Oregon coast questions (Portland, Eugene, Salem: vacation home, school, maintenance)

[movedintime]

Originally Posted by Tulippsy

It’s not just Coos Bay, OP, but pretty much the entire state of Oregon has rapidly escalating real estate prices. Higher end homes are increasing more slowly but the lower priced homes, especially in the 200’s are in high demand. I’m sure our friendly, local, fount of real estate knowledge Silverfall, could chime in and tell you more. I think that might be pretty much the case across the mainland, save for a few pockets. I know for sure the same thing is going on in south Florida, where we relocated from.

For example, three years ago my husband and I retired and relocated to Portland from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We discovered the COL to be virtually the same. We bought a 2/2 condo - 1100 sq. feet in the low 200’s, on the far west side. Less than a year later we sold and made a roughly 70k. We did do some remodeling but didn’t spend close to that.

Next we moved to Jacksonville, Oregon and into an over 55 manufactured home community. Again, we stayed a year. We bought in the mid 90’s and sold for 175k. A fourteen year old manufactured home. In a park.

Now we are on the southern Oregon coast. I hope this one is it. I am deliriously happy here. We are in another manufactured home, which is all we can afford. It’s a beautiful, large home in a lovely setting. 2 minutes to the beach and there is ALWAYS parking. Free parking.

The coast is not for everybody, but the other retired people I have met here are all very content. Save for one gent who is angry they won’t build a casino in town. 😊. Thank goodness!

Wow ! That is quite a story. I don't think I have the nerve to move around that much at this point in life. Kinda makes me nervous reading your adventures, but a BIG Congratulations on finding your happy spot. My wife nor I mind the rain. We are over 200 inches a year here and it's fine, in fact hardly notice it. On the same hand I do have to say, when it rains here it is still 80 degrees. So I think that does play a part.

I think we both would be very happy and content back on the coast. As I mentioned we did live there for a short time years ago and had no complaints, in fact enjoyed it very much. Just an offer came up, so we left. Looks like our timing may not be the best with regards to what you say about rising home prices recently though.

As far as manufactured homes go, I think they're great. Being retirement age, I'm not really hoping for appreciation in 30 years...hahaha

Just kinda want to confirm if possible. Coos is not becoming a destination town is it ?

[PNW-type-gal]

Originally Posted by movedintime

Coos is not becoming a destination town is it ?

Emphatically not. Population in the cities of Coos Bay and North Bend has been pretty much flat since 1990, with the population increases going to the small beach towns nearby and not Coos Bay. Unemployment is also fairly high, even compared to counties/cities outside the Willamette Valley.

[seashelly]

Destination or stop-over for RVers? Seems like it.

[pdxMIKEpdx]

Coos is not becoming a destination town is it ?

The only discussion about Coos Bay seems to be here on City-Data, and it seems to be mostly negative.

I don't think I have ever heard anybody here in the Portland area talk about Coos Bay intentionally.

[seashelly]

Originally Posted by pdxMIKEpdx

The only discussion about Coos Bay seems to be here on City-Data, and it seems to be mostly negative.

I don't think I have ever heard anybody here in the Portland area talk about Coos Bay intentionally.

Lol, and vice-versa.

[movedintime]

Sounds great !

Not interested in the next boom town. It has happened to many times to us already.

Just a peaceful town with natural beauty all around.

Now I sure hope Coos doesn't hit the "Best Place to Live and Retire magazines" for at least 20 years.



But with the humor of the Oregonians postings here on city-data. Who wouldn't want to be around a happy attitude.

[Nurse Bishop]

What do you think will happen the next time the economy goes flotbot like it did in 2008?

[movedintime]

Originally Posted by Nurse Bishop

What do you think will happen the next time the economy goes flotbot like it did in 2008?

Really don't know what you're suggesting ??? The term flotbot is a new one on me. Can only guess you mean ti_ts up. If the economy goes how it went and does what it did, then I'll probably do what I do. I don't wait and worry about the next earth quake. I think those that keep smiling win.

Now if I guessed the meaning of flotbot incorrectly............oops.

[Metlakatla]

Baby boomers are retiring in record numbers, California is burning -- I think Coos Bay will be a destination of sorts sooner than later, especially as available coastal properties elsewhere become scarcer and more expensive.

[Silverfall]

Oregon is one of the most moved to states in the US for several years running. Yes, California sends us the most people. Hawaii sends a lot as well. So we have this huge influx of people moving here. It is disproportionate as Bend and Portland are getting most of those people.

Salem is getting some as well, and then we are getting a lot of Portland escapees.

The coastal properties are increasing in price more than you would expect, I think, due to retirees coming from many different places. People have a very romanticized notion of what they think Oregon is. Sometimes that works well and they fall in love with Oregon and sometimes they buy a home and sell it two years later when they realize they can't handle the gray skies.

Personally I think Coos Bay has a lot of potential as a city, but it has issues to overcome. I think of it the same way I think of Klamath Falls although I think Coos Bay government realizes they have to diversify their economy/improve the city to start turning that city around and attract people to the city.