Why would you want to live in Florence? It's more of a rhetorical to weigh out. Coming from Oceanside, the beaches are totally different, you never know what you'll get, most of the time weather is cold/chilly...it's much more a town for tranquility, not the hustle and bustle of southern California. I ask this question to advocate for happiness, not to deter people. Stay in the Dec-Mar months and see if this is the place for you. We moved from Santa Barbara in 1989. Major adjustment ;) It's not built up like most places, so yes, there are cougars and bears. But they aren't a problem if you bring your pets in before dark and keep your trash secure. You're most likely going to have raccoons bother you more than anything. Oregon is growing, which is great. Just keep in mind the culture is more about nature and not building man-made lakes and bringing 24/7 service with you from outside states. Most people living in Oregon like the idea of bragging about it's tranquility, but then demand a sales tax/road tax/gas tax...change from what people move away from tends to follow them as they're disappointed we don't have some of the conveniences. That's why most Oregonions will have a grudge against Californians, and others. But the PNW will be the #1 place so everyone needs to get along :)
Rachel | Bend, OR | Report Abuse

I have been in Florence since Aug. of 1998 and have never actually saw a bear, but I did hear one in my back yard and saw the top of and heard three bear cubs right after Thanksgiving robbing my garbage can of the turkey carcus. I definitely would not let this from keeping me from moing here, just keep an eye out for them, especially after dark and early morning. As for cougars, I have seen only one, you might want to keep your gararge door closed. lol
Nancy | Florence, OR | Report Abuse

I have been in Florence since Aug. of 1998 and have never actually seen a bear, but I did hear one in my back yard and saw the top of and heard three bear cubs right after Thanksgiving robbing my garbage can of the turkey carcus. I definitely would not let this from keeping me from moving here, just keep an eye out for them, especially after dark and early morning. As for cougars, I have seen only one, you might want to keep your gararge door closed. lol
Nancy | Florence, OR | Report Abuse

I have been in Florence since Aug. of 1998 and have never actually seen a bear, but I did hear one in my back yard and saw the top of and heard three bear cubs right after Thanksgiving robbing my garbage can of the turkey carcus. I definitely would not let this from keeping me from moving here, just keep an eye out for them, especially after dark and early morning. I have heard of them coming in if you leave your door open, for food. Once they start to do this, they need to be put done. My husband has seen five or six of them. As for cougars, I have seen only one, my husband has seen three. You might want to keep your gararge door closed. lol Basically you want to be aware of your surroundings.
Nancy | Florence, OR | Report Abuse

I have been in Florence since Aug. of 1998 and have never actually seen a bear, but I did hear one in my back yard and saw the top of and heard three bear cubs right after Thanksgiving robbing my garbage can of the turkey carcus. I definitely would not let this from keeping me from moving here, just keep an eye out for them, especially after dark and early morning. I have heard of them coming in if you leave your door open, for food. Once they start to do this, they need to be put done. My husband has seen five or six of them. As for cougars, I have seen only one, my husband has seen three. You might want to keep your gararge door closed. lol Basically you want to be aware of your surroundings.
Nancy | Florence, OR | Report Abuse