If you’re researching a move to Klamath Falls, Oregon, you have probably run into the negative commentary on social media. Whenever someone posts that they’re considering Klamath Falls, or that their child is heading to OIT or KCC, the pile-on of objections about Klamath Falls begins.
Are You Stuck in Klamath Falls in the Winter? Not Even Close.
You will hear that once it starts to snow, you cannot get out of town. That is nonsense. Highway 97 and Highway 140 are very well maintained, and the crews take good care of these major arteries in and out of Klamath Falls.
When we had that big snowstorm a couple of years ago, I had to drive to Fresno right in the middle of it. Highway 97 was well plowed, and I got in and out of town just fine. Winter here takes some planning, but you’re not snowed in. If you need to go to Medford or take Highway 97 toward I-5, there is a high probability you will get there just fine if you have good tires and know how to drive for the conditions.
Arts and Culture in Klamath Falls: A Real Lifestyle Adjustment
This objection is true, and I will sugarcoat it. Klamath Falls does not have big ethnic festivals, a wide range of cultural events, or the art gallery scene you would expect to find in a larger city.
What we do have:
Linkville Theater: small plays and productions
Ross Ragland Theater: bigger concerts, shows, and events
One movie theater, Pelican Cinema
If you love art, theater, concerts, and cultural events, this will be an adjustment. It is worth knowing before you move. Klamath Falls does have a pretty cool OctoberFest event at Running Y every fall.
If your idea of a fun Saturday is grabbing friends and heading to the mall, we do not have one. But who goes to the mall these days? Malls are closing all over the country.
What we do have is plenty of shopping. Downtown Klamath Falls has lots of mom-and-pop shops where you can find almost everything you need, and there are plenty of grocery stores. We also have Walmart, Home Depot, Tractor Supply, Grange, and Coastal. For everything else, we have an Amazon distribution center, so online orders arrive quickly. And if you need something bigger, Medford is about a half-day trip. Plan ahead, make a Costco run, and come home.
The Best Way to Thrive in Klamath Falls: Embrace Outdoor Recreation
If you are outdoorsy, Klamath Falls is a great fit. The recreation here includes:
Camping
Hunting
Fishing
Kayaking
Snowshoeing
Trail riding
Mountain biking – world class at that
Hiking
If you are moving from a big city, it is a lifestyle adjustment, but if you are ready to make that shift, Klamath Falls is for you.
