Medford & Grants Pass (Rogue River: to live, prices, housing)

[ladysrodgers]

Originally Posted by questing42

Thanks, ladysrodgers,
I couldn't decide whether the realtors were being evasive in answering the farm use questions or whether it was like a day in court - the outcome isn't set until the verdict is read. Nothing seems cast in stone in this state. Isn't there a motto here, "We do it different"? I just didn't realize, they meant every single time.

But - can you at least answer whether small farms (zoned exclusive use farmland) are priced as if they were businesses or residences? Does anybody judge the value by a return on investment? Or does it have a base residence value plus income in addition?

I can't honestly answer that question. My guess would be, it's valued as a residence - unless there "is" significant income. You could contact a Real Estate appraisor and pop them that question.

Realtors should know the answer to the EFU question. It's their job to call the county and find out, if they don't already know. If they're being evasive, find another realtor.

[freedom]

Originally Posted by questing42

Thanks, ladysrodgers,
I couldn't decide whether the realtors were being evasive in answering the farm use questions or whether it was like a day in court - the outcome isn't set until the verdict is read. Nothing seems cast in stone in this state. Isn't there a motto here, "We do it different"? I just didn't realize, they meant every single time.

But - can you at least answer whether small farms (zoned exclusive use farmland) are priced as if they were businesses or residences? Does anybody judge the value by a return on investment? Or does it have a base residence value plus income in addition?

Location, location, location. Oh and with farmland add Irrigation, irrigation, irrigation.

[skitow]

Originally Posted by mdvaden

We are right in between the two cities in Applegate Valley.

The photos posted of Grants Pass earlier, are fairly good to go by. Every city has it's "unsightly features" but when you drive into Grants Pass, the mountains and greenery are about like that. And there are a lot of nice homes being built.

The main advantage we have in the valley, is being able to access all that's in both Grants Pass and Medford, easily.

Applegate Valley and Grants Pass have a better climate than Medford and are greener. And are both closer to the coast and the redwood forest.

Hi. Nice to meet you. Applegate sounds interesting. What can you tell me about your slice of heaven. Population, stores, medical services, cost of housing? Anything would be most appreciated. I'm a 60 year old single man, looking for some piece and quiet and beauty. I have been through OR many times in my younger years. I know it's hard to find a more beautiful place to live. I am looking for a 2bed, 2bath single story home on an acre or two. Somewhere safe, if that really exists now days. I don't have a lot of money. Been disabled for 18 years. I can walk only short distances. My point being, I can't live where there is a lot of snow. It's hard enough to walk on dry surfaces. Too much info, I know. Just giving you an idea of what I'm looking for, and my physical limitations. Looking forward to your reply. Best to you,skitow.

[andyourlittledogtoo]

What are the average utility expenses for this area? Assume an apartment or condo rather than a larger home. I am thinking of moving to the area and would be renting nothing larger than a two bedroom but I am concerned about being able to budget heating and air conditioning into the equation when deciding on amount I can afford. I am in a beach city in Los Angeles and am used to very low bills because of the mild weather so it worries me. Thanks. :-)

[mdvaden]

Originally Posted by andyourlittledogtoo

What are the average utility expenses for this area? Assume an apartment or condo rather than a larger home. I am thinking of moving to the area and would be renting nothing larger than a two bedroom but I am concerned about being able to budget heating and air conditioning into the equation when deciding on amount I can afford. I am in a beach city in Los Angeles and am used to very low bills because of the mild weather so it worries me. Thanks. :-)

Call the utility companies.

Ask how much a kilowatt / hour costs for each town.

I think that's the unit cost you want, since many apartments are electric, not gas.

[ladysrodgers]

Originally Posted by skitow

Hi. Nice to meet you. Applegate sounds interesting. What can you tell me about your slice of heaven. Population, stores, medical services, cost of housing? Anything would be most appreciated. I'm a 60 year old single man, looking for some piece and quiet and beauty. I have been through OR many times in my younger years. I know it's hard to find a more beautiful place to live. I am looking for a 2bed, 2bath single story home on an acre or two. Somewhere safe, if that really exists now days. I don't have a lot of money. Been disabled for 18 years. I can walk only short distances. My point being, I can't live where there is a lot of snow. It's hard enough to walk on dry surfaces. Too much info, I know. Just giving you an idea of what I'm looking for, and my physical limitations. Looking forward to your reply. Best to you,skitow.

The Applegate Valley is an agricultural valley between Grants Pass and Medford with highway 238 (2 lane) being the only road connecting the two cities. The area is rural and in all honesty, would not be convenient for someone with a disability. If you ever needed an ambulance, you could be dead before one arrived, and same with calling 911. I had to wait nearly an hour when I called 911 once before anyone arrived, because there are so few Sheriff's.

As far as being convenient to both cities....it's not by a long shot. From where I lived, it was 16 miles into Grants Pass, and about 18 or so to Medford. The valley is pretty long and while it's beautiful, it is very inconvenient living out there.

It doesn't snow "every" winter, but the reality of it is it probably will snow, at least once or twice during the winter months.

[timber mt]

I work in both Grants Pass and Medford. Grants pass has a fog problem. I have left my house in the sun [in between Grants Pass and Medford] many times[ in the winter] , just to drive into the fog of Grants Pass. Other than that Grants Pass is my favorite. We have about 3 months in the summer with no rain, so irrigation is key to farming. Medford has a bigger variety of shopping. Jobs are kind of low paying and housing is high. If you are into night life , move somewhere else. It is more of a outdoor sports type of place. People move to rural areas like where I live thinking they are moving to a national park . This is a mistake !! Don't be shocked when your nieghbors shoot loud guns, ride four wheelers and dirtbikes, leave junk cars in the yard ect.

[RiverJumping]

GP is beautiful, little to no jobs unless RN or Banker etc. Medford Central Point is more city like uglier than GP not as many by far Tall beautiful trees.

If you want trees and beauty GP is perfect. Come with a Big Trust fund. Men might fare well if you are a woman bring a man. Then it would be worth the move. Buy a gun too...crime / theft off 199 is getting bad. SET CAR ALARM if left unattended or stay close to car. Windows can get expensive.
People are great, just keep your eye on a few. They seem sweet, but screw ya over when NOT looking, but that is with everywhere. you go. Just expect it don't let all of the good ole boy crap throw ya, cuz that is when ya get burned... I did

[Steve Miller]

If you're coming all the way from AZ, you should make plans to see the Coast and Central Oregon as well.

[dreams44]

Originally Posted by mdvaden

Call the utility companies.

Ask how much a kilowatt / hour costs for each town.

I think that's the unit cost you want, since many apartments are electric, not gas.

------------------------------------------------------------
All electric housing for a 2 bedroom apartment runs $120.00 a month in the winter. Winter prices about 3 months.
Runs about $100.00 a month in the summer. Summer prices are for 2 months.

Housing costs for 2 bedroom apartments:
$800.00 a month in Ashland.
$750.00 a month in Medford.
? I do not know for Grans Pass.
You can check online newspapers ads for apartments for rent.