revelations
This weekend B and I dreamed about the future, fueled by thoughts of living off the grid, and how possible it really is. We drove out to Stevenson, Washington and passed a $210,000 fixer upper. We turned around and passed it 3 more times, then knocked on the door, twice. Stevenson is a kiteboarding paradise, and, I think, the next Tahoe. Which is kind of a shame, but I remember going up to Tahoe with friends even before I could drive. Then, you could buy a cabin for around $60,000, on one side of the lake. South shore was built up, as was Incline Village, but no one wanted to drive around to the west shore. That was way out of the way! Nowadays, you can't find much under $300,000.
The Columbia River Gorge is similar in beauty. Hood River is already overpriced and full of trust fund babies living out their wet dreams in the shadows of Mount Hood and the windiest part of the river. But--Stevenson is closer to Portland. It's got a great kite launch area, too, with 1/20 the crowds. Slingshot kites just moved there from upriver. It's a tiny town, and is just on the brink of disovery.
I have been looking at houses and condos in Portland, and decided all that is within reach is on the outer southeast limits of the city--commuter hell for B, and a place that I wouldn't feel comfortable walking around in. During the day. Then there's Vancouver, Washington, which would add 30 minutes easy onto B's commute. Plus, it's suburb city. Nothing is in walking distance and it's all big box stores. I don't know if the commute is worth that. Then condos here start in the $140,000 range, which cound enticing. But, every apartment building is converting in to condos around here, and some see a glut in the very near future. I don't know if I buy into that, but a home is a much better investment. A duplex even better. The $210,000 Stevenson house has half and acre, a creek, and a possible rental room on the bottom with private entrance.
This is possible. Updates to come!!!
The Columbia River Gorge is similar in beauty. Hood River is already overpriced and full of trust fund babies living out their wet dreams in the shadows of Mount Hood and the windiest part of the river. But--Stevenson is closer to Portland. It's got a great kite launch area, too, with 1/20 the crowds. Slingshot kites just moved there from upriver. It's a tiny town, and is just on the brink of disovery.
I have been looking at houses and condos in Portland, and decided all that is within reach is on the outer southeast limits of the city--commuter hell for B, and a place that I wouldn't feel comfortable walking around in. During the day. Then there's Vancouver, Washington, which would add 30 minutes easy onto B's commute. Plus, it's suburb city. Nothing is in walking distance and it's all big box stores. I don't know if the commute is worth that. Then condos here start in the $140,000 range, which cound enticing. But, every apartment building is converting in to condos around here, and some see a glut in the very near future. I don't know if I buy into that, but a home is a much better investment. A duplex even better. The $210,000 Stevenson house has half and acre, a creek, and a possible rental room on the bottom with private entrance.
This is possible. Updates to come!!!
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