Brookings has scenic landscapes and a dedication to natural beauty
In Brookings, Oregon, natural beauty and scenic views bring in newcomers and tourists, while a laid-back life and a small community keep residents there for the long haul. "People know one another and look out for each other," says Skip Watwood, principal broker at Century 21 Agate Realty and a Brookings resident for 25 years. The small city of about 7,000 people is the southernmost coastal Oregon city, just six miles from the California border. Sea stacks and dark sand beaches line the coast, and mountains and trees come down to the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Azaleas are planted and grown throughout the city, earning it an official designation as an Azalea City as of 2017. Brookings is also a Monarch City, a title earned for protecting and preserving monarch butterflies. "The beauty of our area combined with the weather is the main draw," Watwood says. "We're also a relatively affordable coastline community with a lot to do."
Small vacation cabins to large, waterfront homes
Homes are close together on gridded streets or on sprawling, wooded lots outside the city's denser center. "Most people buying here are retirees or those looking for a second home," Watwood says. "I think nearly 30% of our population is of retirement age." Vacation homes, specifically tiny cabins with one bedroom, sell between $90,000 and $260,000. Condos and ranch-style homes are the least expensive primary residences in Brookings, ranging from $300,000 to $580,000. Larger single-family home styles may sell between $600,000 and $1.2 million. Some properties with waterfront access along the beaches and bluffs are priced at around $2 million. Generally, homes along the water or with waterfront views are more expensive than their inland counterparts.
Mild temperatures and plenty of rain
The area has very moderate weather year-round, with temperatures ranging from the low-40s in winter to the low-70s in summer. "We have the mildest climate on the Oregon coast because of the Chetco Effect," Watwood says. "Our coastline is crescent-shaped, and warm air settles in the basin." The area gets a lot of rain, which Watwood says takes some getting used to. "We don't have a constant drizzle like Portland or Seattle, though," he says. "The rain comes all at once and then leaves behind a nice day."
Brookings has a higher-than-average number of days with unhealthy air due to various factors, including car emissions and wildfire smoke moving north and west.
Outdoorsy folk hike, bike, fish and camp in mountains and on beaches
Scenic hikes and lookouts are along U.S. Route 101, including Arch Rock State Park, Oregon's Natural Bridges and Thomas Creek Bridge. "There's tons of hiking, biking and mountain biking in the area," Watwood says. Harris Beach State Park has camping, RV parking and beach shoreline access. He says that within an hour's drive north or south, "there are probably 10 rivers phenomenal for fishing for steelhead trout, salmon, and bass." Azalea Park, named for the dedication to growing azaleas in the city, has a bandshell, playground, fields for sports and a disc golf course. Over Memorial Day Weekend, the park hosts the Azalea Festival with a parade, activities and live music.
One main road connects Brookings to the rest of the state
Brookings is remote, with only U.S. Route 101 leading in and out of the city. "It's a two-lane, winding road. So, getting in and out of the area isn't quick," Watwood says. "It's not a place where you can commute elsewhere." The primary industries are logging and fishing, although there has been an increase in remote workers over the past few years. Curry Medical Center is in the city, and the nearest hospital, Sutter Coast Hospital, is 25 miles south in Crescent City, California. Del Norte County Regional Airport is also in Crescent City. Rogue Valley International Medford Airport has international flights and more domestic airline options, 120 miles east.
Three schools on one convenient campus
Children in Brookings may begin learning at Kalmiopsis Elementary School, which Niche rates a C-minus. Azalea Middle School is also rated C-minus, and Brookings-Harbor High School is rated C. All three school buildings share one campus, making pick-up and drop-off easy for families with children of different ages.
Locally owned restaurants with freshly caught fish
Restaurants of many cuisines are on Oregon Coast Highway, the area's main road and a section of U.S. Route 101. Mexican, Thai, Japanese, American and Italian restaurants are in Brookings and across the Chetco River in Harbor. Fresh fish from the ocean, often just caught by local fishermen that morning or the day before, is available at sushi restaurants and waterfront spots around the Port of Brookings. Strip malls in Harbor have specialty shops for pet supplies, home goods and clothing. Fred Meyer and Grocery Outlet are the local grocery stores, close to fast-casual chains like Subway, Starbucks and Taco Bell.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
