Yachats Oregon Writer Rick Schultze

Actually there are many nice things about small towns and villages like we have here on the Oregon Coast. Generally the fast paced pressure filled lifestyles of many larger urban areas are a rarity, the amount of time spent in snarling traffic tie-ups is less, the crime rate doesn’t approach that of the urban rate and people seem friendlier. Of course there are exceptions to all those statements, but normally the smaller populations of the small towns and villages enable residents to enjoy a slower and more relaxed lifestyle. While life in a small town may not be quite like the ones that are portrayed on TV or in movies it is nice and depending on your town or village might be really nice!

However this year there is huge factor that is going to affect these little spots; the outrageous cost of gas. The markets, restaurants and bars, motels, hardware stores and virtually all other kinds of businesses are being forced to raise their prices because their supplies are all trucked in from somewhere else. That’s not to say the big cities aren’t affected the same way but it seems more noticeable in a small place and it also affects the number of visitors these places get if they cater to tourists. One theory has folks making short trips but not staying and spending a lot of time or money, while another theory is that it might actually help with the “staying close to home” theory where folks make relatively short trips to the coast but stay for a few more days as opposed to the long haul trips in the past. Needless to say, the gas prices are the huge determining factor.

But on the brighter side, a nice thing about a small town or village like Yachats where I live is that you rarely have to leave to have a full life. We have two gas stations and even in the worse case scenario where urgent medical care is necessary it’s only thirty miles away. Elementary and high schools are only eight miles away as are dentists, veterinarians, and attorneys. The Department of Motor Vehicles are only thirty miles was as well.

But the beauty of it all is that in Yachats you can literally walk to everything you need; the market, post office, churches, the hardware store, the medical clinic, the library, restaurants, coffee shops, gift shops, city hall, the fire station and the city park. And there are a variety of walking trails, beaches, and hiking spots all within a short distance of the center of the village. There are a growing number of the residents who are car pooling for major shopping trips when necessary to the big discount stores which are only thirty miles away and by walking and shopping at home the rest of the time and spending a lot less time driving and filling up the gas tank. They appear to be waging a somewhat successful fight against the high cost of fuel. This summer they just might have that extra bit of spending money to spend on BBQ’s, local sightseeing, and an occasional night out!

So while some folks may complain about being stuck in a small town or little village, there are others who are counting their blessings for being in them!

Enjoy summer when it finally arrives and walk when you can!

To reach Rick Schultze email yarick@pioneer.net