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I am pondering moving to the Ashland/Medford area from Denver area. I am really not a big city type of person. I prefer smaller towns near cities where I can easily take weekend trips to visit other small towns and enjoy the outdoors. I like to stay clear of the shopping scene for the most part (I prefer local businesses and thrift). I also don't think much of urban sprawl/growth.
I am also hoping to find a place where it is easier to connect with other people, a friendly safe area with clean air. I love the outdoors (hiking, cross-country skiing, and whitewater paddling) and am hoping for an area with meetup groups or clubs which do these activities. I also enjoy volunteering (especially with at-risk/special needs children and teens). My other interests include yoga, raw/vegetarian foods. retreats, international folk dancing, spiritual activities/church, the arts, tea/coffee shops (may sound silly I know, but I love tea), and helping the environment (trail work, recycling, etc).... a little of many things!
I am hoping for a slower pace of life (although I know that is in my control).
I prefer an area with a lower cost of living, perhaps older/more quaint but that is not my biggest consideration - a friendly place where I can connect with others is. I am not the type of person that is super chatty and makes 100s of friends. But I do like a few close connections and friendly relationships with people.
If you live in these areas or know of them (or don't but recommend another place), I'd love to hear from you on what you think,
I lived in Medford for 7 years. From your self description I would say that Southern Oregon would be perfect for you. There are tons of hiking and camping opportunities all around. Whitewater rafting on the Rogue River. Tons of natural and organic type people (particularly in Ashland). Medford has about 80,000 people and it is the largest city for at least two hours in any direction. It's small enough to not be overwhelming but has the essential amenities. Nothing super fancy, but hey, they've got a Trader Joes and a natural foods store there now. Ashland has a quality food co-op and you can literally hike into the mountains from Lithia Park right at the Downtown Plaza.
The only negative may be the winter sports. The local ski area has taken a beating due to climate change and may be on its way out. But it's only an hour and a half to Shasta and three hours to Bachelor so there are still options. I haven't lived there in 5 years now but I do miss it and would definitely move back. I miss the slower pace and pretty much everything you brought up. Trust me, the Rogue Valley is a gem. Happy hunting.
I agree that Ashland would be the best fit for what you describe in Southern Oregon. But, that said, I think it will be too small for you. It's a very artsy town, and I can only guess (having visited there as a tourist) that it might be a bit cliquish, just because it's so small.
I vote that you seriously consider the Eureka and Arcata area in CA. It's big enough to have a lot going on, lots of vegans and crunchy people, liberals, and meet-ups. Quaint, lots of Victorian architecture. There is a university in Arcata, and is a large influence in Eureka, too. University towns are more active and vibrant, in my experience. You'd have the beach there and the redwood forests. You'd have to drive to snow.
Weather is mild year-round at the coast. You would have very cloudy, foggy, rainy winters and normal summers include a lot of these types of days, too. But, it never gets too hot in summer, which I love. I live in a small town close to the Oregon border in CA.
The thing is, it's really HOT inland even in northern CA and southern OR. 100+ degrees are normal for nearly half the year. I lived in Redding, CA for a year and thought I was going to die - 6 months of 100+ weather, and it doesn't cool down at night. The heat just sits in that valley that goes all the way from southern CA into OR. This includes Redding, CA, Medford, OR, Grants Pass. So, even though there is beautiful country for recreation, consider how much you want to go hiking in 100 degrees. This is what drove me out of Redding. Ashland is cooler than these towns, though, by around 10 degrees, I think.
Something else to consider, is that southern OR and northern CA is mainly Republican and kinda redneck. I'm a registered Democrat, although I am pretty middle of the road, and I get along with rednecks just fine. But, it's something else to consider. I just make it a rule not to talk politics or religion :-)
Eureka only has about 30,000 people, but does have most big box stores, too. Anyway, I think you should check out Eureka. Good luck to you!
I agree that Ashland would be the best fit for what you describe in Southern Oregon. But, that said, I think it will be too small for you. It's a very artsy town, and I can only guess (having visited there as a tourist) that it might be a bit cliquish, just because it's so small.
I vote that you seriously consider the Eureka and Arcata area in CA. It's big enough to have a lot going on, lots of vegans and crunchy people, liberals, and meet-ups. Quaint, lots of Victorian architecture. There is a university in Arcata, and is a large influence in Eureka, too. University towns are more active and vibrant, in my experience. You'd have the beach there and the redwood forests. You'd have to drive to snow.
Weather is mild year-round at the coast. You would have very cloudy, foggy, rainy winters and normal summers include a lot of these types of days, too. But, it never gets too hot in summer, which I love. I live in a small town close to the Oregon border in CA.
The thing is, it's really HOT inland even in northern CA and southern OR. 100+ degrees are normal for nearly half the year. I lived in Redding, CA for a year and thought I was going to die - 6 months of 100+ weather, and it doesn't cool down at night. The heat just sits in that valley that goes all the way from southern CA into OR. This includes Redding, CA, Medford, OR, Grants Pass. So, even though there is beautiful country for recreation, consider how much you want to go hiking in 100 degrees. This is what drove me out of Redding. Ashland is cooler than these towns, though, by around 10 degrees, I think.
Something else to consider, is that southern OR and northern CA is mainly Republican and kinda redneck. I'm a registered Democrat, although I am pretty middle of the road, and I get along with rednecks just fine. But, it's something else to consider. I just make it a rule not to talk politics or religion :-)
Eureka only has about 30,000 people, but does have most big box stores, too. Anyway, I think you should check out Eureka. Good luck to you!
Some misinformation here about the Medford/Ashland area. First, it absolutely is not 100+ degrees for 6 months out of the year. It isn't Arizona. It is usually in the 90's in the valley during July and August with about a week or two hitting triple digits. However, that's when you hit the mountains where it is usually 10-20 degrees cooler than in the valleys. That is where you would be hiking anyway.
Second, not sure what was meant by "it would be too small for you." The Medford/Ashland area is bigger than Eureka/Arcata. It also has way more entertainment and shopping opportunities.
Third, the Rogue Valley is not super rednecky. The area as a whole leans slightly Republican, although less so than in the past. Jackson County actually voted narrowly for Obama in 2008. Besides, Ashland is every bit as liberal as Arcata if not more so. It also has a university, something the last poster seems to have overlooked.
Eureka/Arcata is a nice enough place to visit in the summer. But the economy there is horrible and the winters are extremely dreary. But to each their own, I guess.
I think the area might suit you well except for one item. You want an area with a lower cost of living. You've missed the time when oregon was lower cost by about 5 decades.
VT and the nicer parts of NorCal aren't that cheap either. Redding is fairly affordable, but doesn't really match what you want at all.
NC is a bit of a mishmash. The OP probably wants to take a look at Asheville, but that's similar COL to Denver. But it's otherwise a pretty good fit. Other places?
Well, good question. Ithaca NY is worth a look, or maybe Saratoga if you're looking at VT anyway. Pioneer Valley in MA.
Medford/Ashland is almost certainly worth a visit, just be aware that Medford is THE city for hours in any direction.
My husband's family lives in the Denver-Ft Collins area and at one point it was much cheaper there - that isn't really true anymore, costs have gone up quite a bit, so it should be about a wash in cost of housing. Rentals are hard to come by, due to the low vacancy rate. I think the median house price in Denver is around $300,000 and the median price in Ashland is $350,000 (which is why a lot of people buy in Talent, Phoenix and Medford where the median price is $215,000, $210,000, $240,000, respectively).
You'd probably prefer Ashland, given all your criteria - personally, I'd pick the south end of town (but not right around the university) to be out of the tourist crush in and around the Plaza. There is a high price premium for living in Ashland, compared to the surrounding towns. A lot of people live in Talent, down the hill for cheaper housing and walk or bike into Ashland for events. One of the nice things about Ashland is that there aren't very many chains, or at least not big box stores. Sure, there is a (single) Starbucks, a really nice Ace hardware and a Safeway (edit: oops, that is a Haggens now), but most everything else is local. The big box stores are 15-20 minutes away in Medford.
By my reckoning on the months (which have less to do with the calendar and more to do with temps/sun), winter is cool, overcast, damp and foggy from Nov-to mid-March, when the longer sun breaks start. Spring is March, April, mid-May, summer lasts until the beginning of Sept, fall is Sept, Oct. Summers can be hot, with an average of 10-12 days above 100° and a lot of temps in the 90s. The last 3 summers have been the hottest on record (accurate records go back to 1911 here).
Petty crime is a problem in the valley, along with homelessness (because of the mild climate), drugs and poverty. Much of the crime is caused by drug users - you do not leave you car or house or garage unlocked here or your bike on the porch, not even in relatively low-crime Ashland.
Last edited by PNW-type-gal; 09-03-2015 at 10:11 AM..
Reason: Haggens not Safeway
Some misinformation here about the Medford/Ashland area. First, it absolutely is not 100+ degrees for 6 months out of the year. It isn't Arizona. It is usually in the 90's in the valley during July and August with about a week or two hitting triple digits. However, that's when you hit the mountains where it is usually 10-20 degrees cooler than in the valleys. That is where you would be hiking anyway.
Second, not sure what was meant by "it would be too small for you." The Medford/Ashland area is bigger than Eureka/Arcata. It also has way more entertainment and shopping opportunities.
Third, the Rogue Valley is not super rednecky. The area as a whole leans slightly Republican, although less so than in the past. Jackson County actually voted narrowly for Obama in 2008. Besides, Ashland is every bit as liberal as Arcata if not more so. It also has a university, something the last poster seems to have overlooked.
Eureka/Arcata is a nice enough place to visit in the summer. But the economy there is horrible and the winters are extremely dreary. But to each their own, I guess.
Well, historical weather data can be had on the internet, so if the OP doesn't like hot summers he/she can research it. I just wanted to give a heads-up. OP, just be aware that you should think twice whenever everyone says it "only gets into the triple digits.....x amount of days or weeks..." LOL. Translation - it is normal to get triple digit days in the summer. If that's okay with you, and all of the days that are just under triple digits are okay with you, great. Just keep it in mind and when you get serious about moving anywhere, really research the weather data. I believed these types of claims about Redding before I moved there, and reality was way harsher. Just check it out for yourself.
As far as Ashland and Medford being glommed into one area - they are so different to me. Ashland is to Medford what Davis, CA is to Sacramento. They are so different. But, you're right as far as there being a lot to do in Medford that would not be far away from Ashland. But, Ashland itself is pretty small. I was differentiating between Medford and Ashland as separate towns. I haven't been through that area in a long time, but my memory is that they were vastly different as far as the population and the look and feel in comparison to each other.
I think the OP would be very amazed at how affordable Eureka is, even though it's on the coast. People assume all of CA is super expensive, but it's not.
I do want to reiterate that I find Oregonians, as a rule, to be much friendlier than Californians, though. I have no idea why, but it's really noticeable every time I go into Oregon to go shopping or get gas. People in the grocery stores actually say "Excuse me" when they have to pass your cart. The last time I was at Fred Meyer in Brookings, people either held doors for me or said excuse me several times. And that's normal.
I also prefer Oregon's gun laws, but that's another story LOL. I know, a Democrat that is pro-guns. Go figure.
Thank you so much everyone! This is all very helpful and more than I expected. The weather really is not an issue. As someone said, if it's too hot I head to the mountains or into the water for paddling.
I was amazed that these other areas were mentioned: Eureka, Ithaca, Saratoga, and Asheville. Those are all places I have wondered about, especially northern California (which is appealing too due to its close proximity to may paddleable rivers and mecca of outdoors opportunities (or so it appears!). I was thinking northern CA would be too expensive (LOL!) I will look into those areas too. I actually once almost applied to a job at Humboldt University. I have visited Asheville and Ithaca and like both.
Thank you again for taking time to respond to me. I appreciate that!
All the best to you!
Annie
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