Former Fresnans or others relocated on the coast? (Portland, Eugene: mcmansions, hotels)

[mollyblythe]

I've long wanted to move to the Oregon coast (maybe Lincoln City). Have vacationed there often and wanted to live there for the longest time. In, thinking what I might miss most in a move from Fresno (not the summer heat!) my friends, the variety of great restaurants, Barnes and Noble, Lowe's and Sisters In Crime tops my list. Other things like good medical care (I'm a late 50's retiree), good car service, home repairs etc. definitely come to mind. I'm not a big shopper, so just the day-to-day basics are important. I don't mind driving inland for bigger items. A good indoor pool nearby for lap swimming would be very desireable.

If you've moved from Fresno (or any other area), what have you missed most in making a transition to the coast? (Schools are not as important to me as I have no kiddies.) Have you found the amenities I've mentioned to be as good?

I would bring my elderly parent who has Medicare/ Medi-Cal. Has anybody had experience with making the transition from California to Oregon with this kind of health coverage? Good or bad? How are support services for the elderly?

Also, doe anyone have recommendations for ways/connections to help me to establish friendships in advance of making a move. It would be really nice to have a friend or two to visit with when I get there.

Thanks in advance for your help. (Isn't this a great message board?)

[blazen]

Lincoln City is kite shops, salt water taffy shops and cheesy beach hotels. Why would you want to live there?

I'm a native Oregonian. I hope you understand that the Oregon Coast has a very transient population. Lots of people move there and become disillusioned and then move out.

I hope you really understand what you're getting into. The fantasy is much different from reality.

[mollyblythe]

Originally Posted by blazen

Lincoln City is kite shops, salt water taffy shops and cheesy beach hotels. Why would you want to live there?

I'm a native Oregonian. I hope you understand that the Oregon Coast has a very transient population. Lots of people move there and become disillusioned and then move out.

I hope you really understand what you're getting into. The fantasy is much different from reality.

Where do you recommend for a retiree on the Oregon Coast or elsewhere in Oregon?

[blazen]

Best places to retire in Oregon in my opinion:

1. Ashland
2. Eugene
3. If you must retire on the Coast....Manzanita, Cannon Beach, Florence.
4. Pearl district Portland if you love the city.
5. Bend...personally I hate Bend but others seem to like it.
6. Love country living? I like La Grande and the retire Grande Ronde Valley.

[Not PC]

I am orginally from Fresno, and although I dont live on the Oregon coast(I've lived in Portland/Eugene) IMHO the Oregon Coast was built for retirees. I would not live there myself mainly due to the stagnant economy that exists along most of the coast. Florence is suppose to be one of the best places to retire according to a major magazine I cant recall off the top of my head right now(lol). But, if you are like me and are affected by the lack of sun, I would suggest living in Eastern or Southern Oregon.

[FoxyKnox]

The number one place on the Oregon Coast for retirees is Florence. It offers medical services, is less than one hour to Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene. Florence has Safeway and a few other major stores...it is a larger town. Your "Oil Can Henry's" and whatnot are easily available. Plus it has Mo's Restaurant...undoubtedly the best clam chowder on the coast! (though, there are a few other locations.) The beaches are beautiful and in the summer it does not become as crowded with tourists as say, Lincoln City.
Another good place could be Gearhart, north of Seaside. The nearest big city is Portland, which has probably the best medical offerings in Oregon.
Definately check out Florence, though. It's probably your best bet.

[osubeavs]

Florence is getting very crowded. It's a shame to see all of the McMansions and BMW's. It's no longer a quaint Oregon Coast city. It's outsiders with money.

I don't recommend the Oregon Coast for retirement. Most outsiders become disillusioned after a couple of years and look to leave.