thinking about Coos Bay from Iowa (Portland, Eugene: real estate, sex offenders, crime)

[J&Lst]

My wife and I have always wanted to relocate to Oregon. We are from (and currently live ) in good-ol landlocked Iowa, but have vacationed several times to the Oregon Coast and love it. Recently we started thinking about moving to Coos Bay. We figure this would be our best shot at both of us finding jobs on the coast--I am a pharmacist and she's a teacher. Also, we have 3 children 12 and under.

Although living on the Oregon coast would be a dream come true...a few concerns remain:

-we would have to be pretty lucky to both find such specialized jobs outside of an large urban area

-is CB a good place to raise children? ie: crime rate, good public schools, abundance of other children (vs. moving into a retirement community)

I have already learned a lot from the posts on this site but would welcome any comments.

Much Thanks

[girlintheglass]

I just wanted to say that I share the feeling for the coast of Oregon with you. I will be relocating there someday, soon I hope. I can share with you that 18 years ago, we left with our two little girls, our native home of San Diego for Prescott AZ and I had the same concerns regarding retirement type town. It turned out fine, great even. I love that they know everyone in town, and have the community environment. There were a lot more young people than I thought. Now if I can just persuede them to come to Oregon with me! LOL. good luck.

[J&Lst]

Thanks for sharing Girlintheglass

No other comments from anyone living in CB?

[Waterlily]

I live outside of Coos Bay to the north. You can find some information by looking here
Coos Bay, Oregon (OR) Detailed Profile - relocation, real estate, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, news, sex offenders
I believe the schools in North Bend are rated a bit better. Crime is not bad;Still crimes are going to happen just about any place. I often drive and shop by myself. I haven't had any problems.

There are retired people here. Many cities in Oregon are getting a lot of older people. That's partly because the baby boomers are just about to a retirement age. There are children and young people here too. It's an age mix.

[tiffela74]

I live in Coos Bay, and if theres any questions that I havent answered on the other Coos Bay threads, id be thrilled to help. Ive just answered and re-answered the same questions a couple times and people are gonna get kinda tired of re-reading my posts over again
But please, if theres something you need that isnt on the other Coos Bay threads, gimmie a hoot. I have 3 kids and I work w/kids too, so Ive got some experience there
Tiffany

[vnodak]

I lived in the area 20+ years and did raise a child in Coos Bay. I worked for the hospital and the police department. Drugs are a big deal there and those that say no are just in denial or do not know. I could not wait until my child left the area. I was glad to leave and will never return. It has alot lacking and their are other coastal areas that IMO would be a better choice. Having said that, I also would like to say that their are good things there too. The weather---depending where you live---is pretty mild. Their are lots of activities for kids and yes, the North Bend school system is better than Coos Bay according to them. My child was in both and I was not impressed with either. IMO they do not adequately prepare kids for higher learning. Their are community activities and lots of small town stuff to do. Their are some red necks but by and large the people are friendly. The area is beautiful. It definitely has a small town feel and all the things that go with a small town. I think it depends on what you want and need at this point in your life. Read the stats in city-data about the area to get an idea. I wish you luck and happiness in your new venture.

[J&Lst]

Originally Posted by vnodak

It has alot lacking and their are other coastal areas that IMO would be a better choice.

Thanks for all the info.

Vnodak: What other coastal areas would you recommend?

[vnodak]

Their are all sorts of nice towns on the coast so I would get our a map and check each out----check the stats on city-data and their are always pictures. Depends on what you want. Bandon , Newport, Lincoln city to name just a couple. Depends also on the location----North or Central or South. Do you want to be close to a large city or not. Also, start a thread asking others what is their favorite coastal city and why. I have read threads like those and found that they gave great information. Good Luck to you.

[mf81783]

Going in order from South to North:

Brookings is getting nice and the weather is the best in the state.

Port Orford is cool but very windy and still a little poor.

Bandon is nice, a little artsy and upscale, great beaches in town and nice old town retail area. World famous golf resort.

Coos Bay/North Bend/Reedsport are pretty rundown, poor and not directly on the beach. Lots of angry unemployed lumberjacks. Downtown Coos Bay is the only part that is semi-descent.

Florence is nice, a little touristy and only an hour to Eugene.

Yachats is breathtaking though very small and village like.

Newport is nice, has good beaches, waterfront area and tourist amenities and is almost as big as Coos Bay. About an hour from Corvallis/Willamette Valley.

Lincoln City is similar to Newport, nice town. Lots of amenities. Some parts run down.

Cannon Beach is very upscale, beautiful town center, homes and beaches. Close to Portland.

Seaside is mainly touristy (a bit tacky), close to Portland.

Astoria is an awesome historical town. Almost as big as Coos Bay. A little run down in parts, but not as bad as Coos Bay. Has tourist stuff as well as business catering to people who live there. Not directly on the beach. Somewhat close to Portland.

[vnodak]

Originally Posted by mf81783

Going in order from South to North:

Brookings is getting nice and the weather is the best in the state.

Port Orford is cool but very windy and still a little poor.

Bandon is nice, a little artsy and upscale, great beaches in town and nice old town retail area. World famous golf resort.

Coos Bay/North Bend/Reedsport are pretty rundown, poor and not directly on the beach. Lots of angry unemployed lumberjacks. Downtown Coos Bay is the only part that is semi-descent.

Florence is nice, a little touristy and only an hour to Eugene.

Yachats is breathtaking though very small and village like.

Newport is nice, has good beaches, waterfront area and tourist amenities and is almost as big as Coos Bay. About an hour from Corvallis/Willamette Valley.

Lincoln City is similar to Newport, nice town. Lots of amenities. Some parts run down.

Cannon Beach is very upscale, beautiful town center, homes and beaches. Close to Portland.

Seaside is mainly touristy (a bit tacky), close to Portland.

Astoria is an awesome historical town. Almost as big as Coos Bay. A little run down in parts, but not as bad as Coos Bay. Has tourist stuff as well as business catering to people who live there. Not directly on the beach. Somewhat close to Portland.

I agree---thanks