Just-Retired Female Wants to Move to Coastal Oregon (Portland, Eugene: apartments, rentals)

[stephshar]

Hi,

I am an mature single female, but youthful in appearance and spirit, a former editor and occasionally a writer, who is now retired on a fixed income and wants to move to the Coos Bay-Bandon Area from the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles...but I haven't been there yet! Will be coming up in August to check out the area and look for an apartment. My budget is $400-450/mo. for a studio or one-bedroom. Any advice? I can live anywhere...North Bend, Coos Bay, Florence, Bandon, or points in between. Would like to be near the beach, and be able to walk downtown or to a shopping area. Please don't suggest Eugene; it's too much of a "city" and too liberal.

My family is in the San Francisco area and I don't have a lot of ties in L.A.--need something affordable in a cooler place and I love the beach, even in fog and rain. Seems like this area would be affordable. Any suggestions for part-time work? All thoughts appreciated, really like this forum.

Stephanie

[Waterlily]

You can look in the classified ads here theworldlink.com Serving the Great South Coast of Oregon This is the newspaper for Coos Bay/North Bend. They may have ads for other places close by as well.

[furyu]

Your best bet will be the Coos Bay/North Bend area. Reedsport too is an option, though I'm not sure about walking-distance to the ocean. Apartments rentals in your price range are really tough to find, I'm sorry to say. I doubt that upscale Bandon and Florence would offer much, if anything, in that range. But, you don't know until you start looking.

Would you consider sharing? That would open up some options.

You can contact the Chamber of Commerce for any town you're interested in living in; most send out packets of information which often include a copy of the local newspaper.

You might want to consider any town along the coast, from northern most Astoria to southern-most Brookings. Even Crescent City, California which is on the border of California/Oregon. In fact, Crescent City may be your best bet for your price range. It has a gorgeous coast line and lots of nearby housing.

Most of the stores offer part-time employment for senior citizens so you shouldn't have any trouble in that regard. The coast is quite senior-friendly since there are so many retirees here.

You're going to love the Oregon coast, guaranteed. While the rest of the country literally bakes in 90-100 degree heat wave temperatures, we're sitting here on our deck, where the temperature is in low 70s, sunny and a tad breezy.

Heaven on earth!

[seashelly]

Originally Posted by furyu

You're going to love the Oregon coast, guaranteed. While the rest of the country literally bakes in 90-100 degree heat wave temperatures, we're sitting here on our deck, where the temperature is in low 70s, sunny and a tad breezy.

Heaven on earth!

LOL, for sure. I watched the fireworks display in Bandon across from the Lighthouse and was wearing 3 layers of clothing and was still chilly.

[stephshar]

Hi, all...

Thanks for your posts. Taking the time was really special. The suggestions about cost of living (rents higher in Bandon and Florence) and considering other areas are very helpful. Everything I have heard makes me agree that getting out of Sourthern Calif. into a cooler, less crime-ridden place would be ideal. The friendliness, slower pace, opportunites for part-time work, etc. is just what I am looking for...as a frugal senior!

Stephanie

[mdvaden]

For some reason, I don't think that Brookings would be your cup of tea.

I'd suggest starting a drive from there, to start looking from Gold Beach, to Newport. Its not a major expanse of distance, so why not see what's in-between with your own eyes. What could it add to the trip - a day?

[pw72]

Also, don't dismiss Seaside or even Astoria up north. Seaside is more touristy, but Astoria is an under-rated small town that is affordable, albeit with less than ideal weather. But you said you didn't mind fog...plus only an hour+ away from Portland.

[Elmonellie]

Originally Posted by mdvaden

For some reason, I don't think that Brookings would be your cup of tea.

I'd suggest starting a drive from there, to start looking from Gold Beach, to Newport. Its not a major expanse of distance, so why not see what's in-between with your own eyes. What could it add to the trip - a day?

I also think you should think about Newport. I lived there for a bit, so I know the area. I really think you should check it out. Good luck!

[Robin Malavasic]

We love Florence.....good roads over to Eugene to major shopping and access to an airport. And for part time work the Three Rivers Casino is now hiring 250 people for their expanded new hotel and casino. Great retirement place.