Extremely Conservative and Very Lonely
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7/5/2019
We have lived in Reedsport for a year and are looking to move out. This place could certainly be nice for some, but if you don’t fit into the local politics (extremely conservative), way of life and hobby preferences (mostly large and loud ATVs,fishing, hunting and boating), you will be unhappy here. If you get lonely or bored easily, definitely do not move here. Also, don’t expect a big friendly welcome when you arrive.
PROS:
*The Pacific Ocean is 15 minutes by car and outdoor activities abound year-round.
*Fairly cheap cost of living (in some sectors) compared to pretty much anywhere else west of the Cascades.
*Locals are generally friendly if you share their same political views and lifestyle preferences, or at least if you don’t challenge their views.
*Fairly low crime due to very heavy police presence.
*Off the beaten path across the board if you don’t like hustle and bustle. Town is dead most of the year, except for the atv crowd in the summer.
*If you are very politically and socially conservative, you will fit right in. Many tourists attracted to this town are also very conservative. Many folks from Idaho, eastern Oregon and the Roseburg area are drawn here.
*neighbors who know each other seem to look out of each other
*a small population of brave locals trying to improve the town despite resistance from others.
CONS: ( to be fair, some of these are true of small towns in general)
*If you are not politically and socially conservative you simply will not feel comfortable here. Even if you’re a moderate or socially liberal republican, you will still not fit in. If you are progressive, you will be deeply miserable here.
*Confederate flags and Trump signs everywhere
*Zero cultural, social, political or racial diversity of any kind. Forget anything like a Pride celebration or any celebration of anything that even remotely deviates from the very conservative climate.** Take this seriously: Do NOT move here with the intention of changing or attacking this kind of local mentality-you will fail 100% and the locals will not appreciate you for it. **
*An atmosphere that seems resistant to change in general. There are of course always exceptions, but this appears to be the rule.
*Limited housing options in general. Many properties are not well-kept, and in a state of severe disrepair. Rodent problems are widespread throughout town (you can see rodent traps even outside the town’s Best Western).
*Little to no way of making a living. Even min wage retail jobs are few and far between. You will have a difficult time finding work if you are considered an “outsider”. No real
Industry in town.
*Negative population growth and high unemployment
*Severe lack of basic services. Prepare to spend a ton of money in gas traveling to nearby towns for even basic items and services including doctors, hairdressers and veterinarians. What you can find in town will be unfortunately very overpriced. Definitely invest in Amazon Prime.
*A general lack of basic professionalism at many local businesses.
*If you eat organic produce, you’re pretty much out of luck here. Grow your own.
*Town overrun in the summer with huge RVs, fifth wheels and toy haulers who are here to
ride their atvs on the dunes. Very loud, rowdy and lots of diesel smoke everywhere. Perfect if you like a good tailgating party.
*Lots of people smoke cigarettes.
*Aggressive and straight up angry drivers. Even if you drive 5 over the speed limit, expect to have a large truck following just inches away from you. Expect some road rage and large pick-up truck “showboating” on local roads.
*If you don’t like atvs, hunting and fishing, you will suffer extreme boredom here.
*local beaches become trash cans for the atv crowd. Expect beer bottles and cans, potato chip bags, cigarettes and all manner of trash on the beaches and dunes. People do not pick up after their dogs across the board. If you want a peaceful beach experience, you will have to wait for the off-season or drive 30 min out of the area. Some local beaches (Winchester Bay) seem to attract an unpleasant element at times. I’ve encountered aggressive beggars more than once at the beach parking areas-I was very surprised and saddened by this.
*All of these local beaches require a fee to park. No free beaches (that are easily accessible) until you drive out of the area.
*Very heavy police presence in town, which the locals seem to like. They are literally everywhere all the time.
*Little to no cultural life other than chainsaw art competitions.
Basically it feels like you’re living in 1970 here. For some this could feel familiar and comfortable but for others, this town can be a very challenging place to feel happy and fulfilled. It’s a true shame.
Mckenna | Eugene, OR