On the picturesque Southern Oregon Coast, half-way between Brookings and Florence, lies the quintessential coastal beach town of Bandon. Clean, pristine and enveloped by nature, the small, rural town sits at the mouth of the Coquille River. At one point a vibrant seaport shipping natural resources to San Francisco, today the town is the antidote for too much civilization, home to longtime locals, aging hippies, artists, writers, wealthy vacationers, and increasingly, Californians. Drawn to the crashing waves, quaint harbor and attractive home values —not to mention a world-class golf course—buyers are flocking to an unspoiled stretch of coastline for a slower, quieter pace of life. In the following pages, we take a closer look at the seaside community and catch up with one of the region’s top real estate brokers and resident, Hunter Finch.

By: Kevin Daniel Dwyer

The Southern Oregon Coast is a place like no other, some distance from anywhere else. The town of Bandon is perhaps one of its most lovely enclaves, a seaside rural town of approximately 3,000 residents living the good life between sea and nature. An eclectic population combined with a temperate climate (think long, balmy dry summers and violent storms in winter) provides something for everyone—characters and climate included. A world away from it all, the area is a three-hour drive from the cultural and commercial hubs of Eugene, Ashland and Medford, with a major regional airport 35 minutes to the north in North Bend. Flights to San Francisco and Denver are easy, the town is lined with shops and restaurants and the wonder of the natural surrounds is endless. A vacation spot and destination resort, Bandon, Coos Bay and North Bend are sister cities that combined make up the largest population center on the south coast.

The area has proven a perfect fit for Californians in recent years wanting a Pacific Northwest getaway and change in lifestyle. Hunter Finch, Managing Broker and Founder of Coastal Sotheby’s International Realty has been helping Californians make the move to Bandon, Coos Bay and North Bend for over 15 years, noting an increasing influx seeking relief from the cost and stress of living in California’s major metropolitan areas. This incoming wealth is transforming the town, according to Hunter, gentrifying and improving the downtown areas and housing stock. Anecdotal evidence suggests these trends are accelerating as more boomers leave California to begin their ‘golden years’ elsewhere. Dubbed a “sophisticated haven for retirees” by The New York Times, the area has developed tastefully thanks to California buyers in the area with dollars that stretch in seaside communities now boasting Pilates classes, high end golf courses and a new hospital.

“Most of the buyers coming to us are educated, sophisticated, two-income couples from California. They are looking for a vacation or retirement home and want to relocate to an area with natural beauty, reasonable cost of living, a clean environment, low density, plentiful outdoor recreational activities and a friendly small town atmosphere,” says Finch.

Old Town Bandon is a half dozen blocks of shops, eateries and galleries running along the harbor bustling with local fishermen bringing in their catch of the day. “Each town has its own flavor. Savvy buyers will often take a week-long trip exploring each market to understand which town best fits their needs and interests,” says Finch. “It’s a great area to visit with spectacular natural beauty and safe, small town atmospheres, which is why so many Californians are purchasing homes here. The market has outstanding real estate values.”

One of the major attractions in the region is the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, one of the preeminent links courses in the world. One of the must-play courses on par, so to speak, with Pebble Beach, its remote location and word-of-mouth reputation has elevated Bandon Dunes to a bucket-list status for die-hards of the sport. It even has its own buzzword to describe its loyal followers: the Bandonistas, a cult of golf enthusiast who claim that true golf Nirvana can only be achieved at Bandon Dunes. “The presence of the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort promises to push Bandon to national prominence, offering buyers of real estate assurance that their investment here is special,” says Finch.

Finch himself has been a resident of Bandon for years, moving to the community at the age of 40 after nearly 20 years in consumer advertising in New York and Los Angeles for major brands including Procter & Gamble, Quaker and Nestle. Finch was drawn to Bandon after taking a much needed break. “I fell in love with the area and decided that living here was a healthier choice than returning to big city life,” recalls Finch. “My background in advertising, marketing and strategy gave me invaluable experience and skills to do my job today and welcome new residents to the community I am privileged to call home.” Today, Finch represents the finest homes in Bandon, Coos Bay, North Bend and the greater south coast area. Here are our top properties currently on the market.”