Introductory Post - Stuck in CA looking to relocate

[getaclue]

Hi Jileen. I totally understand the "not able to have chickens here" thing. We rented for years, and I coudln't have my chickens on our property. We finally did get our dream home, and built a great coop/run for my chickens. I hope you get to realize your dream soon too. Glad you decided to join.

 

[RodNTN]

Hello there! And It is wonderful to have you here with us, best wishes!

 

[Killer Tomato]

I'm in the Cascades of Oregon, a California transplant (aren't we all?), and I love it up here. Except the Winter does last a LONG time -- a really long time. I've been in Oregon for 11 years, and I start dreading the Winters sometime around the end of August, only because I know the beautiful weather will be gone in two months, replaced by constant wet and grey.

The Oregon coast actually has more sunny days than the Willamette Valley, so maybe Seaside and Astoria won't be that bad? I dunno. Just be prepared. Those "happy lights" are only $30 at Costco. You and your chickens might need it!

One thing no one told me before I moved to Oregon, it gets really cold here too! Everyone talked about the rain, but no one said, "Oh, yeah, it snows, too!" When I moved, I didn't even own a windbreaker! Now I have parkas, wool coats, snow boots, rain boots, and of course, two pairs of Uggs, which have NEVER gone out of style in Oregon (Summer or Winter).

I could never have bought a house anywhere but a homeless camp in California on a teacher's salary though -- so I can deal with the rain and grey.

Good luck!

 

[Jilleen]

Good luck in relocating and reestablishing a flock. Welcome to BYC.

I'm in the Cascades of Oregon, a California transplant (aren't we all?), and I love it up here. Except the Winter does last a LONG time -- a really long time. I've been in Oregon for 11 years, and I start dreading the Winters sometime around the end of August, only because I know the beautiful weather will be gone in two months, replaced by constant wet and grey.

The Oregon coast actually has more sunny days than the Willamette Valley, so maybe Seaside and Astoria won't be that bad? I dunno. Just be prepared. Those "happy lights" are only $30 at Costco. You and your chickens might need it!

One thing no one told me before I moved to Oregon, it gets really cold here too! Everyone talked about the rain, but no one said, "Oh, yeah, it snows, too!" When I moved, I didn't even own a windbreaker! Now I have parkas, wool coats, snow boots, rain boots, and of course, two pairs of Uggs, which have NEVER gone out of style in Oregon (Summer or Winter).

I could never have bought a house anywhere but a homeless camp in California on a teacher's salary though -- so I can deal with the rain and grey.

Good luck!

Thanks so much for the info! It is all helpful and appreciated. I know what you mean "homeless camp in California" is also all we would be available to afford in the Golden State! Looking forward to being a fellow "transplant" in the future!

I will check in to the "Happy Lights" - seems like I (and any chickens) will need it! Thanks again.

 

[Jilleen]

Sorry still new to operating the features of this site. It's quite a bit different than what I am use to...

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. I am happy to join such an awesome community of backyard chicken enthusiast.

 

[Killer Tomato]

To be honest, the "Happy Lights" didn't work for me. I found that I have to psyche myself into *liking* the rain, and the opportunities that Winter brings (less people in the outdoors, hiking, so the dogs can be off leash more, perfect excuse to sit inside and be crafty or creative, etc).

Another Oregon surprise: Everyone here waters their lawn in the Summer! I thought Oregon lawns were just green because it rained in the Summer too. Not so -- they watered like crazy. As a Californian, I had the deadest lawn on the block, I just couldn't bring myself to overcome habits of a lifetime.

And yes, everyone is really *that* nice. I still say that I'm the meanest person in the state!

 

[ronott1]

To be honest, the "Happy Lights" didn't work for me. I found that I have to psyche myself into *liking* the rain, and the opportunities that Winter brings (less people in the outdoors, hiking, so the dogs can be off leash more, perfect excuse to sit inside and be crafty or creative, etc).

Another Oregon surprise: Everyone here waters their lawn in the Summer! I thought Oregon lawns were just green because it rained in the Summer too. Not so -- they watered like crazy. As a Californian, I had the deadest lawn on the block, I just couldn't bring myself to overcome habits of a lifetime.

And yes, everyone is really *that* nice. I still say that I'm the meanest person in the state!

What a nice critique of Oregon!

I would move there but I have read some articles that say Oregon is not retirement friendly

 

[Killer Tomato]

I don't know -- I have in-laws in Florence, which is a retirement community of sorts on the coast. I am in Oakridge, which is also an *older* population. Both are small towns, and somewhat easy for fixed income folks, I guess. Florence would be better, as it has a hospital (and casino!), and more choices for shopping.

 

[ronott1]

I don't know -- I have in-laws in Florence, which is a retirement community of sorts on the coast. I am in Oakridge, which is also an *older* population. Both are small towns, and somewhat easy for fixed income folks, I guess. Florence would be better, as it has a hospital (and casino!), and more choices for shopping.

There was another retirement article that did not list Oregon in the bottom 15 of States to retire too!

I love Florence Oregon. It is one of my favorite places to go to.

 

[Jilleen]

So, we plan and plan... and life laughs and says "oh, yeah." We are finally in the process of buying a home in Oregon (like escrow stages), but it's no where near what we had "planned" on. Anyhow - Eugene, Oregon here we come! I can't wait to start our flock!!