Lifestyle

Living in Hood River County, Oregon

May 25, 2022

Tucked into the cliffside canyons of the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River County is arguably the most stunning locale in the Pacific Northwest. With about 25,000 residents, the county is home to two cities, Hood River and the small town of Cascade Locks, as well as Mount Hood, Parkdale, and a few other unincorporated communities.

The unmatched beauty of the Gorge is pretty enticing on its own, but that's not the only thing this place has going for it. Thinking about moving to Hood River? Here's what you should know.

Living in Hood River: What to Know

The city of Hood River has a population of under 10,000, but it's growing steadily each year. It's only about an hour away from Portland—potentially even close enough to commute a few days a week—and has lots going for it in terms of entertainment and opportunity.

What is it like living in Hood River, Oregon?

Hood River is unofficially known as the windsurfing capital of the world graphic.

Whether you're into outdoor sports, like a tight-knit community feel, or just appreciate a laid-back vibe, there's something for everyone in Hood River. Outdoor recreationists can hike or bike the Gorge, ski or snowboard Mount Hood, and kayak or paddleboard the nearby rivers and lakes. Unofficially known as the "Windsurfing Capital of the World," the city also boasts a robust kiteboarding community.

You can grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and food carts, then head to a U-Pick berry farm or winery along the famous Fruit Loop. Prefer hops over grapes? Hood River is home to more than a dozen breweries.

Considering its modest size, Hood River holds its own against larger metro areas in terms of economy, healthcare offerings, and education. Its biggest industries are tourism and outdoor recreation, but there are also opportunities for people who work in tech, engineering, and creative fields. What's more, the city has a renowned hospital, and its public schools are ranked as some of the best in Oregon.

How much does it cost to live in Hood River, Oregon?

The cost of living in Hood River, Oregon, is a little higher than most other U.S. cities. Grocery prices are about average, and things like utilities and transportation are actually relatively affordable. But housing prices are pretty steep at nearly twice the nation's average.

Is it hard to buy a house in Hood River?

Most Hood River residents own their homes. Like the rest of the country, low inventory can make it harder to buy a house in the area, and since it's a sought-after small town, the market can be highly competitive.

Consider this: around 15 homes are sold in Hood River each month, only about 2% of Portland's average of roughly 800 monthly sales. While it might take some time to find a property in your price range that checks all your boxes, you can set yourself up for success by partnering with a credit union.

The best credit union in Hood River

CCCU offers a range of flexible home loans and mortgage solutions. From tax-advantaged first-time homebuyer savings accounts and free loan pre-approval to a network of trusted realtors and guidance on the closing process, our Oregon community credit union supports our members every step of the way.

We proudly serve people who live, work, worship, own a business, or and attend school in Hood River, Yamhill, Columbia, Skamania, Clark, Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties, or are a relative of a current member. We have one branch in Hood River, three physical branches in Portland, convenient mobile banking, plus access to 5,600+ CO-OP Shared Branches and over 30,000 surcharge-free CO-OP ATMs nationwide!

Join our credit union today, or contact us with questions.