Oregon coast questions (Portland, Coos Bay, Lincoln City: RV park, real estate, 2014)

[oregonwoodsmoke]

My house is in Yachats, I consider the coast from Yachats south to about halfway to Florence to be the most beautiful section of the coast.

Oregon is not famous for outstanding schools and the large population centers hog what school money there is, leaving the small towns badly underfunded.

Winters: either you enjoy the rain and function well in it, or you dont. I don't know what anyone can tell you about winter if you don't want to hear that it rains.

Newport is probably the town with the best variety of things to do nearby and it seems to me to be the town with the best shopping and the best mix of ages.

[Metlakatla]

Although I agree that Newport and North Bend are great options, there are towns on the coast with similar populations. Coos Bay is actually the largest, but I'm not sure I'd want to raise children there.

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

I lived many years close to Portland, Or, and recently for a couple years in Crescent City, Ca, just across the border from Brookings, OR on the coast.

I just want to mention, that even if you are prepared for a long, wet winter, what you may not have anticipated is another long, wet, overcast rest of the year.

Overcast, rainy weather is not limited to the winter months on the OR/PNW coast.

Whenever someone asks a question about living in this area, followed by...but don't tell me anything I don't want to hear, because I've already made up my mind....then it's clear you're already going to do whatever you want, regardless of any possible advice to the contrary.

if it was me, I would not move back to that region, and I don't have kids. But, you are probably also smart enough to know, that if you want good schools, they have to be in an area with money. And the coastal areas outside of any metropolitan areas (which pretty much excludes any coastal area in OR), will not have much money for good schools.

You should also be sure and research the domestic violence problems in any areas you might be interested in. Many of the coastal, low-income towns also have high incidences of domestic violence. So, these are the homes that your kids' friends will come from. And yes, this makes a huge difference in how they behave, etc.

Crescent City, CA has a major problem with this, as well as drugs. This is not an isolated problem on the PNW coast. And if you are thinking to dismiss this info because it's in CA, look at a map.

[wolfdog]

We've been on the central coast for 25 years, in a subdivision, 10 miles from town. In the early years, my job took me inside hundreds of homes, and one thing stood out. Homes get weather-beaten on the exterior, but the interiors are generally nicer. Many are 2nd homes, and empty for 9 months a year.
My wife has been substitute-teaching, and is not impressed, though it sure pays well. We didn't raise kids here. Would not do so.
When I retired, it gave us a whole different outlook on the area. Spent more time in the community. Got involved a bit with committees. We're not impressed with the liberal politics. It's like diversity run amok. High unemployment, low wages. Check the crime statistics. Walk around in Wal-Mart or Fred Meyer. We're just glad we don't live in town. And we're preparing to leave in the near future.

[Oasis_finder]

Originally Posted by NoMoreSnowForMe

I lived many years close to Portland, Or, and recently for a couple years in Crescent City, Ca, just across the border from Brookings, OR on the coast.

I just want to mention, that even if you are prepared for a long, wet winter, what you may not have anticipated is another long, wet, overcast rest of the year.

Overcast, rainy weather is not limited to the winter months on the OR/PNW coast.

Whenever someone asks a question about living in this area, followed by...but don't tell me anything I don't want to hear, because I've already made up my mind....then it's clear you're already going to do whatever you want, regardless of any possible advice to the contrary.

if it was me, I would not move back to that region, and I don't have kids. But, you are probably also smart enough to know, that if you want good schools, they have to be in an area with money. And the coastal areas outside of any metropolitan areas (which pretty much excludes any coastal area in OR), will not have much money for good schools.

You should also be sure and research the domestic violence problems in any areas you might be interested in. Many of the coastal, low-income towns also have high incidences of domestic violence. So, these are the homes that your kids' friends will come from. And yes, this makes a huge difference in how they behave, etc.

Crescent City, CA has a major problem with this, as well as drugs. This is not an isolated problem on the PNW coast. And if you are thinking to dismiss this info because it's in CA, look at a map.

Thank you for the information. It has helped she'd some light on some questions, I am looking for. Weather year round that is rainy and cold is what is desired, so it is good to hear! Thank you again

[Oasis_finder]

Thank you all for your shared facts, opinons, and personal experiences and view points. It is much appreciated!

[Oasis_finder]

Originally Posted by wolfdog

We've been on the central coast for 25 years, in a subdivision, 10 miles from town. In the early years, my job took me inside hundreds of homes, and one thing stood out. Homes get weather-beaten on the exterior, but the interiors are generally nicer. Many are 2nd homes, and empty for 9 months a year.
My wife has been substitute-teaching, and is not impressed, though it sure pays well. We didn't raise kids here. Would not do so.
When I retired, it gave us a whole different outlook on the area. Spent more time in the community. Got involved a bit with committees. We're not impressed with the liberal politics. It's like diversity run amok. High unemployment, low wages. Check the crime statistics. Walk around in Wal-Mart or Fred Meyer. We're just glad we don't live in town. And we're preparing to leave in the near future.

Thank you for the information, and bringing up the second home thought.

[Oasis_finder]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

I have a home on the Central Oregon Coast; my "job" is elsewhere, so I totally get it. You won't find many on this forum who do.

The Oregon Coast has a lot of retired people. The South Coast gets less tourists, if that makes a difference to you. Can't speak to the quality of the schools, sorry.

It doesn't sound like you'll flying out much, but FWIW, I use the Eugene airport because it's so much more convenient than PDX. I've never waited in line more than 15 minutes except for once. You might pay more, you might not, and it might not be as convenient for your destinations, but it sounds like you've got that figured out.

I'm not going to pretend to be an expert on coastal living, but I like Gold Beach, North Bend, Florence, and Astoria the best, but I'm not looking at it from the viewpoint of a parent, so YMMV. I hear there's lots of meth around in some places.

Are you looking for a more rural lifetyle or do you want to be in a town?

Thank you for getting what trying to ask. We are looking to be on the out skirts of a town and maybe inside a suburb of sorts.

[Cloudy Dayz]

Originally Posted by Oasis_finder

Thank you for getting what trying to ask. We are looking to be on the out skirts of a town and maybe inside a suburb of sorts.

Just wondering, have you ever visited the Oregon Coast?

[Silverfall]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

Although I agree that Newport and North Bend are great options, there are towns on the coast with similar populations. Coos Bay is actually the largest, but I'm not sure I'd want to raise children there.

Coos Bay doesn't have good schools which is why I didn't mention it. North Bend does and Newport has some decent ones.