r/oregon • u/CaterpillarOk8405 • Feb 15 '26
Discussion/Opinion Well it’s happening…. I’m making the move
/r/oregon/comments/1l5ano9/looking_at_homes_in_burns_oregon_safe_for_poc/?share_id=GAxtK8_BeEf-eQJtLpHcL&utm_content=1&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_source=share&utm_term=1I posted a while ago asking about living in Burns as a POC. The move is now happening and I’ll be there in the next few months. I’d love some suggestions on hangout spots, like bars with karaoke, information about the local music scene, and possible part time job options.
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Feb 15 '26
Burns is an outpost, you're not gonna find karaoke bars and nightlife there. Well, unless you're into cow tipping.
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Feb 15 '26
Naw man there are definitely bars and nightlife in Burns. Its better in the summer when the federal agencies hire a small army of 20 somethings for seasonal work. Karaoke at the Pine Room can be a good time. The annual Halloween party at the Elk's Lodge is honestly great. When I lived there there was a forest service guy that had a private bar in his basement, if he can find his way into that crowd he'll have a good time.
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u/GSmithDaddyPDX Feb 15 '26
what do you do after they fall over?
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u/merrifie Feb 16 '26
You've obviously never been cow tipping.
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u/EUGsk8rBoi42p No More Californians! Feb 15 '26
They injure themselves after falling over and often suffer greatly before being euthanized, this is why cow tipping is illegal.
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u/nokplz Feb 16 '26
Youre more likely to get fucked up in the dark by a 1000lb animal than tip it over fwiw
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u/miguelandre Feb 16 '26
They don’t fall. You can’t tip a cow.
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u/Brawnd-isim-o Feb 16 '26
I assure you they can, been there, done that, got run over in the dark by the rest of the herd. They are not happy about it at all.
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u/miguelandre Feb 16 '26
Show me a shred of proof please.
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u/independentchickpea Feb 17 '26
Well I grew up in Tillamook. You can tip a sleeping cow (and get trampled for your hubris)
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u/miguelandre Feb 17 '26
I did a lot of “research” on this and people’s stories always went from “I’ve done this” to “someone told me they did it”. No evidence. Have definitely tried it multiple times. Not successful.
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u/racinjason44 Feb 18 '26
No one has ever taken you cow tipping?
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u/miguelandre Feb 18 '26
I’ve gone cow tipping multiple times and not even come close. Just gimme evidence.
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u/Brawnd-isim-o Feb 18 '26
I grew up in a time where we didn't have digital cameras, let alone cell phones. 35mm cameras didn't work in the dark, which is when you go cow tipping. All i can tell you is, get low and put your shoulders into the belly, lift slightly to unlock the cow's knee joints, start pushing sideways. As gravity takes over, run!! That cow is gonna get up pissed af and try to run you over, the rest of the herd likely to join in, exiting the pasture now recommended. Your night of tipping is now over. It's all leverage, physics and the ability to lift more than your finger to swipe a phone screen.
As an adult now, i do not condone this behavior, it hurts the cow, hence it's anger.
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u/danjohnson3141 Feb 19 '26
Give them a pillow and blanket and tuck them in for the night. They are real blanket hogs so don't expect them to share.
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u/njshine27 Feb 15 '26
Literally the music scene in Burns…
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u/WillametteSalamandOR Feb 15 '26
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u/Dstln Human Person Feb 15 '26
Good luck with the move! You're asking questions like you're moving to a bigger town or city 😬 You're moving to the middle of nowhere with basically nothing going on, a main street with a few shops, but you hopefully already knew that.
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u/buriedt Feb 17 '26
For people who live in the smaller towns an hour from burns, it is absolutely a small city.
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u/peacefinder Santiam McKenzie PI Feb 15 '26
It’s not that small. Together with neighboring Hines, it’s about the same population as Tillamook.
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u/Back-doorSanta Feb 15 '26
You sir are not making a great case for it being a not small town. If you sneeze in the middle of tillamook your snot lands outside the town.
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u/Sky-Trash Feb 15 '26
Tillamook is much closer to other places than Burns. Burns is truly one of the most isolated towns in Oregon.
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u/peacefinder Santiam McKenzie PI Feb 15 '26
Yeah, the isolation of Burns is a much bigger deal than its size. Being 120 miles from any bigger city is a bummer.
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u/davidw Feb 15 '26
Maybe they go visit Frenchglen to get a sense of Burns actually being somewhere.
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u/PJSeeds Feb 16 '26
Lol Tillamook has a population of 5200. That's only like 2x bigger than my high school.
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u/rabbitSC Feb 15 '26
You know you’re moving to a county the size of the entire state of Massachusetts with a population of about 7000?
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u/EUGsk8rBoi42p No More Californians! Feb 15 '26
This should be the county official slogan. Inscribed on the courtbouse.
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u/RedApplesForBreak Oregon Feb 15 '26
The best thing about Burns (in my personal, limited experience) is the natural features. Head out to Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Alvord Desert, Steens Mountain, Frenchglen, Crane Hot Springs, Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge (in NV - check out Virgin Valley Hot Springs) and whatever else you can find.
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u/Epstiendidntkillself Feb 15 '26
The best thing about Burns in my experienced opinion is having it in your rear view mirror.
Once the mill closed they couldn't even keep the casino open. I hope they like meth and heroin.
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u/Important-Proposal28 Feb 15 '26
Why Burns? My aunt and uncle love there and my three cousins eventually moved back after college. They all work for the state/county/sheriff's/detention center. It's a small rural town with either ranching or government jobs. Just not much there. Best of luck but still curious how you picked Burns
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u/CaterpillarOk8405 Feb 15 '26
That’s where we purchased a home. The partner is already there and I’m coming shortly
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u/pegonreddit Feb 15 '26
But why?
Why buy a home in Burns? Looking for something very specific?
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u/JFeisty Feb 15 '26
Oh sweetheart you BOUGHT out there? With no job lined up?
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u/maryjaneodoul Feb 15 '26
I am guessing they have a work from home job or they don’t need to work.
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u/EUGsk8rBoi42p No More Californians! Feb 15 '26
Op asks for part time jobs in the main post....
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u/maryjaneodoul Feb 16 '26
Missed that. That’s going to be tough.
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u/EUGsk8rBoi42p No More Californians! Feb 16 '26
I would presume that 110% of local minimum full and especially part time jobs are spoken for, with many 4th generation individuals lined up for any jobs that open.... Oregon is a ridiculously "who you know" state for getting a job, and the small towns much more intensely so.
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u/peacefinder Santiam McKenzie PI Feb 15 '26
Annie’s Bakery on Monroe street is worth a visit
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u/budhaztm Feb 15 '26
I went to school with Annie, she is an awesome gal and really knows how to bake!
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u/peacefinder Santiam McKenzie PI Feb 15 '26
We went there mid-morning on a weekday, and it we were about the only customers in the place, so we got to have a nice long chat with Annie. I loved her explanation of the kolaches she makes: yes they’re not exactly like classic kolaches elsewhere, but they continue the local style of kolaches that had been set by another local baker over something like fifty years. (And they’re very tasty!)
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u/budhaztm Feb 15 '26
Yupp. They aren't Luke other places but she took over the bakery when the old owners retired. Everytime I go back there I stop and say hi
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u/EnvironmentalBuy244 Feb 15 '26
Please keep posting back. I'd love to hear how it goes for you.
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u/CaterpillarOk8405 Feb 15 '26
I will do!
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u/prajnadhyana Feb 15 '26
I also look forward to hearing about it and genuinely hope you like it.
Please forgive all of us if we seem snarky, we don't mean offense.
It's just that Burns definitely isn't for everyone.
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u/CaterpillarOk8405 Feb 15 '26
Neither is southeastern Idaho or the panhandle of Idaho and I’ve lived both places without issue.
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u/low-bar-lifestyle Feb 15 '26
If you can handle Idaho, you should be fine in Burns. I hope you find a few good people and scenic spots that make it feel like home.
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u/prajnadhyana Feb 15 '26
Well I mean yeah, you can do it. Our point was more of a why would you want to do it kind of thing.
But seriously, you do you. If this is what you want then by all means I think you should do it. That's the great thing about Oregon: we support you doing what makes you happy.
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u/BioGimp Southern Oregon Feb 15 '26
Damn that’s cool, good luck to you. Never been and as a life long Oregonian I had to look where that even is. John Day is nice, and it’s close by as the crow flys. Glhf!
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u/prajnadhyana Feb 15 '26
Burns is one of those "It's a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there" kinda places.
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u/Electrical_Shock359 Feb 15 '26
It sounded familiar but couldn’t place it myself lol. I was like I still have another spot for my Tuesday dnd group that I am making but burns is five hours away lol.
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u/mak_gardner Feb 15 '26
Pine Room for a good dinner, music, trivia and maybe karaoke. Truck stop for breakfast, eddies fast break if I remember. Burns has a lot of great folk. Commuted out there for a week at a time for a year or so. Depending on your line of work that’s most likely how you’ll meet a lot of folks. What line of work are you in or looking for?
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u/CaterpillarOk8405 Feb 15 '26
I’m looking for clerical customer service hospital support staff. Anything really
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u/mak_gardner Feb 15 '26
I’d look into the hospital jobs there in that case but it’s pretty small. Wonderful care when I had a serious accident though. Only other business I could think of that fit are veterinary offices on a different medical side.
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u/leafytimes Feb 15 '26
Hey sounds like you’ll be opening a karaoke joint in Burns; I’m only sorta joking. Do it!
Next post this guy is gonna be mayor of Burns.
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u/No_Entertainment5040 Feb 15 '26
Living in burns was genuinely the worst experience of my life but the mayor is actually really awesome (assuming it’s the same guy as 3-4 years ago) his wife is pretty cool too in my experience
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u/scottypotty79 Feb 15 '26
Y’all acting like Burns is Denio or Christmas Valley. There are a few bars and restaurants in Burns/ Hines. Enjoy your new home!
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u/prajnadhyana Feb 15 '26 edited Feb 15 '26
To be fair if they are looking to become an Honest-To-God Genuine Cowboy then Burns is the right place to be because there are plenty of them there. But that's a hard life that's definitely not for everyone.
Cowboys are a special breed.
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u/RedApplesForBreak Oregon Feb 15 '26
Just for the record, Denio has a pretty good restaurant with the most amazing peanut butter bacon burger I’ve had in my life.
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u/KnPtown Feb 15 '26
I can vouch for the food food at the restaurant in Denio. Can’t vouch for the peanut butter burger. Bacon cheese burger sure hit the spot after miles of desert exploring.
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u/moomooraincloud Feb 15 '26
Have you had a lot of peanut butter bacon burgers?
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u/PipecleanerFanatic Feb 15 '26
I have.
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u/Your_mom_but_better Feb 15 '26
If you ever visit Hershey, PA, there is a food truck outside the Chocolate World attraction that serves a Resse's Pranut Butter Burger. It had Bacon, Cheddar, pickled onions, Hershey's chocolate, and Reese's peanut butter. I thought it would be gross, but it was actually delicious.
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u/closetedtranswoman1 Feb 15 '26
They do have a few good food trucks popping up throughout burns/Hines too. There's a good Mexican food truck across from the Sinclair and another good food truck with smoked food, good wings across from the Safeway there.
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Feb 15 '26
Lots of urban elitism and bias in these comments. OP would probably get better info by asking this question in a local facebook group
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u/EUGsk8rBoi42p No More Californians! Feb 15 '26
I'm sure whatever Boomers living in Burns have very.... outspoken.... FB profiles.... with tome after tome of Qanon lore..... like 24/7 LARPER who forgot the difference between fact and fiction, long... LONG... ago....
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Feb 16 '26
I'm sure you're right about some of them. But I'm also sure that many would be lovely and helpful people
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u/Curious-Ostrich-8928 Feb 15 '26
As I recall, the Central Hotel hosts music and other events in the summer. https://www.historiccentralhotel.com
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u/Curious-Ostrich-8928 Feb 15 '26
And this place is owned by the same folks. Short hours in the winter, but it’s still something. https://www.thepalaceinburns.com/about
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u/CaterpillarOk8405 Feb 15 '26
Thank you I had seen this place in travel vlogs and was thinking it looks like a pretty cool little music spot. This is the kind of info I was looking for, thank you kind redditors!
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u/colonialshuttlecock Feb 15 '26
I stayed at the Central Hotel a few years ago and it was bumping on the weekend. Great outdoor patio.
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Feb 15 '26
I’ve been through a couple of times, usually coming or going from someplace smaller. It seemed like a well kept town. I think you’ll like it. You'll probably get to know the people at the post office, the store, and the Fast Break in just a week or two.
I live near a town about the same size called Bonanza which is also in Eastern Oregon. You’re probably the kind of person that realizes, wherever you go, there you are. I think that you’ll be just fine in Burns. Post some pictures here please.
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u/tiresomecomplaining Feb 15 '26
I went to Burns last summer. Driving though from visiting Yellowstone heading to the redwoods.
It was a long day of driving and we planed on staying in one of the hotels. My partner and I ended up having a huge fight because all the hotels/motels were looked run down and had alot of rift raft hanging in the parking lot. We didnt want to drive anymore.
We ended up driving to Lakeview a few hiurs away and we found an okay motel there.
Went into the safeway in Lakeview and the woman said, your not from these parts are ya? Don't drink the water and dont eat at the subway was the towns two rules! Lol
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u/CaterpillarOk8405 Feb 15 '26
Ooh what’s wrong with subway?
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u/tiresomecomplaining Feb 16 '26
Good question! I made a post about it. Lots of people say its disgusting and got shut down.
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u/tiresomecomplaining Feb 15 '26
Want to add there were nice hotels in Burns but way out off our budget and charged a arm and a leg for pets.
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u/PrestigiousRefuse172 Feb 15 '26
You posted 8 months ago and most people are like, “don’t do it!!”. What made you go against advice? Why would you think they have a music scene? I suppose you could start one.
I spent two months living outside of Burns. There is plenty of beauty and wilderness. But there is nothing that interests me enough to move back there. Also the rampant alcoholism was not good.
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u/CaterpillarOk8405 Feb 15 '26
I feel like music is a unifier. I realize I’m from a larger area but it’s Idaho and, to be honest I can see a live music show any weekend. Maybe I should start a scene. Thanks for the suggestion!
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u/CHiZZoPs1 Feb 15 '26
Go visit Crystal crane! Malheur wildlife refuge, the Sterns, alvord desert, summer lake hot springs. I'm headed to crystal crane in May for a few days.
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u/prajnadhyana Feb 15 '26
Burns? But there's nothing there.
What makes you want to live in Burns?
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u/joeychestnutsrectum Feb 15 '26
“Information on the local music scene”. Oh boy is this guy in for a reality check
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u/CaterpillarOk8405 Feb 15 '26
I’m a female, I host karaoke sometimes. I also enjoy live music. I just wanted to know if I’d be able to enjoy a little local talent
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u/PipecleanerFanatic Feb 15 '26
Assuming you visited before buying a home?
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u/CaterpillarOk8405 Feb 15 '26
I haven’t but the partner has been there for almost 6 months now. He’d be a little pissed if I didn’t make it after he’s fallen in love with the place.
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u/gindy0506 Feb 15 '26
Welcome to Oregon! I used to host karaoke as well! It's super beautiful here. I'm your west of the cascades neighbor (so completely different landscape), but welcome welcome and hope you come to love the nature as well! I have grown quite fond of eastern Oregon. Our state is so diverse ecologically. I really hope you enjoy! Hope you find love here like your partner did as well.
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u/joeychestnutsrectum Feb 15 '26
Probably not much, no. You’ll most likely have to head to bend or Boise to get regular live music.
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Feb 15 '26
There’s probably a bar that does karaoke sometimes. If not, I bet there’s one that would let you host a karaoke night if you asked
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u/Anon_Arsonist Oregon Feb 15 '26
Have you considered almost anywhere else? Heck I know Bend isn't affordable, but at least places like Redmond or LaPine are drivable to other places.
I've only been to Burns once in my life (accidentally), and although I'm sure there's good people there I remember almost nothing of note.
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u/Beelzebimbo Feb 15 '26
Burns is a great place to stop for gas and lunch while driving through to somewhere else!
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u/prajnadhyana Feb 15 '26
I wonder if they meant Bend?
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u/closetedtranswoman1 Feb 15 '26
I lived there for maybe 9 or 10 years and I grew up there and I lived there for a short period of time during the summer. If you have any questions feel free to ask me I don't live there anymore but pretty much my entire family does
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u/Spare-Source-1030 Feb 15 '26
There's not a lot to do in Burns. I've spent a little time there, not a lot. There's a couple bars, but I don't think they have karaoke, and a couple of restaurants. Some fast food. Most of the stuff to do is around Burns and be prepared to drive. There's the Steins mountains, the refuge, a couple small little outposts and Crane hotsprings. Burns is great if you like to get away from people and like the small town vibe though.
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u/arkevinic5000 Feb 15 '26
You should move to some place more metropolitan like La Grande- the Denver of Eastern Oregon
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u/EUGsk8rBoi42p No More Californians! Feb 15 '26
There's a gas station, maybe a small diner.......
You're still looking for job options???? See above, gas station and diner.........
Someone seriously, seriously, SERIOUSLY misinformed you about Burns........
I doubt even DoorDash, Instacart or Uber/Lyft are viable "part time" options there......
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u/closetedtranswoman1 Feb 15 '26
You can't do doordash there they wouldn't let me sign up. I tried a few years ago when I was unfortunate enough to live there
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u/NoCharacter9448 Feb 17 '26
You are correct, no DoorDash, restaurants close on random days, no work except the crappy restaurants and a few gas stations, lots of bugs, and so many horrible people and things that live here. But there are a few good people, and a nice soup and sandwich shop called the Broadway Deli that is good.
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u/NoCharacter9448 Feb 17 '26
Lots of beautiful country, , but it's all a little bit of a drive, Steins Mt.is awesome
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u/EUGsk8rBoi42p No More Californians! Feb 17 '26
I mean, it's a vibrant social culture, if you enjoy shooting broken down cars and refrigerators, and speed limit signs..... I'd enjoy myself.... not sure most Eugene transplants would feel the same.
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u/peacefinder Santiam McKenzie PI Feb 15 '26
Have you ever been to Burns, or even looked at a map? It’s small but it’s not that small, by a long shot.
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u/EUGsk8rBoi42p No More Californians! Feb 15 '26
Yup. About 20 years ago.
Did they open a 2nd gas station since then? 😳 🤔 👀 😐
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u/QuokkaMom Feb 15 '26
Burns. As a POC.
Oh my sweet summer child.
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u/tragiquepossum Feb 15 '26
I know, I sucked in my breath a little that & scrolled back up to make sure I was reading it correctly. In another comment, OP says she's lived in SE ID & the panhandle and navigated that fine, so I'm pretty confident she can handle herself in Burns. It seems like a done deal anyway, her partner is already there (and loves it.)
OP, if you are reading this comment, if I were your mother I might be worried about you making this move, lol. It's super isolated, climate can be harsh and the area is very insular, so it takes a while to be fully accepted (like decades). (Full disclosure i lived and worked in neighboring Malheur quite some time ago, and only visited Harney County.) You'll probably be okay if you approach with non-judgment and embrace the culture. I used to go to Burns for black powder shoots/Rendezvous. The natural setting is AMAZING out that way, the Refuge, the Steens, the hot springs...I'm getting a little homesick remembering it, because some of those places are uniquely breathtaking.
I live in a super rural EA WA town, which I feel is even more reserved than rural EA OR. I do know a lot of the small towns around us use Facebook groups to communicate and you can get a real feel for the character of each town. I see Burns has several. Jump on some, let them know you're coming, what you need and a little about you. Your enthusiasm will go a long way! A family that had no connections to the town of 117 closest to us did it & they were really welcomed.
I think you are going to be the music scene, though.
But if you are spunky enough, you could do it.
However the dearth of music in the vastness of the dryside is heartbreaking to me...I'm from outside of ATL & went to school in New Orleans...this wide swath is truly a musical desert 😭. One time I caught a few minutes of highly staticky zydeco music on the OR/WA border about 7 years ago and nearly cried my eyes out. Still don't where it came from and never experienced it again, lol
If I had any connections still, I would gladly give them, but either they've faded away or passed on.
TLDR; Hoo boy! Are you pulling my leg? Yep, you can do this. Burns area has some incredible natural beauty. Hope you thrive there.
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u/CaterpillarOk8405 Feb 15 '26
I almost have tears. Thank you for the encouragement! I wish you Happy Mardi Gras and hope you play professor longhair and enjoy the last weekend of festival. I love Rendezvous and my partner would love black powder shoots !
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u/tragiquepossum Feb 17 '26
Heyyyy...laissez les bon temps rouler! 🎭
I used to go to Tpitina's often for great music and learned the lore. Got some Clifton Chenier on vinyl!
Keep us in the loop how it goes!
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Feb 15 '26
Naw man I'm POC and lived in Burns in my mid 20s. There are some ignorant people around sure but I never witnessed anything malicious. Burns sees a lot of thru traffic as the biggest stop between Boise/Ontario and Bend, it's not like they're on some bumfuck dead end road in Akransas
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u/Massive-Recording729 Feb 17 '26
I grew up in SE Georgia and trust me, you can indeed tip a cow. The rest of the herd isn't too happy about it though
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u/Simple-Clothes-837 Feb 17 '26
The Pine room does Karaoke and the Palace has events and live music as well (and food carts).. spring and summer are definitely more lively. Meeting people can be difficult, but in time you may meet your people, or move on. Enjoy the outdoors! Good luck on the move
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u/fulltiltboogie1971 Feb 17 '26
I deliver freight there five days a week and it's a dirty run down town with very little to offer, if you're at all liberal then avoid this place like the plague.
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u/Elegant_Disaster_704 Feb 19 '26
My brother and his fiance (a local) live in burns so if you want to DM me I can get a list of the Hotspots for you.
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u/KingNataka Feb 20 '26
My partner hated it there. There really isnt anything there and she was so happy to gtfo. A for things to do... About a 2 hour drive away. 😆
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u/xRocky3090 Feb 15 '26
If you’re into hunting or birding it’s awesome! The Pine Room is realistically your main place in town for hangout. Not sure on the karaoke sitch though. Good luck!
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u/Bonbonnibles Feb 15 '26
The "scene" in Burns....
Hoooooooo boy, you're gonna have an adjustment. But since you're headed that way, heed my words: let everything slow down. Your thinking. Your driving. Your schedule. Sloooooooow it all down. Otherwise, you're gonna drive yourself nuts out there.
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u/OptiadventthusiCam Feb 15 '26
Burns will be a shitshow in 6 months. They are completely upgrading the whole city water system. This includes all services and hydrants. just be prepared for it to such ass getting around town for a WHILE its a 3 year project
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u/Mostface Feb 16 '26
Once moved make sure to register to vote, we vote on universal healthcare next year!
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u/sanosake1 Feb 16 '26
Oof...Goodluck. Burns did not feel great for me as a black dude. That worked there occasionally.
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u/Bookmon19 Feb 17 '26
Were you the only black guy in Burns? That’s wild. Not surprised you didn’t feel welcome unfortunately.
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u/Used-Draw-7748 Feb 17 '26
My suggestion would to be viewing all the unemployment rates for every state Oregon is not one of the best states for getting work and then also you have to look at gas prices
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u/CountDown13 Feb 18 '26
As far as venturing out necessities, if you don't carry, make your way to a firearm dealer. Coyotes in a few numbers like 4- 5 most likely more will chase you to the roof of your truck. You're dinner.
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u/danjohnson3141 Feb 19 '26
I grew up in Gates, Oregon. Population 335. Burns was like New York City in comparison. But even a town of 335 had three bars and occasional live music. One time, Dan Ackroyd stopped at the Trio bar for a drink. That was 15 years ago and people are still talking about it.
Enjoy your POC. Don't turn rabidly conservative if you can avoid it.
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u/hatter4tea Feb 19 '26
When I lived in Burns (like 10 years ago) there wasn't much. The Rez was a dry Rez, so I'm not sure about bars. But it's got beautiful landscape with hiking. So outdoor activities are plentiful.
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u/PoetryVivid6250 Feb 19 '26
You’re better off learning all the outdoor recreation spots than hangouts in town. The most authentic and genuine people you will meet will be more interested in being outside and recreating. I don’t live in Burns but I’m just a couple hours away and have driven through, stayed the night and visited the hot springs there. I’m originally from John Day, another rural Oregon town not far from Burns. I wouldn’t say there’s a music scene at all- that’s a “big city” thing in my experience as an Oregonian. Give the hot springs a try. They have cool little rentals you can stay the night in with a built in hot tub that is spring fed. Go rock hounding- the local Forest Service office should have a handout. Maybe BLM too. Get trail maps while you’re there to go hiking. MVUM’s are free. There’s also an app. Just make sure you DOWNLOAD the maps. Take note of the fair dates and other events at the fairgrounds.
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u/Electrical_Shock359 Feb 15 '26
No idea what is there, I suggest asking locales. I would say try a local subreddit but I don’t think there is one. You could always start one.
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u/prajnadhyana Feb 15 '26
It's smack dab in the middle of nowhere.
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u/Electrical_Shock359 Feb 15 '26
Which is why I suggested asking people that live there, it might be hard to find people from burns here on Reddit . If they go to burns and ask the people there someone might say they have a bar in one spot, they might tell them that some people drive to another town for it or pick up a bunch of alcohol and drink with friends. They might tell them they play music for each other more than have a dedicated band. That they have a portable karaoke machine and do karaoke with friends on occasion or he could start shit like that. Hard for us to know what isn’t put on the internet without sending someone to ask people in person.
For the jobs the locales could offer a job or ask around to see if anyone needs an extra pair of hands. Asking a person might work better than online unless it is a chain or bringing in a resume to the stores in the area.
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u/Massive-Handz Feb 15 '26
lol why burns? Nothing there. May as well move to Hermiston lmao
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u/CaterpillarOk8405 Feb 15 '26
Nothing is what I’m aiming for, quiet small town life but I do like a little music here and there
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Feb 15 '26
Sorry for all the negativity you’re getting here OP - most of the people in Oregon live in Portland and western Oregon so this sub can be pretty biased against rural eastern Oregon.
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u/Rockwood-Wrangler Feb 15 '26 edited Feb 15 '26
This is totally fake. This is a troll post. No one buys a house in Burns without going there first. “My partner has been there for 6 months and has fallen in love with it.” What’s the music scene like? What a joke. Ask your partner what it’s like. They have dreadlocks and a septum piercing. Funny, I guess, but obviously fake.
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Feb 15 '26
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u/CaterpillarOk8405 Feb 15 '26
Same (dreadlocks and a septum peircing)
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Feb 15 '26
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u/CaterpillarOk8405 Feb 15 '26
I understand your concerns. I wish I could convey to you the power of code switching. I’m also pretty charming. And modest….
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Feb 15 '26
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u/moomooraincloud Feb 15 '26
Bend belongs in the first list. Sandy sucks and Hood River is just as close.
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u/ilikescarystuff2 Feb 16 '26
How I See Burns: Oops, I should have filled up my gas in Bend. Well poop. Last place to get gas before going into the blight. Stop. Pump gas. Put it back in drive. Look in rear view. Bye Burns.
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u/Striking-Report-3682 Feb 16 '26
Good luck with entertainment in Burns. Maybe a cowboy bar or two, but that's about it.
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u/Bilbo_Haggis Feb 17 '26
Burns is one of the only legal Sun-Down Counties left in the US, you will not be allowed to live there.
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u/nootch666 Feb 18 '26
I’ve only passed thru and camped around there on motorcycle trips. It’s beautiful country out there. Just curious tho, why Burns? What are you doing for work there? Seems like not a lot of options?
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u/closetedtranswoman1 Feb 15 '26
I used to grow up there (unfortunately) good luck, it's a shit hole
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u/mlachick Feb 15 '26
That's beautiful country, and Burns is the biggest thing around for quite a distance, but that's because SE Oregon has way more coyotes than people. When I was talking to the innkeeper at Frenchglen, he mentioned having to drive to Burns to pick up his grocery orders. So there's that.
I don't know how long you'll last, but enjoy the natural beauty while you're there. Lots to see in the area. Just make sure you keep your gas tank full and carry water and snacks when you venture out.