Our family at one time lived on 8 acres in the coast range of Oregon when we first moved to Sheridan. Here is a map of Gopher Valley. And yes, that does equate to a 60 mile drive into Portland for work or play. Needless to say, the family did not go into Portland often. We  eventually moved into Sheridan which was still in a beautiful area even if it was not out in Gopher Valley. We are now in Redmond Oregon in the high desert and it is also beautiful but completely different than Western Oregon. 

As I see it, many people go on vacations to spend time in a place like we lived in. There were disadvantages as well, however the benefits of living out in the country far outweighed the benefits of living closer in. 

Wetherhaven, our old Farm from Gopher Valley Road