Woodside
Aiken, South Carolina
Grants Pass, Oregon
What It Is Like to Retire in Grants pass
Grants Pass is located in the enchanting Rogue River Valley of Southern Oregon with the Rogue River running right through the middle of town. This wild river offers world class fishing and white water rafting. The surrounding area abounds with opportunities for hiking, sight seeing, and skiing. Grants Pass, which has a rapidly growing population of just under 35,000, became a popular tourist center since the timber industry has declined in importance. People who talk about Grants Pass say that it is a friendly place with a moderate cost of living. Photo of boat above is courtesy of Wikipedia.org and MdVaden (public domain).
Where to Retire in Grants pass and Home Prices
There are active adult communities in the area (see link at top right). You can also live in or near town. The Zillow Home Value Index here in early 2020 was $310,464, way up from what it was a few years ago.
What Is Special about Grants pass
Grants Pass is frequently rated as one of the best places to retire. Its outdoor recreation possibilities are outstanding. The Rogue River runs through town - it is the scene of white water rapids, parades, and festivals.
What Is Not Special about Grants pass
If you are not an outdoors person you may feel out of place in Grants Pass. It is a long way to a big city. A 17' statue of a cavemen is a controversial icon many would like to see removed. See "Caveman" story in Wall Street Journal.
Who Will Like Retirement in Grants pass
Outdoor people love it in Grants Pass
Local Economy Is Driven by
Tourism and agriculture are mainstays of the Grants Pass economy. In past years logging was the mainstay, but that industry has declined.
Climate and Physical Environment
Grants Pass is in the Rogue Valley (the Rogue River runs through town). This valley is located between the Cascades and the Siskiyou Mountains in southwestern Oregon. The average July high is 89. The average January high is 47 and the average low 31. The wettest month is December (5.4").
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Grants Pass features many great festivals throughout the year. Art Along the Rogue is one, Back to the Fifties (antique cars) is another that attracts thousands of visitors to town every year. The historic Rogue Theatre downtown is now a performing arts venue. The downtown area is lined with antique and specialty shops and is a destination for collectors and shoppers Wine tasting of area wines is also a big local activity. The first Friday of every month is an art night. Boatnik is a popular festival every Memorial Day.
Crime
The crime rate is about average.
Medical facilities
Three Rivers Community Hospital and Health Center
Transportation
Interstate 5 runs near Grants Pass. There is a small airport in Grants Pass with air taxi operations.
Valuable Links
GrantsPassOregon.gov - Grants Pass City official calendar of events. VisitGrantsPass.org - Grants Pass Visitors and Convention Bureau where you'll find lots of information about Grants Pass and the surrounding area GrantsPassChamber.org - Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce website with business and visitor information and a schedule of upcoming events related to the Chamber of Commerce
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