Maui to hood river

rightguard · Since 22 Oct 2012 29 Posts Maui

Would you ever move from Maui to Hood River?

I've lived on maui for over 20 years and want a change. Hood River looks like a great place. What is the wind really like? What is life like...

wakeup · Since 11 Sep 2005 328 Posts always Obsessed

the wind is crappy and gusty and blows almost everyday but can be good 60% of the time, like maui
unlike maui, it is cool to cold even in the summer and there are no waves/surf unless you go to the coast where it is cold to colder but the waves can be pretty fun
there are a lot of other things to do like bike, snowboard, kayak, etc
but the grass aint greener
they are both sick places but it becomes a trade off

jaksavage · Since 02 Dec 2009 216 Posts hood river Stoked

it blows in the summer
it snows in the winter
doesn't get warm until July
wind is gusty
launches are small
jobs are scarce
housing is tight

best place on earth

rightguard · Since 22 Oct 2012 29 Posts Maui

So the wind is gusty... I was hoping to find more consistant wind. Doesn't have to be all the time, just wish it wasn't so gusty. I would miss waves though.

My other passion is ridding bikes. Are there good trails, where you can leave from town. Not crazy down hill stuff just nice trails.

Not too worried about work, I'm old... But do want to find some space. I hate living right next to someone else.

Thanks for the info

Josh_In_HR · Since 11 Jul 2012 11 Posts United States New Member

If you had to leave Maui ... Hood River's not bad. I'm here on the rock now, and not really missing the Hood, but I will be in a few months.

There's PLENTY of space.

If you want to live right in town, fine, but just a hot minute outside of town, and there's more space than you'll ever need. Kinda like upcountry Maui, but closer.

You'll miss waves.

Biking's great.

rightguard · Since 22 Oct 2012 29 Posts Maui

So Josh do you live part time in both places or are you just visiting? Ideally I would like to live half half but don't think I can pull that off. Which place do you like the wind most?

Can you give me a suggestion as to what area to look at... I don't really want to be on the Washington side, seems like crossing the bridge would get old. It would be cool to have about 2 acres, not to many neighbors, but be within biking distance of town.

Nak · Sat Nov 03, 12 2:01 pm

If you can pull off half/half you gotta go for it. I lived in Camas/Oahu for a couple of years, and life was perfect. Unfortunately it was back in 2000 before my kiteboarding days. Would be even better now. Half the month in Hawaii, Half in the Northwest you never ever get tired of the negatives. For instance, the long rain in the winter here gets really old. But you never seem to mind when sun in Hawaii is never more than two weeks away. Island fever? Again, never a problem when the Pacific Northwest is never more than two weeks away.

The biggest regret in my life is not buying the condo I lived in in Hawaii Kai. Had I bought it back when such things were affordable I'd be living the Half/half life today.

AC · Since 04 Jul 2012 66 Posts **CGKA Member**

The cycling here, road and mtn, is excellent. Mucho single track, plenty of terrain, not crowded on or off road. If you like recreation variety, w/a reasonable cost of living, not a lot of people, and decent infrastructure (including food), it's hard to beat the Gorge. The grey wet winters can be brutal. Hide the mouthpiece for your handgun, and hit the mtn, yoga studio, gym, or indoor tennis courts.

Drifty2012 · Since 18 Jul 2012 7 Posts New Member

There's lots to do, like everyone has mentioned.

The upside of Hood River, is that although the economy has been in the tanks, this year the city and surrounding has actually added over 30 new businesses. There was a special in the newspaper regarding this, so expansion is ever-so increasing in a sense.

As for living expenses, the initial vibe was that it's expensive living around here, although I've come to find there are more affordable places than you'd think. It depends also on what you classify as "expensive", but I'm confident that finding an affordable place is within anyone's reach who's looking to move into the area.

After being a Dalles native, just next door, the weather is actually pretty moderate. From living in the valley to other places across the state, The Dalles and Hood River have very balanced climate and temperature medians. It does get fairly cold in the winter, along with snow and ice, but the sun does in fact come out. This year has been rather odd in terms of condition, but the sun comes out and it gets very nice.

rightguard · Since 22 Oct 2012 29 Posts Maui

When you talk about expensive what do you mean? I know housing is expensive but what about the other stuff like... Food, health, electricity, propane, natural gas, normal everyday stuff? Are there good groceries, Costco...

I've actually only spent about two days there but I grew up on the coast and would drive threw in many different conditions. I've been threw a few big storms up there.

Do you think the tourist spend money in HR or are they just buying food and lodging? I'm an artist and hope to sell something in the area.

Thanks for all the info.

Josh_In_HR · Since 11 Jul 2012 11 Posts United States New Member

Eh, I bounce around way to much to really claim half anywhere. Hood River's home, although I spend a significant amount of time here.

Not sure about the possibility of making a living as an artist. I'd think you'd need to be tapped into the portland gallery scene...

For cheap leaving on a couple acres, look in Mosier, O'dell, Dee, or even parkdale, or even just upper Hood River.

Sella · Sun Nov 04, 12 1:42 pm

Hmmm grocery concerns and tourism art. Awesome. Is it chainsaw bear art?? We have lots o' trees! Please come!!!!

Dude, the Gorge ain't Maui but if you do move to the mainland it just may be the best US option for quality of life, recreational diversity, safety and overall affordability compared to other known recreational towns. Is the wind gusty....sometimes...but it is not that bad and I personally think gets a bad rap considering you can damn near kite daily. The wind also turns on during the afternoon so you can work 9-5 and still get on the water or snow minutes from your front door. Your body will give out long before the outdoor activity options do etc.

But......as good as it sounds.....deciding to live in the Gorge entirely comes down to how you make your $$$. Local jobs are service industry and pay minimum. Many people make it work and yes you can live in HR making minimum wage but it's a tight balance. If you're a "consultant" or plan on selling your art to traveling tourists to survive.......you'll fit right in but you'll also live in a van, just like most starving artists and HR "consultants" I know. Although van living is welcomed in HR within a month the feeling of being an entitled "local" complaining about all the tourists and wealthier pro cable park peeps will set in and consume you while you're renting out kayaks part time and giving bj's behind the WindWing house for food. (IE: Scooter)

Sorry, but when you're worrying about food and utility price gaps when you have the internet at your fingertips....you seem troll-like.

What do they say? Never leave wind to chase wind. Why don't you post up a pic of your art and let the kiter community decide if you'll make it or not since you seem to take our advice for every question regarding your life changes.

Haole love bruddah.

rightguard · Since 22 Oct 2012 29 Posts Maui

Sorry if my questions bother you, I'm just an old dude asking questions from real people.

I'm way past living in vans and working for minimum wage. I'm just looking for a nice place where I can retire early and have tons of fun.

With a comment like that I'm hardly going to share my art.

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1781 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

HaHaHa Sella's just having a little fun with our local "Plaintiffs of the water front". Classic Sella! You want chainsaw bear art. come to Stevenson. and no shortage of old dudes!!

And this forum does get alot of trolling. (No offence Jahmbi)

Live Long and Dangle!!!

captain crusty · Since 30 Aug 2005 92 Posts PDX

stinky brown/green river with every city to idaho dumping into it all day everyday
stay in maui, you will feel healthy and alive! not soggy and stinky

Sella · Mon Nov 05, 12 10:03 am

Nak · Mon Nov 05, 12 1:46 pm

No worries Rightgaurd, Sella was just joshing you. He's one of best guys you're going to find anywhere.