medford or grants pass (Beaverton, Roseburg: home, construction, camping)

[corntired2]

I have been looking to move to oregon from illinois for some time and have narrowed it down to medford or gp, or cave junction. not sure which would be good for a job and land. would like to hear from someone there who knows the area. I'm used to the difference in weather[cold in the winter -0 to hot 100+ in the summer with humidity] .I have family in N.Ca. So i would be close ,but want to live in OR. I,m good with construction,mechanics,hvac,ect. So does it sound like i could do good there. I dont need to live in a mansion, so a small house,or small plot would work well.

[Cornerguy1]

You may want to narrow down your needs/wants a little.

You've named 3 potential living spots that are like comparing apples to oranges to pineapples.

Medford has a population of around 75,000, Grants Pass checks in at about 24,000, while Cave Junction has about 1400.

There are huge differences in lifestyle, especially between the the first 2 destinations and the latter.

[mdvaden]

My view is partially based on that we like the ocean a lot. So when we were near Medford, we decided to move west of mid-Medford.

We chose Ruch in Applegate Valley, which has a Jacksonville address, and were just 15 minutes from Medford. Applegate Valley appears to be the ultimate climate in that area, with similar warm season length, but 27 inches of rain rather than the parched 19 inches of Medford or Ashland. And its close to Medford work, and in reach of Grants Pass work. Ruch was a better climate than even Grants Pass.

Cave Junction is its own little culture. I like visiting, but would not like living there.

Applegate Valley, Jacksonville and Grants Pass are 2 hours or less drive from the redwoods and Oregon coast. I drove there every 2 weeks for hiking, walks or camping.

The forest is so nice to the west, I still go to the redwoods every 8 weeks or so, even from Beaverton here to the north.

Imagine forest like what you see below, a short drive away. Applegate Valley is also close to many Rogue River National Forest and Red Buttes Wilderness hikes that are relaxing in Spring and Autumn. Then the Rogue River is near running throught Grants Pass, with the Smith River not too far away on 199 going toward Crescent City.

There can be more work in Medford. But if income was not a criteria, I'd probably take Grants Pass for living in a city more central. And Applegate Valley for a more rural spot nearby.

[seti]

We settled in West Grants Pass and have lived in the same place for 24 years. Hard to believe how fast the time went.

We also love the coast and found a great beach that is almost right off the 199 where it dumps into N CA called Kellogg Beach. You can drive your 4x4 or SUV right onto the sand, nice place to fish and hunt for agates.

Since we are on the outskirts of Grants Pass and only about a mile or so from the Redwood Highway it is really enjoyable not to have to drive another 45 minutes when coming back from the coast. We are currently selling our home and if you want to see some great pics of the area we live check the website in my profile.

As far as jobs go, like every where else it's a tough market. The hospital is the largest employer in the county. When we moved here in 1985 it was a tough market as well, (Did not stop me from finding jobs) I pretty much made up my mind I would much rather live in Grants Pass than Medford. Cave Junction would be the hardest of all to make a living unless you do not mind a commute through the mountains in the winter.

[nanannie]

speactacular property seti.
I bet it will be difficult to move away from that.

[freedom]

Grants pass is up to 31,000.

[corntired2]

Thank you for your information. Other towns are a definite and I know i will probably have to commute ,so it is no problem, till I find a prefered place.
mdvaden thank you for the pic, I drove through the red woods a few years ago,Iforgot how beautiful they really are.
Jobs are really my number one priority ,ones that pay more than min wage.

[corntired2]

For the past few years, I have been back to Oregon to explore the towns and do research, but i'm still drawn to Grantspass! every time, but i seem to also put Roseburg as a secondary place. just wondering about more of the towns around Roseburg. It seems to be in the center of the beach,willimette valley ,and two major towns. Any views would be appreciated!

[Terryj]

Roseburg sits in the Umpqua Valley, the Willimette Valley is about 100 miles north of Roseburg. There are a number of small town that surround Roseburg, Sutherlin, Wilbur, Glide and Winston.

The Roseburg area was very dependent on timber and when that went away for the most part the town has really struggled to re-invent itself. Like most of S. Oregon, Roseburg, Grants Pass and Medford are economically depressed, they been this way for years and I really don't expect things to change much.

[NWbyNW]

Roseburg is a struggling town to some degree. The economy is limited and revolves around the timber industry and service sector. There is decent shopping in Roseburg, but like the counties south of it, it is struggling. It is in a pretty area though and near lots of recreation.

Roseburg is rather ISOLATED to other major cities and towns in Oregon, which may be something you like. Certainly not something some people like if they like being able to choose between two Walmarts or eight McDonalds because they like one more then another. The drive on 42 is a long and isolated one till you hit the Pacific Ocean. Insterstate 5 is also pretty lonely both north and south until you hit a small pocket of civilization.


Roseburg, Oregon

A problem in the summer is that sometimes wildfire smoke from California collects in this area and can leave a hot, smokey haze throughout most of inland southern Oregon. It can make the area feel like a sauna as temps rise past the 100 degree mark due to the hot red smoke trapping heat.

I guess I didn't paint that rosy of an image. There is truly nothing wrong with Roseburg if you like somewhat isolation from choices. You got services in the town and limited shopping. But nature abounds and there is plenty of recreation to behold!