Coastal Oregon without Concentration of Homeless? (Portland, Eugene: house, to buy, living in)

[Birddogjr]

Hello, I'm wondering if there are areas along the coast of Oregon that are less affected by homelessness? For example, I was looking into Coos Bay, but this topic often came up as being an issue in the region. I am very familiar with the severity in Portland, and am not interested in this area (I'm from Seattle and we have the same issue, which impacts property values, crime, etc.). I realize that this may come off as insensitive, but I'm simply inquiring in terms of overall quality of living in an area, as well as from an investment standpoint. I am not looking to invest in an area that will be overrun like Seattle and Portland, where residents worry about personal safety and property damage. Any suggestions for areas where homelessness is not a huge issue would be appreciated (not to say that there aren't any homeless, as this exists in any city; just to the extent where it's not a problem as described). Thank you!

[leastprime]

Forest Service and Lumber Company owned land, in Oregon, goes right up to the beach.
Last time I was at the Pacific City (2022), it looked pretty good, However, I'd be leery of going up a logging road or hidden areas of the Coastal rivers (little nestucca).

No idea on Central or South Coast Oregon.
YMMV

[Metlakatla]

You won't find Portland-level homelessness anywhere on the coast, at least not yet, but it's definitely there. You might look 10 or 15 miles inland rather than in the coastal towns themselves.

On the Central Coast, the homeless population is right up there with the lack of Trader Joe's and dry cleaners on the general (long and loud) list of complaints from the California retirees.

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

You won't find Portland-level homelessness anywhere on the coast, at least not yet, but it's definitely there. You might look 10 or 15 miles inland rather than in the coastal towns themselves.

On the Central Coast, the homeless population is right up there with the lack of Trader Joe's and dry cleaners on the general (long and loud) list of complaints from the California retirees.

While not living there, I visit often. I agree with Metlakatla that it's not a major issue like those other cities. All you have to do is visit the coast and stay a while to get a sense of things. Take a coastal trip starting at Cannon Beach and then head down until you get to Brookings. Each town is nice although small with varying degrees of services.

There are lots of retirees simply because there are no major industries beyond tourism, fishing and cheese production. Finding adequate medical services has always been the biggest challenge which sometimes requires trips to Portland for specialist treatments, etc...

Complaints from California and other retirees wanting/wishing for more services is endemic of small town living. Things move slower there including development of new services.

Derek

[oregonwoodsmoke]

I had a house in Yachats and no homeless there. I occasionally saw a homeless looking person in Waldport who seemed to be passing through. A few homeless in Newport, who also appeared to be passing through.

The weather on the coast is not comfortable for anyone who doesn't have good shelter. There is lots of rain and lots of wind, which can be fun but only if you have a warm dry place to sleep out of the weather.

There is not much to attract them, no soup kitchens or free shelters. Those things are located in the bigger cities and the homeless go to where they are well taken care of.

There is sometimes a person or two begging in the rest stops, but they don't appear to be actually homeless.

[TheTimidBlueBars]

Besides a few in Astoria, I've never noticed homeless people anywhere on the Oregon Coast (not to say they aren't there). Where I've seen them is the I-5 towns: Salem, Eugene/Springfield, Grants Pass, Medford, etc.

Incidentally, Astoria is the only place on the coast I'd have any interest in living --- lots to do in town for its size, and a cool industrial aesthetic. Then again I'm not looking to buy property.

[Cloudy Dayz]

Originally Posted by Birddogjr

Hello, I'm wondering if there are areas along the coast of Oregon that are less affected by homelessness? For example, I was looking into Coos Bay, but this topic often came up as being an issue in the region. I am very familiar with the severity in Portland, and am not interested in this area (I'm from Seattle and we have the same issue, which impacts property values, crime, etc.). I realize that this may come off as insensitive, but I'm simply inquiring in terms of overall quality of living in an area, as well as from an investment standpoint. I am not looking to invest in an area that will be overrun like Seattle and Portland, where residents worry about personal safety and property damage. Any suggestions for areas where homelessness is not a huge issue would be appreciated (not to say that there aren't any homeless, as this exists in any city; just to the extent where it's not a problem as described). Thank you!

There are homeless everywhere on the Oregon Coast. There are homeless everywhere in the US. I suggest you look outside the US. Iceland, Finland, and Japan would be good places to start looking.

[Cloudy Dayz]

Originally Posted by TheTimidBlueBars

Besides a few in Astoria, I've never noticed homeless people anywhere on the Oregon Coast (not to say they aren't there). Where I've seen them is the I-5 towns: Salem, Eugene/Springfield, Grants Pass, Medford, etc.

Incidentally, Astoria is the only place on the coast I'd have any interest in living --- lots to do in town for its size, and a cool industrial aesthetic. Then again I'm not looking to buy property.

You clearly have not spent any amount of time on the Oregon Coast. There are thousands and thousands of homeless on The Oregon Coast. And like the rest of Oregon, the only thing the coastal cities do to solve the problem is to push the homeless farther and farther into the woods to get them out of sight.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6iJ2h9BMXY

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Originally Posted by TheTimidBlueBars

Astoria is the only place on the coast I'd have any interest in living --- .........

A small polite correction. Astoria is not on the coast. it is located on The Columbia River.

[Cloudy Dayz]

Originally Posted by oregonwoodsmoke

A small polite correction. Astoria is not on the coast. it is located on The Columbia River.

I have to disagree with you on that one. The Oregon Coast is everything between the Pacific Ocean and the Oregon Coast Range. Astoria is in that area. If you eliminate Astoria from the Oregon Coast because it doesn't front the Pacific Ocean, then you would also have to eliminate Tillamook, Florence, Coos Bay and most of the other coastal cities.