Hood River is hailed as the "windsurfing capital of the world," with soaring Pacific winds and crashing waves on the Columbia River. Breweries, farm-to-table restaurants and ski resorts are among the region's most dynamic employers. With a population of 8,000, Hood River has a trendy downtown and vast recreation below the Cascade Mountains. "You can wake up and go skiing, ride a world-class mountain biking trail and kiteboard on the water," says Jennifer Dillard, a Hood River resident and Real Estate Agent on the JDRE Team at Real Broker. "There are endless opportunities, and the mountains are beautiful."
Catch the wind and ride the waves on the Columbia River.
Farm Stand in the Gorge offers different grocery items and a Deli.
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Hood River homes within reach of Portland
Hood River features Craftsman bungalows, American foursquare and contemporary homes with midcentury influence. The median single-family price is $750,000, more than the national median. Properties on the higher end are in Downtown Hood River or on acre lots to the west of the city. "It's a diverse group of people retiring from Portland, Seattle and the Bay," Dillard says. "With the ability to work remotely, why not live where you love to play?"
There are a lot of colorful homes in the Hood River area.
There are unique modern build homes in the Hood River area.
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Beaches and surfing on the Columbia River waves
The Hood River Waterfront Trail extends nearly three miles along the water, and it reaches the marina. Hood River Waterfront Park draws crowds each summer to its crescent-shaped beach with mountain views. From summer until fall, the Columbia River sees plenty of windsurfing and kiteboarding. "It's a windsurfing mecca and one of the top places in the world for wind sports," Dillard says. "When you're at the waterfront during the summer, there's a whole sea of kites."
Mount Hood is a volcanic skiing mountain about 35 miles south, with a scenic snow-covered peak.
There a lot of families who visit Hood River to see scenic views and take a dip in the water.
The Hood River Waterfront Trail extends nearly three miles along the water, and it reaches the marina.
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Trendy downtown with a rich culinary scene and organic markets
Downtown Hood River has the charm of a rustic Pacific Northwest lumber town, only with trendy local establishments and storefronts below the Cascade Range. The shopping area is also a historic district with boutiques, sports outfitters and over 30 restaurants, including breweries.
Oak Street is the central downtown thoroughfare, with supermarkets, such as Treebird Market, an organic shop. Many restaurants and markets use locally sourced produce from the surrounding area. "The Fruit Loop is a 35-mile drive through local farms, orchards, wineries and fruit stands," Dillard says. "People come to shop for local goods or pick fruit and flowers."
Enjoy live music and local brews on the lawn at the Summer Concert Series in Hood River.
Downtown Hood River has a lot of stores to shop in.
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Railroad tours, museums and rock-climbing at Brimstone Boulders
The Mount Hood Railroad is popular among locals and tourists alike, featuring train ride tours of Mount Hood and northern Oregon. The rail has holiday-themed rides like the Polar Express in the winter. The Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum has vintage cars, airplanes and military vehicles from the 20th century. One community highlight is Brimstone Boulders, an 1800s church renovated into a rock-climbing gym. After serving multiple congregations throughout the 20th century, it became a sanctuary for bouldering beneath stained-glass windows.
A scenic view of Hood River and Mount Hood.
Brimstone Boulders once a 19th-century church has since been renovated into a rock-climbing gym.
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SATs at Hood River Valley High School
The Hood River County School District serves nearly 4,000 students in the area. According to Niche, the district earns a B-plus grade and ranks among Oregon's 20 best public districts. Columbia Gorge Community College is a two-year post-secondary school in Hood River.
Hood River Middle School offers enriching after-school clubs and activities
Columbia Gorge Community College is a two-year post-secondary school in Hood River.
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Reaching Downtown Portland and PDX
The Columbia Area Transit (CAT) is the area's public bus system. The Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital is a major employer on 12th Street.
The Bingen-White Salmon Amtrak Station is about 3 miles north. Interstate 84 runs alongside the town, leading to Downtown Portland around 63 miles west. The Portland International Airport offers worldwide flights.
Pacific Northwest climate and wildfire risk
Like much of the Pacific Northwest, the region has rainy winters and warm, dry summers. Wildfires may potentially impact the area, specifically near the Columbia River Gorge in the summer.
Crime data is not readily available for Hood River.
Bill Irving – Your Trusted Gorge Real Estate Expert
With over two decades of experience and a deep-rooted passion for the Gorge lifestyle, Bill Irving has been helping clients navigate the real estate landscape since 2003. Drawn to the natural beauty and close-knit community of the Columbia River Gorge, Bill turned his love for the area into a career dedicated to helping others call it home.
Before real estate, Bill’s path included a dynamic career as a management consultant and advisor to startups—roles that sharpened his strategic mindset, problem-solving skills, and ability to adapt in fast-paced environments. These qualities now set him apart as a broker who brings both insight and innovation to every transaction.
As a seasoned professional with Copper West Real Estate, Bill specializes in residential properties, commercial sales, and industrial leasing. His comprehensive knowledge of the local market, combined with trusted relationships with area builders, makes him an invaluable resource—especially for clients involved in new construction or development projects.
Bill’s reputation is built on integrity, professionalism, and a client-first philosophy. Whether you're buying your first home, expanding your investment portfolio, or exploring commercial opportunities in the Gorge, you can count on Bill to guide you with clarity, confidence, and care.
For Bill, real estate is more than a career—it’s a way to support the growth and prosperity of the community he loves. When you work with Bill Irving, you’re not just getting a broker—you’re gaining a trusted local expert and long-term partner in your real estate journey.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
