I would appreciate hearing from folks that know or live in the SW area of Oregon regarding livability for a young retiree. Any areas around Grants Pass or Klamath Falls or other locations recommended (or not)? I live in Western WA and still want some rain but not really dry and hot as some of the valleys can get. Grants Pass appears to be a good compromise with an elevation around 900'. I don't want isolation and not live in a highly developed area. I understand that the SW of Oregon is generally more conservative in views which suits me. I know that other Western parts of the State are a Socialists train wreck. Washington has good and bad, so I am not wishing for Utopia. My first considerations were the American SW States where I lived for 30 years but long-term drought is now a real concern. Any input is welcomed and appreciated. You can tell me I am crazy to consider it and that is appreciated also. Hopefully I don't need to shit can the whole idea, but the general area has important qualities that I appreciate. I understand lots of weed growing which may be a problem but maybe not (I don't know). They have Recreational MJ use here and I don't see problems but do see people making bank on the sales. Would you recommend Eastern Oregon or Washington instead? If yes anyplace in particular? I may build a house if it makes sense to do when I get to that decision point. Thanks for reading my post. We have a great bank of knowledge and experience on this site which I always find useful and keeps me up to speed on things outside my day-to-day World.

As long as you’re outside the Portland metro area and Eugene I don’t think you can go wrong in Oregon. Life is still good here, lots of stuff to do, and small towns are very conservative.

I would add Roseburg, Prineville, The Dalles, Pendleton, and La Grande to your list. All beautiful places with lots to do nearby if you like outdoor recreation. As you mentioned drought do be aware K Falls is the midst of one that isn’t likely to get better, but it is beautiful area.

I appreciate your valuable insight and comments.

Just stay away from Portland, Eugene, Springfield, Bend, and Ashland.  

The best way would be come visit and see where you like.

Agree on all accounts.

We moved back to Oregon 3 years ago for work and to be closer to some family.  Now retired.  Live south of Coos Bay but in from the ocean a ways. Get rain but not the heat or cold of Grants Pass, Medford or Roseburg.

We do go to Roseburg for Costco.  Sometimes to Grants Pass.  From my observations, I prefer Roseburg.

The smaller the community, the more conservative it will be.  Trade off is longer distances for some shopping.

My wife and I are recent retirees.  We bought in unincorporated Washington County 20 years ago anticipating retirement.  We had several qualifiers when my wife's company transferred us up to OR and we were looking for a home.

1. Single story home under 10 years old.  Stairs become a hazard as you get older, no matter what shape you are in.  Homes were also extremely affordable here 20 years ago.

2. We didn't want to be on acreage.  We were moving from 2000' up in the Sierras and had a rural property.  Maintaining a large property is not what I want to do in retirement.

3. We wanted to be no more than 30 minutes from a good hospital/emergency medical facility.  Crap will happen when you get older, no matter what your physical shape/health.

4. We wanted to be no more than 60 minutes from an airport.

5. We looked at crime stats and property tax rates in the areas we were interested in.  Even 20 years ago we knew to stay away from Multnomah and Clackamas county. Yamhill county was our second choice, but it was too long of a commute for my wife.

That's a gross oversimplification about Clackamas County.  It's almost 2000 square miles and encompasses everything from SE Metro (Wilsonville, Tualatin) to Timberline Lodge. Plenty of great areas in there.

Absolutely not an oversimplification.  I'm sure you read the first line I wrote, " We bought in unincorporated Washington County 20 years ago anticipating retirement.  We had several qualifiers when my wife's company transferred us up to OR and we were looking for a home."      

20 years ago taxes were and probably still are less in Washington County.  

Sure, crime in West Linn and Lake Ego are lower than Oregon City and Clackamas, but overall crime in the PDX Metro area of Clackamas county is higher than the PDX Metro area of Washington County.

The comments are very much appreciated. I was also considering a close look at the Roseburg area. I will also look inland a bit from Coos Bay. A great forum of helpful brothers

Why are you moving from Washington to Oregon? I think politically they are almost the same and the weather can be pretty close, depending on the exact area. Just seems like a lot of work to move and not really see a major change.

Rogue River area is pretty nice. Unfortunately we've been getting some undesirable transplants lately. Mostly druggies from the Portland area and Commiefornia it seems.

RR is unfortunately more expensive to live in than Medford or Grants Pass.

Wimer (part of RR in Evans Valley) is more likely to get snow in the winter

Roseburg is about 5-6 degrees cooler usually in my experience than Medford, and gets a bit more rain. Housing is high anywhere near I-5. You might check out Sutherlin as well, just a little north of Roseburg. There are a lot of homes going in there, but it’s still a quiet town.

Lol! The only reason to avoid Ashland is the RE costs. There are nut jobs here but they are the minority. We have a very active shooting community.

I’ve lived in Ashland and Talent, I stand by my statement.

Enjoy your liberal hippy college town. (Shakespeare nuts included.)

Anyone with experience living in the SW Oregon Coastal "banana belt"? From Brookings to Florence? The Climate appears conducive to comfort and health.

Anything on the coast is wet, rusty and cold. I hate the coast. I do prefer the high desert though.

Roseburg is probably more banana belt than the coast. It's basically a bowl. Doesn't really get too hot or too cold most of time. North and south of Roseburg tends to have more extreme weather.

I live on the south coast. It is pretty isolated.

Coos Bay and north is a bit more populated. Florence area is nice.

Jesus OP. You gonna move here or just keep flirting with us. A year!??

Use to live in Brookings. On the coast just across the boarder from the COMMIE hell hole of Cal.  As a younger person (then) I did have much to do for enjoyment. I worked at the mill 60+ hour a week. Went back it to the service and made it a career. I live in Washington county now. Was was back down there for vacation 2 years ago and love it. I'm considering moving back down there after I retire again.

you forgot Bend on your list, lots of silicone valley transplants. you might as well as add Salem, the city passed a to tax that will tax all workers to include those that do not live in Salem but work there. True taxation without representation.