Newport versus Cannon Beach: pros and cons (Portland, Eugene: apartment, leasing)

[yellocello]

Hi all,

I will be moving to the OR coast on October 1st. I lived in Eugene for 2 years and loved it, but it wasn't close enough to the coast for me, and it was a wee bit too warm in the summer. I loved it there, though. I've moved many times since then, all over the country, and now I'm headed back. I couldn't be happier. I live in NC at present, and the heat and humidity are about to kill me.

I wish I had explored the coast while I lived in OR, but I only went to Florence a couple of times.

I've been doing my homework re: the best place on the coast for me...

I think I've narrowed it down to Newport, or (possibly) Cannon Beach.

I'm leaning toward Newport, as there seem to be more people and more things to do (especially in the off season). I love being by myself and plan to work from home, but I don't want to isolate myself completely. I also have to find a rental house (apartment, condo) that accepts pets, rents for a reasonable price, and is of good quality. I want to live as close as possible to the beach.

Based on the current discussions that I've read here this morning, I'll plan to buy a generator.

I need to be within commuting distance (let's call that a 2 hour drive) from a city, in case my work-at-home plans don't bring in enough money. I'm fortunate to be able to work in a profession that always has lots of jobs available, but that's the profession that I'm trying to get out of by working at home. Still, everyone needs a back up plan.

So, Newport is close enough to Corvallis (cool city, from what I've heard) and Albany to fit my needs.

And Cannon Beach is close enough to Portland to do so as well.

My question:

What are the pros and cons of Newport versus Cannon Beach?

Rental availability and prices?
Population and things to do during the off season?
Quality and accessibility of beaches?
Safety?

Also, do you have any ideas for finding available rentals? I've been watching Craigslist, I've posted a wanted ad on Craigslist, I've posted an add in the Caretaker Gazette, and I've found two local newspapers: one for Newport and one for Cannon Beach. My preference would be a 1-2 bedroom house owned by an individual. Have I missed any resources? I can't make the trip out to actually find a place and sign the paperwork until August, but I'm trying to do some homework up front. I will only have a week to find a place.

Anyway, you can only get so much information online and via tourist guides. I would very much appreciate any helpful opinions or information.

Thanks in advance!

[StealthRabbit]

CB is more picturesque, but, comes at a price

hard to find rentals
expensive (too close to Portland)
restrictive leasing rules
few jobs.
limited shopping for subsistence supplies (food, gas, clothes)

What kind of beach do you want?

Newport = long and sandy
Cannon Beach = rocky coastline with cliffs, but sand on the shore.

Some folks like Pacific City, for more available rentals (sandy flat beach). There will be far fewer jobs there. Lincoln City might be a good compromise between Newport and Cannon Beach. Some points of each + decent commerce center.

Newport is likely to have more residents and fewer weekend rushes. (because it is a port city + services many small towns with hospital and grocery needs)

[yellocello]

What a great response! Thank you.