Astoria
Astoria is the most well known city in Clatsop County, and likely the Oregon Coast and for good reason. Astoria, Oregon has a rich history that ranges from the Lewis & Clark expedition to the filming of Goonies. While much has changed in Astoria during the past decade, the constant that remains is the historic charm of downtown and many victorian and craftsman homes that dot the hillside.
The land mass and hilly terrain of Astoria has kept major development to a minimum during the last half of the century, however the downtown district is dotted with renovated buildings and restored landmarks. Astoria proper is surrounded by the Columbia River to the North, and Youngs Bay to the South & West. The historic district of Astoria would have to be the North Slope, dotted with many historic homes overlooking the Columbia River and across to Washington State. Many of these homes pre-date the 20th century and are on the National Historic Register. The downtown area from the Youngs Bay Bridge East to Pier 39 is a mixture of new and old, both mom & pop shoppes and large retailers. Astoria's downtown has fine dining and hotels, historic bed and breakfast inn's, and many specialty shops.
Astoria Neighborhoods
Astoria North Slope
The North Slope of Astoria is best known as any part of Astoria that looks North toward the Columbia River. This is where the oldest homes and buildings in Astoria are located, and the pocket between 7th and 17th Streets is especially desirable when looking for a historic property. The North Slope does have it's trade offs however- Shaded more often during the day in the spring and fall when daylight hours are short, but also protected from the high winds and rain that tends to come in from the South and Southwest. Also, some areas of the North Slope are prone to slide and other geological hazards, caution must be taken where appropriate.
Astoria South Slope
The South Slope of Astoria is better known as the 'sunny side' of Astoria. Facing the South and Youngs Bay, the South Slope tends to get a bit more sunshine during the spring and fall seasons when daylight is short (and sometimes the sunshine). The majority of homes on the South Slope were constructed between 1910-1950 and included craftsman and ranch style homes. (No victorians to be found here) There are some pockets of newer construction, most noticeably above the Astoria High School and near the Coast Guard Housing on Dawson, South, and McClure Streets.
River Point
The River Point neighborhood in Astoria is an old navy complex located East of Astoria between Hwy 202 and Youngs River. The area was re-developed during the late 1990's into a more traditional neighborhood but left many of the original landmarks in tact including the water tower and the brick building. Lots are larger than the typical city lot here, and while River Point is not located in the Astoria city limits it does have CC&R's and an active HOA. The River Point area is popular because it combines traditional neighborhood living with a more rural feel. River Point is just a 5 minute drive from Astoria heading East on Hwy 202.
Mill Pond Village
What began life as a saw mill on the East side of Astoria has now been transformed into an upscale and trendy urban development in the heart of downtown Astoria. Mill Pond Village is a 16 acre master planned community on the Columbia River in Astoria, located between 23rd and 29th Street. Surrounding the 'Mill Pond" are 86 home sites (according to reports, however I don't believe it will reach that number) and a couple of condo projects including Columbia Landing. There's lots available currently in Mill Pond and custom built homes available as new or resale.