top of page

Living in Sandy Oregon - EVERYTHING You Need to Know

What is Living in Sandy Oregon Like?

Sandy, Oregon, is a charming town about 25 miles southeast of Portland. With a population of approximately 11,000, Sandy is known for its small-town atmosphere, stunning natural beauty, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. Sandy is located near the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and is surrounded by pristine forests and rivers, making it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the most popular outdoor activities in the area include hiking, fishing, skiing, and camping.

One of the most significant attractions in Sandy is the Sandy River, which runs through the town and offers a wide range of recreational opportunities. The river is popular among fishermen and kayakers, and several parks and trails along its banks are perfect for hiking and picnicking.

Sandy's economy is primarily based on agriculture and forestry, with many residents working in the timber industry or on nearby farms. The town also has a small but thriving downtown area with several restaurants, cafes, and shops.

The cost of living in Sandy is relatively low compared to other cities in the Portland metropolitan area, with housing being one of the most significant expenses. However, the town's strong sense of community and abundant recreational opportunities make it attractive for those who enjoy small-town living.

If you're looking for a small town with plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities and a strong sense of community, Sandy, Oregon, might be the right choice for you and your family. Read on to learn more about living in Sandy, including info on Sandy neighborhoods, schools, cost of living in Sandy, and pros and cons of living in Sandy, to see if moving to and living in Sandy, Oregon, is the right decision for you!

Are You Considering Buying a Home in Sandy Oregon?

Would you like to buy a home in Sandy, Oregon? Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in the Sandy area. To connect with a local expert/real estate professional in Sandy, Oregon, to help you navigate your home buying journey, CLICK HERETo start receiving emails with homes that match your criteria, CLICK HERE and sign up for Listing Alert. With a little info on what, where, and how much, you'll get newly listed homes matching your criteria sent to your inbox as they hit the market. This can give you a big leg up in your home search.

The first step in the home-buying process is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Todd Davidson is an experienced mortgage broker and can help you get the best financing option for your home purchase. Not quite ready yet? Todd can help you put together a plan to get you there. Whether you're thinking a few months or a year or more if you want to buy a home, reach out to Todd and he can help. CLICK HERE to email Todd and set up a call to get the process started or just call at 971-275-2465. 

Todd Davidson Headshot.JPG

Todd Davidson

Mortgage Broker

What is the Cost of Living in Sandy Oregon?

If you're having thoughts about moving to Sandy, Oregon, or any place, the cost of living would definitely be a big factor in your decision-making. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Sandy, Oregon, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. If you were to live in Sandy, Oregon, and rent, you would need to make $48,000 a year. To live in Sandy, Oregon, and buy a home, you would need to make $67,000 a year. Rental amount is based on current low end cost of studio or one bedroom, purchase is based on recent low end sales of a three bedroom and monthly payment with 20% down.

Cost of Living

Living in Sandy Oregon Tips/Info/Blog Posts

Helpful Tips for Moving to Oregon and Buying a Home

NEW BLOG ALERT SIGN UPCLICK HERE

WANT TO KNOW WHEN A HOME MATCHING YOUR CRITERIA GETS LISTED? SIGN UP FOR LISTING ALERT > CLICK HERE

REALTOR CONNECTCLICK HERE

DOWNLOAD FREE HOMEBUYERS GUIDECLICK HERE

DOWNPAYMENT ASSISTANCE INFO > CLICK HERE

OREGON BOOKS AND OTHER RESOURCES > CLICK HERE

Public Schools in Sandy Oregon

If you are considering moving to Sandy, Oregon, and have school-aged children, you will be happy to know that the area has a variety of excellent schools. Students in Sandy, Oregon, attend school in the Oregon Trail School District. The district has ten schools and educates more than 4,300 students. Niche.com ranks the district a B, with B's across the board in every criteria.

Sandy High School is known for its strong academics, offering various Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and its successful athletic programs. In 2022, Sandy High School had an 88% graduation rate, well above the state average. The school district has received recognition for its commitment to sustainability and has implemented various green initiatives, such as reducing waste in school cafeterias and using solar power.

If you're considering moving to Sandy, Oregon, you can rest assured that your children will have access to excellent schools and a well-rounded education.

Kids getting off a school bus

Top Neighborhoods in Sandy Oregon

Sandy, Oregon, is a wonderful place to live, with a variety of neighborhoods to choose from. Each neighborhood has its own unique character and attractions. If you're thinking about moving to Sandy, Oregon, below are five of the more popular neighborhoods that you'll want to look at:

Sandy Heights

Sandy Heights is a popular neighborhood in Sandy, Oregon, known for its stunning views of Mount Hood and the surrounding countryside. The housing in Sandy Heights is primarily made up of single-family homes, with a mix of newer and older homes that have been renovated. There are also a few apartment complexes in the area. Some of the main attractions in Sandy Heights include Sandy Heights Park and the Sandy River.

Stonebrook

Stonebrook is a newer neighborhood in Sandy, Oregon. The housing in Stonebrook is primarily made up of single-family homes, with a mix of ranch-style homes and two-story homes. Some of the main attractions in Stonebrook include Stonebrook Park, which features a playground and picnic area, and the Sandy Public Library.

Cedar Ridge

Cedar Ridge is a popular Sandy, Oregon, neighborhood known for its quiet streets and family-friendly atmosphere. The housing in Cedar Ridge is primarily made up of single-family homes, ranging from newer homes to older homes that have been renovated. Some of the main attractions in Cedar Ridge include Cedar Ridge Park, which features a playground and picnic area, and the Sandy Cinema, which shows a variety of films throughout the year.

Meadow Ridge

Meadow Ridge is a newer neighborhood in Sandy, Oregon. The housing in Meadow Ridge comprises single-family homes, with a mix of ranch-style and two-story homes. Some of the main attractions in Meadow Ridge include Meadow Ridge Park, which features a playground and picnic area, and the Sandy Community Center, which offers a variety of classes and programs for residents of all ages.

Pioneer Highlands

Pioneer Highlands is another popular neighborhood in Sandy, Oregon. The housing in Pioneer Highlands is primarily made up of single-family homes, ranging from newer homes to older homes that have been renovated. Some of the main attractions in Pioneer Highlands include Pioneer Park, which features a playground and picnic area, and the Sandy Actors Theatre, which hosts a variety of theatrical productions throughout the year.

If moving to Sandy, Oregon, and you'd like to buy a home in one of these fabulous neighborhoods, CLICK HERE to sign up for LISTING ALERT to be the first to know when a home matching your criteria gets listed for sale in Sandy, Oregon. To connect with a local realtor, CLICK HERE. One of the most important decisions you'll make when moving to Sandy, Oregon, is picking an experienced realtor who can help you get the house you want at the best price. At living in Oregon, we work with the best realtors throughout the state and can help you get the right realtor to make your move and home purchase as easy as possible.

Living in Sandy Oregon Pros & Cons

Living in Sandy Oregon Pros

  1. Natural beauty: Sandy is situated at the base of the Cascade Range, providing stunning views of mountains, forests, and rivers. Residents can easily access outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking, skiing, fishing, and camping.

  2. Small-town charm: Sandy has a friendly and close-knit community that values a small-town atmosphere. Many residents appreciate the slower pace of life and the sense of community that comes with living in a smaller town.

  3. Affordable cost of living: The cost of living in Sandy is lower than many other areas in Oregon, making it an attractive option for those looking for an affordable place to live.

  4. Good schools: The Sandy School District has a good reputation and is known for its quality of education. The district offers a range of programs and extracurricular activities for students.

  5. Convenient location: Sandy is just 25 miles east of Portland, making it an easy commute for those working there. It is also close to other popular destinations in Oregon, such as Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge.

  6. Outdoor recreation opportunities: With its location in the Cascade Range, Sandy offers easy access to hiking, skiing, fishing, and camping. The town also has several parks and recreational areas, including Sandy Riverfront Park and Meinig Memorial Park.

  7. Strong sense of community: Sandy is known for its friendly and welcoming community. The town has several community events and festivals yearly, including the Sandy Mountain Festival and the Hometown Christmas Celebration.

Living in Sandy Oregon Cons

  1. Limited Job Opportunities: Sandy is a smaller town, so there may be fewer job opportunities than there are in larger cities.

  2. Limited Entertainment Options: The town is relatively small and lacks the entertainment options of a larger city. While some local shops and restaurants exist, residents may have to travel to nearby cities for more variety.

  3. Winter Weather: Sandy can be pretty rainy in the winter months, and snow is not uncommon. This can make commuting and getting around town more difficult.

  4. Traffic: Although not as bad as in larger cities, Sandy can experience some congestion during peak travel times, particularly on Highway 26.

  5. Limited shopping options: While there are some local shops and stores in Sandy, residents may need to travel to larger cities for a more extensive selection of shopping options.

  6. Limited healthcare facilities: Sandy has fewer healthcare facilities and medical professionals than larger cities, making it challenging to access healthcare services.

Mt. Hood taken from Jonsrud view point in Sandy, Oregon

FAQs About Living in Ashland Oregon

What is Sandy Known for?

Sandy, Oregon, is best known for its proximity to Mount Hood and the outdoor recreational opportunities it provides. Mount Hood is the highest mountain in Oregon and a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and camping.

What is there to do living in Sandy, Oregon?

Surrounded by mountains and rivers, living in Sandy, Oregon, you'll have so much outdoor recreation close by it will be hard to get bored.

What cities are nearby Sandy?

Living in Sandy, Oregon, you'll have a number of cities close by: Boring, Oregon - 10 miles, Estacada, Oregon - 11 miles, Damascus, Oregon - 13 miles, Gresham, Oregon - 14 miles, and Portland, Oregon - 27 miles. 

What is the weather like in Sandy?

Living in Sandy, Oregon, you'll have warm summers and cold, wet winters. In the summer, temperatures are generally comfortable, with average highs in the mid-70s and lows in the mid-50s. In the winter, temperatures are often cold, with average highs in the mid-40s and lows in the mid-30s. The coldest month of the year is typically December, with average low temperatures around 30°F. Sandy, Oregon, receives an average of 48 inches of precipitation annually, with most rainfall between November and May. The city also experiences snowfall, an average of 6 inches per year. 

I want to relocate to Sandy, Oregon.  How do I make it happen?

You've come to the right spot if you're considering relocating to Sandy, Oregon. There's some good information on this website about moving to Sandy, Oregon, and living in Sandy, Oregon, We've also assembled a a good group of professionals, locals, and recent Oregon transplants in our Facebook Group > Moving to Oregon, to help answer any questions you might have. They can fill you in on what living in Sandy, Oregon, is like and give you some good information on moving to Ashland, Oregon. If you're looking to buy a home in Sandy, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be your first step. For Mortgage Info, contact me. I would love to tell you more about what living in Sandy, Oregon, is like and help with your mortgage if you decide to purchase a home.

 

If you're thinking of relocating to Sandy, Oregon, you'll find the community atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and there are plenty of amenities and beautiful scenery surrounding you. Living in Sandy, Oregon, has something for everyone, so don't miss out on the chance to call it home.

For FAQs about moving to Oregon or living in Oregon, check out my blog, 31 FAQs About Living in Oregon. For more information about living in Oregon, check out the homepage of LIVING IN OREGON.

bottom of page