Thurston, Oregon real estate for sale

The desirable Thurston residential neighborhood is the easternmost section of Springfield, Oregon bordered chiefly by Oregon Route 126 and by Main Street which leads east from downtown. Thurston is also the gateway to the spectacular McKenzie River and the Cascade Mountains to the east.

Thurston real estate has long been attractive for middle-income families because of its strong sense of community, good schools, and its stable, relatively new housing stock, most of which has been built since the 1970s.

Thurston was first settled in the early 19th century and the Thurston Community Hall – the first building in Oregon constructed with curved, laminated beams – was built in 1912. Today it’s known as the Thurston Grange Hall and is still used.

While its history is certainly interesting, homeseekers are drawn to Thurston homes for sale not only because of its schools and (for many) affordable housing stock, but also because Thurston properties are situated in an area with lower than average crime rates and a high percentage of home ownership. Most of Thurston’s properties consist of single-family homes; in fact, Thurston is counted among the top 13% of family-friendly neighborhoods across the state of Oregon. Many families are drawn to Thurston because it has a high percentage of school-age children.

Shopping and Dining

Thurston real estate includes (or borders) a variety of grocery and general purpose retailers, mainly along Main Street. A Safeway grocery is a few blocks west of Thurston, near the Thurston Book Exchange (for used books), while west of 58th Street shoppers will find the popular Bi-Mart variety store, Big Lots, Walgreens, Thurston Flowers, and Radio Shack.

Eateries in or very near Thurston real estate include Figaro’s Pizza, Starbucks, Subway, and Papa Murphy’s Take and Bake. A few fast food options are nearby also. A short drive west down Main Street leads to comfort food at local favorites like Fin’s Drive In, with its 1950s theme, homemade root beer and delicious burgers.

Parks and Recreation

There are six parks in or very near Thurston homes for sale, including Thurston Park, Ruff Park, Bob Artz Park and Jesse Maine Park. Thurston residents, adults and children alike, are especially proud of the amazing Splash! at Lively Park, the area's only indoor wave pool. Enjoy the waterslide, adult spa, accessible deep-water pool and community rooms. Outside, Lively Park has great children’s play and picnic areas and a dog park.

Just east of Thurston, the McKenzie River beckons for fun or fishing, and the Cascade Mountains offer a vast, wooded playground with scenic wonders including waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. Thurston real estate is the corridor leading to these marvelous areas.

Living

Thurston real estate comprises mainly medium-sized (three or four bedroom) to small single-family homes. Most residential real estate here is owner occupied. The neighborhood is established but not old, as most homes were constructed between 1970 and 1999. There are some newer pocket subdivisions offering recently built homes. Thurston properties for sale are firmly middle income in nature, with 57% falling into the $159,001-$238,000 category, and another 24% of the housing stock priced between $79,001 and $159,000.

Schools, Health and Transportation

Four schools administered by the Springfield Public School District serve the Thurston area: Thurston Elementary School, Ridgeview Elementary School, Thurston Middle School, and Thurston High School. The latter is the largest public school in the area with about 1,500 students. Thurston High School’s athletic programs have won many state and regional titles since the school opened in 1965, including the Colts’ 2009 (5A) Oregon State Baseball Championship.

The Thurston area offers several medical and dental offices including Thurston Urgent Care, and a veterinary facility is nearby. For acute care or major medical needs, Thurston is an easy drive from several medical facilities, especially PeaceHealth’s Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend. This new hospital, located in Springfield, opened in 2008 and is the largest hospital between Portland and San Francisco. It features a 24-hour Level II trauma center and neonatal intensive care unit among other notable units. Springfield is also home to the McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center near downtown Springfield which is a quick drive from Thurston using OR 126.

Getting around in Thurston is easy due to its convenient public transportation systems. Lane Transit District offers bus rapid transit system via its Emerald Express which connects downtown Springfield to Eugene and includes a stop at the University of Oregon. OR 126 leads to I-5 for trips to Portland to the north or to southern Oregon. For air travel, the Eugene Airport is 18 (mainly highway) miles from Thurston’s properties.

Presented by Galand Haas and The Galand Haas Team. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, give us a call at (541) 349-2620 or send us an email to explore your options and to find out when is the best time for you to make a move.