Moving to Portland - woohoo!

[kat_h]

You've probably already found it but just in case you haven't -- http://bikeportland.org/

[Susan Otcenas]

Congrats on your new position.

Highly highly unlikely you'll find 3-5 acres anywhere inside the urban growth boundary (at least nothing anywhere near affordable for mere mortals). Outside the boundary,maybe, but likely west or north of Hillsboro. Think Vernonia, Banks, Forest Grove, North Plains. Possibly South of Hillsboro, like Scholls, Farmington, etc.

Our land use laws are such that land inside the boundary is very expensive and is zoned in such a way to encourage density. Outside the boundary its mostly zoned agricultural land, and is zoned in such a way as to prevent it from being broken up into small lots. Please take no offense here, but the idea is to prevent precisely the type of lot you are looking for. 3-5 acre lots are useless from an ag perspective, and ag land needs to be preserved for that purpose. Small lots just causes endless sprawl and too much traffic on the country roads we cyclists want to use.

Don't fret about the weather. You too shall eventually grow webs between your toes, just like the rest of us. I've been here more than 10 years. My webs are still in development, but mostly full grown. And remember, we have the most spectacular summers ever. Most new homes come with A/C, but really you don't need it. My home is not air-conditioned and I only wish for it maybe one week per year. The beauty of living in Hillsboro is that you can be at the ocean in an hour, or up on Mt. Hood skiing in about the same amount of time. Life is good here (just don't tell anyone else, so we can keep it to ourselves....).

Susan

[Xrayted]

Welcome!! The more the merrier.

My best advice to you since you are driving across at that time of year (We did it last year at the end of March) is to go to AAA for a safe route. Many of the interstates are actually closed on and off due to major snow. When I say closed, I mean they put down a railroad barrier thingy and no one moves until the police say so. We were stuck in WY during a total whiteout. That is even following what we thought would be a decent route. Stay on the southern side and you should be fine.

[GLC1968]

Please take no offense here, but the idea is to prevent precisely the type of lot you are looking for. 3-5 acre lots are useless from an ag perspective, and ag land needs to be preserved for that purpose.

Ah, see this is what we hope to show isn't true...that small lots DO (or can) take full advantage of the agricultural properties of the land. This country needs more small scale farms (think permaculture) again if it's going to survive the future! But I totally agree that urban sprawl is NOT useful and absolutely appreciate laws that discourage it. We are not the "get a big plot and put a big honkin' house on it just to impress the neighbors" type people, at all. Thanks for the heads up about the zoning though, that's really helpful to know.

Any idea if the larger lots closer-in discourage farming? We found a few that are borderline in our price range in Hillsboro (2.5 acres), but we don't know if city laws would prevent us from farming and keeping chickens (big maybe on the chickens...that's DH's desire, not mine!).

Oh, and also thanks for the advice on the weather. I was noticing that a lot of the newer homes had AC and coming from the south, I couldn't help but wonder 'why?'! I'm pretty sure we wouldn't even use it...even on the hottest days!

Welcome!! The more the merrier.

My best advice to you since you are driving across at that time of year (We did it last year at the end of March) is to go to AAA for a safe route. Many of the interstates are actually closed on and off due to major snow. When I say closed, I mean they put down a railroad barrier thingy and no one moves until the police say so. We were stuck in WY during a total whiteout. That is even following what we thought would be a decent route. Stay on the southern side and you should be fine.

That is excellent advice, thanks! I never even thought about closed roads, or to check AAA, but it makes perfect sense. Cool!

[SadieKate]

Great website for checking Oregon highway conditions

www.tripcheck.com

[Starfish]

GLC, really excited for you guys!! Maybe we will be able to meet up at the Shasta ride this August!! Woohooo!

[Dianyla]

Woohoo! You'll get used to the wintry stuff in no time.

Any idea if the larger lots closer-in discourage farming? We found a few that are borderline in our price range in Hillsboro (2.5 acres), but we don't know if city laws would prevent us from farming and keeping chickens (big maybe on the chickens...that's DH's desire, not mine!).

AFAIK in-town chickens are fine in Washington County. Roosters probably not, but hens aren't a problem. A friend of mine had about 10 chooks right in the middle of Beaverton on her 1/4 acre lot.