Moving to Oregon Coast (Coos Bay, Lincoln City: spring break, houses, employment)

[tasmtairy]

I am so jealous, I can't tell you. I lived in Or for 5 years, 6 mos in Lincoln City, worked in Newport. I loved more than anywhere else I have lived. I moved inland to Salem to open an adult foster care home. I loved it and miss it a lot. If I ever could I would have a house on the Oregon Coast...

[tiffela74]

frankly, I'm baffled about all these depressed, rude, unfriendly people are that apparently live here along the coast....while yes, I agree, there ARE some people like that along here, the majority of the people I have met, and gotten to know, are quite friendly. I mean, we even got housewarming gifts from some of the moms at my youngest daughters athletic activity. Some that I didnt even know that well, just had been chatty with. If you read my posts in the Coos Bay family life, you'll read more positive experiences that my family and I have had from people who live here. No, I'm not some PollyAnna, I know darn well there are some truly awful people here, and some who are just walking gloom. Some people definately have SAD and probably shouldn't be living here, But they certainly dont make up the majority of our community. Yes, it rains here, but guess what, its been in the 70s/80s for the last few weeks at least. Ive seen one day of drizzle in the last 6weeks or more. Yup, it rains quite a bit during the winter. Im thankful though because personally, I can still drive to the market in the rain and wind. Im not snowed in for 6months out of the year. I can still see green year round. We dont have people dying like flies in the summer due to weeks on end of relentless 115degree weather. Ive never seen a tornado here, much less lost my home or loved ones due to one. Never had to evacuate due to hurricanes, (and yes, I live right on the beach) Not a single building here has fallen due to any earthquakes, and we've never been on CNN due to mass murders in our town. Ya, its got its downsides, its not for everyone, but jeez, come on, its not nearly as bad as some people make it out to be. For many many people, life along the Oregon Coast is happiness.
tiffany

[seashelly]

Well said. I second what Tiffela said.

[coastead]

I am not a negative person, but after living on the coast for ten years now, my neighbors, and co-workers have shown their true colors. This will be my last winter here, and I couldnt be leaving soon enough. These locals are the most 2-faced, arrogant, self absorbed people I have ever met. They have no problem tell a straight out lie to your face with a big 'ol grin, then laugh about you at the tavern.
I have lived in a few major populated areas, and I gotta say, those are the friendliest people I have ever met. People who were born and raised in these rinky dink towns, and still live here are too sheltered to truely understand an "outsiders" experience's.

If you aint a "good 'ol boy" you will never be accepted.
I say this from experience, not spite.

[Timebaby]

My girlfriend and I currenty live in VT and could not possibly tolerate another winter. We were living on Cape Cod, but it was a little too pricey. We have been thinking about relocating to the Astoria, OR area, which I believe is not that far from Portland..(??) Our main concern, since we are a lesbian couple, is to live in a suburban area that is open-minded. We are low-key about our relationship, no rainbow flags hanging from our porch, etc., but would to like to live in an area that is accepting/tolerant of our lifestyle...and close to the water. :> Any advice would be appreciated, and please, no crazy comments. Thanks!

[turnerfamily]

One thing I haven't seen really mentioned is that the winter weather on the coast can be can a little much for the elderly.It can be difficult to take a daily walk due to the extreme winds(Which can literally knock you down).Also driving to the store can be a task also.You will either have your door riped open due to the wind or shut on you when getting in depending on which way you're facing.Outdoor activities are pretty non-existant-not easy on the bones either when it blowing fierce cold air.I know you can exercise indoors but calm fresh air is nice too.

[orygun]

Originally Posted by Timebaby

Our main concern, since we are a lesbian couple, is to live in a suburban area that is open-minded. We are low-key about our relationship, no rainbow flags hanging from our porch, etc., but would to like to live in an area that is accepting/tolerant of our lifestyle...and close to the water. :> Any advice would be appreciated, and please, no crazy comments. Thanks!

Well, Eugene is definitely a good place for a lesbian couple. There used to be a wonderful lesbian bookstore there, Mother Kali's. Hope it is still running. The nurse manager on the floor I worked on there is lesbian and quite a few co-workers were as well. Portland, of course, has a lot to offer too. My best friend lives there and she has met a lot of other lesbians and been involved in differnet groups. Portland has the river if you want water. I guess Eugene does too. I don't know about the coastal areas and tolerance. They have grown a lot and I hope lost some of the good ole' boy stuff. Maybe Florence since it is closest to Eugene might be good.

[orygun]

Originally Posted by Dorot

We are moving to Oregon this fall. We have a big house in California and wow, that puppy has really appreciated in value. We can move to Oregon, Ashland, and build an even bigger house up in the hills there. Maybe it is expensive there but a no brainer for someone from California.
If the people are rude, who cares! I will have my huge house and a view of the hills and mountains.

Quite frankly, this is the attitude that has killed Oregon for what it used to be. Big money coming in with attitudes of "I own the mountain and don't care about you." Kinda ticks of natives you know.

Oregonians most never had the chance to earn what you did so kindly check the $$ elitist attitude at the border when you enter.

If you don't truly have the attitude you sound like you have, my apologies.

[orygun]

Originally Posted by victoriana

Dorot - good for you. When we were living on the Oregon coast, I wouldn't say the locals were rude, particularly. The old "blame Californians for everything" was such a prevalent attitude during the 1990's. Much of the attitude came from the old green-eyed monster. Some of the good old boys in Tillamook county were just plain jealous of people who had worked hard in California, bought their real estate at the right time and sold their properties for a fortune. Its mainly jealously, pure and simple. Some of my very best neighbors where we lived between Netarts and Oceanside were from NEW YORK. These people were tremendous people, neighbors and generous benefactors to the community. You have just the right attitude. Remember if some of the "natives" are rude to you and make comments about outsiders - that many of THEIR relatives all moved to Oregon from California. Just laugh it off. You will find many nice people from all over the world - especially around Ashland! Go for it!

The good old boys you think are so jealous have probably worked their buns off as well but Oregon has had a tougher financial time than California through the years. You could try being more humble about your wealth. You may think you worked your butt off and bought at the right time but you most likely were just plain lucky. Give locals a chance. They can be distant but worth knowing. Not all of them, but a fair share.

This post is SO depressing. I think we should just rename Oregon "Northern California" right now. YOU are the reason I left. Oregon is not the same anymore. It lost its way when it lost its ability to strive to keep Californians out. You are the same people we are waging against in Montana. You bring in your big money and big attitudes and criticize the natives for not being as wealthy as you. You must be fairly young to have such a pompous attitude or you would know better. I hope.

[lenilkoem]

Hi,

I've been living in Burlington,VT (beautiful town) for 5 years need a change.... not really sure where to move to? I'm 24 and i like to go out, but i don't want a huge city to get lost in. Burlington has 40,000 people i would want something a little bigger than that between 50,000-70,000. I love many things...hiking,camping,dancing,eating,farmers market...i really can do anything. I'm looking for some help....where should i look?????