Brookings gets the best weather of the entire Oregon Coast and because of that it's sometimes referred to as the Banana Belt of the state. Don't count on it being tropical though, this is still the Pacific Northwest!
The down-slope winds that blow to the south and west do make for some lovely days and the phenomenon can happen in any season. Days that might be socked in with fog on other stretches of the coast can be sunny and 70 degrees here. No bananas, but the area does grow over 90 percent of all the Easter Lilies produced in the United States -- talk about cornering a market! Located about six miles north of the border with California, it's the first Oregon town you come to when traveling north on U.S. Highway 101. The scenery is spectacular and is home to so many of the things that make the Oregon Coast cool, from quaint shops and eateries to quirky points of interest like the Pelican Bay Lighthouse. It's one of the newest in the United States, being first lit on July 4, 1999.
Moving to Brookings
In spite of the sometimes balmy weather, this is still the Oregon Coast, and rain is a part of living here. It's really not as bad as you might think, but it does take some getting used to. Plan accordingly when moving. The seasonal nature of the rain has a big impact on the rental market, and not just for the obvious reason of getting all your stuff wet! There are a lot of homes and even luxury apartments rented for the summer season that can be vacant during the winter. If you're looking to move here, searching for a place just as the high season ends can sometimes land you a good deal. Make a plan that includes a list of your favorite properties and work through it. When searching for places to rent in Brookings, be prepared to pass a credit check and pay first, last, and security deposit.
Brookings Neighborhoods
The obvious western border of town is that big blue wet thing called the Pacific Ocean. Things are a little less defined in the other directions. The north side of the Chetco River is the main part of town, with most of the businesses and retail establishments along Hwy 101.
Red Rock/Stack Creek: The southern part of the community is actually outside of the city limits but still generally considered to be part of Brookings. It's where the town meets the farms and lily fields and the California border. The small but spectacular McVay Rock State Park is here.
Harbor: Along the south side of the Chetco River, as it empties into the Pacific, you will find a mix of housing that includes manufactured homes and retail shopping in front of the marina where there are charter fishing vessels for hire.
Downtown: Perhaps you can find apartments with paid utilities in one of the small complexes here. You can also sample great food at places like Black Trumpet Bistro.
Ransom Creek: Along the creek drainage that is near Harris Beach State Park is a good place to find 3 bedroom houses for rent. It's also where you will find Bud Cross Park and the Brookings Community Swimming Pool.
Living in Brookings
Two of the best beaches anywhere are here. Right in the north part of town is Harris Beach, famous for it's relatively warm weather, especially when the Chetco winds blow. Just four miles to the north is the incredible Samuel H. Boardman State Park, which covers 11 miles of fantastic shoreline. There's not a big city close so appreciating the small town coastal life is important. You are about halfway between Portland and San Francisco, with each being about 400 miles or so away. There are a surprising number of good restaurants for a town of just over 6,000 people. From great grub at the Vista Pub to sushi at Cafe Kitanishi, there's a broad range to sample while searching for your rental apartment.