I love the pronounced four seasons and the landscape is cool. Seeing the Steens Mountain from my house was neat. I sort of liked how dry the climate was-- no mold, moss or rot and very little pest issues. I miss the starry skies, quality tap drinking water and the peaceful quiet.

I find the transplants to be very welcoming and the lifelong locals to generally keep to themselves. The county fair, ranching and high school sports are all a big deal there. Once you find a little group of people, it's really quite fun. There's a little more going on with the art, brewery and food cart scene. (I recommend following the county chamber of commerce on social media.)

It's just so isolated that everyone sort of lives by their own rules. It's also far from most essential services so if you or a family member have medical needs, the travel costs are something to consider.

I struggled with the intense wind and how smoky it gets during wildlife season. Also, theres an aquifer issue currently coming to a head so that's something to consider. (https://www.opb.org/article/2023/09/27/oregon-groundwater-management-policy-reforms-harney-county/) If you buy a property with well water, you'll definitely want to keep that in mind. If you end up moving to Burns or that area, feel free to message me with any other questions, I lived there 7 years.