relocating to ashland/medford area (Eugene, Grants Pass: health insurance, employment, schools)

[ARTEMIS917]

I am thinking about moving to the general area this next summer. I'm a "spry" 40 year old with a 2.5 year old son and looking to move somewhere with friendlier people and a better sense of community, as well as a smaller town/city than where I've currently lived for the last 20 years (Seattle- get me out!!!). I don't want my son growing up here. One of my big problems is this: I'm a hippie at heart, but pretty conservative. I generally vote Republican, but most of my friends are liberal. I know Ashland is totally left, and Medford is pretty right (at least this is what I hear). Is there anything I should know about the different areas or getting connected with people I may actually have something in common with? This has definitely been a problem for me here in Seattle. Ugh :/

[cheaptrick]

Originally Posted by ARTEMIS917

I am thinking about moving to the general area this next summer. I'm a "spry" 40 year old with a 2.5 year old son and looking to move somewhere with friendlier people and a better sense of community, as well as a smaller town/city than where I've currently lived for the last 20 years (Seattle- get me out!!!). I don't want my son growing up here. One of my big problems is this: I'm a hippie at heart, but pretty conservative. I generally vote Republican, but most of my friends are liberal. I know Ashland is totally left, and Medford is pretty right (at least this is what I hear). Is there anything I should know about the different areas or getting connected with people I may actually have something in common with? This has definitely been a problem for me here in Seattle. Ugh :/

Hmmmm, are you saying you're a Fiscal Moderate? An Independent Socialist?

Always hard to interpret someones political views when they can't seem to identify them themselves. Usually it wouldn't be such a big deal, but you seem slightly concerned about the political leanings of the Medford/Ashland region.

Surprisingly, I thought Seattle was pretty diverse when I lived there, with most of the political/philosophical spectrum pretty well represented. But maybe things have changed.

I think you would like Eugene better. Just enough liberal sunshine, just enough sensibly republican rain.

[NW Crow]

I'd think you could find a good mix of folks in Medford or Grants Pass to live around and have Ashland available to visit.

[rgvg]

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[italiangirl]

A hippie conservative Republican? Never heard of such a thing. Isn't that like a liberal, progressive queen?

[Fiddlehead]

Hard to say. I would expect that Talent, Oregon might be just the ticket. It is not so liberal as Ashland, but plenty of liberals around, and hardworking hippies too.

I will say that coming from Seattle, you will find the weather a bit of a change. That could be good or bad. Summers are hot, all except midwinter moderate. Occasional snow and plenty of valley fog in midwinter. Falls are fantastic.

As for finding like-minded friends, they are almost certainly out there. It is up to you to find them. I would not consider Southern Oregon super friendly, but it is not bad if you throw yourself into it.The employment and wage situation will likely be a big shock coming from Seattle. Much lower, and unfortunately housing is not commensurately more affordable. Schools are not well funded either. I love this area, but it presents plenty of issues and challenges.

[Brenda-by-the-sea]

Originally Posted by ARTEMIS917

I know Ashland is totally left, and Medford is pretty right (at least this is what I hear).

I would view things a little differently than a strict Medford vs. Ashland dichotomy. Everything south of Cottage Grove is basically The State of Jefferson (google that for more information). There is a different mindset in the SoJ that arises, in large part, out of lower educational attainment and different socioeconomic dynamics. Historically it goes back to the culture of resource extraction vs. the culture of agriculture. There are many more people without health insurance in the Rogue area than in the Willamette Valley, for example, and the number of children on free or reduced lunches in the schools is nearly twice what it is in comparably-sized communities farther north. Medford, Eagle Point, Central Point, Grants Pass, Roseburg...they're all just fairly typical of the SoJ. Being a college town, Ashland sports a much better-educated populace. In most respects, Ashland is the most typically Oregonian city in the southern half of the state -- just a little bit left of the Oregon center line. But relative to other SoJ communities it sticks out. I think many Ashlanders feel a need to lean rather hard to the left just to serve as a counterweight to the old-guard fogy-ness of the rest of southern Oregon.

[ARTEMIS917]

Originally Posted by cheaptrick

Hmmmm, are you saying you're a Fiscal Moderate? An Independent Socialist?

Always hard to interpret someones political views when they can't seem to identify them themselves. Usually it wouldn't be such a big deal, but you seem slightly concerned about the political leanings of the Medford/Ashland region.

Surprisingly, I thought Seattle was pretty diverse when I lived there, with most of the political/philosophical spectrum pretty well represented. But maybe things have changed.

I think you would like Eugene better. Just enough liberal sunshine, just enough sensibly republican rain.

@Cheaptrick- Oh, I can identify my political (and other) standings just fine- I just don't think this is the place or time for a diatribe of my beliefs and thoughts on them, nor necessary to get a simple answer to above question. Things have changed since you've lived here in Seattle apparently Barely any diversity to speak of, unfortunately. Eugene isn't my speed, although a lovely place....

[ARTEMIS917]

Originally Posted by NW Crow

I'd think you could find a good mix of folks in Medford or Grants Pass to live around and have Ashland available to visit.

@Northwest Crow- Thank you for your input! Brief and helpful

[ARTEMIS917]

Originally Posted by rgvg

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@RGVG- I'll look into that. Thank you....