million range! lol

 

[La Louve]

I very recently found out that while I was out on maternity leave my company changed its work from home policy. Now we're only allowed to move to the states we do business in: WA, OR, CA, MT, TX, NM, AK. Also:

-I don't want to pay for yard or home maintenance so I decided on a townhome. I could also consider a condo
-I want to live in a blue state
-I've reconsidered moving to a small ski down due to housing costs, the transient nature of things, and mental health concerns

That all really narrowed things down! Mostly the price point and wanting a townhome. So I'm in contract on a beautiful new townhome in Beaverton, a suburb of Portland. With a baby I didn't get to visit Mt Hood Meadows, but I've been skiing at Timberline and I've camped up in that area.

But I think it's the best of all worlds considering - 1:15 to 1:30 hours to good skiing, near a metro area with good schools and healthcare. Seems to meet all my criteria. Of course it could be much closer to skiing! But I fell in love with it and it's affordable, and that hasn't happened with a home so far.

Alaska - Too remote for me, especially with the short days
Washington - Too expensive, no townhomes in further out areas. A condo in Spokane could be an option
Texas/New Mexico - Red states
Montana - I've been watching too much Yellowstone to feel welcome there, or rich enough to live there. Just kidding, but not really. I think it would be a hard fit
California - Too expensive overall. I'm not considering CA ever, even if it would otherwise be my first choice

It will take 6 months to build the townhome so we'll see what interests rates are like when we close. Because of that I'm not considering this final just yet! But fingers crossed.

Wonderful news! Congratulations!

 

[La Louve]

Yes, I agree! It's a beautiful state with lots to see. I didn't see everything in Washington while I was here, though, and I'll miss Mt Rainier. What an amazing mountain that is - right within view from everywhere. I made it to Camp Muir on a once in a lifetime hike, but I wanted to summit it.

I actually somehow felt calmer when I visited Portland a few weeks ago. The freeways were very nice, and the drive through Beaverton and up to the area I'll be living in was not congested. It seems like there's lots of space for everything! A lot of new development happening there right now though.

When I lived in Seattle back in the 80s I often noticed I felt less anxious when I would visit Portland. I read that the Puget Sound area has some of the most wildly fluctuating barometric pressures on the planet, which could contribute to higher rates of depression in western Washington. I definitely felt better when I moved to Portland in 1991, for a whole lot of reasons.

I think Beaverton is a great choice for you, especially since you work from home. I moved from Beaverton to Vancouver in '93 in large part because of the hideous commute. And the schools will be great for your kiddo.

And you will love the views of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens. On really clear days we can even see Mt. Adams and the top of Mt. Rainier!

So happy for you.

 

[MissySki]

When I lived in Seattle back in the 80s I often noticed I felt less anxious when I would visit Portland. I read that the Puget Sound area has some of the most wildly fluctuating barometric pressures on the planet, which could contribute to higher rates of depression in western Washington. I definitely felt better when I moved to Portland in 1991, for a whole lot of reasons.

How interesting!

 

[NWSkiGirl]

When I lived in Seattle back in the 80s I often noticed I felt less anxious when I would visit Portland. I read that the Puget Sound area has some of the most wildly fluctuating barometric pressures on the planet, which could contribute to higher rates of depression in western Washington. I definitely felt better when I moved to Portland in 1991, for a whole lot of reasons.

I think Beaverton is a great choice for you, especially since you work from home. I moved from Beaverton to Vancouver in '93 in large part because of the hideous commute. And the schools will be great for your kiddo.

And you will love the views of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens. On really clear days we can even see Mt. Adams and the top of Mt. Rainier!

So happy for you.

Yes, it was interesting to feel that way! I wasn't even aware I was stressed but felt really calm - and I need that with a baby and two dogs. lol I wonder if it affects some more than others. I often feel overwhelmed here even when I don't have a lot going on.

I would not want to be commuting down there. Or even in Seattle.

I'm excited! And glad to hear you think it's a good move for me! And I do still want those mountain views.

 

[jthree]

Congrats on the townhome and choosing Portland! My stepbrother and his family chose to move to the Portland area a few years back. It was also shortly they had their son & I think they feel it’s a good place to raise him. They seem very happy there.

 

[NWSkiGirl]

Congrats on the townhome and choosing Portland! My stepbrother and his family chose to move to the Portland area a few years back. It was also shortly they had their son & I think they feel it’s a good place to raise him. They seem very happy there.

Great to know! Thanks for sharing.

 

[NWSkiGirl]

We've finally moved into our townhome in North Bethany - a Portland, Oregon suburb. It has a residential rural feel, great schools, and a warm community. We feel at home here already. But we are 1 hour 50 minutes from Mt Hood! That's fine with me, as I'm used to driving that far to ski. But it's going to be hard with a 2 year old. I'm not sure she's going to be up for skiing yet, as every time we are in the car for more than 15 minutes she says "home." I'd love to get her out before the snow melts.

 

[mustski]

We've finally moved into our townhome in North Bethany - a Portland, Oregon suburb. It has a residential rural feel, great schools, and a warm community. We feel at home here already. But we are 1 hour 50 minutes from Mt Hood! That's fine with me, as I'm used to driving that far to ski. But it's going to be hard with a 2 year old. I'm not sure she's going to be up for skiing yet, as every time we are in the car for more than 15 minutes she says "home." I'd love to get her out before the snow melts.

She is a bit young for skiing. Let her play in the snow and learn that is fun and aim for next season!

 

[sibhusky]

MANY years ago, they wouldn't rent equipment to my daughter until she weighed 30 pounds. Binding issue.

 

[Beckster]

We've finally moved into our townhome in North Bethany - a Portland, Oregon suburb. It has a residential rural feel, great schools, and a warm community. We feel at home here already. But we are 1 hour 50 minutes from Mt Hood! That's fine with me, as I'm used to driving that far to ski. But it's going to be hard with a 2 year old. I'm not sure she's going to be up for skiing yet, as every time we are in the car for more than 15 minutes she says "home." I'd love to get her out before the snow melts

Congratulations on your move to such an inviting community.
I started my kids skiing at 19 months and age 2.5 but I lived in Park City only a few minutes from the bunny slopes and had a season pass without need to buy a day ticket. Then it wasn’t a big deal to play on the snow for an hour or however long their attention span was for the day and then go home. It can be exhausting for everyone just getting in and out of the car, dressing and undressing, walking from and to the parking lot, timing their hunger and going to the bathroom. It’s all such a process requiring a lot of patience.

The Reindeer Club at Deer Valley (toddler daycare/ski school) works with the toddlers inside the playroom on and off for hours throughout the day. All the kids learn how to carry and wear their skis and boots inside while playing games to give them the feeling for their equipment. The kids follow colored tape strips on the floor listening carefully to the fun instructions or music etc. Naturally the games translate beautifully to their learning experience when they get on the snow. I would do this with my kids every year when they were little to get used to their new equipment. I think it’s a genius way to learn a lot without having to go anywhere and without all the schlepping. Something to think about…

Whenever and however you decide to teach your child to ski, it sounds like she’s destined to love the sport. Wishing you all the best!

 

[Beckster]

MANY years ago, they wouldn't rent equipment to my daughter until she weighed 30 pounds. Binding issue.

When they are so small another option would be the plastic skis that strap onto their snow boots. My daughter used such equipment for her 2.5 year old’s first season and it was perfect to learn how to move his feet and use the magic carpet for the 1-1.5 hour day of skiing. I honestly think most of the day is drinking hot chocolate and getting to the bathroom when they’re so small

 

[cosmicplanks]

I very recently found out that while I was out on maternity leave my company changed its work from home policy. Now we're only allowed to move to the states we do business in: WA, OR, CA, MT, TX, NM, AK. Also:

-I don't want to pay for yard or home maintenance so I decided on a townhome. I could also consider a condo
-I want to live in a blue state
-I've reconsidered moving to a small ski down due to housing costs, the transient nature of things, and mental health concerns

That all really narrowed things down! Mostly the price point and wanting a townhome. So I'm in contract on a beautiful new townhome in Beaverton, a suburb of Portland. With a baby I didn't get to visit Mt Hood Meadows, but I've been skiing at Timberline and I've camped up in that area.

But I think it's the best of all worlds considering - 1:15 to 1:30 hours to good skiing, near a metro area with good schools and healthcare. Seems to meet all my criteria. Of course it could be much closer to skiing! But I fell in love with it and it's affordable, and that hasn't happened with a home so far.

Alaska - Too remote for me, especially with the short days
Washington - Too expensive, no townhomes in further out areas. A condo in Spokane could be an option
Texas/New Mexico - Red states
Montana - I've been watching too much Yellowstone to feel welcome there, or rich enough to live there. Just kidding, but not really. I think it would be a hard fit
California - Too expensive overall. I'm not considering CA ever, even if it would otherwise be my first choice

It will take 6 months to build the townhome so we'll see what interests rates are like when we close. Because of that I'm not considering this final just yet! But fingers crossed.

Congratulations! Sounds like you made the right choice for you and your baby. I almost moved to Oregon 5 years ago but we ended up in New Mexico instead. If we had young children we would for sure have favored Oregon.

One quick comment on your post- New Mexico is still a blue state! I would not however suggest that anyone with kids moves out here because our educational system unfortunately is not great.

 

[NWSkiGirl]

MANY years ago, they wouldn't rent equipment to my daughter until she weighed 30 pounds. Binding issue.

And so expensive! I was looking online and found some pretty inexpensive plastic skis. Not sure about boots though...

 

[NWSkiGirl]

Congratulations on your move to such an inviting community.
I started my kids skiing at 19 months and age 2.5 but I lived in Park City only a few minutes from the bunny slopes and had a season pass without need to buy a day ticket. Then it wasn’t a big deal to play on the snow for an hour or however long their attention span was for the day and then go home. It can be exhausting for everyone just getting in and out of the car, dressing and undressing, walking from and to the parking lot, timing their hunger and going to the bathroom. It’s all such a process requiring a lot of patience.

The Reindeer Club at Deer Valley (toddler daycare/ski school) works with the toddlers inside the playroom on and off for hours throughout the day. All the kids learn how to carry and wear their skis and boots inside while playing games to give them the feeling for their equipment. The kids follow colored tape strips on the floor listening carefully to the fun instructions or music etc. Naturally the games translate beautifully to their learning experience when they get on the snow. I would do this with my kids every year when they were little to get used to their new equipment. I think it’s a genius way to learn a lot without having to go anywhere and without all the schlepping. Something to think about…

Whenever and however you decide to teach your child to ski, it sounds like she’s destined to love the sport. Wishing you all the best!

Living so far away makes it hard. I agree: "exhausting for everyone just getting in and out of the car, dressing and undressing, walking from and to the parking lot, timing their hunger and going to the bathroom."

I think her learning on our carpet first will be great!