Grants Pass, Oregon is located in the heart of Southern Oregon and offers a wealth of outdoor activities and small-town charm. The city has an abundance of parks and trails, making it a perfect place for hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. So, what’re the pros and cons of living in Grants Pass, Oregon?
The advantages of living in Grants Pass, Oregon, include winter is not very cold, low property taxes, friendly people, and plenty of outdoor recreation available. On the other hand, living in Grants Pass has its downsides: risk of fire damage, limited job opportunities, and many businesses closing on Sunday.
Let’s go into a little more detail about the pros and cons of living in Grants Pass, Oregon, and see if moving to Grants Pass is worth it.
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Living in Grants Pass, Oregon PROS
1. Winters are not very cold
Though Grants Pass is located in Oregon, one of the states known for its cooler temperatures, winters in Grants Pass are not very cold.
The average temperature in January is 42 degrees Fahrenheit.
Many people might think that because Oregon is a coastal state, it would be cooler than inland states.
However, Grants Pass is located in the Rogue Valley, which is actually quite warm.
The Pacific Ocean has a moderating effect on coastal areas, making them warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
In contrast, the Rogue Valley is located in a rain shadow created by the Coastal Range, which protects it from the cooling effect of marine air.
2. Low property taxes
Grants Pass is a city in Southern Oregon that is known for its low property taxes.
This makes Grants Pass an attractive option for homebuyers and businesses alike.
In addition to low property taxes, Grants Pass also has no sales tax and no personal income tax.
3. Friendly people
There are Friendly people in Grants Pass, Oregon.
TheRogue Valley is a great place to live, and the people who live here are friendly and welcoming.
The community is close-knit and supportive, and there’s always someone around to lend a helping hand.
Even though the city is growing, it still feels like a small town where everyone knows each other.
4. Plenty of outdoor recreation available
There’s no shortage of things to do in Grants Pass, Oregon.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and rafting in the nearby Rogue River National Forest.
The city is also home to a number of parks and green spaces, perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.
No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find plenty of options for outdoor recreation in Grants Pass.
5. Pedestrian-friendly
Grants Pass, Oregon is a small city with a big heart, and its pedestrian-friendly streets are one of the things that make it so special.
The city’s compact size makes it easy to get around on foot, and its lively downtown area is full of shops and restaurants that are perfect for exploring.
What’s more, the city has made a concerted effort to improve its pedestrian infrastructure in recent years, with new crosswalks, bike lanes, and sidewalk improvements.
As a result, Grants Pass is an increasingly safe and enjoyable place to walk, run, or cycle.
6. Decent public transportation
The city has a decent public transportation system, with buses running on major streets and a small light rail system connecting the downtown area to the rest of the city.
There are also a number of taxi and ride-sharing services available.
This makes it relatively easy to get around Grants Pass without a car. However, the public transportation system is not Without its drawbacks.
The bus schedule can be difficult to follow, and the trains are often quite crowded during rush hour.
Nonetheless, for a city its size, Grants Pass offers a decent level of public transportation options.
Living in Grants Pass, Oregon CONS
1. Risk of Fire damage
While the town of Grants Pass, Oregon is beautiful and has a lot to offer, it is important to be aware of the potential for fire damage.
The area is susceptible to large wildfires, and these can cause a great deal of damage to homes and businesses.
In addition, the smoke from these fires can be hazardous to your health.
2. Limited job opportunities
Grants Pass, Oregon is a beautiful city nestled in the Rogue River Valley. Despite its natural beauty, the city has limited job opportunities.
The majority of the city’s jobs are in the retail and service industries.
There are also a few manufacturing jobs, but these are mostly low-paying positions.
The city does have a few high-tech jobs, but these are often filled by people who commute from nearby Medford.
As a result, many residents of Grants Pass are forced to leave the city in order to find work.
This can be a difficult situation for families and individuals who have deep roots in the community.
However, there are a number of programs and services available to help residents find employment elsewhere.
3. Many businesses close on Sunday
If you’re looking for a place to relax and take it easy on a Sunday, Grants Pass, Oregon is the perfect spot.
Many of the businesses in town close their doors on Sundays, giving residents and visitors a chance to enjoy a more laid-back pace of life.
Of course, there are still plenty of things to do in Grants Pass on a Sunday.
There are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore, and the Rogue River is perfect for a leisurely float.
In addition, many of the town’s restaurants and cafes offer special Sunday brunches.
The bottom line
If you’re looking for a place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Grants Pass is a great option.
However, it’s important to be aware of the potential for fire damage and the limited job opportunities in the area.
Despite these drawbacks, Grants Pass is a friendly community with plenty of things to do.
So whether you’re looking for a place to retire or just want to get away from it all for a while, Grants Pass is worth considering.
