Why People Move to Odell and Dee, Oregon

Population: about 1100

Elevation: 2000 feet

When heading from Hood River up the valley toward Mt. Hood, travelers come across two tiny farming communities, Dee and Odell, set amongst picturesque fruit orchards and winding foothill roads. 

Become Part of a Farming Community

With less than 2000 people in each town, you’ll find most of the community out in the orchard rows or farm fields.  The area is well known for its massive production of local fruits.  In fact, between the east and west forks of the Hood River is an area known as Dee Flat where you’ll find pear orchards, cherry orchards, and farmhouses surrounded by outbuildings and tractors.  If you have a green thumb, then the rich valley soils in the Hood River Valley would be perfect for you.

Experience Recreation at Your Doorstep

Because of all of the beautiful orchards, Odell is part of the Hood River Fruit Loop.  Tourists travel this loop to take in the scenic blossoms, sample the fruit, and even do some wine tasting.  Dee, with its spectacular views of Mt. Hood, is also a hot spot for photographers and painters, and is bordered by the Mt. Hood Railroad.  It’s also the gateway to the popular Lost Lake Resort and Campground.  Their proximity to Mt. Hood and the Columbia River make Dee and Odell great places of outdoor adventurers.

Build Your Life in a Rural Small Town

Not surprisingly, the most common occupations in both Dee and Odell are in agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting.  To support the farming community there are a small amount of retail and wholesale trades, but manufacturing, construction, food service, and education jobs are limited.  For this reason, if families are not involved in the agriculture trade in Odell or Dee, they are likely commuting to Hood River where employment is a bit easier to find.

There is an elementary and middle school in Odell that the two communities share, but high school students travel to Hood River Valley High School. 

Buy or Sell a Home in Odell or Dee, Oregon

If you love the farming lifestyle, or simply enjoy rural life in a stunning mountain setting, then Odell or Dee may be the towns for you.  Unfortunately, because these towns are so small, property can be difficult to find in these small communities, but it’s not impossible. Prices typically range from $200,000 to the mid $500,000’s when available, which makes the area affordable for first-time home buyers and attractive to those with bigger budgets as well.

If you would like to learn more about purchasing a home in Dee or Odell please contact local real estate agent Jenelle McCleary.