Has anyone heard of Port Orford Oregon? (Bend, Ashland: rent, motels)

[HappyGirl]

I have an opportunity to move to Port Orford Oregon. Does anyone know anything about the town? Please any information would help me. Should I move there or not..........do not let me make the wrong choice!!

[Waterlily]

It all depends on what you prefer. It's a small isolated town by the coast. I've been by there a few times and we've stoped there once or twice.

There is some fishing industry there. There's a couple of places to eat, motels and probably a small store for groceries. There is a nice beach. Highway 101 goes through town. There's not much else there except houses.

[seashelly]

It's a nice place to visit for sure with an awesome lighthouse but personally, my major concern other than being that extreme wind, would be the isolation. Which side of that major highway slide area along 101 that seems to happen often during the winter months is Port Orford on? I don't want to live in one of those 'you can't get here from there' places.

[Steve97415]

Originally Posted by HappyGirl

Should I move there or not..........do not let me make the wrong choice!!

If you're vacillating over it, then the answer is "no". The burden of proof should be on supporting the proposed change in your life. If you are indecisive, then you should stick with the status quo: no change. You should have fewer reservations than you seem to have about finding your spot. Port Orford is a place that some people who have the ability to live anywhere have chosen, but it's not everyone's paradise.

[Mariwithani]

Personally, I love Port Orford ... to visit. My family & I have been vacationing there and in the surrounding areas for years now. It is a charming, warm town with many long-time shop owners who actually remember us from year to year. It's a safe place; even when my kids were in grade school, they were allowed to wonder the town together. One of the shop owners has even hired my sons to help her with heavier projects in the past. We usually go for about a week and have built great memories there over the years. So, if it's so wonderful, why don't I live there? Well, I would if I could, but there is no work close by. As one person already wrote, it is an isolated area along the Oregon Coast. You would not only have a long daily commute for work, but the same long commute when you want to go to a movie or out for a nice dinner, to shop for clothes, or even better grocery prices and selection, etc., etc. So, if it's a very small, isolated town you want ... I highly recommend Port Orford. If it's more of a thriving city that appeals to you, then, Port Orford will not be able to provide what you desire. Hope this helps, Mari

[tiffela74]

awesome post Mari! You got Port Orford right down to a T!! Thanks for summing it up so well.
tiffany

[Luna]

HappyGirl, if you haven't decided yet, maybe I can help. I've lived here for 13 years (from Ashland, OR) and have never regretted the move. For 10 years I've commuted to N. Bend (56 miles 1-way) and STILL love it! I use my Prius & (now) a motorcycle. If you love the ocean and think 90 degrees is unbearable, it's perfect. The trick is to find things to do here (like everywhere...duh). Just 15 minutes away is a fabulous place (Floras Lake) to learn to windsurf or kite board. We have 2 fantastic surf breaks (or try a wave ski). The hiking is fabulous. I've kayaked (in an inflatable) with the whales. I ride my motorcycle to Gold Beach & Brookings on some of the most beautiful coastline anywhere! People come here from all over to ride their bicycles down the coast. The birding is amazing. We have a theater that plays 1st run moves & has $1 popcorn! Or rent a movie. We eat out a lot and love our fish & chips place, Italian, bistro, and espresso/bakery. When we want something different, we head to Bandon (1/2 hr north). The local grocery store has spoiled me so much (you never wait in line) that I won't even shop elsewhere. The storms are amazing and between the storms can be just as amazing (but you have to live here to catch it). Freezes are rare and temps above 70 degrees are even more rare. You can ride the bus to Coos Bay or Brookings for $4. Yes, airports & Greyhound are 1 hr. away but check-in is an hour less than large airports & long-term parking is free! I've had one day I stopped in Bandon and waited out icy weather before driving on. My commute has NEVER been slowed down for a traffic jamb, car wreck, or road closure. My husband has commuted to Ashland 1x a week all these years and has made it there & back everytime (okay, last year was a little close, but he made it because of alternate routes).

The downsides are: if you're young & single, it's (maybe) harder to find a mate; there is no night life; if you adore the mall & shopping, it won't work; if you have medical problems, specialists are an hour away; it's a ways to hot weather or snow skiing.

Remember life is an adventure, nothing is permanent, and there are NO perfect places to live. Good luck in your decision, and if you move here watch for a woman on a bright yellow sportsbike...that's me!

[michaelcordonnier]

Happygirl,

I have been to Port Orford twice. I loved it both times. Once was in the winter to scuba dive on my dive masters boat. The wind came in and whipped up a storm like I have never seen. It was amazing and I loved it there. Everyone was super nice that trip. The funny thing to me about Port Orford is that it is end of the road kinda because it sits in the middle of two bigger cities and I felt like it was very remote even though it was on hwy 1. The second trip to replace my drive trip was that summer on July 4th. I went early to make sure I was able to get a spot at the camp ground but it never did fill up. I spent several days on the coast and was amazed at how pretty it was. You never get tired of the scenery. It seemed liked the town just shuts down every evening. Nothing was going on. The one thing that stands out the most was the amazing firework show the city put on. They shoot em out over the small bay and everyone starts huge bonfires on the shore line. I was amazed at the people who turned out. The dock was filled and everyone loved the fireworks. It was a really nice time, however I was just visiting and camping for a week. Good luck on your decision.

MC