Grants Pass - Rogue River Area??? (Bend, Ashland: income, employment, housing)

[deem]

Any thoughts on this area for a family of 3 - 12 yr old son - 40 yr old parents
like outdoors camping, fishing, bike riding,
love the cafe's, restaurants (small not chains) - like shopping in small downtown boutiques rather than regional malls>>>
Want to open a small trendy home accent store - is this an area that is laid back and kind of artsy....
Wife is a designer and would be looking for work in a better furniture store.
thanks any help will do..

[freedom]

You have described Grants Pass, It is known for its Friday night art walks, great old downtown craftiness, the Rogue river for fishing, hiking, rafting, or just a lazy summertime float.

There are dozens of little restraunts to settle your tastebuds, the Grants pass pharmacy downtown has a phosphate bar where you can have any flavor for .25 cents.

The town has many events, the boatnik festival is coming in may, big local event of jet boats racing on the rogue, and a carnival, with crafts, food and fun.

The downtown is decorated throughout the year with different themes. Small business tend to do real well, and housing market is the most affordable it has been in 5 yrs. Great time to buy a home.

There is a great demand for service type businesses, we have a decent upper middle class that carries the employment and support business for the area. Grants pass has as many banks as churches. Don't know if there is a corellation to that or not.

We are in our early 40's and have a truck full of kids, great place for families. Lots of lakes, camping, and outdoor fun.

Good luck on your quest.
freedom

[zenproofstella]

i am 29 and my husband 31. we are living in atlanta looking to move out west.

we are rockclimbers. he is in construction, and i in communications. we want to spend less, work less, and have a family. ha! right.

we are middle of the road politically, but lean on the liberal side. coming from a place as diverse as Atlanta, we need to feel we live someplace where people can think for themselves, and don't judge others for their lifestyle choices.

we aren't hippies. we aren't yuppies. we aren't crazy liberals. we don't subscribe to any particular theology, but my husband has this thing about quantam physics. and einstein.

i have seen you post around these boards...and i appreciate your input.

i am most shocked by the attitudes, and general consensus I find from most Montana folks, who seem very angry with the growth and very hateful towards 'liberals'. i hate bush, but i don't go around assuming that every republican subscribes to his thinking. which is dissapointing to say the least, because there are several 'prospect' places (bozeman etc...) we would consider moving to.

we have a family home in the middle of NOWHERE south of columbus, on hundreds of acres sits a VERY SMALL HOME, in the wildnerness that breathes life into us every time we have the chance to visit.

we want more land. we want more time. we want to be able to make it on one income. we dont require much. we dont consume a lot.

what is most important for us is to start a family and not be strapped. which is what we feel here in atlanta. we don't want to get caught up in the rat race. of living beyond means..and shipping kids off to the care of others.

My question for you is, do you think we would be happy in Grants Pass???

other places we are considering is Bend, OR, SLC, UT and Boise. I'm scared of all the negative things though I've heard all around! ha.

such a leap to pack up and move...

thanks for listening!

s

[CADRMNDANES]

Hello?????? My post wasn't a troll post. It was my honest opinion of this area, since I am here right now!! We are not impressed with this area!!! This place has gone down hill sense the last time I was here. They would be better of close to Ashland for a trendy store they want to open!! GP is more of industrial town.

[freedom]

zenproofstella, (interesting name).

I would try out G.P. before Bend. Definitely make a trip. It's hard for me to say if this would be the place for you.
I do know that if you work hard and have honorable business dealings, then there is plenty to do as far as work goes. Like anywhere, it will take a while to network, if you are personable and not negative you will succeed here.
This is a great family town, a mix of ex-city people and farm lifestyle.
We have issues, its not heaven here, but close enough for me, right now.

freedom