Hood River

Though Hood River may be named after the body of water that snakes alongside it, it’s the Columbia River that sparked interest in the community. “Windsurfing is what put us on the map,” says Michael Frost, a broker with Windermere Realty Columbia River Gorge Hood River, who has lived in the area for over 40 years. “We were on the cover of Outside Magazine in 1989. The title was ‘Great Sports Towns.’ A lot of people hadn’t heard of Hood River, and that was the start of it all.” Besides proximity to the riverfront and plenty of recreation, The Heights neighborhood is close to downtown Hood River. “There are stairs that go from downtown to The Heights, so it’s walkable,” Frost says. “It’s close, but it’s not in the mix.” Other than catching air on the Columbia River, there are several ballfields and sports complexes, along with a handful of pocket parks, in The Heights. Jackson Park is the city’s largest green space and a popular gathering place—with a stage for live music and electrical outlets for barbeques—adjacent to the Collins Memorial Baseball Field and four tennis courts. Next door, the Hood River Aquatic Center offers swim lessons, club water polo, aerobics classes and has a swim team, as well as pool access that costs around $5 for residents of the district. The St. Mary’s Sports Complex has another baseball and a softball field for Little Leaguers next to a soccer field just a few blocks south. The Indian Creek Trail weaves through The Heights, ending at Barrett Park on the rural east side of the city. In the oldest section of the 4.5-mile trail, hikers can explore the wooden flume that once brought water to a cannery downtown. The Mesquitery Restaurant and its Shed Bar are known for baby back ribs, filet mignon, top sirloin and other prime cuts, grilled over a mesquite fire. “As a closing gift, my clients get a gift certificate to The Mesquitery,” Frost says. About a block away, Hood River Taqueria crafts margaritas that come in a variety of flavors and patrons catch up over their favorite Mexican dishes, surrounded by colorful murals. “Hood River Taqueria is a local favorite,” says Maui Meyer, owner and principal broker of Copper West Real Estate. “But Farm Stand probably has the best lunch.” Shoppers can pick up fresh produce and other groceries at Farm Stand in the Gorge or enjoy a sandwich or salad from the deli-style counter. Rosauers Supermarket, further south on 12th Street, offers more essentials. Many children are zoned for May Street Elementary School—which earns an A-minus grade from Niche—but those who live in the southwest corner of The Heights can attend A-rated Westside Elementary School. Students may then move forward to Hood River Middle School before potentially enrolling in Hood River Valley High School, both of which earn A-minuses. Hood River Valley provides students with several after-school programs, like robotics clubs, the Speech and Debate Team and the Earth Action Club. Columbia Gorge Community College’s Indian Creek campus offers technology and trade programs in aviation maintenance, electro-mechanical technology, uncrewed aircraft systems and other industries. Bungalows built in the 1950s come with enough yard space for a small garden. Older, smaller homes like these may cost between $515,000 and $625,000. New traditional homes built in the 2000s often have Craftsman touches—like multiple gables and overhanging eaves—while a few original Craftsman builds are sprinkled throughout the neighborhood. Homes that come with three bedrooms cost between $700,000 and $820,000, while two-story builds with four to five bedrooms cost between $900,000 and $1 million. Because of the forested areas surrounding Hood River, The Heights may be at an increased risk of potential wildfires. The Hood River Fire Department is in what has been deemed a higher-risk section of the neighborhood for faster support. Most of the neighborhood's restaurants and businesses are scattered between 12th and 13th streets, which merge to form Oregon Route 281, a southbound highway that leads to Parkdale and the Mount Hood community. Oregon Route 35 also leads to Mount Hood—about 34 miles away—and connects to Interstate 84, running west to Portland, along the Columbia River. To get around the city, residents can use the Columbia Area Transit’s Hood River route, which has several stops in The Heights.