Where can you find bears in Oregon?

[Metlakatla]

Originally Posted by Laura77

now with Californians relocating to Phoenix

Good luck with that in Oregon. They're swarming this state as well. Many moved here because "nature."

do you know that I haven't seen a raccoon, squirrel, or opossum not once in the 10 years I've been in Phoenix?

Most Oregonians don't see these on a regular basis either except as roadkill. BTW, on the rare occasions that I do see a raccoon on my property, I immediately check to see what's attracted the animal to my yard. I have dogs and don't want raccoons in my immediate vicinity. Some areas do seem to have a lot of squirrels, though.

[Silverfall]

I think part of your problem is that you don't realize how easy it is to access hiking, kayaking, etc from all of the cities in the valley. Trees and green are everywhere.

I also agree that you don't want to commute for 35 miles. I know that everyone does it in PHX, but once you slow down to the pace of Oregon you will likely regret that decision to live so far from work. Live closer to work and spend your time off on weekend jaunts around the Oregon forests.

[Laura77]

Originally Posted by Silverfall

I think part of your problem is that you don't realize how easy it is to access hiking, kayaking, etc from all of the cities in the valley. Trees and green are everywhere.

I also agree that you don't want to commute for 35 miles. I know that everyone does it in PHX, but once you slow down to the pace of Oregon you will likely regret that decision to live so far from work. Live closer to work and spend your time off on weekend jaunts around the Oregon forests.

That's true, we do commute pretty far for work. I'm about 20 miles from my job. It takes me about 2 hours to get home from work. Phoenix is really really spread out. Even with no traffic it takes you 45 minutes or more to get from one side to the other.

You're probably right about my line of thinking regarding being close to the outdoors. I just don't want to look out the window and see a bunch of neighbors and a city. I don't want neighbors at all lol it's hard planning to move to a location you aren't really familiar with, unfortunately.

Thank you for your reply!

[StealthRabbit]

I lived 16 miles from work (near PDX airport). 20 minute commute, no stoplights, no / few neighbors / 50+ mile uninterrupted view. Thousands of acres of open space out the back door. And.... We have rentals within a few minutes <$1000/ month. Not many vacancies, tenants love to stay for 7-10+yrs. Most my neighbors also have cabins / Casita / apartments in the neighborhood.

I agree that biking distance to work is ideal, but... Working 30+ yrs of night shift gave me every day off, as well as extra pay, no traffic on commute, and most importantly.... No managers or cry-baby back stabbing day-shifters. Having daylight hours free is a real plus if you are an outdoor centric person. Retiring 15 yrs early was another bonus of working nights.

[ejisme]

There are many hospitals and Home Depots on the edges of Portland and in surrounding bedroom communities. Oregon City, Clackamas, Tualatin, Newberg, McMinnville, Hillsboro, etc., all have them. You don't need to drive into Portland proper and work at one of the major Medical Centers up on the hill at Oregon Health Science University, VA, and Shriners Children's Hospitals.

If you find work in one of the big medical centers on the hill in SW Portland, and then if you have the money, West Linn and Wilsonville would be good fits for outdoors, woods, water and wildlife. You might still be able to find livable, fixer upper, older homes in West Linn that are within walking distance of the woods and the Willamette or Tualatin rivers. You won't see bears there, but lots of little critters, and a wide variety of birds in the area. If you are lucky you might see a black tail deer or two.

[texasdiver]

Originally Posted by ejisme

There are many hospitals and Home Depots on the edges of Portland and in surrounding bedroom communities. Oregon City, Clackamas, Tualatin, Newberg, McMinnville, Hillsboro, etc., all have them. You don't need to drive into Portland proper and work at one of the major Medical Centers up on the hill at Oregon Health Science University, VA, and Shriners Children's Hospitals.

If you find work in one of the big medical centers on the hill in SW Portland, and then if you have the money, West Linn and Wilsonville would be good fits for outdoors, woods, water and wildlife. You might still be able to find livable, fixer upper, older homes in West Linn that are within walking distance of the woods and the Willamette or Tualatin rivers. You won't see bears there, but lots of little critters, and a wide variety of birds in the area. If you are lucky you might see a black tail deer or two.

There is also no “bad” side of the Portland metro area. There are both affluent upscale areas and downscale areas on all sides of the greater Portland metro. So there is really no good reason to undertake a cross-metro daily commute. And there is plenty of green in every direction as well. Live close to where you work. You will not regret it.

[Hawk J]

Originally Posted by Laura77

The primary reason for relocation is weather. I absolutely HATE the desert. There are no redeeming qualities at all, and now with Californians relocating to Phoenix due to low cost of living, it's becoming difficult to live here financially as well- like everywhere else.

Wildlife in general is also a good reason to relocate- do you know that I haven't seen a raccoon, squirrel, or opossum not once in the 10 years I've been in Phoenix? Not a great place to live for hippydippy animal lovers.

You guys are probably right, of course, that wildlife centered vacations are the best move. However, choosing the location isn't strictly dependent on wildlife, bears, and what have you. It's also based on wanting fewer neighbors and woods nearby... And again, weather. I am the complete opposite of a city girl. It's just relatively necessary when you work at trauma centers.

Again, I do appreciate all of the information and recommendations being provided. I appreciate everyone's time.

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

Good luck with that in Oregon. They're swarming this state as well. Many moved here because "nature."



Most Oregonians don't see these on a regular basis either except as roadkill. BTW, on the rare occasions that I do see a raccoon on my property, I immediately check to see what's attracted the animal to my yard. I have dogs and don't want raccoons in my immediate vicinity. Some areas do seem to have a lot of squirrels, though.

Over the years i've seen many Rough- Skinned Newts around most waterways. They are cute to some folks, but they are poisonous. I've seen bullfrogs with a newt in its mouth, both dead.
If children/adults touch a newt, make sure you wash your hands very good. Don't put your hands to your mouth. They secrete the poison through their skin.


https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/a.../#.YbAN1JHMJcc

Enjoy your Adventures. Be Safe & in Good Health.

[leastprime]

Originally Posted by Laura77

The primary reason for relocation is weather. I absolutely HATE the desert. There are no redeeming qualities at all, and now with Californians relocating to Phoenix due to low cost of living, it's becoming difficult to live here financially as well- like everywhere else.

Wildlife in general is also a good reason to relocate- do you know that I haven't seen a raccoon, squirrel, or opossum not once in the 10 years I've been in Phoenix? Not a great place to live for hippydippy animal lovers.

You guys are probably right, of course, that wildlife centered vacations are the best move. However, choosing the location isn't strictly dependent on wildlife, bears, and what have you. It's also based on wanting fewer neighbors and woods nearby... And again, weather. I am the complete opposite of a city girl. It's just relatively necessary when you work at trauma centers.

Again, I do appreciate all of the information and recommendations being provided. I appreciate everyone's time.

You might try the coastal communities with community hospitals, for outdoor activities and occasional wildlife. But beware the weather is dreary and spectacular. Housing can be scarce. Often times lonely Oct-March. Physical shopping fairly difficult but USPS, UPS, Fedex is dependable. Today is, Dec 7, the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor; The Northern Oregon beaches were CoastGuard patrolled by horseback (vehicles tend to get bogged down in soft sand). Not much attention was given to any invasion even though the beaches are reknown for easy Dory landing/launch, getting much more than a 1 mile inland on the river plains become mountainous & dense forest.

[CORUSCATE]

The Lower Rogue. Keep in mind that getting in might be a challenge, since it's pretty much inaccessible unless you're rafting or hiking.