BajaNomad

A way for me to afford more baja time

Woooosh - 4-3-2009 at 12:18 PM

on Saturday night you can buy an hour real cheap!

Diver - 4-3-2009 at 12:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
Got about 4-5 years left and then outward to more affordability and quality of life than SoCal.
I will still work, just in a different field, planning on photovoltaic installing.
In Oregon I would be looking in the Medford/Ashland area and in CO it would be Loveland/Fort Collins area.
I know there are a lot of seasoned travelers on here so I would love some input.
And, yes, I am open to insult;).


I have lived in or near both areas and would probably pick Ft Collins myself but that is a weather and culture choice; both areas are very nice.
Weather; Ft Collins is cold and dry - Ashland is moderate and more rainy.
Location; Ft Collins is near a large college, skiing, etc also near to Denver for big city stuff - Ashland is near the coast and lots of small mountains. Quite far from Portland or other big city stuff.

Ashland is becoming kinda artsy and has pretty good medical care for a city of it's size. Lot's of art and other festivals in town in the summer and the winters are bearable. Their renaisance fair is huge.

Ft Collins is anchored to the college and has very good services also.
Both have tons of good eateries and things to do.

Have you checked out health care costs in both states and elderly care availability etc ?
Not sure what your specific interests are ?
I would guess that Ashland is a bit cheaper place to live but not by much.

DENNIS - 4-3-2009 at 01:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Diver
Have you checked out health care costs in both states and elderly care availability etc ?


Frank...Have you ever considered that some day you'll be elderly? Most people don't think of that 'till they're already there. :lol:
Anyway, don't retire to anyplace that you have to put oil in your house.

vandenberg - 4-3-2009 at 01:38 PM

And...why not retire to Baja like a lot of us folks.
Over 20 years now and never a minute of regret.:biggrin:

Nature, fishing, golfing, desert, wildlife, birds, warm ocean, snorkeling, diving, beachcombing, boating and beautiful in general. All you have to do is lay back and enjoy it and stay healthy.:biggrin:

Sharksbaja - 4-3-2009 at 01:53 PM

It really is a trade-off isn't it. Would I have retired here if I hadn't moved here? Let me ponder that. Places surely change but it's the rate that determines what a "beautiful spot" will look like or behave like in ten years . Many people have left SoCal to retire in Ashland. It's a bit more progressive and "cleaner" than most other Oregon cities of comparable size. SoCal folks like it because of it's beautiful location and access to awesome recreational opportunities.

Winters can be long and nasty though and summers can be hot. It is especially beautiful in the fall. Actually, it's beautiful all year but you really get the seasons and the valley snowfall is usually shortlived.They have regular air alerts when inversion traps smoke & fills the valley from wood burning. I believe they now have requirements to stem the prob. I would say that services will be cheaper as compared to CO which is higher than LA.

As far as comfort goes, if you can put up with all kinds of weather and a less demanding lust for city entities you might love it. Of couse yer a tough guy, most of the ol sissies that move up here to retire choose a place with sunshine and surf. That would be Florence and south ! :lol:

Fishing is pretty good still for the most part. Will you? Perhaps and extended vacation is in order to scope out your choices. Visiting a place and actually living there can be a totally different experience as you probably know. Oregon is no different, Califonians struggle to live here because of a variety of issues and vice-versa.

You seem to have time to find that future place. Look carefully.

Woooosh - 4-3-2009 at 01:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
Can't say I am completely following you here. I am Irish and Italian, though.

Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
on Saturday night you can buy an hour real cheap!


Baja is an hour behind pacific time (DST) for another day- hence the hour comment. Time never seems to matter one hour down here-let alone the day of the week (once you get into a retirement routine).

DENNIS - 4-3-2009 at 02:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh

Baja is an hour behind pacific time (DST) for another day


Really? I had no idea. I just thought my TV was getting old.

castaway$ - 4-3-2009 at 02:52 PM

Ashland is overrated! I know I live in the Rogue valley and have lived here all my life, about 50 years. Don't get me wrong Ashland is nice but it is pretty much snobs and when you get that many togther they all have opinions. Ashland is expensive compared to the rest of the valley and their pretty fond of taxes. The Rogue Valley is a beautiful area especially if you love the outdoors you can drive 30 - 45 minutes in any direction and be in the mountains,along a river bank etc.... culturally the area has grown significantly well beyond the Shaksperean festival, the Britt festival is outstanding, there are vineyards, the Oregon coast is very close, good airport and some of the best medical on the west coast. Yes I'm biased but come up and I'll show you around. But I do have to admit,:yes: I WANT TO RETIRE IN BAJA!!!!!

vandenberg - 4-3-2009 at 04:10 PM

Soulpatch,
Didn't realize you had kids that young,
Of course that's a good reason to stay north of the line for healthcare and education.
And in your case, anywhere in the country is without doubt an improvement over southern california.:biggrin:

24baja - 4-3-2009 at 05:47 PM

Grants Pass, Medford, Central Point, Jacksonville, the Rogue & Applegate Valley's are our pick, I have lived in Grants Pass for 50 years this June, born and raised as Castaway$ said. I feel that both the Rogue and Applegate Valley's are some of the most beautiful places in the world, world class rafting, vineyards and winery's throughout, fishing and hunting abound. You could definately do worse than to settle here. Our only problem is that it is a 2 day drive to Bahia De Los Angeles and our fabulous home there. Good luck to you.

Diver - 4-3-2009 at 06:22 PM

With young kids, schools will be a factor.
The Ashland schools offer more than the other local towns such as Medford or Grants Pass.

I'm certain that the Fort Collins school options are better.
As a location to spend retirement between the ages of 52 and 62 (until the kids are off to college), I would think Fort Collins area has a lot more to offer.
Then you can move to Baja full time !

The Twins will be 5, right?

David K - 4-3-2009 at 06:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
Therefore my wife says I need access to amenities this side of the line.
And I would like to keep her my wife so I will listen this time!
Just remember, I am not going to be "old" at the time. 50, 52 at the latest.


Quote:
Originally posted by vandenberg
And...why not retire to Baja like a lot of us folks.
Over 20 years now and never a minute of regret.:biggrin:

Nature, fishing, golfing, desert, wildlife, birds, warm ocean, snorkeling, diving, beachcombing, boating and beautiful in general. All you have to do is lay back and enjoy it and stay healthy.:biggrin:



They grow up fast Frank!






[Edited on 4-4-2009 by David K]