Finding Slow Living on the Oregon Coast
- Blume Bauer
- Apr 14
- 5 min read
When I moved to the Oregon Coast, everything slowed WAY down. Life got simpler, happier, and more fulfilling. I still work more than someone with a 9-5, but I also go out for boat rides and have picnics at 2pm on a Tuesday if the weather is nice. I play "hookie" and go thrift shopping with my friends. I sit on the deck in the afternoon or evenings and drink a glass of wine. I dance around the house with music playing on the record player while I clean our cabin.
This lifestyle shift didn't happen overnight. It was the culmination of dreams, planning, and ultimately, taking a leap of faith that changed everything.
The Journey to Our Coastal Dream
It took us about three years to make this move happen. We knew we wanted somewhere more rural, away from suburban life, and definitely near water—whether that was a lake, ocean, river, or even a modest stream. After the first year of contemplation, we decided on coastal living. Another year later, we narrowed our search to the Oregon Coast, specifically south of Rockaway Beach.
The search became serious. We compiled a list of over 100 potential homes, eventually narrowing it down to 60 places to visit in person. We spent three intensive weeks exploring the area, and then we found it—our dream home on a lake, about two miles from the ocean. Close enough that we can hear the waves when sitting on our deck.
We moved here not knowing a single person or having any jobs lined up. We relocated on a wing and a prayer with minimal savings. If we could do it, anyone can.
From Hectic to Harmonious
Before the move, our life had a frantic rhythm. I was producing events—a career that demanded 60-70 hour weeks and constant social interaction. My husband was equally busy as an entrepreneur with his own packed schedule.
Now? I've pivoted to running a successful print-on-demand business and building a new venture teaching artists how to grow their businesses using print-on-demand with AI assistance. My husband manages two Airbnb rentals on the lake, accessing them by boat—fulfilling a long-held dream.
Our lifestyle feels semi-retired. Even though we still work hard when working, we also play hard. You might find us taking a boat ride on a sunny Tuesday afternoon, hiking on a Thursday, or beachcombing any day of the week, rain or shine. During the warmer months, our evenings are spent on the deck, soaking up sunshine after the workday ends.
We've reclaimed time for what truly matters—nature, relaxation, and togetherness.
The Trade-Offs Worth Making for Slow Living
While this place instantly felt like home, there were adjustments. First, the spiders—so many spiders! I had to gradually overcome my arachnophobia. I'm proud to say I recently relocated a spider from inside our greenhouse to an outdoor plant—something I couldn't have imagined doing before.
Then there's the convenience factor. We live 20 miles outside a tiny town that has just one stop sign (no stoplights), a small post office, a lodge with a restaurant, and a modest grocery store. For more substantial shopping, Coos Bay is 40 miles beyond that, but even there, we don't have the Target or Trader Joe's we once took for granted.
These sacrifices are entirely worthwhile for the stunning scenery that surrounds us. Even the drives to run errands offer breathtaking views that remind us why we came.
A Day in Our Coastal Life
Before the move, a typical weekday meant working until 8-10pm. My husband would make dinner since I rarely left my office. We'd squeeze in some TV before bed, then repeat the cycle.
Now, we work a standard day, then spend time gardening or simply sitting on the deck with a glass of wine and a good book. We prepare homemade meals and genuinely take time to relax—finding that elusive work-life balance that seemed impossible before.
The moderate coastal climate (40s-50s in winter, 50s-60s in summer) means we're never too cold or too hot to enjoy the outdoors, it’s perfect year-round weather for us.
Becoming One with Nature
Living here has taught us to slow down and truly appreciate our surroundings. We've become bird watchers without intending to, spending hours observing ducks and local wildlife. The forest sounds have become our soundtrack.
We literally stop to smell flowers and trees, learning to identify the flora and fauna that share our space. Though we were always nature lovers, we never before made the time to fully immerse ourselves in it.
Finding Community in New Places
Our social life has transformed too. I've joined a group of women—we call ourselves the YaYas—and we meet monthly for shopping trips, lunches, hikes, beach outings, berry picking, nursery visits, and other adventures. My husband has found his own circle of friends, including the YaYas' husbands.
We do miss our family and friends from California, and while many have visited, we rarely travel back. The thought of navigating those Southern California freeways now seems almost unbearable! While we do plan on visiting again soon, our new friends have become like family, filling our lives with connection and shared experiences.
The Unexpected Benefits
Our health has improved significantly since the move. At 50 and 52, neither my husband nor I take any prescription medications, and our recent medical check-ups show excellent results.
Perhaps more importantly, our mental health has flourished. Nature truly is healing. We find ourselves more resilient now, better able to navigate life's challenges than before. The constant presence of natural beauty provides perspective that makes daily stresses seem more manageable.
Advice for Those Dreaming of a Similar Change
If you're considering a similar lifestyle shift, do your research—but don't get so caught up in planning that you never take action. Find that place that occupies your thoughts constantly, and make your way there as quickly as possible.
The transition won't be seamless, but the rewards of aligning your daily life with your values are immeasurable. For us, being surrounded by nature daily reminds us what truly matters: our happiness and wellbeing.
This move has been a dream come true that we didn't even know we had. If you're feeling the call to slow down and simplify, listen to it. Your own version of our lake house might be waiting for you.
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