OR after DC (Portland, Ashland: coupon, how much, gated)

[shannobanano]

I live in the DC area and I hate it but DH works for federal gov't so we're here until the day he turns 57 and I'm counting down the days--7,180 to go!! I want to think about where I want to retire to so that I can fantasize about it when I'm frustrated. I would like to explore Oregon. I have lived in San Francisco and Seattle. I love the west coast. CA is too expensive, crowded and there is too much rain in WA. I've read that the weather in southern OR is pretty mild and it doesn't rain much. My research has lead me to consider Ashland. In fact, I have a coupon for a free trip and I want to go to OR so I'd like some feedback so that I make the most of my trip.

I worry that Ashland is too liberal. I am very liberal and so is DH but he works for DoD and I don't want to go anywhere where people will give us s**t for that. Also, after living amongst all these DC liberal megalomaniacs, I'd like to go somewhere much more chill and NOT preachy. Also, I read that it is cultish, insular. True?

Basically, I'm looking for a place that is beautiful, has charm, cultural activities, friendly, and GOOD WEATHER--not hot and humid!!!!!--and not too much rain or snow. Someone said you don't notice the difference in rainfall between Portland and Ashland. Really? Maybe its better to retire to a city than a small town. Heck I don't know. Urghhh.

Any suggestions/feedback? Thanks so much!

[Nell Plotts]

As you must already know how much rain falls depends on where you are in the NW and what constitutes charm depends on what you think is charming.

Residents of Cascadia are basically well mannered. If you don't push an agenda they won't push theirs. If someone asserts what you think is an idiotic platform don't feel obligated to educate them.

It is tough to define a 'liberal', but if you or yours want to tell other people what to think or believe you will be happier elsewhere.