Pros and Cons of Living in Klamath Falls

Thinking about moving to Klamath Falls, Consider the pros and cons first.

Klamath Falls is a city located in southern Oregon. It is known for its natural beauty, recreational activities and a slower pace of life.

However, like any other place, Klamath Falls has its pros and cons, which can impact the decision to live there. This article will take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of living in Klamath Falls.

One of the major draws of Klamath Falls is its natural environment. The city is surrounded by mountains, forests, and lakes, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents can enjoy hiking, fishing, skiing, and other recreational activities.

Additionally, the area has a lower cost of living compared to many other parts of the country. However, there are also some drawbacks to living in Klamath Falls, including economic factors, accessibility, and health and safety concerns.

Key Takeaways

• Klamath Falls offers a beautiful natural environment and a slower pace of life.

• The cost of living is lower than in many other parts of the country.

• However, economic factors, accessibility, and health and safety concerns may be drawbacks for some people.

Natural Environment

Climate

Klamath Falls has a high desert climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are dry and hot with temperatures ranging from 80 to 90°F, while winters are cold with temperatures dropping to 20°F. The city receives an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, making it an ideal place for outdoor activities.

However, the dry climate can also cause health problems such as dry skin and respiratory issues.

Outdoor Recreation

Klamath Falls is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Cascade Range to the west and the Klamath Mountains to the east. The city is home to several parks and recreational areas, including the Klamath Falls City Park, Moore Park, and Veterans Memorial Park.

These parks offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking. The nearby Klamath Lake is a popular spot for boating, swimming, and water sports.

The city is also close to several national parks and forests, including Crater Lake National Park, the Fremont-Winema National Forest, and the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. These areas offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Overall, Klamath Falls offers a great natural environment for outdoor enthusiasts. The dry climate and abundance of sunshine make it an ideal place for outdoor activities, while the nearby parks and forests offer endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Cost of Living

Housing Affordability

Klamath Falls is an affordable place to live, especially when it comes to housing costs. The median home value in Klamath Falls is $148,000, which is significantly lower than the national average.

Renting is also affordable, with a median rent price of $738 per month for 544 sqft studio apartment. Housing affordability is one of the main reasons why many people choose to live in Klamath Falls.

Taxes

Klamath Falls has a relatively low tax burden compared to other cities in Oregon. The state has no sales tax, which is a significant advantage for residents. The property tax rate in Klamath County is also lower than the national average, which means residents pay less in property taxes.

General Expenses

The cost of living in Klamath Falls is lower than the national average. According to Forbes, the cost of living in Klamath Falls is 21.84% lower than the national average. This means that residents can save money on everyday expenses such as groceries, transportation, and healthcare. Transportation costs are particularly low, with a cost of living index of 87.12, which is 12.88% lower than the national average.

In conclusion, Klamath Falls is an affordable place to live, especially when it comes to housing costs. The tax burden is relatively low, and the cost of living is lower than the national average.

Community and Lifestyle

Living in Klamath Falls can offer a unique and tight-knit community feel that is often lacking in larger cities. Here are some of the key aspects of community and lifestyle in Klamath Falls.

Small-Town Feel

One of the main advantages of living in Klamath Falls is the small-town feel. This can be a great benefit for those looking for a close-knit community where people know each other and look out for one another.

The slower pace of life in Klamath Falls can be appealing to those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of big city living.

Cultural Events

Despite being a small town, Klamath Falls offers a number of cultural events throughout the year. These events can range from art shows and music festivals to community theater productions.

The Ross Ragland Theater is a popular venue for live performances and shows. The Klamath County Museum is another great place to explore the history and culture of the area.

Education

Klamath Falls has a number of educational opportunities for residents of all ages. The Klamath County School District serves the area, offering a variety of public schools for children from kindergarten through high school. There are also several private schools in the area.

For those looking to continue their education, Oregon Institute of Technology is located in Klamath Falls and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Overall, Klamath Falls offers a unique community and lifestyle that can be appealing to those looking for a small-town feel with access to cultural events and educational opportunities.

Economic Factors

Employment Opportunities

Klamath Falls has a diverse economy with a mix of industries, including healthcare, education, retail, and manufacturing.

According to Citytistics, the unemployment rate in Klamath Falls is slightly higher than the national average, but there are still plenty of job opportunities available in the area.

One of the major employers in Klamath Falls is Sky Lakes Medical Center, which employs over 1,500 people. Other major employers in the area include Klamath County School District, Jeld-Wen, and Collins Products.

In addition, the city is home to a number of small businesses, which provide additional employment opportunities.

Local Economy

The local economy in Klamath Falls is driven by a mix of industries, including healthcare, education, retail, and manufacturing.

According to Niche, the median household income in Klamath Falls is slightly lower than the national average. However, the cost of living in the area is also lower than the national average, which helps to offset this difference.

The city's economy is supported by a number of organizations, including the Klamath County Economic Development Association, which works to attract new businesses to the area and support existing businesses.

In addition, the city is home to a number of small business development centers, which provide resources and support to local entrepreneurs.

Overall, Klamath Falls offers a diverse and growing economy, with plenty of job opportunities available in a variety of industries.

While the median household income is slightly lower than the national average, the lower cost of living in the area helps to offset this difference.

Accessibility

Transportation Options

Klamath Falls has a few different transportation options available to its residents. The city has a small airport, the Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport, which offers flights to Portland and San Francisco. However, the airport does not offer many flights, so residents may need to drive to a larger airport for more options.

The city also has a public transportation system called Basin Transit Service. The service offers several bus routes throughout the city, including routes to Oregon Institute of Technology and Klamath Community College. However, the service has limited hours of operation and may not be a viable option for some residents.

Residents who prefer to drive will find that Klamath Falls has a well-connected road network. The city is located at the intersection of US Route 97 and Oregon Route 39, making it easy to travel to nearby cities.

Proximity to Major Cities

Klamath Falls is located in southern Oregon, approximately 280 miles south of Portland and 200 miles east of Eugene. While the city is not located near any major cities, it is still within driving distance of several popular destinations.

Residents can take a day trip to nearby Crater Lake National Park, which is approximately 60 miles from Klamath Falls. The city is also located near several other outdoor recreational areas, including the Klamath River and the Fremont-Winema National Forest.

Overall, while Klamath Falls may not have the same level of accessibility as larger cities, residents still have several transportation options available to them and can easily access nearby recreational areas.

Health and Safety

Healthcare Services

Klamath Falls has several healthcare facilities, including Sky Lakes Medical Center, Cascade Comprehensive Care, and Klamath Open Door Family Practice.

Sky Lakes Medical Center is the largest hospital in the area and offers a wide range of services, including emergency care, cancer treatment, and surgery. Cascade Comprehensive Care is a community health center that provides primary care, behavioral health, and dental services to patients of all ages.

Klamath Open Door Family Practice is another community health center that provides comprehensive medical services to the underserved population.

Crime Rates

According to SafeHome, Klamath Falls is one of the safest cities in Oregon. The city has a higher safety score than both Redmond and Eugene. Similarly, Safewise ranked Klamath Falls safer than the much more populous city of Salem.

However, like any other city, Klamath Falls does have its share of crime. The most common crimes in the area are property crimes, such as theft and burglary. It is important to take precautions to protect your home and belongings, such as installing a security system and locking doors and windows.

Additionally, residents are advised to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Cons of Living in Klamath Falls

Weather Extremes

Klamath Falls is known for its extreme weather conditions. The city is located in a high desert region, which means that the summers are hot and dry, while the winters are cold and snowy.

The temperature can drop below freezing during the winter months, making it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities. Additionally, the city experiences strong winds, which can cause damage to homes and property.

Limited Job Market

Klamath Falls has a limited job market, which can make it difficult for residents to find employment. The city's economy is largely based on agriculture, timber, and healthcare.

While there are some job opportunities in these industries, they may not be suitable for everyone. The lack of job diversity can also limit career growth and advancement opportunities.

Isolation

Klamath Falls is located in a remote area of Oregon, which can make it feel isolated from the rest of the state. The city is located several hours away from major metropolitan areas, such as Portland and San Francisco.

This can make it difficult for residents to access cultural events, entertainment, and other amenities that are available in larger cities. Additionally, the isolation can make it difficult for residents to maintain social connections with friends and family who live outside of the area.

Overall, while Klamath Falls has many advantages, including affordable housing options and access to outdoor recreational activities, it is important to consider the potential downsides of living in the city.

The extreme weather conditions, limited job market, and isolation can make it difficult for some residents to adjust to life in Klamath Falls.