No railroad? No problem! When the execs behind the railroad lines being constructed decided to bypass the fledgling community of Prineville, Oregon, it could have been a death sentence for the town, as that decision was for many others. Instead of laying down, the residents opted to build their own railway, and the town thrived.
The townsfolk tried to woo an investor to build the Prineville and Eastern Railway they had incorporated, to no avail
No railroad? No problem! When the execs behind the railroad lines being constructed decided to bypass the fledgling community of Prineville, Oregon, it could have been a death sentence for the town, as that decision was for many others. Instead of laying down, the residents opted to build their own railway, and the town thrived.
The townsfolk tried to woo an investor to build the Prineville and Eastern Railway they had incorporated, to no avail. They voted on a bond issue that only got one "no" vote, passing overwhelmingly. Some might call a city building its own railroad smart socialism, others would call it an ingenious use of pooled resources -- or are those the same thing? Prineville was also the city where Les Schwab opened his first tire store back in 1952. His company grew to an organization with hundreds of stores located throughout the West. After his death the company was moved but his heritage will always be part of the community history in these parts.
Moving to Prineville
So you have decided to call this little slice of Oregon home? There are some things to know that will help you with your move. Like most other places, the bigger season is the summer. Don't be afraid to make the move in the slower winter season -- it gets cold here, and it does snow, but not that much. It's easy to deal with, and you can potentially land a better deal on your favorite pad.
Plan Ahead
This whole part of the state did take the real estate downturn fairly hard, as there was a lot of speculation just before the fall -- think Florida, but with sagebrush and less strange happenings in the news. That said, the long road back has seen rental housing rebound.
Being proactive will get you where you want to be. Make a list of your favorite properties and try to match what's available with your wishes -- oh, and your price range! The better your credit report, the wider your options. Even if it turns out you don't need it, be prepared to fork over first month's rent, last month's rent and a security deposit.
Prineville Neighborhoods
Prineville is a High Desert community that lies off the edge of an escarpment. When you are driving into town on Highway 126 from Redmond, you won't even see most of Prineville until you clear the edge and see the city below you. Lying along the banks of the Crooked River, it's a city where the edges of the Cascade Mountains are blending into the sagebrush and farmland beyond. The neighborhood choices for your apartment search in Prineville range from classic small town to newer tract-style developments. Here are a few to consider when you are looking -- don't go choosing some pretty abode before reading the list!
Downtown: It's not a large downtown area with a lot to do -- you'll find more of the laid-back, small-town vibe here. If you are coming from a city, expect a much slower pace. Look for apartments with paid utilities a block or two off the main drag. Apple Peddler will keep you well fed during your time here.
Rimrock: On the top of the rim on the north side of town, there are commanding views of the valley below. Rimrock Park is right below the rim along the Crooked River, and it has biking and hiking trails. There is also a golf course right behind it that lies near the rim. It's mostly an area of single-family homes.
Northeast: You will find some of the newest homes in town in this part of the community, and places to rent might cost slightly more here. The residential streets give way to open farmland as you get near Barnes Butte Reservoir.
Southeast: As you head out of town, you will see homes stretching out along Highway 380 and an area separated from the rest of town along SE Juniper Canyon Road. There are small complexes where you can find a rental apt. When your hair is in need of a little TLC, feel free to head over to Brats Salon.
Ward Park: The northwest section of Prineville near Ward Park is a mixed-use area with some commercial and light industrial properties mixed in, with residential areas and a couple of small mobile home parks.
Living in Prineville
The crisp clear air of the High Desert will surprise you -- and if it doesn't we don't believe you!
If you get all excited at the idea of outdoor recreation, this entire region doesn't just call to you -- it bellows. From rafting on the nearby Deschutes River to exploring Smith Rock, fishing the crooked river or gliding down the slopes at Mount Bachelor, there's more than enough to keep the adrenaline flowing.
We can't lie, nightlife can be a bit of a letdown -- take the 45-minute drive to Bend if you want to seek out more options. Really want to party? Portland is about three hours away. Overall, Prineville is fairly typical for smaller towns in this part of the country -- but you'll feel like you're living large once you settle down here.
