I have 5 days to figure this mess out and desperately need help figuring out where to go. I have done a ton of research and everything that I can come up with for my needs seem to point to Eugene OR. I lived all over Colorado most of my life which includes Boulder and Fort Collins. Fort Collins is more of my type of fit for community and type of folks there. I have just spent the last 3 years in Vegas, which I absolutely hate, but between Vegas and CO, I have definitely gotten use to the sun. From posts I have put up on other boards and researching the weather in Eugene, I am concerned if I can truly adjust to living in that kind of weather long term. I am trying to mentally convince myself that I can do it, but I really don't know. Financially I have one chance to move myself from Vegas and make this work. If I found out after I get somewhere that I don't like it, I am stuck there because I will not be able to pick myself up and move again for a while because of financial reasons. So I have to get this right, and like I mentioned, I have 5 days to figure it out. Coming out for a visit to see it first, then coming back to move isn't an option for me either. I have been digging around night and day on the net trying to find the right spot and absolutely nothing else is coming up except the Oregon area, and more importantly Eugene sounds kind of the closest to what I am use to in Fort Collins. I should also point out that I don't have a car, so I will heavily rely on public Transportation and mostly riding my bike. That's what threatens my thought process so much about going to Eugene because I will in fact be in the elements full time riding a bicycle. Having never been there, I really am clueless about how bad the weather might be on a regular basis biking. I am wondering if maybe there may be a better place in Oregon for my needs. I like that it is a college town which usually means educated community. Work is not an issue for me where ever I go and not a factor at all in making my decision because I have a guaranteed income every month (fixed low income), and don't need to worry about finding work. Reasonable rent prices are a factor, as I am looking to find a studio or 1 bedroom apt. for $600 a month or less. I am also very 420 friendly, and a huge factor in finding the right place to live for accessibility, community tolerance, and not such strict laws against possession less than an ounce kind of thing. I am also 42 years old, single, no kids, and would like to find a community where there is a lot to do or going on, and easy to fit right into the community as I am pretty much starting my life over at this age. Based off what I have shared, are there other places that I may be overlooking, or could you share any thoughts ideas with me that may help? I really am eager to get this figured out by the end of the weekend, so I could go ahead and get ready to move next week. Please, any ideas, suggestions, or comments would be very welcome! Thanks in advance!
Eugene is not the Mecca it once was. I suggest Portland instead. It is the most bike friendly city in America and they are very proud of it. They also have the best public transportation in America as well. Another thing they are proud of. Rent and the cost of living is real good as well. I used to rent a 4 bedroom house with 2 extra rooms in the basement for $875 a month and $600 studios/1 bdr Alta are a dime a dozen. My friends just scored a 37 acre farm just outside of town for $650 a month. Cost of living here is really cheap and have one of the best music scenes. Plenty to do here no matter what you are into. The weather? Don't sweat it. You be surprise how quick you get used to it. The green beauty in spring makes it worth it.
As for the OP and Eugene - it is VERY hard to find housing there. It's overpriced and the City has no civic pride, and therefore is incredibly rundown with a VERY high rate of bike thefts - probably second to Albuquerque. You might try Corvallis - it's in perfect condition, with MUCH less crime, cheaper rents, and better routes for cycling with less potholes, and more mountain biking. And, if you need public assistance, you'll face MUCH less competition in Corvallis compared to Eugene. Or, try Ashland, I'd have the same comments valid for both Corvallis and Ashland. Comment on oregon's corrupted land use system - Due to Oregon's Tyrannical Land Use laws, from the DLCD (Department of Land Conservation and Development, under Director Richard M. Whitman, and several commisioners, most notably Greg McPherson of Lake Oswego, and Jon VanLandingham of Eugene), you are not even allowed to live on a farm unless you make $80,000 a year in crops ! Since they are renting, I don't know if your friends would have to meet this law. So, I wish your friends well, but Oregon is definitely not the place to move and start farming as an entrepreneur. Try California or New Mexico if that's your interests. The REASON for this Oregon law is even MORE sickening. IT WAS TO STOP HIPPIES FROM BUYING FARMLAND !!! Oregon no longer has ANY tolerance for ANYONE who wants to move in and buy property for recreational (NO PUN INTENDED) enjoyment. It's now become a state For and By The Elite, just like Washington. Perhaps older hippies can say when this started happening. One major factor is a Professor Art Nelson at the University of Utah, who was instrumental in starting these Restrictions on Land Use in the 1970's. Portland and Eugene, and also Ashland, and Bend, and for that matter every city in Oregon is required by State Law and the DLCD to have an urban growth boundary. This drives rent prices up to very high levels, just as in many cities in Washington and California. The only places that I have found in OR and CA WITHOUT urban growth boundaries are some of the various towns along the Russian River in Sonoma County, California such as Guerneville. Joshua Tree, California probably doesn't have one either (have to check that). In summary the very rich political, transit, and real estate interests of both political parties have ruined most of the West for hippies and their allies seeking connections to nature and each other. Wealth has a place, but not everywhere! It only belongs in select communities like Lake Oswego, Orinda, and Bellevue, and those who are wealthy have no business imposing their urban growth boundaries on the rest of us !
Many call the Willamette Valley the Valley of Choking Death- from old indian lore. Never had allergies until I lived there, both my kids developed asthma... I won't go back there to live, suggest you think more on it.
I have only heard that once before, about a month ago. Roseburg is still small enough, I may know you. First name only please? I'm Sara.
