Best place to retire on the coast (Portland, Bend: rentals, how much)

[PNW-type-gal]

Originally Posted by subarugeorge

Thank you for your advice. I have heard that is definitely a problem with not living on the coast full time. I also see why the coast may not be the best place for a lot of people. We do like the quiet lifestyle the coast offers, but we are a little concerned about everything you mentioned as well. Im thinking a condo be an easier sell than property or a house if we build on it later. Our plan is to live on the coast for 8-9 months and in Utah for winter, so hopefully we avoid the worst weather that makes people want to move away?

In that case, rent first before you buy anything. 9 months on the coast would mean that you would see the cold, damp, overcast and rainy weather and if that is something you don't want, buying first is not a good idea.

Coast properties take a lot of maintenance from the salt air and extreme damp.

[Nell Plotts]

I agree that a condo would be your best option for seasonal occupancy. Keep in mind that salt air is very corrosive to hardware in a home. Look at older condos so that you can evaluate maintenance.

[pdxMIKEpdx]

Keep in mind that salt air is very corrosive to hardware in a home. Look at older condos so that you can evaluate maintenance.

Years ago I succumbed to the "living on the coast " dream.
Bought a small home in a place called "Bayshore", which is on the north side of the Alsea river where it enters the sea.
Right next to Waldport.

It was great because of the access to the Alsea because I am a hard core fisherman, but I sold it after two years because maintenance was a misery.

If you don't keep up with it, the outside of your house will disintegrate in no time.

In my working life, I was a electrical/mechanical engineer working in the aerospace industry.
I remember reading a BOEING spec that said the most amount of salt laden sea air falls within one mile of the coast.

[leastprime]

#3

Originally Posted by subarugeorge

Is the weather that much different a mile or so out from the coast? We would consider that but would really enjoy a place with an ocean view.
weather in the hot months can be different, literally block by block, (ocean side to inland).
Think cooler west of 101 and warmer east of 101. Traditional Spring and Fall are long and gorgeous.
Jobs wont be a concern as we will both be retired, i dont really want too touristy which is why roads ends is nice because you dont get the LC traffic.. but would like to not live in a town of 1000 people or less either

yes,

[rtg143]

Check Pacific Homes Beach club in Newport. You own the land and the HOA fees are only $122 a month which includes water and sewer. Right across HWY 101 from the beach. It's secure and many stay here only in the summer.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3...60356143_zpid/

https://martekrealestate.com/listing...65-mls19-2190/

https://martekrealestate.com/listing...65-mls19-2459/

[subarugeorge]

Thanks for the suggestion, but not really looking for a 55+ community. We ideally would find a nice lot on a bluff a mile or so out with an ocean view, that we could buy now and build on when we retire. There don't seem to be too many of these out there, or i am not looking in the right place. Closer to the ocean is fine, but as many of you have mentioned the maintenance can be intense. I have looked at Neskowin but its a little isolated, Newport and LC are the right size for us.

[Cloudy Dayz]

Originally Posted by subarugeorge

Thanks for the suggestion, but not really looking for a 55+ community. We ideally would find a nice lot on a bluff a mile or so out with an ocean view, that we could buy now and build on when we retire. There don't seem to be too many of these out there, or i am not looking in the right place. Closer to the ocean is fine, but as many of you have mentioned the maintenance can be intense. I have looked at Neskowin but its a little isolated, Newport and LC are the right size for us.

I don't see too many of those either. I do see small developments here and there on hillsides overlooking the ocean, but I expect those were built out a very long time ago, maybe as long as 70 or 80 years ago. I would guess that over 95% of houses on the coast are built on street grids, with no views of the ocean. But if you can find a property like that to develop, go for it. It should be a very valuable real estate. I would say Waldport, Yachats, Gold Beach, and Brookings would be your best bet to find ocean view real estate.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Originally Posted by subarugeorge

....... We ideally would find a nice lot on a bluff a mile or so out with an ocean view, .

The last time I was in Yachats, there were several very nice in-fill lots available up on the hills with an ocean view. In a very good clean neighborhood. Often they don't have a real estate agent sign on them. You might have to get into your car and drive around and look.

[subarugeorge]

Originally Posted by Cloudy Dayz

I don't see too many of those either. I do see small developments here and there on hillsides overlooking the ocean, but I expect those were built out a very long time ago, maybe as long as 70 or 80 years ago. I would guess that over 95% of houses on the coast are built on street grids, with no views of the ocean. But if you can find a property like that to develop, go for it. It should be a very valuable real estate. I would say Waldport, Yachats, Gold Beach, and Brookings would be your best bet to find ocean view real estate.

I've never been down to Gold Beach and Brookings, but we are planning a trip next summer to the south coast! Still trying to stay closer to Portland or Eugene.. We'll keep an open mind though!

Originally Posted by oregonwoodsmoke

The last time I was in Yachats, there were several very nice in-fill lots available up on the hills with an ocean view. In a very good clean neighborhood. Often they don't have a real estate agent sign on them. You might have to get into your car and drive around and look.

We will stay in Waldport in December for a few days, and will def go check out the hills in Yachats, we have only driven though once and stopped at a cafe, but loved the feel of the place! Thanks!

[Hawk J]

About 15 years ago an online friend of mine had a real nice condo by a marina, with nearby boat slip, in Waldport.
Later i heard he sold it for $125,000. Back then the prices were reasonable.