Florence Oregon, best weather areas (Eugene, Grants Pass: for sale, real estate, rentals)

[tinytowne]

We have visited Florence Oregon along the central coast for the past two summers and loved it. Now we are retired and getting ready to move there. We will likely rent first before we buy to get to know the different neighborhoods. We have heard it can be windy. Are there areas of Florence that are more windy than others? Is it less windy in neighborhoods east of 101 than west?

[wolfdog]

I would guess those areas closest to the river(downtown) are windier, since wind funnels to the easiest path east; the river. Of course, there are exceptions, like the back nine at Sandpines, which is pretty wide open. I see where the streets west of the front nine are being finished, and many lots for sale. I'd be concerned with mosquitoes there, though.
NE part of town is where I'd look at. Munsel Lake area, maybe up on the hillside.

[Cloudy Dayz]

Originally Posted by tinytowne

We have visited Florence Oregon along the central coast for the past two summers and loved it. Now we are retired and getting ready to move there. We will likely rent first before we buy to get to know the different neighborhoods. We have heard it can be windy. Are there areas of Florence that are more windy than others? Is it less windy in neighborhoods east of 101 than west?

I don't know of any place in Florence, that is not windy. East or west of Highway 101. If you are concerned about wind, have you considered Mapleton? It's about 15 miles inland from Florence.

[tinytowne]

Yes, we were thinking just a little inland from Florence would be ideal. There isn't much available there. Also the lake areas are appealing. We have 4 small dogs and don't want to break any regulations or bother any neighbors with the minor barking they do. Larger lots would be ideal.

We like the looks of some of the neighborhoods off Rhododendron. If it isn't any windier than east of 101, it does increase the possibilities and will probably look there in addition to the lake areas and Mapleton.

Any real estate offices you would recommend? We will probably make a move within the next few months.

[tinytowne]

Thank you. I was thinking the same thing.

[Metlakatla]

Originally Posted by tinytowne

Yes, we were thinking just a little inland from Florence would be ideal. There isn't much available there. Also the lake areas are appealing. We have 4 small dogs and don't want to break any regulations or bother any neighbors with the minor barking they do. Larger lots would be ideal.

We like the looks of some of the neighborhoods off Rhododendron. If it isn't any windier than east of 101, it does increase the possibilities and will probably look there in addition to the lake areas and Mapleton.

Any real estate offices you would recommend? We will probably make a move within the next few months.

I have a home that's west of 101. I have no idea of whether it's windier here than on the other side of the highway. My home is surrounded by thick foliage -- mostly rhododendrons and laurel -- as well as mature evergreen trees, and I don't notice the wind much, but my other home is in SE Alaska so it could be relative. It does seem a little windier up by the golf course where it's more open. You can feel free to PM me for more particulars in the gated community my home is in. I wouldn't live outside of a gated community here, btw. Too much petty crime, and I don't like my car broken into.

No way would I live in Mapleton. Nice enough little town, I guess, but in order to do anything, you're going to have to drive aways. The casino traffic can be a pain. They get flooding every couple of years also.

Rentals seem really hard to find. Dolphin Property Management might be a place to start.

[tinytowne]

Thank you, Metlakatia. Those homes along the water in Mapleton look so idealic. I wondered about flooding. Definitely don't want to have to deal with that. It seems like you have to look at each individual property to determine it's exposure to wind. As you said, trees and thick foliage can provide a barrier.

As far as rentals go, we can even rent as far away as Eugene since it is temporary. Just want to be able to drive to Florence to view properties for sale. Of course, ideally we would like to rent in Florence if possible. I will call Dolphin for sure when the time comes.

We have spent time over the past two summers exploring from Newport down to Brookings. Florence was by far our favorite. We did not notice it being terribly windy except when right down on Heceta Beach. We prefer cooler weather, and more moderate. I have a friend in Grants Pass. It often snows in the winter and it is way too hot in the summer. I have checked the weather in Florence every day for the past 2 years. It hasn't been significantly different from the area we live, El Sobrante CA. It is colder much of the time, but on the days it is in the 80's here and we were wishing we had A/C, it is very pleasant in Florence. It rains a little more in Florence than here. But surprisingly not significantly more. No weather is perfect. I know snow and having to live in A/C is not for me. I will take wind and gray days over the other options.

Old Town is charming, excellent restaurants, dog-friendly atmosphere, and not crowded at all. It seems like Florence offers enough services to suit us. You can find just about everything we would want, a movie theater, medical services, Fred Meyer was an impressive store, community center, bodies of water to explore every where you look. I know we are going to love it in Florence.....

[Metlakatla]

Here's an article about flooding in Mapleton. Seems like it happens a lot.

http://kval.com/news/local/river-flo...ts-in-mapleton

Originally Posted by tinytowne

Old Town is charming, excellent restaurants, dog-friendly atmosphere, and not crowded at all. It seems like Florence offers enough services to suit us. You can find just about everything we would want, a movie theater, medical services, Fred Meyer was an impressive store, community center, bodies of water to explore every where you look. I know we are going to love it in Florence.....

Agreed. I particularly like the movie theater. You can see National Theatre Live performances and art films along with the more popular stuff, and all concession stand tips go to the local (no kill) animal shelter. I stay out of Fred Meyer myself because I get everything but fresh produce from Amazon Prime anymore. The Events Center has performances by the Newport Symphony and the Jazz Kings and some others.

I think you'll have an easier time finding a rental in a few months -- many of the retired people here go somewhere else for the winter and rent their places out temporarily.

[tinytowne]

Ok, Mapleton is definitely off our list! I love the idea of tips going to the no kill shelter. We are dog people and would definitely support that.

Good tip about retired folks renting their home out for the fall/winter months. That would be perfect for us and a chance to experience winter in Florence.

[rtg143]

Also, check out Florentine estates. A manufactured home park that you own the land so there aren't high rental rates. Florentine Estates