Klamath Falls, Oregon
What It Is Like to Retire in Klamath falls
Klamath Falls is a beautiful town for retirement in south central Oregon, east of Medford and Ashland. The population is about 21,000 people. Nearby Upper Klamath Lake is the largest natural lake in the Pacific Northwest. Crater Lake is about 30 miles to the north, it is the only National Park in Oregon. Klamath Falls is a great town for outdoor recreation and birding. Although great for outdoors, the town does not seem to be prospering as well as other towns in the state. Photo of Klamath Marsh & Mount Thielsen courtesy of Wikipedia and Pacific Southwest Region U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; photo of View of Klamath Falls Oregon and Mt Shasta in California's Klamath National Forest and the Fremont-Winema National Forest in Southern Oregon courtesy of Wikipedia and U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region - Klamath Falls Oregon-Fremont Winema (both photos in the public domain).
Where to Retire in Klamath falls and Home Prices
There are active adult communities in the area (see link at top left). According to Zillow, the median home value was $218,230 in mid-2021.
What Is Special about Klamath falls
Crater Lake is about 50 miles to the north. Having 2 colleges, a National Park and many other tip-top natural attractions, and a regional hospital are plusses for Klamath Falls.
What Is Not Special about Klamath falls
During WWII Japanese-Americans were quarantined in a camp near Klamath Falls. The economy does not seem to be doing so well with housing prices falling and crime rates higher than the national and Oregon averages.
Who Will Like Retirement in Klamath falls
People who like small towns and the outdoors will find much to like in Klamath Falls. Its proximity to Crater Lake National Park is a big plus.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Tourism, the Sky Lakes Medical Center, and its 2 colleges are the backbone of the Klamath Falls economy. Lumber is also a significant employer.
Climate and Physical Environment
Klamath Falls is in very southern Oregon near the California border, and east of Medford. The area is mountainous and many lakes and rivers dot the area. Contrary to what many people think, much of Oregon is dry, and that includes Klamath Falls. It is about 10 degrees colder here in winter than in Medford. Klamath Falls averages less than 1" inch rain between June and Sept.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
The outdoors takes center stage in Klamath Falls.
Crime
Crime rate is higher in KIamath Falls than in the U.S. and the state of Oregon.
Medical facilities
Sky Lakes Medical Center is a regional hospital for a huge area of Oregon and northern California. This is a non-profit hospital with 176 beds.
Transportation
Klamath Falls has a small airport with air taxi operations. Amtrak serves Klamath Falls. The trail network in and around Moore Park is well loved and heavily used by hikers, cyclists, runners, and others.
Valuable Links
Guide to Southern Oregon retirementKlamath Falls Wikipedia page
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