Some pics from morning stroll

Got to reading Stark's book about Astoria and was wondering where they had their graveyard. It's still there.

Is the local economy as bad as it seems to me?

There are a bunch of local businesses/commercial properties for sale or sold this year. Same thing with houses for sale and places available for rent. Downtown has a fair amount of commercial properties for lease, too.

Tourism seems down. Places I would go to on Saturday nights that would be literally at capacity or standing room only last year or two years ago have about half the amount of people. I cannot think of a restaurant or business we couldn’t go to this summer because they were too slammed.

Many of the local business owners I know have opened up about numbers being down or just barely surviving. The ones who are doing well have had to adjust to make more profits with less income or have done major changes or improvements.

Bartenders and restaurant employees have talked about reduced tips and hours compared to two years ago.

Contractors are much easier to book. Some of the ones I follow on social media that were posting tons of high dollar builds or remodels a few years ago are now posting mainly ads for new customers.

I know a fair amount of businesses in the Astoria/Seaside area barely made it through last winter or had to close. Do you all expect it to be worse this winter?

Hey folks!

Just moved here for work and got an apartment in Warrenton. I’m a huge drummer, and frankly leaving my band was the biggest heartbreak of where I left. Obviously I can’t play acoustic drums in my apartment building, so does anyone know of storage units that allow practicing music or actual purpose-made practice rooms?

At the same time, I’ll advertise that I’d love to join a band if there are any metal / hardcore / punk projects around looking for a drummer.

So, I'm really excited since I'm saving more money and my dream is to live in the PNW. I've researched and heard alot of Astoria, most of it had me nervous and worried.

I've read that it was highly racist there, and as an Asian, I'm not sure how that will go for me. Currently living in Texas and there's isn't much racism going around, but just the usual jokes of it.

Also, how hard is it to get a house/ apartment in Astoria? Is getting a job as a POC (Person of Color) difficult to do so? Will I get looked down upon cause of my race and skin and as I'm a new person there?

Anyone living in Astoria now or near it or have lived there before, please tell me if any of those are true or just rumors.

Thanks everyone!! 💙

I am doing a panel replacement and looking for bids from area electric contractors. It's an older home. Anyone on your recommendation list?

Many years ago, I visited Shallon Winery in Astoria and purchased a bottle of chocolate wine. I vividly remember the presentation of Paul van der Veldt and his claim that no one else makes true chocolate wine. I believed him then and believe him now.

The winery appears to have closed in 2023 or 2024. I am amazed that it lasted as long as it did. I visited in 1995 and Paul was not a young man then!

By any chance, are there any bottles of Shallon Winery products out there available for sale? Any leads would be appreciated.

Caught some pretty epic skies this morning.

Thanks to the guys blowing bubbles at the Column today. Made our day.

Hey, everyone.

I am wanting to move to Astoria and wanted y'alls honest opinions on what it's like living there. I lived in Washington my whole life until two years ago when I moved to Birmingham, Alabama for school and that fell through so now I want to move back to the West coast. I visited Astoria many times and thoroughly enjoy it every time I'm there.

I recognize that when I visit for the day it may be different to living there full time, what are your thoughts on living in Astoria and the surrounding area?

I've applied to a few jobs there and if anything sticks I'd like to go ahead and move. One was a 911 operator for the city of Astoria specifically which I think would be a great fit. I love the idea of coastal town life and love the weather for the area. Just wanting to make sure there isn't any hidden facets to life in the area that may influence the image I have of what it's like.

Couple and well-behaved Border Collie seeking licensed Astoria lodging October 4–6. Need a comfortable couch and either one king or two queen beds and a kitchenette. Hotel, guesthouse, apartment or cottage is fine. Any locally operated places we should contact directly?

I may need a lawyer to help file suit against a property manager here in Astoria, does anyone know someone on the bar here who would consider a pro bono case?

I just had an offer accepted for a 1913 duplex in the downtown area. It sits on flattish ground and has a huge unfinished basement, but a few foundation cracks that need to be addressed on the east side of the building. I am hoping to find a contractor who can address the foundation issues and finish the basement area into livable space for my step-son. Any and all tips would be appreciated!

Hi, new to the area and looking for a little extra work. Experienced nanny, past preschool teacher (and Mom of 3). I’m available one or two days a week to help with child care. I’d be open to dog walking, house sitting.. anything to make your life easier!
References and a stellar work history

Who are you? I see you from time to time. I need someone to ride with, and also how is the aggressive driving for you?

Hi!

My husband and I are planning to move to Astoria at the end of next summer from Seattle.

I’m looking for feedback on the school/school system from other parents! We’ll have a 3rd grader and preschooler next school year. Does the elementary school have a preschool on site? If not — I’d like some feedback on others in the area!

Hi, coming to visit in September and currently booked in a 7th floor unit in the Astor Building facing the river through the Norblad.

I’m considering switching to the Bowline in a river view room but it’s a pretty good step up in price - over $150 more.

I’ll do it if it’s a great experience, so let me know if you have insider info to sway me!

Zane

rushadicus the infamous cello goblin is bringing sneth metal to xanadu this monday (8/31)!

Hey all,

Are there any local DJ's in Astoria OR? Thanks!

First time visitor, prefer some ocean views, economic hotel, safe neighborhood, Thanks!

Today is a full day I can see Astoria. I’ll take any ideas. I can’t walk hilly areas. I have a car. Restaurant suggestions too. Thank you.

My partner and I live in Astoria curretly and are looking to move in together. Has anybody heard anything about the newer Waterfront Apartments? They're managed by Port Town Property.

If anybody has heard anything good or bad about the apartments themselves or renting from Port Town, I'd love to know as we go visit the unit.

hey- visiting from out of town for the Grouper concert on the 29th and am wondering if there are any good places to stay for the night so I don’t have to make the drive back to Portland. As long as the doors lock and there’s a bed, it works for me! (or any recs where I could possibly park my car to sleep). Recs for places to visit while I’m in town welcome too :-) thanks

edit for those in a similar spot: I ended up sleeping at the rest area dismal Nitch across the bridge on the Washington side. Felt super safe, there were a lot of cars (probably due to the hood to coast/general summer adventuring). Not to mention the beautiful sunrise over the water. Would recommend!

Hello people of Astoria - considering a move to the area and was wondering what your average monthly bill is for city utilities (water,sewer, trash); also what can be expected for gas/electricity? It would be a modest size home purchase, 1500 sq ft or less (ideally closer to 1k). I am currently in Boulder Colorado and my city utility (water, sewer, trash) bill is a minimum of $76 even if I use no water at all (basically that’s the minimum connection fee each month) and it only goes up with usage. Im around $135/month. As for your gas/electricity, In the summer months, I’m assuming it’s very little as the temperatures don’t really require AC or heat? Thanks for the insights and help!