Tri-City offers a rural, riverfront lifestyle in southwest Oregon
Despite its name, Tri-City is more of a countryside community than an urban metropolis. “I grew up here, and it’s really just recently expanding,” says Jason Mann, the broker/owner of J Mann Realty. “The big draw is that the taxes are cheaper here, and it’s right on Interstate 5 if you need to go somewhere.” Apart from a few stores and gas stations off the South Old Pacific Highway, the area consists of residential cul-de-sacs and open fields with Cascade Mountain views. In Tri-City, locals live on quiet, secluded hills near the South Umpqua River without sacrificing proximity to bigger cities like Myrtle Creek and Roseburg.
Housing options include manufactured and single-family homes
Though many lots sit closely together, they maintain a secluded feel. Most properties have fenced-in yards and paved driveways, and trees are often a barrier between neighbors. The market primarily consists of manufactured homes, ranch-style houses and New Traditional builds. Apart from a few outliers, most manufactured units sell between $125,000 and $350,000, while single-family prices range from $150,000 to $500,000. No matter the home style or price, residents are at an elevation, providing mountain views from all corners of Tri-City.
Activities on the river, through the forest and at Myrtle Creek parks
Fishing and boating along the South Umpqua River are the most popular outdoor activities in Tri-City, and residents head to Myrtle Creek for community park spaces. Millsite Park is the largest, with softball and baseball fields, an outdoor amphitheater and a disc golf course. The South Umpqua Memorial Pool and Myrtle Creek Golf Club are also open to the public. Hikers can reach miles of trails to the east through the Umpqua State Forest.
Shopping in Roseburg and supporting local restaurants
Shopping and dining options are limited in Tri-City. “There are some smaller stores here, but everybody pretty much drives to Roseburg,” Mann says. “My family and I try to go once a week.” Grocery Outlet is the main supermarket in town, and residents can grab fresh goods from farms like DelEv Blueberry Patch. Most restaurants operate out of Myrtle Creek, apart from The Happy Donut for coffee and pastries and Tri-City Country Club, a neighborhood dive bar with pub fare and cocktails.
Events range from dinner theater to rodeos and potlucks
Though Tri-City has little commercial development and a rural atmosphere, plenty of activities bring residents together. “It’s very community-oriented,” says Realtor Esther Guarino with Trueblood Real Estate, who has lived in the Roseburg area for 10 years. “During the summer, they hold a lot of events like movies in the park and parades.” Millsite Park, 4 miles away in Myrtle Creek, hosts free summer concerts from mid-July through August. The annual South Douglas Rodeo brings in thousands of visitors for a parade, bull riding, live music and food vendors. The Grand Victorian Theatre is a small venue that hosts private events and presents dinner theater performances. Several Christian churches also sit within the community, including Tri-City Presbyterian Church and Tri-City Baptist Church, which hosts monthly potlucks.
Education through the South Umpqua School District
Kids can attend Tri-City Elementary before advancing to Coffenberry Middle, which has a STEM club for robotics and coding. Both schools earn C-minus ratings from Niche. South Umpqua High receives a C and offers dual enrollment courses through Umpqua Community College, 27 miles away.
Transportation options and health care access in the valley
Commuters can hop on Interstate 5 or use the public bus service to get around. The Umpqua Public Transportation District sells day passes for $3. Roseburg has the nearest VA Roseburg Health Care System hospital, 22 miles north.
Wildfire coverage is required for homeowners.
Wildfire season occurs in Oregon every year between July and October. The Division of Financial Regulation, the state insurance regulator, requires wildfire coverage in every homeowner policy. Oregon Wildfire Response and Recovery advises people to create a 30-foot space around their homes for fire prevention.
