Why People Move to Parkdale and Mt. Hood, Oregon

If you’re looking for less of a town and more of a cluster of farms, then you may want to look into the tiny hamlets of Parkdale and Mt. Hood.  Nestled into the foothills of Mt. Hood and just minutes away from Hood River, Parkdale and Mt. Hood make picturesque locations for small town settling.

Live in the Foothills of Mt. Hood

Parkdale and Mt. Hood are small towns located in the Upper Hood River Valley.  The towns are known for their stunning views of Mt. Hood and are situated just minutes away from the eastern slopes.  From Parkdale, you can gain convenient access to the Cooper Spur Ski area.  Both towns are viewed via the Mt. Hood Railroad, and in fact, its terminus is the reason for the founding of Parkdale itself.  The towns get a lot of snow in the winter, but the cold recedes to a mild summer perfect for growing in the orchard- and forest-covered valley.  The temperate climate is also great when you want to explore the Mt. Hood National Forest from your own backyard.

Be Inspired by a Historic Past

Although the towns of Mt. Hood and Parkdale are small, they have a big history, and there are plany places where they celebrate this.  In Parkdale, you’ll find the Ries-Thompson House as well as the National History Site, the Jesse and Winifred Hutson Museum.  Here you can see native collection of rocks, minerals,  and artifacts and attend lectues and demonstrations provided by the USFS at the amphitheater.  In Mt. Hood, you’ll find the historic Parkdale Ranger Station, which was built in 1939 as well as Tollbridge Park.

Enjoy Big Life with a Tiny Community

Since there aren’t a lot of nightly hot spots and community organizations, what few they do have are filled with energy and resources.  The Mt. Hood Town Hall offers classes in yoga, ceramics, and tai chi, and both communities host seasonal gatherings to celebrate their history and modern offerings.  The tourists also enjoy these small town on their way through the Hood River County Fruit Loop where they can enjoy views and tastings of apples, pears, blueberries, and cherries.

Buy or Sell a Home in Mt. Hood or Parkdale

These two towns are considered one in the same to it’s residents, and the names are interchangeable, so don’t worry about trying to figure out which is which! If you want to live in a rural setting with rolling farmland and breathtaking views, then Parkdale or Mt. Hood is certainly for you! Home prices run the gamete from $200,000 all the way up to $2 million depending how what type of home and how much land you are looking for.  However, inventory can be quite low if you have specific parameters, so it’s a good idea to contact a local realtor like Jenelle McCleary to get an agent experienced in the area.