Info About Forks (Port Angeles, Neah Bay: real estate, insurance, house)

[Mike555]

I might be interested in moving to Forks in about six to eight years when I have my pension and social security. For those living there, do you see Forks growing, staying about the same, or shrinking in population? Would $1,300 or $1,400 a month be enough to live on in Forks? I don't need much to live on as I live quite simply. And also, are there areas between Forks and Port Angeles where you can live, or is it all National Park or Forest land? Thanks.

[Dendrite]

Originally Posted by Mike555

I might be interested in moving to Forks in about six to eight years when I have my pension and social security. For those living there, do you see Forks growing, staying about the same, or shrinking in population? Would $1,300 or $1,400 a month be enough to live on in Forks? I don't need much to live on as I live quite simply. And also, are there areas between Forks and Port Angeles where you can live, or is it all National Park or Forest land? Thanks.

Roughly the same I'd guess. If you look at the City-Data demographics for Forks, you'll note that in the past 8 years the population of Forks has increased by about 150 people. Not exactly booming growth.

Remember that historically the sole reason for Forks' existence was (generally) to take large, old growth cedar trees and turn them in to small, flat cedar shingles. Most of these majestic old cedars have all been cut down years ago with a resultant economy that has struggled to stay "afloat" ever since (given the annual rainfall in Forks, I couldn't resist this figure of speech! ). At least until the advent of the vampire books which has breathed some life back into Forks via tourist dollars.

Rent for a decent double wide in Forks will run you about $650 or so a month. That's half your budget right there. Insurance, rain coat, utilities, rain pants, fuel, rain hat, food and an umbrella would take a bite out of the remainder of your monthly budget. So I guess it will come down to how simple the "I live quite simply" is-

Have you spent much time in Forks? December and January is the time to visit. If you can take it there for several weeks straight at that time of the year, the rest of the year will be easy... or at least easier!

There are several small towns around Forks (key word being "small"): Sappho, Beaver, Quillayute. Also several on Hwy 112 out towards Neah Bay: Joyce, Pysht, Clallam Bay/Sekiu. Really you'd need to see them in person before deciding you'd want to live in any of them. Very small, very remote, very "isolated" feel.

Good Luck!

[angelbug]

Check out this average monthly temperature and precipitation chart for Forks:

Average Weather for Forks, WA - Temperature and Precipitation

There are 5 months with over a foot of rain (per month). That's a LOT of rain. Hence Dendrite's budget for rain gear.

[Ratski_8]

Originally Posted by Dendrite

Roughly the same I'd guess. If you look at the City-Data demographics for Forks, you'll note that in the past 8 years the population of Forks has increased by about 150 people. Not exactly booming growth.

Remember that historically the sole reason for Forks' existence was (generally) to take large, old growth cedar trees and turn them in to small, flat cedar shingles. Most of these majestic old cedars have all been cut down years ago with a resultant economy that has struggled to stay "afloat" ever since (given the annual rainfall in Forks, I couldn't resist this figure of speech! ). At least until the advent of the vampire books which has breathed some life back into Forks via tourist dollars.

Rent for a decent double wide in Forks will run you about $650 or so a month. That's half your budget right there. Insurance, rain coat, utilities, rain pants, fuel, rain hat, food and an umbrella would take a bite out of the remainder of your monthly budget. So I guess it will come down to how simple the "I live quite simply" is-

Have you spent much time in Forks? December and January is the time to visit. If you can take it there for several weeks straight at that time of the year, the rest of the year will be easy... or at least easier!

There are several small towns around Forks (key word being "small"): Sappho, Beaver, Quillayute. Also several on Hwy 112 out towards Neah Bay: Joyce, Pysht, Clallam Bay/Sekiu. Really you'd need to see them in person before deciding you'd want to live in any of them. Very small, very remote, very "isolated" feel.

Good Luck!

I agree with the above hole heartly, But I see this area as what I call the Westend of the Olympic Pennsulia, and the air is clean and the cops are to be watched out for because they love Speeders!. Anyway I recommend Bring your camerias there is a lot to see here and the people are friendly, They don't Bite! as for retiring here I just did it this spring, I moved to Forks from San Diego, I bough my house 3 bd 1 ba here 3 years ago, for only $82,000. its all in the preplanning, lets just say I can live here for $1260.00 a mo,Yes but I still have to eat!

[nfdsouza2001]

I liked Forks when I worked there. In the winter the roads can be icy and treacherous. The area took a nice bump in the economy due to the movie, Vampire being based there. The housing seems reasonable. The medically it is pretty well served. Real Estate is affordable because of the remoteness. The closest metro area is 2 hours away on a winding road. Hope this info helps

[lovingthegreen]

Originally Posted by Ratski_8

I agree with the above hole heartly, But I see this area as what I call the Westend of the Olympic Pennsulia, and the air is clean and the cops are to be watched out for because they love Speeders!. Anyway I recommend Bring your camerias there is a lot to see here and the people are friendly, They don't Bite! as for retiring here I just did it this spring, I moved to Forks from San Diego, I bough my house 3 bd 1 ba here 3 years ago, for only $82,000. its all in the preplanning, lets just say I can live here for $1260.00 a mo,Yes but I still have to eat!

Wow San Diego to Forks, now that's an adjustment! 10 inches of rain a year to nearly 10 feet.

[CasusBelli]

Forks is waaaay in the boonies. If you like the quite life...then it may be ok. But from my last visit there, it seems to be shrinking.