Is southern Oregon for us? (Medford, Bend: real estate, new home, college)

[norm]

I am retired and my wife will be retiring in the next few years at which time we plan on moving away from the NYC area. I would like to know if there is an area in southern OR that meets our requirement or at least most of them.

Liveable humidity level (very important for health reasons).
Mild winters.
Near a city with a college (for cultural events).
Good medical facilities nearby.
Not too conservative.
Religious diversity. We are non practicing Jews but obviously would not want to live where Jews are discriminated against.
Within easy driving distance of an airport.
Good shopping i.e. Lowes or Home Depot, Dept. Stores, Target, etc.
Decent restaurants.
Houses below $250,000.
Reasonable taxes.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Norm

[freedom]

Originally Posted by norm

I am retired and my wife will be retiring in the next few years at which time we plan on moving away from the NYC area. I would like to know if there is an area in southern OR that meets our requirement or at least most of them.

Liveable humidity level (very important for health reasons).
Mild winters.
Near a city with a college (for cultural events).
Good medical facilities nearby.
Not too conservative.
Religious diversity. We are non practicing Jews but obviously would not want to live where Jews are discriminated against.
Within easy driving distance of an airport.
Good shopping i.e. Lowes or Home Depot, Dept. Stores, Target, etc.
Decent restaurants.
Houses below $250,000.
Reasonable taxes.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Norm

You were doing great up to the 250k for housing, There are some modest homes in Grants Pass that are 1600 square feet in the high 250's to low 260's.
Wait I am assuming new homes.
There are quite a few existing homes under 250k. Older, but neat and usually remodeled a bit.
Do a search for Grants pass real estate and the multiple listings will come up.

Everything else is right here, 20 mins to Medford airport, lowes, Costco, target.
Medford is a little more pricey.

freedom

[norm]

freedom,

Thanks for replying, I guess there isn't anyone else that wants to .

Norm

[tiffela74]

Freedom is our expert for that area, I live along the coast, but will readily second all that Freedom has.
My folks are moving to the Bend area, and adore it there. Its got incredible weather, sure is cold in the winter though! (keep in mind, it only snows where i live about 1day out of ever 4yrs, so the couple months of snow in Bend is verrrry cold to me! the skiers love it though )
they are looking into outskirts areas for cheaper prices. But thats all more central Oregon,so not where you want to be?
Medford/Grants Pass that whole area, is quite wonderful and growing. Has many days there that the sky is so blue it makes your eyes ache. Quite incredible against the greens of the trees.
Good luck
Tiffany

[norm]

Thanks Tiffany,

The big negative for me about Grant's Pass is that I've heard it's not a good place if you suffer from allergies which I do.

Norm

[freedom]

There are allergens throughout the state.

The big ones are Broom (don't know the latin name) they are a ground cover that has a beautiful yellow flower. They are on the coast and throughout the area.

Grants pass' big one in the city is Cottonwood trees, they are slowly being irradicated. They are along creeks and rivers, so it is a slow process due to the restrictions of cutting vegetation around waterways.

Out in the country, its mostly ragweed.

[norm]

I just compared the pollen count in Grant's Pass against where I live and it is higher here. I'll keep my eye on it through the summer and early fall.

Norm