Thinking of moving to the Rogue Valley area (Portland, Eugene: 2009, to rent)

[oboe_chic]

I currently live in Wisconsin, and I don't really want to leave but I need to find somewhere that is better for my health. I won't be able to move until at least December 2009, so right now I'm just trying to get a feel for different places. I have asthma, and my main triggers are cold air (under 10F and especially below 0), smoke, and mold (mostly structural mold that is hard to avoid in humid places). Since Wisconsin is very cold for most of the winter, and very humid in the summer making the mold problematic, I'm pretty sick most of the time. I also have some other health problems that aren't affected as much by the weather, but make it difficult to find any asthma medications that won't make me sicker. After doing a bit of research on different areas of the country, it looks like the Rogue Valley fits my criteria at least for the climate.

I'm wondering though about what it's like to live there. I'm 22, and right now I work as a PCW in a few group homes. I will hopefully get my CNA license sometime before I move. I also have experience in factory work and autism therapy, and I'm open to doing pretty much anything that I can physically handle. I know it probably won't be easy, but is it possible to find a job? I was going to school as a music major, but that's on hold right now. I'm a classical musician and my main instrument is the oboe--it's not a big deal, but if at all possible I would like to find a few woodwind and/or piano students in the area, and maybe some playing opportunities for myself. I also tune pianos and do basic repairs, and I buy used woodwind instruments and repair them and sell them, and I have done my fair share of babysitting...I can be quite resourceful about finding ways to make additional income if I need to. I grew up in a small town of about 6,000 people, and I love the small town feel, but I also went to school for a while in the Chicago, IL area and then in WI in a town of 60,000 and felt equally comfortable in each area. I currently live in a town of 20,000 and I work in 3 different towns that are each 20 miles away in different directions. I love the outdoors and especially hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, and cross country skiing, and even though I can't do any of them very much anymore I like to have the opportunity. I have read some posts about the meth problem--the town I grew up in was the meth capital of WI at least when I was in high school, and it never really bothered me. As far as finding a place to live, I don't need much space and I don't mind roommates, so as long as I can find a place to rent for around $500 a month I'm fine.
Sorry, that's kind of a lot of information, so here are the main questions I have: I have read a few discussions on whether Grants Pass, Klamath Falls, Medford, or Ashland is better--given my situation, does anyone have any suggestions on which would be better? Since I have some health problems, does anyone know much about the quality of the health care system? Would I be able to find a job, and is there any possibility of finding one before I move there (I would come visit at least once)? What kind of things are there to do for fun in the area?

[Steve97415]

If you have asthma and are sensitive to smoke, you probably don't want to consider the Rogue Valley due to the air inversion problem that traps wood stove smoke in winter (and wildfire smoke in summer). The Willamette Valley would probably be better. There is also more culture there; there are more surrounding communities and finding opportunities for music performance would be easier. Air temperatures are also not quite as cold in winter. Look at Eugene, Corvallis and the Portland area. A lot of midwesterners seem to feel more at home in Bend than they do in western Oregon. The air quality in Bend is good.

[cbill702]

Steve: I and my Life Companion presently live in Rogue Valley. We are advanced in years (I am 70), and we have breathing problems similar to yours. As was previously stated by some one the inversion layers are problematic. Especially in the Medford, Ashland area. Wood stoves in the cold months are the worst for us. The humidity is, however, reasonably low here outside the rainy periods, and that is a plus for molds. Medford is a fairly large area now, and has some growth related problems, but it also has some cultural oportunities that would probably fit your lifestyle. Ashland, though more expensive, wouldprobably suit you even better as it is a small university town. Very good atmosphere (socialogical).

Roseburg and Grants Pass are possibilities, but culturally you might be slightly undernourished.

Do not forget this area gets very dry in the summer and might be much different than you are use to. Also, Medford has been advertised nationally as a Senior Citizen freindly Town. That is not really the case. So if you are 50+ do not be too hopeful in that regard. Last point. This area use to be a great area for outdoors types. That is no longer the case. The opportunities are still available with some traveling, but they are not near at hand.

My suggestion; come out and visit for a couple of weeks before making any commitment.

Good Luck

Cbill

[oboe_chic]

Thank you both for your replies. Since I am trying to get away from my known asthma triggers, from what you said I don't think the area will work too well--I can't even get close to a camp fire. I wouldn't have known that if it weren't for your replies though, since I can't afford to fly out to every area that looks like it might work. That's why I'm doing my research now while I am several months away from being able to move. Thanks again!

[bluebird39]

Hi there,

We moved from the Rogue Valley to Michigan, so I know a bit about both areas. My son also has asthma. I agree that the smoke and grass pollen are 2 big issues in the Rogues Valley for asthma. My son had horrible problems especially in the summer when wildfire smoke would get trapped in the valley. I don't want to discourage you, but no lie, there would be whole days where visibility was less than a quarter mile because of the smoke.

His condition has gotten much better with our move here. But he's not cold sensitive. His triggers are pollen (especially ragweed, which is MUCH worse here than in Medford) and viruses.

Here's a link to the hospital there: Rogue Valley Medical Center

I don't know if things have changed, but it was really hard for me to get my kids in to see allergists, as there weren't very many in the valley then. They'd have really long (2-3 month) waiting times for appointments.

Also, the music programs in the schools were being cut left and right.

Have you considered other dry states like Colorado, Utah? New Mexico?

Good luck!

[ConeyIsBabe]

Taking into consideration all you have revealed, my suggestion would be ASHLAND. It is at a higher elevation than the Rogue Valley and the air quality might be better for you. Considering your young age.... you would have much more opportunity for socializing in Ashland, due to the college students and young families living there. If you share housing, it would be affordable to you. Of all the nearby towns in the Rogue Valley, Evans Valley, etc. ......... Ashland is my favorite, based on its culture, its class of people and its charming atmosphere

[Terryj]

I've lived in the Rogue Valley for most of my life, I'm almost 60. Yes, we do get times here when the air quality isn't that great, but all in all it isn't that bad. Almost any area you go into your going to have these problem here in Oregon. Around Eugene north to Portland there are air quality issues during the year due to the grass seed industry. When traveling to Portland, I do this about 3 time a year going to the VA hospital, I really notice the difference in the air, to me Portland smells like most large towns, car exhaust and industry in general. So what I'm saying, is there is really no getting away from this, that is unless, you move to the coastal areas of Oregon or the East side of the Cascades, even there, there will be some issues.