Originally Posted by I wonder

Well, we are moving to LaPine next year! Hurray! It is more then we had hoped for! A beautiful modest home (easy to keep clean) nothing to do inside, but lots of landscaping outside, but nothing we can't handle ourselves. We are so excited for our next chapter of our lives to begin! So much to do now to make this happen, it's called downsizing! It's time!

Originally Posted by Charlee

I'm one of the "Hate it Here people". There are beautiful parts of Central Oregon...but there's some butt-ugly parts too. (Have NO respect for the junipers that turn me and many I know upside down every spring with allergies, AND I think they're ugly!!)
There are no sales taxes, but you pay through the nose for everything else because the business taxes are outrageous causing business owners to raise their prices, and the income taxes are high. Central and Eastern Oregon are outvoted in ANYTHING by Portland...example, last election for govenor, a Republican was winning all day by a goodly amount, until they counted the Multnomah county votes...Portland won again. Works that way with bond issues that benefit the Portland area but do nothing for Central or Eastern Oregon. Property taxes are also high in Central OR. Right now, with the economy in the tank, properties are selling very low...but they get you with the taxes...

Then again...this area has a fairly low crime rate, you have lots of outdoor activites in skiing, hunting, fishing, camping...you're close to the Sisters Quilt show, and 3-4 hours away from shopping in Portland...The Three Sisters (mountains) are really pretty, (but watch that second one, she's an active volcano! ;) )

I know there are downsides no matter where you live, it's just a question of what bothers you the most. Me? I'd be happier nearly ANYWHERE but here... :lol:

Originally Posted by I wonder

It's amazing how your life takes unexpected turns and then there is a new plan for retirement! Won't be happening until next year sometime, but I had looking at homes in the LaPine Oregon area on line, just browsing and couldn't believe what value you could get compared to the area in Washington state we were retiring too. Just happen to mention it to my daughter and her sweetheart and his partner have two properties they will be selling in the next couple of months. We could have either one if we are interested for far less than we had planned to buy! We are waiting on pictures for now, and we will be driving back the end of the month for a visual! We lived in the Willamette Valley area in Oregon for 22 years and it feels like we are moving home, or at least closer. Far less hectic than our crazy life in Chicago-land! My husband is nervous about carrying two mortgages for awhile, but we can't afford not to take advantage of this sweet deal! Here is hoping this all works out! We are so excited!