Looking to move to Roseburg (Portland, Eugene: theatres, university, casino)

[jewelsfaith87]

I have only ever drove through Oregon, and now I am moving to Roseburg. I am trying to learn things about this city before getting there, and also the surrounding cities. What are the cities surrounds Roseburg, and how close to the nearest big city is it? Any info would help.

[bobmulk]

Not sure what you consider a "big" city. Eugene (150K city, 335K metro) is an hour north. Portland (2.2 million metro) is roughly three hours north--I'm talking car here.

The only "cities" near Roseburg are small communities like Sutherlin, Winston and Myrtle Creek. There's REALLY tiny cities like Yoncalla, Oakland, Elkton and Canyonville. There's also an Indian casino in Canyonville that's very popular. You're not too far from Crater Lake or the Shakespearean Festival in Ashland (2 hours south).

The area is very conservative. Not much in the way of culture or cuisine if you're into anything like that. However, it has magnificent outdoor recreation as it's one of two counties in Oregon that are "sea to mountain"--in other words, they stretch from the Pacific to the Cascades. There's hiking, camping, hunting, fishing. There's activities at the coast. There's the charm of the smaller communities. Basically, the activities are going to be more low-key than they would be in a large metropolis.

The weather is warmer with less rain than the rest of western Oregon. That said, don't expect Southern California-type weather. It still gets wet.

Curious as to why you're moving to Roseburg since you know nothing about it and have only driven through Oregon.

[jewelsfaith87]

I am moving there because I got a job opportunity on a horse farm that I just can't pass up. I'm 20 and like to try new things. I love horses and all I want to do is work on a farm. I have horrible allergies and really want to live anywhere out west. I understand the northwest, it gets damp...but I know it can't be any worse then Michigans humide crap that I put up with all year round. Do you know how far from the coast I would be? I'm more of an outdoors girl, and big cities dont' really thrill me...I was just corious of what I will have around me. Anymore info would be great. Thanks

[bobmulk]

Sounds awesome!!!! Good for you!!! And good for you for taking on such a challenge.

The coast is roughly an hour drive from Roseburg. The scenery is gorgeous. I know on one highway (don't remember which one, I believe it goes through Elkton) you can see herds of elk which is very unusual. There's also the Wildlife Safari near Winston with African animals--lions, tigers (no bears) OH MY!

The humidity here is NOTHING like the Midwest or the South or East Coasts. There's some humidity, but it's minimal. I think you'll like it. Douglas County (Roseburg) is really gorgeous. So many places to just roam around either driving, walking or biking. What state are you in now?

[jewelsfaith87]

I live in Michigan. I love it only in the spring and fall, except for the fact that the spring kills my allegies. I hate the cold winters and the humide summers. If I lived closer to the lakes in the summer I wouldn't mind it as much, but it is horrible sometimes. I love the west, always have.

I am excited but very scared at the same time. I am very close to my family, but I can't live my dream in Michigan. I have to at least try this, and if it doesn't work out then I can always go back home. But I have heard alot of great things about oregon, especially where I am moving to. So I am hoping it works out and I will be able to get my family to move out this way. It would be perfect for me.
My therapist says I have to do something for me now, I do to much giving and not enough taking. For once in mylife I am going to be selfish and conquor my dreams. Theres a college I can go to, and it all is just working out for me.
What kind of festivals are there? And how big is roseburg? Like community wise thta is. I am coming from a very small town. I think like somewhere between 4 thousand people...I"m not even joking. It is a very small town.

[Flylooper]

Originally Posted by jewelsfaith87

I live in Michigan. I love it only in the spring and fall, except for the fact that the spring kills my allegies. I hate the cold winters and the humide summers. If I lived closer to the lakes in the summer I wouldn't mind it as much, but it is horrible sometimes. I love the west, always have.

I am excited but very scared at the same time. I am very close to my family, but I can't live my dream in Michigan. I have to at least try this, and if it doesn't work out then I can always go back home. But I have heard alot of great things about oregon, especially where I am moving to. So I am hoping it works out and I will be able to get my family to move out this way. It would be perfect for me.
My therapist says I have to do something for me now, I do to much giving and not enough taking. For once in mylife I am going to be selfish and conquor my dreams. Theres a college I can go to, and it all is just working out for me.
What kind of festivals are there? And how big is roseburg? Like community wise thta is. I am coming from a very small town. I think like somewhere between 4 thousand people...I"m not even joking. It is a very small town.

Roseburg's about the same size. Maybe a little bit larger. It's a nice community built around forest products, which is where most of the good jobs are. The Umqua River flows through the town and on out to the coast.

As for allergies, you'll get them in spades in the Northwest. They have community colleges but the nearest university is UO in Eugene.

Good luck.

[jewelsfaith87]

Right now I am only looking to go to a community college.
Are there any activities for people around the age of 20? Is there much of a night life at all? I'm not sure if I will have time, but I thought I would ask.
Thanks to everyone who has helped out.
Anymore helpful info would be great.

[Marko3]

Hi Jewelsfaith, I live in Roseburg, have for many many years, so I'll tell you what I think, good bad & ugly. Most of this has pretty much been stated, so I apologize if some of it seems repetitious.

Roseburg is approximately 21K in population within city limits, if you were to count the surrounding towns, the area probably boasts closer to 40K or so. It's the seat of Douglas County, the county population is slightly over 100K. The major industry is timber, several mills outside of town. There is one community college, Umpqua Community College which you can google, I believe the direct website is umpqua.edu. Roseburg is an hour by car from Eugene, about 2.5 to 3 hours from Portland, and a little over an hour from the coast and the mountains. Two rivers run through town and converge just west of town. To answer your question regarding night life...somewhat weak in that regard, but there are things to do. There is a casino 29 miles south, there are several bars, and one "dance" club. There are two theatres in town. If you have any other questions feel free to ask, I've lived here for about 20 years, moved away to join the army, and came back when I was finished with my enlistment, I grew up in Roseburg so ask away! Hope this helps!