The third time's a charm, right? The settlement that eventually became Winston saw two post offices open and close before the third remained and the village started to grow into a town. Still, it wasn't until 1955 that it officially became incorporated as the town of Winston.
The early years after initial settlement of Winston in the late 1800s was focused on agriculture
The third time's a charm, right? The settlement that eventually became Winston saw two post offices open and close before the third remained and the village started to grow into a town. Still, it wasn't until 1955 that it officially became incorporated as the town of Winston.
The early years after initial settlement of Winston in the late 1800s was focused on agriculture. It was growth related to the lumber industry that saw the town actually take shape. These days, Winston is home to one of Southern Oregon's most well-known attractions, Wild Safari. It's a 600-acre wildlife park that allows animal specimens from around the world to roam freely and has become a major tourist draw. Winston is part of a group of small towns that are lined up along Highways 42 and 99 run together to the south of Roseburg. Highway 42 is the main road connecting Interstate 5 to Coos Bay on the Oregon Coast. Just about 5,400 residents call Winston home.
Moving to Winston
The percentage of places to rent that are available has traditionally run fairly close to the national average for towns of this size. That means you aren't going to be fighting too hard to find a place, as long as you make a plan and follow through. Like any smaller town, there's a limit on what's on the market at any given time and there can be a seasonality to it all. Don't leave yourself parked in front of the couch at your current pad too long and you'll be fine. Make a list of available properties and try to match it up with what you're looking for in a place. Your search for apartments in Winston should start as soon as you know you're going to be moving here. The more time you have, the more likely that you will be able to get that first-choice place. Be prepared with a list of references from where you lived before, a decent credit check, and enough cash to cover first month, last month, and a security deposit.
Winston Neighborhoods
The bend in the South Umpqua River has helped define the shape of the community. The development of some surrounding areas into vineyards (hello, wine tasting!) as the Umpqua Valley started to see wineries pop up has also influenced growth on the outskirts of town. The relatively easy commute to surrounding communities also impacts housing--this is a low road-rage community.
Civil Bend: Roughly situated in the triangle formed by the intersection of Highway 99 and 42, this is a good area to find one bedroom apartments for rent near the Civil Bend Cemetery. There's also a public boat ramp to the river here, so get started finding a friend with a boat.
Riverbend: This part of town is on the east side of Highway 42, located on next to the largest river bend as it turns north. You'll find a mix of housing including an RV park, a manufactured home park, and standard single family homes. Riverbend Park and Winston-Dillard County Park are both in this part of town. It's a good place to find a duplex for rent as well.
Lookingglass Road: This road roughly defines the northern boundary of Winston. As it leaves town heading West, you will find wineries and farmland on the way to the small community of Looking Glass. Some of the newer residential development is along this road.
Living in Winston
The Southern Oregon lifestyle is fairly laid back, with a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation. From fishing on the South Umpqua to exploring the surrounding mountains or taking a day trip to the Oregon Coast, there's tons to do out in nature. In town, you're not going to find a hotbed of culture or a thriving nightlife, but you will find good local eateries and shops. For a bigger city experience, Eugene is just over an hour north.