In the mid-1800s, the northeast Oregon city of La Grande naturally developed as a trading post on the Oregon Trail because of its ideal position along the Grande Ronde River. The vast mountain scenery of the Grande Ronde Valley is still what draws people to settle down here. The city sits at the eastern foothills of Oregon’s Blue Mountains between the Umatilla National Forest to the west and the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest to the east, surrounding the city with millions of acres of grassy hills and fir tree-filled valleys. “We’ve got wilderness in every direction, so you need to have a fun sort of toughness to live out here, like you need to have wood chopped for your fireplace when you get snowed in,” says Realtor Jeff Clark with Blue Summit Realty Group, who’s been selling here for almost 20 years. Having nothing but wide-open space between the city and any urban area has shaped its small-town atmosphere. “There’s a seasonality to life here that’s really cool,” says Clark. “Having to live and prepare with the seasons connects you with the environment in a way that’s not possible in a big city.”
Walk to the Red Cross Drugstore in downtown La Grande for pharmaceuticals and more.
Find homes right on the historic Oregon Trail in La Grande Oregon.
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Sporting in Oregon’s Blue Mountains
La Grande’s location in the Grande Ronde Valley provides abundant activity for an outdoorsy lifestyle. Agricultural land puts a bit of space between the hills to the east, but in every other direction, hikers can access seemingly endless routes and camping spots across the Blue Mountains. “Hiking is probably the biggest activity, but this is also world-class elk hunting territory,” says Clark. “You’ll look out from town and see massive herds of elk crossing the valley.” Fly-fishing is an equally popular activity, with the Grande Ronde River flowing along the city’s north side. Temperatures reach the low-80s in the summer, but temperatures in the 20s and substantial snowfall can be expected during the winter months. This allows for cross-country skiing and other seasonal winter activities.
Mountain Works in downtown La Grande is the place to go for all things bike and ski.
For your next expediton be sure to check out Blue Mountain Outfitters in downtown La Grande.
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1920s bungalows and newer Craftsman designs
La Grande is built on grid streets, and most blocks are residential, aside from the small downtown area. The city’s median home price is about $320,000, and many homes were built in the 1920s. On the downtown side of the train tracks running diagonally through town, pristine 1920s bungalows and Craftsman homes sit on grassy lots shaded by mature trees. These start around the median price and get more expensive for larger options. On the northeast side of town, smaller cottages and ranch-style homes on compact lots with less tree cover can start below the median. Newer Craftsmans in town and homes with acreage just outside can go for over $1 million.
Kids will love seeing the various wildlife that stroll through the neighborhoods of La Grande.
For larger families look to the hills for newly constructed craftsman homes in La Grande.
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Restaurants, outfitters and farmers markets in downtown La Grande
U.S. Route 30 is the center of La Grande’s downtown. This area is the heart of the city’s small-town culture. Along the main drag and surrounding blocks, 1920s buildings house a variety of locally owned restaurants, wine markets, music venues and mountain outfitters. The La Grande Farmers Market is staple event downtown, held every Tuesday afternoon and Saturday morning.
Locals love dining at Rauls Taquiria in downtown La Grande.
Downtown life in La Grande means leasurily strolls down sidewalks lined with local shops and eateries.
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La Grande School District and Eastern Oregon University
Students in the city and the surrounding area are served by the La Grande School District, which gets an overall B grade from Niche. The district's five schools are all in the city, including B-rated La Grande High. Eastern Oregon University was founded in 1929; this small institution’s campus resides on the west side of town and serves over 2,000 students.
When the school day is done students head to the rec center at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande.
Students attend schools in the La Grande District which gets a B from Niche.
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Rich agricultural industry and healthcare employers
When it comes to industry, agriculture is dominant around La Grande and throughout the fertile Grande Ronde Valley. Aside from farming, the city’s downtown businesses and Eastern Oregon University provide employment opportunities. Grande Ronde Hospital, one of the region's most comprehensive healthcare facilities, is a few blocks from the university.
With agriculture such a big industry in the Blue Mountain Valley the Pacific Northern railyard plays a vital role.
La Grande Ronde Hospital provides health care for the valley as well as jobs.
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Take Interstate 84 to Pendleton and Portland
Interstate 84 runs through the city and takes drivers east to west across Oregon. Although, La Grande is far from any major city. Portland, the state’s largest city, is 260 miles west — about a 4-hour drive. Boise, Idaho, is the closest major city, 170 miles southeast. Pendleton Airport, 50 miles northwest, is the closest commercial airport. It offers one direct flight to and from Portland International Airport.
Wildfires affecting the Grande Ronde Valley
La Grande hasn’t been directly affected by wildfires, but they are becoming more common in the Grand Ronde Valley. Mundane weather events, like lightning storms, can easily spark fires in the region’s wooded mountains during the drier summer months. The city encourages residents to have an evacuation plan and to maintain a defensible space around their property by removing dry, combustible brush. La Grande is served by the La Grande Police Department, but specific reports and statistics are not available.
During thirty-five years in the real estate industry, Debi has helped 100’s of families to realize their dreams of owning a property. A wealth of knowledge gathered over the years buying homes in need of repair and successfully selling each at a profit will benefit you both as a home buyer and as an investor. Debi knows what it costs to make repairs helping to ease concerns on a home inspection report and helping her buyer clients win bids on competitive properties. Debi grew up in a family of real estate investors, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles all own income property. There was never a question in her mind she would that follow in their footsteps and become a landlord as well. After graduating NYU Stern with a business degree, she bought her first income property at 23. After years helping manage rentals, prepare tenant contracts and assisting her grandfather with rental income spreadsheets she was well prepared to embark on her own wealth building journey buying and selling properties. To date she has flipped over 50 properties, held a portfolio of 25 rental units and operated several profitable small businesses. In her early career she worked at a wealth management firm in NYC, obtained a stockbroker’s license and later migrated to Commodity trading working as an analyst. She went back to school and obtained an MBA. She also owned an accounting business. Her strong financial background has helped many clients creatively finance deals. Debi is a proud parent of two amazing kids, 2 dogs & 1 cat. Her daughter also graduated from NYU and is now a high school English teacher. Her son is studying at a local Boston University working toward a degree. The whole family shares a passion for rescuing animals and together the family owns 8 dogs and 4 cats all rescued from shelters. Her other passion is organic gardening.
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