Why I Choose to Live in Springfield, OR, USA

Some of us have no choice about where we live. Fortunately, I do, and I choose to live in Springfield, a small Oregon community located about halfway between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

I was born only a few miles from where I now live. Growing up, I had no choice about where I lived, but have always been happy that my parents, who were born in Oklahoma, chose to move here, and make it their permanent home long before I was born.

Oregon has a very mild climate. The part I live in is about 70 miles from the ocean so we can visit beaches in the summer often. We live in the Willamette Valley which is protected from a lot of winter weather that is more common in the eastern part of the state. I think we had a couple of inches of snow for a day or two last winter, and a sprinkling once so far this year, but when I read of the difficulties people in other places are facing because of the snow, I am happy to do without it.

Besides, if I find myself craving snow, an hour-long drive to the east of our home can take us up into snow country where we can build a snowman with our grandchildren, take a few pictures of them standing beside it, and head back to our cozy little valley before the day ends.

We do have a lot of rain, but you get used to it, and because of it, we have seemingly endless green forests, and enough water to irrigate gardens in the summer when people elsewhere are having to let their plants die for lack of water. I consider abundant rain a real blessing, and am very thankful for it.

There is more crime in Springfield than there used to be and our population is growing rapidly, but still, in comparison to larger cities, life is pretty peaceful here. The people are friendly in Springfield. The clerks in stores seem happy to see you and smile and thank you for buying, or even for just stopping by.

Eugene, a larger town, is just across the river, and boasts a nationally known university, the University of Oregon, so if you want to go to school for a degree or just pick up a class or two that interests you, it is practically at your fingertips. A 2-year community college is also just a few miles down the road.

Another great attraction for living in Oregon is that we have no sales tax. After traveling in a few other states, I can assure you that our lack of a sales tax is a far greater blessing than many of realize.

Some stores, in spite of the present economy, occasionally have help wanted signs in their windows, so, although I am not presently looking for work, it seems as though our economy isn't as bad as some. Houses are being built all over town, and new businesses still move here on a regular basis.

To sum it up, I would say the best feature of this area is our moderate climate. We experience very few days below 32 degrees in the winter, and a mild average of 70-80 in the summer. Sometimes we have a few days in the 90's but rarely more than a few.

I have traveled to many areas of the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and, so far, have not found any place that has even tempted me to move. Maybe I will someday, but, until then, I will just sit here, content in the state I am in. Paul, in the Bible, says something similar to that, but I think he was talking more about being content with whatever situation we might face rather than the state of the union you are in. Nevertheless, being here has made me content.

If you ever have an opportunity to spend some time in Oregon, please do, and see if you don't agree with me that it is one of the most beautiful places you have ever visited.
.