Fairview is home to one of the largest berry producers, known as Townsend Farms, which is family owned and operated. They are now three generations in and continue growing.
Oregon has a reputation for being a tree hugger state, but how can you help but love the outdoors with so much good natural stuff here? Fairview, like the rest of Oregon, is gorgeously lush, surrounded by lakes and waterways and still operational farms bursting with fresh, healthy and local (obviously) goodies
Fairview is home to one of the largest berry producers, known as Townsend Farms, which is family owned and operated. They are now three generations in and continue growing.
Oregon has a reputation for being a tree hugger state, but how can you help but love the outdoors with so much good natural stuff here? Fairview, like the rest of Oregon, is gorgeously lush, surrounded by lakes and waterways and still operational farms bursting with fresh, healthy and local (obviously) goodies. But, in addition to the great recreational opportunities and delicious eateries, there is also an assortment of thrilling cultural attractions, from native Indian lands to a historical two-room jail cell built in 1915. There are also annual festivals, something called a "Bike Rodeo" and outdoor markets. You'll never be at a loss for what to do here, and the people are just as friendly as the environment. All that and the big city of Portland are just minutes away. Why aren't you here yet?
There's a lot to be excited about when it comes time to moving to Fairview, but try and keep your head on straight. There are a few responsibilities you'll be in charge of that will ensure a smooth and successful transition from where you are to this magical paradise of greenery. Here are a few quick tips and recommendations about what is required to be a true blue Fairview resident.
Gather Ye Papers
Anyone with any moving experience understands that there are few official looking papers that any qualified landlord will require from a new tenant. (And if they don't require anything, you haven't scored the dream place you think you have.) Grab a folder and get together your ID, pay stubs, a cashier's check (security deposits are a common request, and they can range from first month's rent to considerably less) and your credit history. If you're clever, and you probably are, you'll double check your score to make sure it only has up-to-date and accurate info before begging for a modern townhouse rental.
Housing Options
Now that the pesky boring stuff is over, let's talk about options, like bedroom options, luxury amenities options and, of course, pools. Yeah, Fairview has all the good stuff, and you'll be delighted to know that if you have a hankering for a cozy bungalow or spacious one-bedroom apartment, you're covered either way. Older homes are harder to find, so if "character" is important to you, you'll probably have to settle for something from the '70s. On the other hand, building has been happening a lot, so newer places with all the latest goodies, from granite countertops to stainless steel appliances, are all around. As for rental homes, well, more people buy than rent here, but not by a large margin. Rental condos are a good place to start if you love apartment homes, but there are also studio apartments and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments too. And, bonus time, cost of living is at about the national average in Fairview, so you can bank on reasonable rents. That said, you will have to search for your perfect situation. Give yourself a month or two to hunt down a great deal.
One last bit of advice: Feel free to explore all your options. Some places offer a few included utilities, but they're like unicorns. If you have the time and you're flexible about accommodations, these are worth searching out.
There aren't any typical neighborhoods like you might find in Portland or other big cities, but Fairview apartment rentals have noticeable differences in one area and another. You'll find the right place for you if you have a better understanding of the differences. Here's a quick guide to help.
North: It's hard to beat the beauty of the northern post of Fairview, what with easy access to Hood River, Fairview Lake and Blue Lake (with its adjacent Regional Park). Oodles of housing rental options are nestled by these waterways, making it easy to jump in the water on a beautiful day. Both sides have easy access to I-84, and there are shopping centers on both sides. It comes down to whether you want a slightly smaller place close to the water or a bigger place with more backyard.
South: You guessed it; this is the place that has bigger homes and fewer lakes. But don't worry. There are plenty of ponds to dip your toes into, and neighborhoods are close-knit and super friendly. More shopping sits on this side of I-84, and there are also more apartment buildings here.
Living is Fairview has plenty of perks, as you've probably gathered. But there's no point leaving anything to your imagination. Here are some of the best reasons to try your hand at the modern version of Oregon Trail and plant roots in this gorgeous northern city by the river.
Recreational Activities
It's all about the outdoors here, which should come as no surprise to anyone who's been paying attention. With lakes, rivers, ponds and streams aplenty, there are countless ways to cool down on a hot summer day. Boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing are all popular on the river and the lakes, but don't forget you don't have to leave the shore to enjoy the beauty of the water. Grab a bike or strap on some hiking boots and hit the trails around these waterways for excellent exercise and a view. Fairview residents are fairly active and healthy, so you should plan to adjust your life accordingly.
Besides outdoor entertainment, there are also a number of monuments, neat historical sites and other peculiarities to admire around Fairview, but the real fun is in Portland, a speedy 15 minutes away. Wanna do some serious shopping, eating or gallivanting? Portland is the place to do it. You don't have to go out of town to grab a bite to eat, however. Pizza, coffee, burgers, tacos and egg rolls are all well represented when you're feeling peckish.
Cultural Delights
If you need more than a diner experience and a picnic at a park to fulfill your weekend experience, again, Portland is right there. The old timey Laurelhurst Theatre caters to cinema lovers, International Rose Test Garden appeals to fans of spring blooms, Ampersand is a bookstore and art gallery and the Curious Comedy Theatre provides plenty of guffaws for an evening. Don't hesitate to head into the big city for a little light fun. After all, it's only a few minutes away, and you can visit every night of the week.
Transportation
Getting around Fairview will likely require a vehicle of some sort, even though many people love to stroll around and bike a bit. While the trails are lovely, they generally can't get you to work or complete any errands for you. On the other hand, Fairview does have two Trimet Bus Lines that service the area--the 21 and the 77. They can get some places, but you'll honestly need a car for most trips.
Winsome Weather
Oregon has lovely weather, but it can be rainy for many months out of the year. Snow is rare, but it can happen, so be sure and pack some booties and an overcoat for winter. It's also nice to know it never gets too hot in the summer. If you're prone to complaints about the heat, humidity or sunburns, get comfortable. The average high in July is in the 70s. For those who love the heat, you may need a sweater even in the dead of summer. Overall, the weather is mild and lovely, aside for the rainfall.
Fairview is an extremely agreeable location to set up long-term roots or a short stay. The weather is easy to deal with, crime is low and cost of living is average. It harbors some of nature's most beautiful resources, has friendly neighbors and sits within easy proximity to one of America's greatest cities. If you don't love it here, you may not love it anywhere.
