Looking for Retirement Heaven? I've found it!!

[wildcat]

Quote:

That continous drizzle rain drove me mad

Seems like southern or inland Oregon would be pretty nice if you wanted to go the Pac NW route. Less rainfall and moderate temperatures from what I hear. All I can say about the drizzle is you don't have to shovel it.

I thought the SW was pretty nice. Didn't think I would like the lack of green but I didn't mind. Of course the kicker is I was there when it was 85 and not 105

[Brat]

Wildcat: Shush your mouth!*

Ashland is THE liberal enclave in southern Oregon and is attractive to those who appreciate a college and performing arts community.* There is enough of a chill in the winter to let you know the season.* Summer is moderate.*

Medford, about 20 miles north, much more consertive politically.* Popular with retirees it has a Veteran's facility, airport, and usual small city resources.* Summer is warmer than Ashland, winter cold enough to set the fruit trees.

A rural lifestyle is possible in the surrounding areas but some residents are reputed to be reclusive.

Point Roberts, WA is a small community.*

[Spanky]

here is a link for house for sale:
http://www.pointrobertswashington.com/otherprop.htm.

[ShokWaveRider]

Is there an official Border Crossing Between Port Roberts and Canada, Border Security Etc.?

SWR

[Brat]

Usually staffed by the townies who know who belongs and who doesn't.* Local Customs/INS/Border Patrol can pick out a local in a blink - and know who to check for BC bud.*

Residents know the back gates and avoid I-5 at the border whenever they can.

One of my more interesting conversations was with a Border Patrol supervisor who reflected on the 'good old days' when their primary job was to pick up undocumented Mexicans picking apples and strawberries, and a Bogwan.* NOW they are going after bad guys!* Earning their early public safety retirement these days.

[laurence]

Took a vacation in Victoria one year. Used the Ferry service to get us and our Jeep over from the mainland, with several island stops along the way. I fell in love with all the little island communities that were so close to Seattle, Victoria, and Vancouver yet a million miles away. I would love to live there, but DW is not so sure. She thinks I should go sometime other than June and see if I still love it.

[sky]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShokWaveRider What about all that rain?* What is the Rainfall at the Point and how many hours of sunshine per year? SWR

I stay away from Point Roberts during the winter seasons for that exact reason. *Rains like crazy, and when the sun does show it's face it's gone before I get my clothe on! Spring & Fall is fine, and the Summers are just beautiful. I have a winter home in Florida and Arizona as of now.

[Brat]

If the worst you can say about a place is that it rains a lot in the winter you have found retirement heaven. Give me rain over heat and humidity, bitter cold, hurricanes or tornados.

In that vein... all it does is rain, rain, rain, rain. I am absolutely sure that the bridge the heaven is up!

[wildcat]

Brat -

What does Portland have to offer?

[cute fuzzy bunny]

I spent a lot of time in portland, even had a girlfriend there for a year. Warm humid summers, cold wet fall and spring, cold somewhat snowy winter. Nice restaurants. Lots of pretty scenery. Fair bit of decent culture. Lots of very bad traffic problems in some areas. Lots and lots and lots of rain.

[unclemick]

Hmmm

Forty years ago - Portland was one of those legendary places lost in the mists - drew girls from all over. Great place as I remember. Still has a lot going for it - retirement wise from what I've read - pac NW climate though. Hate to think what some of those old wood Victorian houses cost today.

[steinj]

Vancouver and Vancouver Island are definitely among the best places to retire. We go there quite often and will probably move to the island when we ER. Real estate is definitely appreciating quickly but there are still some less expensive spots. The climate on the island is great , the scenery is spectacular, people are low key and the pace of life is just right.


JoJo

[wildcat]

I need to be out West

[Brat]

Wildcat, I think YOU would like it.* The best way to evaluate the rain issue is to look at the stats.* Take our rain stories cum grosos saltos. However, consider the culture of Gov Tom McCall who proposed that visitors should be required to post bond that was returned upon departure.* * There is an attitude in the NW that new arrivals are to be discouraged.*

Portland is a 'dine out town', it is also a community of readers.* My daughter used to go on dates to Powell’s bookstore.* Housing isn't cheap, however.* The area has experienced significant population growth.

My bias is great public schools and at least the availability of cultural activities.

In addition to Ashland, Hood River is worthy of consideration.* Hood River is known for wind sailing, not cultural activities.* Google is moving to The Dalles, just east of Hood River.* Generally speaking the arrival of high tech improves the public schools.

Bend is also very popular and has grown like crazy.* Consider Sisters or Redmond.* Cold in the winter, hot in the summer, very little rain.*

The NW is dissected by the Cascade mountain range.* The mtns wring out moisture as the weather systems head east.* East of the mtns is a high plateau that is relatively arid.* The Columbia River Gorge is a wind tunnel.*

A little known part of Oregon is known as the Blue Mountains, near La Grand.* Take a ride down the Snake River between Oregon and Idaho at least once in your life.

Then there is Gold Beach and Brookings ...

[wildcat]

Thanks for the response Brat. I am going to OR for a short vacation. I will keep everything a secret & discourage others upon my return

[polloloco]

Victoria and Vancouver I are great to visit and live. Really enjoyed the ferry trips over and back through the San Juan Islands. Went to Vancouver also. Nice, but just another big city looking to take $$ from tourists. There are a tremendous number of people on the corners seeking a handout. I was really dissapointed in Chinatown. Really seem a seedy area compared to the main downtown area.

[Spanky]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildcat Thanks for the response Brat. I am going to OR for a short vacation. I will keep everything a secret & discourage others upon my return

Wildcat,

Do share with us about your visit. It would be nice to see if you think Oregon is a place for retirement.

Spanky

[Spanky]

Quote:

Originally Posted by polloloco .. I was really dissapointed in Chinatown. Really seem a seedy area compared to the main downtown area.

Most Chinatowns (e.g., San Francisco, Oakland, Chicago, LA, New York) are usually dirty and crowded.

[wildcat]

Quote:

Do share with us about your visit. It would be nice to see if you think Oregon is a place for retirement.

Will do Spanky but don't tell Brat. Gonna be one of those trips where ya just wing it and go anywhere.

[Brat]

Polloloco: Comax on Vancouver Island is popular for BC retirees. Vancouver is charming.

My issue with Vancouver Island is enviornmental: they don't treat their sewage.