I've spent a little time there. It's a bit rural for me, but I like the dry climate. I wouldn't judge the state on that particular area. They are very cut off from the rest of us. When my dad lived in Rogue River the city he was in a little cabin in the woods. His neighbors were mostly retirees from California. I don't think I would fit in down there either. Down south I'd recommend getting to Bandon old town for some seafood, West Coast Game Park if you have kids, or some golf on their expensive course. A little further up the coast you hit the dunes. I love that area, go for a ride on a sand rail tour. When you are going vertical at 60mph you can thank me. It's like a roller coaster, my 70 year old grandma went. You won't get any type of city life down south. For that I'd recommend Eugene, Bend or Portland. I've had some good times in Corvallis as well, but you gotta know where to go, which day, and it's a younger crowd.
RE: Surviving your first year in Oregon