Hood River, OR

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Nicknamed the "Windsurfing Capital of the World," Hood River, Oregon, is a port city on the Columbia River where residents play as hard as they work.

Home to 7,167 residents as of the 2010 census, Hood River was founded in 1895 as an agricultural town on the banks of the busy Columbia River waterway and nestled at the base of Mount Hood. Known to be a hub for windsurfers and kite boarders due to the strong winds that come down the Columbia River Gorge, the town continues to grow in popularity, particularly for tourists during the summer months.

Moving to Hood River

Like moving to any new city, understanding some key details about moving to Hood River is essential before taking the plunge. Home prices throughout the city are slightly higher than the national average, though apartment rental costs are lower than most other cities in Oregon and the United States.

Vacancy rates in Hood River are generally higher than most other cities, particularly in the outskirts of the town, so it could be less necessary to look far in advance for a place to live. However, given the relatively small population the housing market can be difficult depending on how inventory fluctuates. Similarly, while apartment vacancies are somewhat higher than the national average, there are fewer apartment options in Hood River, so it would behoove someone to start looking early for rental options.

In order to move successfully, like other cities in the U.S., a strong credit history, security deposit of first and last month's rent, and a clean background check are necessary to find housing in the majority of neighborhoods in Hood River.

Neighborhoods in Hood River

There are three primary neighborhoods in Hood River: the City Center, Odell, and Oak Grove/Rockford. Each has amenities and advantages that should be thoroughly explored before picking your next new pad to call home.

City Center: As the name suggests, this neighborhood encompasses the downtown area of Hood River and has most of the major apartment complexes in the area. Here you'll find everything from studio apartments for rent to serviced apartments, and even a duplex for rent or furnished apartments depending on your needs moving in. In terms of population, the City Center is the largest neighborhood and is also the district that most restaurant and entertainment spots call home. While home prices are loftier than most cities in Oregon, the cost of apartment rentals is significantly lower than the majority of other cities in the state.

Odell: One of the more rural neighborhoods in Hood River, the majority of homes in Odell are mid-sized single family homes or mobile homes, and many families only live in the area seasonally in vacation homes or for agricultural job opportunities. Homes cost more than approximately 70% of homes in the U.S., but rents are lower than the majority of other towns in Oregon.

Given the rural nature of Odell, there are few restaurant options in the area, and most residents go into the City Center or Oak Grove/Rockford to eat out. For this reason, residents of Odell rely on having a car even more than residents of the other Hood River neighborhoods.

Oak Grove/Rockford: Most homes in Oak Grove/Rockford are larger single family homes. Like Odell, home prices tend to be less sought after given the number of vacation homes, but rents tend to be lower than most other towns in Oregon. However, there are no large apartment complexes in Oak Grove/Rockford. Most residents of Oak Grove/Rockford drive to work, and many commute to the City Center.

Oak Grove/Rockford has fewer restaurants than the City Center, but Twin Peaks Drive-In is a popular local option. Another popular place to eat out in the area is the clubhouse at the Indian Creek golf course. This neighborhood is also home to both golf courses in Hood River, which are popular destinations for residents and tourists alike.

Top Apartment Complexes

Hood River Crossing: A non-smoking apartment community that features one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom apartment options and includes major utilities in the rent.

Wind River Place: An apartment complex further south that sits adjacent to the Hood River shopping complex and Columbia Gorge Community College.

Columbia View Apartments: Located on the northern border of the City Center, these apartments are closer to the Columbia River and the original downtown area of Hood River.

Living in Hood River

Hood River boasts a plethora of activities and attractions for residents year round. For outdoor enthusiasts, activities include the aforementioned river sports as well as hiking, fishing, sailing, and skiing at nearby Mount Hood. A host of wineries and vineyards dot the Hood River Valley in addition to breweries and restaurants. For those looking to day trip, Hood River sits on the Mount Hood Scenic Byway and the Historic Columbia River Highway, both offering gorgeous vistas of the surrounding countryside.

The town also has a number of annual festivals frequented by Hood River residents, mostly centered around the city's agricultural focus. These include the Hood River Valley Blossom Festival every April, the Hood River Hops Fest in October, and the Hood River Valley Harvest Festival, which is also in October. Hood River is also a popular meeting place for cyclists and hosts a number of cycling road races year round.

There is one airport in Hood River, but it is used only for general aviation and does not have any scheduled commercial flights. Hood River does sit on Interstate 84, and automobiles provide the easiest form of transportation around the area, but there is no train service. Limited bus service runs to and from nearby Portland on a daily basis.