Wanted - some assistance from retired Coast Guard (Eugene, Springfield: fit in, real estate)

[Coastie3202]

Moderator cut: discussing moderation

I am a returned Coast Guard member preparing to relocate back to Oregon, specifically to the areas of Eugene/Springfield, Roseburg area.

I would like to receive some opinions from other retired Coast Guard members who may be living in the area regarding quality of life, weather, cost of living, cost of homes, good and bad areas for home purchase, etc.

As I will more than likely be purchasing a home long distance I am looking for someone who is close to those areas who would be willing to take a cursory look at property that I am considering so that I have more than a real estate agents opinion to base decisions on.

Thanks for your help. Moderator cut: discussing moderation

[haggardhouseelf]

It might be more helpful to you if you were to rent at first while you look for places yourself with a real estate agent who knows the area. No one will know better than you whether or not a property will be right for you or meet your needs and expectations.

[Steve Pickering]

There was a young man I was a part of his life and may have been the reason he joined the Coast Guard after I moved him and his family to Coos Bay back in 1980, who had to make the same decision. He chose Florida even though he lived as a child in Coos Bay and was stationed there for several years. He found the most benefit in living in Florida. He was Master Chief under "The Master Chief of the Coast Guard" at the Pentagon until his retirement a few years ago, so he had the opportunity to chose the best life for a retired Coastie. Neither he or his wife thought the Oregon Coast was a good choice. I'll never understand why. It is a great place to live if you have an independent income not relying on a local job.

[Coastie3202]

Originally Posted by Steve Pickering

There was a young man I was a part of his life and may have been the reason he joined the Coast Guard after I moved him and his family to Coos Bay back in 1980, who had to make the same decision. He chose Florida even though he lived as a child in Coos Bay and was stationed there for several years. He found the most benefit in living in Florida. He was Master Chief under "The Master Chief of the Coast Guard" at the Pentagon until his retirement a few years ago, so he had the opportunity to chose the best life for a retired Coastie. Neither he or his wife thought the Oregon Coast was a good choice. I'll never understand why. It is a great place to live if you have an independent income not relying on a local job.

I can certainly understand his decision Steve. I retired from the Coast Guard 21 years ago, while stationed in North Bend, Oregon. I served all of my 20+ years in the PACNW, including Alaska. After that much time there I felt it was time to relocate away from the PACNW and took a job in New Mexico. For 15 years I felt it was the best thing for my family and myself. And it was. But once a PACNWer, always a PACNWer. And once a Coastie always a Coastie. We almost always come back home.

Now that I am approaching that time in my life where I no longer have to work for a living, I long for what the Oregon coast has to offer. I can now come back home and enjoy it all without the stresses associated with ensuring that I make enough money to raise my family. Mission accomplished.....now it is time for the Mrs and I to enjoy the State that we love.

[Steve Pickering]

Do you happen to know Master Chief Weir?

[Coastie3202]

The name is very familiar, but having retired 20 years ago my memory fails on names at times. I remember the folks that **** me off forever, but often forget those that I worked with. If he was a PACNW Coastie I am confident we worked together at some time.