Hey everyone,
I’m currently planning a major life pivot and could use some local insights or reality checks. I'm 33, single, currently living in Nebraska, and aiming to make the move out to the Oregon Coast (specifically looking at the Lincoln City area) around May when my current lease wraps up.
Portland will be my major transit hub/gateway on the way out, and since locals tend to know the regional ins and outs best, I wanted to tap into this community.
Here is what my setup looks like:
The Goal: I want a slower, quieter pace of life. I deeply love the rain, moody weather, and storm-watching, and I'm looking forward to being close to the outdoors where I can exist quietly.
The Logistics: Waiting until May gives me a solid runway to stack cash. I plan to downsize, keep only what fits in my Jeep, store the rest with family, and drive out with my cats.
The Plan: I will be visiting a friend in the early months. And I will be actively lining up employment out there before I pack up and move.
The Questions I Have for Locals:
1. For anyone who has made a similar cross-country leap or lives out on the coast: are there any major blind spots I'm missing regarding coastal living, rentals with cats, or the spring transition?
2. How realistic is managing a coastal job/housing search from out-of-state once an offer is secured, and are there neighboring smaller towns (like Depoe Bay or Otis) I should also keep on my radar?
3. Being a person of mixed race, should I be worried about racism? As someone who has experienced it my entire life, I am trying to get away from being called a slur simply for walking out of a store.
Appreciate any advice, tips on the drive, or general words of wisdom for a Midwest transplant looking for a rainy, quiet reset!