Retire to Oregon Coast or Maine Coast? (Portland, Washington: sales, real estate)

[Family of five]

Hi all,

I really appreciate anyone's thoughts on this. We have been to both coasts several times, and really love both. Which would be better to retire to, when considering finances (taxes?), weather, health care, culture, cost of living? We are going to buy a place on one of the coasts at some point, and I am eager to get some input and guidance.

Thank you!

[skytrekker]

The Oregon Coast will have a far milder climate-many kinds of palms can be grown from the California border, north to the mouth of the Columbia river. The area from Brookings, on the California line north along the coast to Port Orford is known as a 'banana belt'- because of its mild salubrious climate.

Oregon wins the climate issue hands down. However there are caveats- winters can be rainy, foggy, windy and stormy-with sunny days about 2 out of 10 . Snow is uncommon. Summers are delightful, with cool to warm sunny days. Clouds and rain set in about mid Autumn and stay till mid spring.

Maine has a four season climate- with warmer summers and colder winters with snow- sunshine is equally distributed year round however lacking the summer- winter extremes of the Oregon coast.

Housing along the Oregon cost will be more expensive. Some towns will be very expensive- as many former Californians are moving in.

Culture wise, Maine has the edge, as it does with health care.
Taxes? Oregon has no sales tax- but has an income tax. Real estate taxes in Oregon are a wee higher then In Maine.

I have traveled the Oregon coast from Brookings near the California border, north to Astoria on the Columbia river at the Washington state line- it is spectacular. The Maine coast is just as beautiful however.

[Family of five]

Thank you so much for that wonderful reply. Both coasts are incredibly beautiful. Can you please tell me why you think Maine has the edge on culture? Do you think that culturally it would be easier to retire in Maine? Thank you for sharing your thoughts - much appreciated.

[forest beekeeper]

I have also shopped for land in Oregon [while we were stationed in Bremerton Washington]. It is a wonderful state!

While living overseas, we were faced with making the final decision; and we decided on Maine. Even though neither of us had ever visited Maine.

After having lived here in Maine for three years, we are happy with the decision of moving to Maine.

[skytrekker]

Maine has a longer cultural and historical tradition- and is a wee more genteel and dare I say 'civilized'- its closeness to Boston and the rest of the east coast give it an edge IMO.

[Family of five]

Thank you so much for your thoughts! This is a tough decision - both states are wonderful and both coasts have so much to offer. I appreciate your input!

[louisemartin]

Dear Family of Five.
I live outside of San Francisco, and drive through Oregon often...my daughter goes to UW in Seattle. It's beautiful there.
However, I am from Maine, and there is nothing in the entire country like Maine. Too bad as a teenager, I didn't realize that before I moved so far away. I just keep trying to get back.
As far as culture. There is so much history there. The Acadians settled there so several communities are french speaking. People are down to earth, and truly friendly. Maine also has 4 distinct seasons.
That's my take!

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

The Oregon Coast will have a far milder climate-many kinds of palms can be grown from the California border, north to the mouth of the Columbia river. The area from Brookings, on the California line north along the coast to Port Orford is known as a 'banana belt'- because of its mild salubrious climate.

Oregon wins the climate issue hands down. However there are caveats- winters can be rainy, foggy, windy and stormy-with sunny days about 2 out of 10 . Snow is uncommon. Summers are delightful, with cool to warm sunny days. Clouds and rain set in about mid Autumn and stay till mid spring.

Maine has a four season climate- with warmer summers and colder winters with snow- sunshine is equally distributed year round however lacking the summer- winter extremes of the Oregon coast.

Housing along the Oregon cost will be more expensive. Some towns will be very expensive- as many former Californians are moving in.

Culture wise, Maine has the edge, as it does with health care.
Taxes? Oregon has no sales tax- but has an income tax. Real estate taxes in Oregon are a wee higher then In Maine.

I have traveled the Oregon coast from Brookings near the California border, north to Astoria on the Columbia river at the Washington state line- it is spectacular. The Maine coast is just as beautiful however.

It does snow in Oregon, just not along the coast. The mountains get a fair amount in the winter time, and Mt. Hood is prime skiing territory (or snow boarding).

Oregon has no sale tax, on anything, but property taxes are through the roof.

How does Maine have the edge culture wise? I'm sorry, but I don't get this. The coast of Oregon has Portland, Olympia near by plus Tacoma/Seattle are not too far. And Vancuver is right next to Seattle.

In both states, coastal living will be about the same, with the only real difference being with the weather. At least in Oregon you have the option of skiing on a mountain, and then in the same day take a stroll along a beach-without freezing your bum off.

It would all come down to what you can afford, I suppose, as in my eyes (and having lived on both coasts) that they will be about equal.

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by louisemartin

Maine also has 4 distinct seasons.
That's my take!

I find it interesting that Mainers like to point this out-as if the rest of the country only has two, or something. Yes, Oregon has all four seasons, they are all just about equally as long and the thing is is that they just slowly segue from one to the other.

[Elcarim]

Actually, Texas only has two! Hot and Hotter!! Fall is non-existent here and winter is only an idea, but spring and summer are very notable.