Why We Chose Three Rivers Instead of Sunriver or River Meadows Village

ByTanyaPetersonRealtor

The Final Three Properties on Our 1031 Exchange List

When we began searching for the perfect short-term rental in Central Oregon, we explored several communities. Each had something unique to offer, and like most buyers, we quickly developed a list of favorites.

But a 1031 exchange comes with one major challenge: eventually, you have to stop searching and make a decision.

You can identify only three replacement properties. Once that list is submitted, those are your options. There are no do-overs, no adding a fourth property because something better comes on the market.

By the time we finalized our list, our choices had narrowed to homes in three communities:

  • Sunriver
  • River Meadows Village
  • Three Rivers

Each offered beautiful homes, and honestly, I don’t think there was a wrong choice. But each community had a very different personality.

Sunriver

Sunriver is probably Central Oregon’s best-known resort community. It offers golf courses, miles of bike paths, restaurants, shopping, and amenities around every corner. Everything is thoughtfully planned, making it feel like a destination resort rather than a traditional neighborhood.

There’s no denying its appeal.

But for us, it didn’t quite match the quieter, more rural Central Oregon lifestyle we had imagined. While we loved visiting Sunriver, we weren’t sure it was where we wanted to own a home.

River Meadows Village

River Meadows Village quickly became another favorite.

Evelyn and Jesse especially loved one of the homes we toured there. The neighborhood had so much to offer:

  • A homeowners association
  • A community clubhouse
  • Private river access
  • A boat ramp
  • Beautiful walking paths
  • Towering pine trees and a peaceful atmosphere

It felt like a hidden resort tucked away in the forest.

Even today, I enjoy driving through the neighborhood.

Still, it came with more restrictions than we wanted. One detail that stood out was the lack of fenced yards. As dog lovers—and future short-term rental hosts—that was something we couldn’t overlook.

Three Rivers

Three Rivers, Oregon living

Three Rivers immediately felt different.

It was quieter.
More rural.
More relaxed.
Less restrictive.

The lots were larger, giving homeowners more space and privacy. The community offered its own marina, along with canal-front homes, riverfront properties, and spacious interior lots. Instead of feeling like a resort, it felt like a neighborhood where people truly lived.

That difference mattered to us.

The Decision Came Down to Lifestyle

When we looked beyond square footage and amenities, our decision became surprisingly simple.

We pictured kids playing safely in the yard.

We pictured our dogs exploring a fenced backyard.

We imagined relaxing on the deck while deer wandered along the canal.

We imagined launching kayaks directly from our backyard and giving future guests the opportunity to enjoy that same experience.

Those weren’t just nice features—they were the lifestyle we hoped to create.

Three Rivers wasn’t trying to be a resort.

It felt like a community.

And it felt like the Central Oregon we had been searching for.

Canal-front home in Three Rivers, Oregon, the community we chose over Sunriver and River Meadows Village for our Central Oregon vacation rental.

There Was No Wrong Choice

I don’t think we would have been unhappy in Sunriver.

I don’t think we would have been unhappy in River Meadows Village.

Both are beautiful communities with plenty to offer.

But when we weighed lifestyle, flexibility, privacy, and the freedom that comes with fewer restrictions, Three Rivers kept rising to the top.

Today, when I sit on the deck watching deer cross the canal or see kayakers paddling by, I’m reminded why we made the choice we did.

Not because the other communities weren’t wonderful.

But because Three Rivers simply felt more like home.

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Written by Tanya Peterson, Principal Real Estate Broker
Next Level Real Estate PNW | John L. Scott Market Center
Tanya Peterson, Principal Real Estate Broker
Next Level Real Estate PNW | John L. Scott Market Center
503-260-2164 OR Lic #200407018
ABR ~ CRS ~ GRI ~ e-Pro ~ SRES

#TanyaPetersonRealEstate #NextLevelRealEstatePNW

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