Seventy-five miles east of Portland, The Dalles is on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge, a canyon known for its scenic cliff views. The Dalles Museum and Anderson Homestead tells the story of the city, starting with its roots as a Native American trading center and home to the Wasco tribe. Famously the ending point of the Oregon Trail, The Dalles is now known for the orchards of sweet Bing cherries surrounding the city. In addition to the Oregon Cherry Growers, prominent employers include Adventist Health Columbia Gorge and North Wasco County School District, rated C-plus on Niche.
The Dalles’ population peaked at just over 16,000 in 2021; the count is now closer to 15,700. “It’s a lowkey, friendly place – not as touristy as the other towns along the Gorge,” says Cody Cornett, Broker at Copper West Properties in The Dalles. “It’s a small-town vibe with an incredible downtown. It has the potential to continue to grow and absorb the influx of people coming to the Gorge.” Drawn to the city’s affordability, Cornett explains, “People from Texas, the Midwest, Seattle, Portland and California prefer the Dalles over other Gorge communities because it’s drier and has more sunshine.”
The Dalles is a small, laid back city located in the Columbia Gorge.
North Wasco County School District is a large employer in The Dalles.
The Dalles Museum and Anderson Homestead provdes a history of the city and it's origins.
Adventist Health Columbia Gorge is a prominent employer in The Dalles.
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Sunny days on the Columbia River
Kayakers and anglers searching for salmon can access the Columbia River from the boat launch ramp at The Dalles Marina. The paved Riverfront Trail runs parallel to the river, connecting hikers and bikers from the marina to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum. The museum highlights the landscape and history of the Gorge, including its part in the Lewis & Clark Expedition. A new playground is in the works at Sorosis Park, the city’s largest park, which also has a rose garden, disc golf and tennis courts.
The Dalles experiences wet winters, dry summers, windy springs and short autumns. There is a significant flood risk from the riverbank up to 4th Street and State Route 30. The city’s wildfire risk is lower than surrounding rural areas. The Dalles experiences about 300 days of sun and 14 days of rain annually, allowing the Bing cherry orchards to thrive in a 200-day growing season.
The Dalles Marina offers a boat launch for recreation on the Columbia River.
The paved Riverfront Trail runs parallel to the river in The Dalles.
The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum highlights the history of the Gorge.
Sorosis Park is the largest park in The Dalles.
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Downtown offerings include the Northwest Cherry Festival
Downtown blocks are walkable and centrally located. Second and 3rd Streets are lined with saloons, coffee shops and locally owned restaurants, while the greater downtown area boasts antique shops, the National Neon Sign Museum and live performances at Granada Theatre. The Northwest Cherry Festival transforms downtown every April; the outdoor market, community fair and cherry pie eating contest celebrate The Dalles as the biggest producer of sweet cherries per capita. Meanwhile, the west side of town has supermarkets, chain restaurants and a movie theater.
Downtown blocks in The Dalles are walkable and centrally located.
Second and 3rd Streets in The Dalles are lined with shops and saloons.
The National Neon Sign Museum is a popular attraction in The Dalles.
The Granada Theatre in The Dalles hosts live performances.
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From midcentury homes to house boats on the marina
The median single-family home price in The Dalles is about $400,000, on par with the national average. Sales prices in the city increased 3% over the course of 2024. “It’s a really nice blend of classic midcentury homes and a growing inventory of new constructions built in 2000 and later,” Cornett says. “Most are on larger parcels, so you’re not packed in there.” Prices peak at about $750,000. Plenty of cottages and bungalows sell for under $250,000, including boat houses docked in The Dalles Marina. Manufactured homes in the rural northwest city outskirts cost under $200,000.
The median single-family home price in The Dalles is about $400,000,
The Dalles offers boat houses docked in The Dalles Marina.
Prices on newer construction peak at around $750K in The Dalles.
Sales prices in The Dalles increased 3% over the course of 2024.
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Interstate 84 extends through The Dalles
Interstate 84 runs east-west through the city, connecting it to Portland. I-84 parallels the Columbia River, as does U.S. Route 30, a scenic two-lane road that preceded the Interstate. U.S. Route 197 crosses the river into Washington. Gorge Translink buses transport passengers throughout The Dalles and other cities along both sides of the Columbia River, from Portland to Goldendale. The Union Pacific Railroad Rail Yard transports freight. “The train tracks run parallel to the main roads in town, so traffic backups at rail crossings are not an issue,” Cornett says. “We don’t have traffic or parking problems.”
Crime rates and urban development
According to FBI statistics, crime rates fluctuate in The Dalles. Violent crime trends below the national average, while property crime typically remains above state and national figures. Urban renewal projects include funding of up to $10,000 for residential and commercial properties downtown. In 2020, The Dalles received a grant from the EPA to fund brownfield revitalization.
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