Hood River Real Estate

The Hood River Area of the Mid-Columbia Gorge includes property from the City of Hood River and all of the areas of Hood River Valley south to Parkdale. These areas are broken down into the City of Hood River and the Westside. Exact boundaries for these two areas have blurred over time as the City has annexed areas within the Urban Growth Boundary. The Eastside is separated from the City by the Hood River itself as well as Highway 35 and includes the community of Pine Grove.

Odell is in the middle of the valley situated north of Middle Mountain and Dee is a small community west of Middle Mountain. Parkdale is at the southern boundary of the Hood River Valley at a higher elevation of approximately 1300 feet. Heading due west from Hood River is the town of Cascade Locks. All of these cities/towns are located within Hood River County.

This general area also includes the small town of Mosier due east approximately 5 miles on I-84 which is in Wasco County. The Dalles is a larger city approximately 20 miles east of Hood River also in Wasco County.

The Hood River Valley has some natural and geographical boundaries which, coupled with Oregon's land use laws and our National Scenic Area designation, help to preserve the unique qualities of our area. This area has experienced a market correction, some sub-areas more than others, but we have been spared a major downturn as reported in other cities and towns across the Northwest and the country. Check my market stats page for my monthly update for Hood River County.

Vacant land is available but has become more scarce over time. Within the City, a typical lot is 50 x 100 ft. Moving out from there, there can be 1 - 2 acre parcels available as well as much larger properties. Rural Zoning designations in outlying areas should be carefully researched as many restrictions can apply. There is also the issue of irrigation water which can be addressed on a case by case basis.

Typically, land prices are somewhat higher in the Hood River Area versus other Mid-Columbia areas. Due to our current market conditions land prices have come down somewhat and provide a great opportunity for those planning to build. I am pleased to see some folks making green and sustainable choices in their new construction.

2004 - 2011 Hood River has been named in the top Best Places for small towns and for some of the popular outdoor sports easily accessed in our area in national magazines. Recently Yahoo Travel has included Hood River in the the top "10 Fantastic Towns for Fall." Progressive Farmer, Outside, Men's Journal Magazine, Skiing Magazine, and Sunset Magazine are among those. The New York Times has also recently featured Hood River as well. National Geographic Traveler magazine has also included our Columbia Gorge Region, "U.S.A. Rhineland," as a best-rated place.

Don't forget to check out the many great areas just across the Hood River bridge in Washington. See Columbia Gorge Real Estate for details.

Hood River and the surrounding Columbia Gorge areas provide a great place to own and invest in real estate!