Winter water colder here then SC (surfed down there for decades), as is the air. Come winter, water will hang around 50, often drop to 48/ 49, air on offshores into low 30’s in the am, warm up to low 40’s later on. Conversely, summer is warm, water gets into high 50’s.
Weather in that part of OR is warmer then further north, known as the ‘Gold Coast’ of OR. Often in the 70’s to 80’s during the summer.
Lotta long boards in the area because lot of older surfers who have moved there to retire, or just took up surfing later in life. Plenty of core shortboarders as well.
Sharky? Yep. There out there, just like they are north of SC, around HMB, and hanging around every seal population all the way to Washington.
Touristy? Yep, with out of staters during the summer. With Oregonians, who love the beach, spring thru fall.
Surf? Sure, some in plain view, some you’ll have to learn. Some further up the coast, some just across the border in CA. Ranging from average to pretty damn good. Surprisingly, south swells hit OR really well, and when they do, the waves can get very good at a couple of spots. Not like surfing around SC area, however. Wave quality much leaner. Often find yourselves in winter waiting for swells to subside, storms to pass. Crowds on the other hand, are so much mellower, rarely an issue. usually know everybody in the lineup.
More importantly, how is living in Gold beach…if you need a lot of stimulation, wrong place. Not hip, not happening. On the other hand, your $$ goes a long way compared to CA. Everything is cheaper - housing, car insurance, etc. Good quality of life, slower pace. Can get a place outside of town pretty darn cheap compared to anything in CA.
Personally, wouldn’t consider moving somewhere I didn’t visit first. Suggest either driving for a visit, or fly into Eureka or Crescent City, rent a car, take a couple of days to check it out. A decision like that deserves a serious investment in consideration.
Hope this helps.