Oregon and whats become of it

[BrotherWolf]

There is alot of us here that have spent most of our life in Oregon, How do you feel about what's been happing to/in our great state???

With schools, cost of living, cost of housing, politicians etc


With three young kids I wonder daily if Oregon is where I want to continue to raise them. With the hunting, fishing etc being top notch I have so much more to think about. I make great money where I work but its still not enough to give my family what I would like to. Starting with a bigger house/yard and then a better education etc.... There is states in The midwest that you can get a 4 bedroom house on a 1/2 - acre lot for around 150k and there schools are top notch and of course great hunting.

[JustCallMeDave]

Wherever you live is what you make of it. Your happiness is not defined by your address. It is defined by your willingness to be happy. If you feel that moving your family to the Midwest where you can have more house and property for less money will make you happy, then you are right and should do just that.

Oregon is beautiful. Washington is beautiful. Each have such tremendous upside, and there are others elsewhere who dream of having it half as good as we do. Step outside and look around you. Take in the mountains and hills, the rivers and creeks, the forests and the meadows. Look at whatever you do not like about your area and know that there are likely many people who are paying far more for far less and are thrilled to do it.

BrotherWolf, I hope that you do not take any of this as an attack directed at you as it certainly is not meant to be that. It is merely a suggestion that there are some pretty incredible things that we have here in the Pacific Northwest that a bargain deal on a large home will not satiate for long, if at all.

[outdoor.spec.ops]

I know what your saying, but the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. My wifes family lives in the midwest (northern Missouri)and pay up to 600/month in heat bills and 400 per month cooling bills. Their place would cost 5 times as much here, but the heat and cooling bills, and BUGS, HUMIDITY, did I mention Bugs? run up expenses.

Go lather up a sweat and run through a Missouri grass patch and I bet you start thinking that Oregon isn't so bad.

The below zero rain temperatures, and risks associated with having to drive on ice and roads should also be evaluated. Oh yea, one more thing...TORNADOS....they have them along with lots of flooding.

[JustSteve]

Born in Forest Grove, raised in Gaston, left with Uncle Sam in 1990. Have travelled to 42 states, 18 countries, three continents, over 35 different ports of call. I did not live in Oregon for almost 18 years...about half of my entire life. I finally managed to bring my wife and three little kids back "home" this past summer.

I didn't move back for family. They have all either died or scattered, but rather, I moved back because despite the state being economically depressed with struggling school system and a raging meth situation, it ain't so bad.

Oooohhh yes how things have changed but ya know what? The more they change, the more they stay the same. It's still a wicked beautiful place with friendly people and neighbors who you can count on. The stark differences in how each human is treated by another is palpable from east coast to west.

If you want to leave, we'll leave the light on for ya. I bet top dollar you'll be back.

Steve

[GraphiteZen]

Really, Oregon is a great state. Cost of living, education, politicians... It's all relative to the state or county you live in. You could ditch one problem here and get stuck with two more you never thought of along with the cost of moving and resettlement... You have a foundation here that takes a profit hit every time you disrupt it, and what about the kids... I'm not a parent but I have been uprooted as a child under dire circumstances and I can assure you it's not just leave there and start here lickedy-split. It's a lot harder for a child, so if you can make life better with minimal disrupt, however you have to do it, that's where the gain is.

[SILVERSINK]

Nice one dave??????????

[MsOutdrs]

Having lived here all but about a year of my life, I still think this is the BEST state you can live in. If I were to move, it would most likely be to the state just across the Big C. I have seen alot of changes, most of which I don't like, happen here. People that I complain to tell me its progress and progress is inevitible. I don't subscribe to that theory. However, as someone said, you can look at the negative or you can be positive and optimistic. Jump in and see what you can do to affect some sort of change. We have all grown apathetic to the school situation, etc. You have the right to vote, you have the right to voice your opinion to your legislators. Keep hammering them about what you don't want them to do and what you do want them to do. Talk to your friends, etc...encourage them to do the same. Take our state back from the politicians who I suspect are self-serving, for the most part. Do some research and find out why things are the way they are...you might be surprised. Look at the year-end actual spending of your school. See what they really did with their money, not what they budgeted and SAID they were GOING to do. I can almost promise you...you'll see a BIG DIFFERENCE. You young folks, I know, are so busy trying to provide for and be involved with your families, you just don't think you have the time to affect change. Maybe you don't. But maybe you do.

I, for one, hope that good, honest, law-abiding families such as yours stay here. Oregon needs you! Best to you in your decision-making process.

[Sea Jypzee]

I too have lived in Oregon most of my life, and have lived in many other beautiful places..Alaska, Colorado, the deep South in Louisiana, even across the river in Washington and others as well. In all the places I've lived, I've always returned to Oregon.
As much as I hate the political atmosphere of Salem, and Portland in general, I still can't help but to love living here and do not plan to leave.

You have to weigh what is important to you and your family and decide.

[Bait Bucket]

Lonnie, if you leave, can I have your truck?

[Trick]

I had this discussion with by boss last week. I told him that the company I work for could offer me another 50k and I wouldn't leave. I love the PNW and it would take tons of cash to get me out of here and even then I highly doubt I'd take it.

No place I'd rather be!

[Thumper]

I have been in all 50 states, mostly on business. Oregon and Washington are beautiful and have a gentle climate, but there are many other equally beautiful places to live in this country.

Upstate New York, Western Massachusetts, parts of the mid-Atlantic, parts of the Gulf Coast, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Hawaii, Alaska, etc. etc.

Every place has its advantages and disadvantages.

[SLEDDER]

There is not enough time in the day for me to respond fully to this post. All I can say it has changed for the worse. Not sure why people haven't moved to the North or East or even Southern Oregon where the state hasn't changed much.

[RogueFishr]

Originally Posted by SLEDDER

There is not enough time in the day for me to respond fully to this post. All I can say it has changed for the worse. Not sure why people haven't moved to the North or East or even Southern Oregon where the state hasn't changed much.

I am born and raised in Southern Oregon, and I can tell you that it HAS changed, and NOT for the better either. I won't go into specifics, but we have problems that seem to be growing. All of our family is around here though. If I thought I could move, without a huge disruption in my kids' lives, I would be out of here next week.

I know everywhere has its good and bad. It just seems that the bad here is multiplying far faster than the good.

RF

[anglingaddict]

I grew up in NW Indiana and there is no way I would consider moving my family there. If you think we have racial issues here, pay a visit to Gary,IN.! There are some very nice towns in Indiana but that same attitude is still underlying no matter how small or remote the town is. It is ashamed too because there are some very beautiful places there. The fishing and hunting is great as well. The three things mentioned earlier should be high on one's list to consider as well! Those being bugs (mainly skeeters! BIG ones too!), humidity (If you have never experienced it before it WILL overwelm you!) and the lovely tornados. I will say, even though many will think I am crazy, that I do miss the thunderstorms that we had there. Absolutely beautiful displays of mother natures power!! Another thing that I miss is catching lightning bugs! I've always wondered why we don't have them out here.
I can relate to the cost of living issue too having a large family (6 children) and we are still in a 3bdrm/2bth home. What we could get for a home back there is pretty tempting at first. Especially for me since I have a job that I could find a transfer to put in for and end up keeping the same salary. The utility bills mentioned earlier though will eat up what you think you are saving. I hear about it from my brother every time I talk with him. But all the other things mentioned snap me back to reality. As much as I don't like a lot of things happening in my adopted state I doubt I could ever leave. The best thing as mentioned earlier is to get involved in any way you can. This is America, and it is our country. Get involved, make a difference no matter how small you feel it is, and make your voice heard.
Best of luck in your decision for you and your family!!

A.A.

[retaliate]

I hear ya BW, but you get what you pay for, sure the cost of living is going up here, as is everywhere else, here you get Mountains, Rivers, Lakes, & Snow to play in, lot's of Trees(Western Oregon) that produce Oxygen, over 300 miles of Coast line, plenty of fertile Valleys, We have Rain forests, as well as Deserts, hard to beat in my Opinion, California & Washington also have similar Geographic diversity, but with much more people, Yes! Oregon is growing, & will continue to grow, & will experience the growing pains that go with it, including higher priced Real Estate, as people compete for space, still it's not for everybody, I'm sure you'll find a place that suits you. Good Luck!

[1pump]

Oregon now is not the Oregon I grew up in, but I'm sure that happens everywhere.
You can't blame people for wanting to step up and improve their lives by moving here. I would if I lived in some hell-hole back east.

[Tilla]

I would prefer not to step on a jet headed east ever again after last weeks trip to Tn and Ct, the answer is not there.

[Joe C]

spend a few years in Southern California, paying 5k a month on a mortgage and commuting 2 hours each day. Oregon will start looking a lot nicer

[RustySocket]

Originally Posted by SLEDDER

There is not enough time in the day for me to respond fully to this post. All I can say it has changed for the worse. Not sure why people haven't moved to the North or East or even Southern Oregon where the state hasn't changed much.

Thankfully those areas are not quite as "tolerant" as the valley is. Which imho is where the problem lies.

[RogueFishr]

Originally Posted by Joe C

spend a few years in Southern California, paying 5k a month on a mortgage and commuting 2 hours each day. Oregon will start looking a lot nicer

You are absolutely right JoeC. It is about perspective. If I was coming from Southern Cal, this would seem like paradise. But, having spent all of my 39 years here in Southern Oregon, it is not the same either. From my perspective of what used to be here, it is a mess now. You used to be able to drive all the way through town, at 5PM and maybe hit 1 or 2 red lights in the traffic. Now, you can't do that in the middle of the day. It is always crowded. To someone coming from a 2 hour commute, this place will seem like an expressway to them.

Its all what about where you came from, and what you are used too. As for me, I don't like it.

RF

[Dave G]

I like the minimum living wage they have here, the dungies and nooks and buts and tuna really make it a lot likable.

[johndeeregreen]

Originally Posted by SLEDDER

There is not enough time in the day for me to respond fully to this post. All I can say it has changed for the worse. Not sure why people haven't moved to the North or East or even Southern Oregon where the state hasn't changed much.

I agree. just look at the city of portland. I go down there and am in ah of the strange people. I'll stick to my historic oregonian views.

[Dave G]

Originally Posted by johndeeregreen

I agree. just look at the city of portland. I go down there and am in ah of the strange people. I'll stick to my historic oregonian views.

"Keep Portland Weird" It is!

[greenbuttskunk]

I was born in oregon, my family go back as far as the oregon trail.
I moved away when I was 9 and have spent all those years living in 8 other states. From the west coast, SW, SE midwest, NE. I moved back her in 93, as I truly believed THIS was the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
I have not been disappointed. I know I made the right choice to come back.
Yes, the schools are not all top notch. But I do find the people here, the mild weather, the surroundings, recreation, beauty, and all around quality of life here to be better than anywhere else I've ever lived.
I would never leave portland for any other place, period!
There is a wealth of opportunity here. So much at our disposal.

[BrotherWolf]

I want to thank everyone for your replies. And no I havent taken anything personal. Im more or less reaching out for other peoples opinions.

Joe, NO ya cant have my Truck, I will need it if we make the move to S.D
YES I said South Dakota. Sioux Falls. But I will let ya hunt my honey holes

The weather there wont bother my family We love snow.

I have lived in Missouri, California, Washington, Arizona at times in my life and have always came back to Oregon for one reason or another but I was single most of that time, Now with a 8 year old, 6 year old and a 3 year old is this where I want to raise them. The Oregon I grew up in is not what it use to be and thats the Oregon that I loved. I know the grass isnt always greener on the other side... I just want the most that I can offer my family..... If I could pick up 40 + acres there I would be in hog heaven. I could never afford 40+ acres in Oregon. But would be happy with 1-3 acres.

I would be making almost the same as I do now, There is three companies in the general area we were thinking about moving to that I have already contacted to get a general Idea what the salaries are there.

I dont like the problems that have been happing for years in other states and now have been dragged north. I look at my kids schoold pictures and dont like what I see. What will it be like in 10 years???. and no Im not predjudice, Every one that has the right to better themselfs and there life legally. I just dont understand why they have been able to take advantage of this great country we live in etc etc.

But all in all yes I would be giving up alot, But I think I have just as much to gain?? I dont think I have ever really truley thought about something as hard as this in my life besides waterfowl hunting.

My wife is also a born and raised oregonian and she actual would be up for it.

[SLEDDER]

If you move to South Dakota and need someone to deal with those pesky pheasants give a hoot. Good luck with your descision! It has been in the back of my mind also. I'm thinking Northern Idaho, Montana.

[SImudBogger]

Originally Posted by SLEDDER

If you move to South Dakota and need someone to deal with those pesky pheasants give a hoot. Good luck with your descision! It has been in the back of my mind also. I'm thinking Northern Idaho, Montana.

My old boss got transfered to rapid city SD and he said it is the best place he has ever lived. He got a bigger house with land on a golf course for less money then he sold his one in happy valley. If i get transfered like he did i hope it will be to montana or idaho. If you put the "hippy-ness" of Oregon aside, it really is the best place to be.

[Joe C]

Brotherwolf, you only live once man, and it's a biiig planet. If you think you'd be happy in Madagascar and could find a way to make a living there... might as well go for it.

that said when i was in san diego, I met a woman who was a live-aboard on a 45 ft boat with her husband. She'd lived in about 20-something countries and states over her lifetime. Sailing off somehwere new and trying it for a year. I was envious of her experiences but at the same time felt kinda sorry for her. Here swas in her mid-60s and had hundreds of pen pals but no true friends.

I'm all for finding that place that feels like "Home", but sooner or later you need to pick a place and settle there. Otherwise you'll never have that true feeling of "Home." It can take years to settle, and before ya know it, you're an old man.

[Headhunter]

Lonnie,

I have lived in Oregon for the last 25 year and for the most part like it.
Its where I will raise my family, camping, all types of fishing and hunting, close to the ocean and mountains. Don't need to deal with the feet upon feet of snow or the blistering heat with 90% humiditiy. We have killer vineyards with great wine, outstanding micro beer, coffee, and overall great livability.

There are wonderful things about many places, I loved growing up in the Boston area. Summers on the beaches were killer. You could actually swim in the water whereas in Oregon its just too dang cold to swim. Loved having 4 real seasons. Here in the Valley we have summer from July-Oct and then it rains

The point is everywhere has its special features, but also has it's issues too. On the whole Oregon is where I want to raise my family.

Sooo Lonnie If you do move, keep the truck, just give me the license plate TAKE-EM





.





,

[rimrock]

Brotherwolf, so what don’t you like about Oregon exactly?
Is it cost of living?
Wanting a bigger house/acreage?
Don’t like the fact there are Hispanic kids in the school photos?

I’m not sure if changing geography is going to do much to fix whatever it is you’re looking for? I’ve lived in the State over 31yrs now and it’s basically the same State now as then. What is it I'm not seeing as the problems which can only be solved by moving?

[Threemuch]

Having come from the midwest, I say good luck and enjoy. I am staying here until they put me in the dirt. Nothing wrong with the flatland, and you CAN find some great hunting, but you will be a long way from the salt, and I think you may be mixing apples and oranges by mixing up benefits of rural and urban/suburban midwest life. If you get anywhere near a decent sized city in the midwest, you will be hard pressed to find your 4 br 1/2 acre for 150K and top notch schools and good hunting. And if you get away from that city, you get the good hunting, nice house, cheap land, but your excellent schools taper off pretty fast, as do your decent paying jobs.

Oh, yeah, and good luck with weather. I always laugh when I talk to people about oregon winters. They say "Doesn't it rain alot?" and I say, "I'm from the midwest, 50 degrees and raining sounds pretty good compared to 0 degrees and two feet of snow, with no hills to ski on."

My running joke about the midwest is that you get 5 months of winter (wicked cold), 5 months of summer (wicked hot+humidity), with two months of decent weather, during which it very well be raining.

Don't forget the bugs. It seems like a small thing, but it isn't. Mosquitos in the midwest are no joke.

Take a nice visit before you go, I suggest February and August. Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, I have spent a good amount of time in all those places. And I don't think I will ever go back for anything other than the friends and family I left there.

[byebyeducky]

My wife is from the Midwest, IL to be exact, and there are some nice people there..................

I am not sure what else to say.

[Texascat]

I moved to the outskirts of Houston, Tx about 3 years ago. I miss the PNW just about everyday. I grew up fishing and hunting the Oregon coast. I can tell you that grass isn't always greener on the other side. I have a nice home here in a good school district for the kids, and 26 acres I purchased about 30 miles from the house. It is cheaper, but I also do not make the money I made up there.

some of the downfalls I have noticed since I've been down here

1. higher taxes!
2. humidity/bugs
3. no mountains/elk
4. a lot farther driving distances
5. people here don't know what salmon/sturgeon fishing is
6. there are some nice whitetail here, but it can cost a fortune$$ to kill
7. A/C bill in the summer time is about $400.00/month
8. It does rain alot, and when it rains, IT RAINS!!
9. hurricanes
10. horrible/crazy drivers
11. I could think of more, but I have to go back to work now

I do have some positive things about being down here also, maybe I will list them later?

[Lou]

Born in Nebraska, raised in Yakima Valley and been in Oregon
since 65. Have not lived in Portland since 81. If you know
what I mean. Politics are now taking over, though.
The vote in Bend, Pendleton and the like, don't count
due to Metro ideas.
Nuf said.

[The_Duck_Master]

I understand where you're coming from. If I had a profession that I could make comparable money in Montana I'd be all over it. Fact of the matter is that I'd have to take a 30% pay cut or more to move to Montana and the cost of living really isn't that different. Just the way things are.

As for comparing the value of real estate... one thing to keep in mind is that the amount of land you get is relative. 40 acres in SD/MT is NOT the same as 40 acres in western Oregon. That's why you pay what you do for it here. In SD your example of 40 acres isn't really enough to do anything with.

Also, keep in mind that country folks (i.e., access to private land hunting), feel the same way about city folks (Sioux Falls) as dry siders feel about wet siders in Oregon. Just because you reside in the state is not going to immediately give you access to all the honey holes.

[AtItAgain]

Lonnie,

When I got out of the military a little over 4 years ago my wife and I looked at moving to a lot of different areas of the country. I was born and raised in Oregon and Washington and at first was not sure I wanted to come back.

There were a lot of places that were cheaper to live where I could make more money then I do now. I could have stayed in the field I was trained in for the military. Oregon has very little to no use for my training. Anyway, all had there plus' and minus'. But in the end Oregon is where I came back to. A large part of the decison came down to being near family. All the other places we looked at we would have to travel multiple days by car or fly to see family. The cost of that alone and using vacation time to see our families really added up.

I am very glad that we chose to return to my home state and most of our trips to see my wife's side of the family area partially paid for because she still works for her employer in that other state where her family is.

For me the midwest is just to flat. I know it is not all states but it seems that the highest elevation you can find is an interstate overpass. I have lived in Florida, eastern Idaho, and S. California while in the military and have traveled through numerous other parts of the country. While most are nice to visit I wouldn't want to live in most areas for one reason or another. I did like eastern Idaho but I think I would get tired of all the snow in the winter.

Oregon is definately not the same state that I grew up in or even the same as when I left for the military. With that said, upon returning after 10.5 years away I don't want to live anywhere else. I do understand your concerns with where things have gone.


Good luck with your decision. And if you move to S.D. I will look you up in a couple of years when I make a duck and pheasant hunting trip out there.

[GraphiteZen]

Originally Posted by AtItAgain

For me the midwest is just to flat. I know it is not all states but it seems that the highest elevation you can find is an interstate overpass.

hahah no kidding. I traveled through there on my way to Florida and slept 85% of the time. There was just nothing to look at but sagebrush and antelope...

[HappyHooker]

I was born and raised in the Gresham/Troutdale/Sandy area. I recently bought a home in the same school district that I was raised in, anticipating my 6yr old twins going to the same schools that I went to.

Recently, while playing with my kids at the local school yard, we talked to 2 11 year old boys who had moved on to middle school. When I asked them how they liked the school (Walt Morey), they responded that the gangs have really started to become an issue.

I also recently read that there was a young girl who was walking her dog over in the neighborhood of the same school that was approached by a group of 3 men who wanted her to get in their van, to help them find their lost dog.

I watched a scumbag thief at Bestbuy stick a video game down his pants, all the while being watched on video at the front desk, then get let off. After letting him walk out of the store without calling the police, they told me that because they busted him inside the store, he couldn't be arrested because he hadn't actually walked out the door with it.

I can deal with the high price of gas, housing, utilities, etc. Crime on the other hand is what bothers me the most. I feel that the state has taken a soft approach towards too many sensitive issues because they are concerned of offending a small group.

I could go on and on, but I will just leave it at that.

Signed,
"Embarrassed to have Teddy K as Governor"

[uhmw]

Portland offer limitless oppertunitys with a vast array of different ecomomies and oppertunitys for one to reach his goals. Oregon is a great place to work and do business. I live here because its is a great place to do business and yet maintain some semblance of outdoor living. I can be smack in the middle of the pearl district having a drink and in a 1+ hr drive be :bugling elk, duck hunting, fly fishing, surfing , back packing, mt climbing, skiing or white water rafting. Where else can a feller do that??? I moved to oregon 20 years ago with the shirt on my back and big dreams and so far It hasent let me down. I remember when portland was a run down mill town- It sure has come a long way from the gloom town of the 70s.

[Penobscot]

Brotherwolf, my wife is from Sioux Falls, we go there a few times a year.
We've considered the same move as we have enough equity to buy a nice house there outright, no mortgage. The hunting is top notch,pheasants, ducks, geese, deer, the fishing is so-so. As you said the schools are excellent. The winter is horrible.
It is a decent town though, crime is nowhere near what it is here.
There are worse places than Sioux Falls.

[ET]

You know we all gotta do what makes us happy. The key is knowing what makes you happy. If 40 acres and a homogeneous society is what will make you happy, go out and live it.

Me... I grew up in small town Wisconsin and thought I loved it, lived in San Diego and thought I loved that, I even thought Barstow, CA was okay! Lived in Japan for eight years and loved that!

Then I moved to Washington and found out that I really didn't like any of those other places anymore!

[Headhunter]

I live in the Portland Metro area. I know lots-O-folks here on ifish are down on PDX, but compared to other cities/metro area with 2 MILLION people we have a pretty good quality of life. When you start to factor hunting & fishing into the equation...no question I am in the right place.

To start WE HAVE iFISH

Portland is the only major metro area in the country with a major salmon run through the heart of the city. I can have a quality duck hunt just 30 minutes from downtown at Sauvie Island. Within 3 hours I can be crabbing at the coast, in the high desert, fly-fishing gin clear streams, skiing the same slopes that the US Ski team trains on (I do the lodge really...really well) and so far into the woods it takes search & rescue a few days to find a small plane.

I moved here 26 years ago from Boston at the age of 18. Since I have moved away three times (USMC, SoCal for 18 months, Seattle for 2 years) and have come back each time. My wife moved here from NY (Mets fan thank God) and it would take a divorce before I move again. Just not going to happen

Originally Posted by uhmw

Portland offer limitless oppertunitys with a vast array of different ecomomies and oppertunitys for one to reach his goals. Oregon is a great place to work and do business. I live here because its is a great place to do business and yet maintain some semblance of outdoor living. I can be smack in the middle of the pearl district having a drink and in a 1+ hr drive be :bugling elk, duck hunting, fly fishing, surfing , back packing, mt climbing, skiing or white water rafting. Where else can a feller do that??? I moved to oregon 20 years ago with the shirt on my back and big dreams and so far It hasent let me down. I remember when portland was a run down mill town- It sure has come a long way from the gloom town of the 70s.

[BrotherWolf]

Originally Posted by rimrock

Brotherwolf, so what don’t you like about Oregon exactly?
Is it cost of living?
Wanting a bigger house/acreage?
Don’t like the fact there are Hispanic kids in the school photos?

I’m not sure if changing geography is going to do much to fix whatever it is you’re looking for? I’ve lived in the State over 31yrs now and it’s basically the same State now as then. What is it I'm not seeing as the problems which can only be solved by moving?

Lets start with these
1. It's turning into California.
2. Cost of living
3. Schools over crowded
4. New developments with the house's 5 feet from the property line
5. State Politics
6. Traffic
7. alot of the refuges are not open for hunting
8. All the bay fishing bites from what it was when I was a kid because of seals

Like some one else mentioned, We could sell our house and with the equity we have in it we would be able to get one heck of a up grade on a house and pay way less of a house payment as now, Kind of like what all the people from california have been doing over the last 20 years when moving to Oregon. Its not a for sure thing that we will move but it could be possible in the near future. Dont get me wrong, But I do love Oregon and what it has to offer.

[rimrock]

Those are good points I wouldn't disagree. Just not sure if SD doesn't itself have many of these same issues.

I was born in Iowa (a hawkeye, not no Iowa State red dust cloud - sorry threemuch). But seriouly if you didn't have family in the midwest you didn't hunt the honey holes. Oregon has far larger expanses of public land than the midwest.

But if a move is what you need to do, than of course good for it. Ya can always move back.

Just know I meet lots of people in Oregon from the midwest, but hardly meet anyone in the midwest from Oregon. There's a reason for that.

[BrotherWolf]

Originally Posted by rimrock

Those are good points I wouldn't disagree. Just not sure if SD doesn't itself have many of these same issues.

I was born in Iowa (a hawkeye, not no Iowa State red dust cloud - sorry threemuch). But seriouly if you didn't have family in the midwest you didn't hunt the honey holes. Oregon has far larger expanses of public land than the midwest.

But if a move is what you need to do, than of course good for it. Ya can always move back.

Just know I meet lots of people in Oregon from the midwest, but hardly meet anyone in the midwest from Oregon. There's a reason for that.

ooooo a hawkeye...hehe we use to live in Washington, Iowa ....But I was born in Texas.....ya know that's kind of funny that ya sayed that about meeting people from the midwest in Oregon. I remeber as a kid flying from portland to St Louis to my Dads for many years, the plane was freaking empty going there but full coming back??

[willierower]

I lived here all my life, 36 years. Ive lived on the South Coast, the Valley and Central Oregon. This state is going to hell in a hurry. Too many people moving here from other states that have already went to hell and they brought and are still bringing their problems with them. Illegal immigrants are a huge problem here. As well as are democrat ran state government.

With all that, I dont think I would live in any other state. Well maybe I would live in the State of Jefferson..............

[GraphiteZen]

Did you hear Obama went downtown and had pizza at American Dream?

[Joe C]

Originally Posted by willierower

I lived here all my life, 36 years. Ive lived on the South Coast, the Valley and Central Oregon. This state is going to hell in a hurry. Too many people moving here from other states that have already went to hell and they brought and are still bringing their problems with them.

Don't complain too much, some say the influx of people coming to oregon from states that are experiencing mortgage meltdowns are helping keep home values here from plummeting.

If they go somewhere else, the foreclosure signs could start popping up mighty soon.

[rimrock]

Originally Posted by BrotherWolf

ooooo a hawkeye...hehe we use to live in Washington, Iowa ....But I was born in Texas.....ya know that's kind of funny that ya sayed that about meeting people from the midwest in Oregon. I remeber as a kid flying from portland to St Louis to my Dads for many years, the plane was freaking empty going there but full coming back??

That’s too funny. One-way ticket please. St. Louis is a neat place. When I first visited there of course went down to the Arch, which was cool no doubt, but as I walked down to the river I remember thinking, “what’s that smell?” Then I remembered, “Oh, it’s the Mississippi.” Smells the same in Iowa too.

I see you’ve already been around the Midwest plenty to know what the weather/bugs...and all are like. Hey if you survived Texas, the northern Midwest is nothin’. Whatever you and your family decided I hope it works out the best for ya.

[Flatfish]

In North central Iowa, you can buy a house in a big lot for about 6 figures. 200 grand is a big house on several acres.

In North Central Iowa, there has been several inches of ice on the ground since before Christmas.

Cars running into the dicthes are such a common occurance that it is illegal to pull them out of the ditch at night, because it will cause another wreck(No lights on the roads in many places. No lights on John Deeres pulling cars out of the ditch.....you get the idea).

In the winter, 30 below with wind chill is not unheard of. In the summer, bugs eat you at a rapid rate til about August. Humidity is about 80% minimum. Tornado does not scare people there. A freeway overpass is the highest point for miles.

From North to South Iowa the scenery changes consist of corn and soybeans. Sometimes, it's soybeans then corn.

It's a great place to visit.

[Hellibut]

Geez, I sort of wish it had changed. I joined the Navy, spent 20 years away from Oregon (except for visits) and could not wait to get back. Moved back at retirement and low and behold there in front of the court house were the same VW buses and the same long haired folks that protested Vietnam protesting Iraq. A lot of gray hair and few rust spots on the buses but the same folks. Oh, how could I forget.... somehow they now support the troops that support the war but they don't support the war. I still however LOVE being home.

[BrotherWolf]

#9
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife says it will hold a dozen public meetings around Oregon as it puts together a budget that calls for higher hunting and fishing license fees.

It says fees were last raised generally in 2004, and they make up a third of the department's budget, which totals $262 million for the current two-year period.

The Medford Mail Tribune reported that a combination hunting-fishing license would rise from $43.75 now to at least $50 and as much as $55 under the proposal the department is considering.

It says a taxidermist license, unchanged from 1974, would jump from $5 to $25, just to keep up with inflation.

Laurie Byerly, the department's deputy administrator for administration, told the Mail Tribune that potential fee increases will be laid out in a range: low, medium and high.

Increases on the low end would likely pay for a status-quo of programs in the 1,300-employee agency through 2015, Byerly said.

Increases on the higher end of the range could lead to boosts in programs, such as more fish and wildlife enforcement and field biologists - common requests among Oregonians in past budget discussions, Byerly said.

"It's really up to what people think they can take on and see what else they want to support," Byerly said.

The Medford-based Oregon Hunters Association hasn't taken a position, although a recent poll of 1,000 new members shows a slight majority in favor of higher fees to keep programs at the status quo, said Secretary Duane Dungannon.

He said some members see fewer opportunities for hunting and fishing.

"They're being asked to pay more for a product that is perceived, by many, to be declining in quality," Dungannon said. "We're concerned that we don't price people out of participation."

Other possible increases, the paper reported:

* Resident angling license, from a license agent, now $24.75: $29 to $31.
* Harvest card to fish for salmon, steelhead, halibut and sturgeon, now $21.50: $26 or $27.
* Application fee for controlled-hunt lotteries, now $3: $6.
* Deer tag, now $19.50: $23 to $24.
* Commercial fishermen vessel permits, now $75: $125.

Hearings are scheduled April 7 in Portland, April 8 in Bend, April 9 in La Grande, April 10 in Ontario, April 14 in Klamath Falls, April 15 in Medford, April 16 in Roseburg, April 17 in Salem, April 21 in Astoria, April 22 in Newport, April 23 in North Bend and April 24 in Gold Beach. All are from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

[stilly bum]

Originally Posted by Joe C

Don't complain too much, some say the influx of people coming to oregon from states that are experiencing mortgage meltdowns are helping keep home values here from plummeting.

If they go somewhere else, the foreclosure signs could start popping up mighty soon.

Who says plummeting home values are bad? The increased cost of living has been listed as a change for the worse. The COL has gone up too fast. It's gonna hurt before it gets better.

[Cat n Tat's Dusky]

Originally Posted by JustSteve

I.

The stark differences in how each human is treated by another is palpable from east coast to west.

Steve

If that ain't the God's Honest Truth!!!!!!!!

I don't know the exact number, but almost 2/3 the US pupulation in on the eastern half of the country. Sure you can get XXX for XXX, but the cheaper the price, the less there is to do in that area..i.e good paying jobs, etc.

I could get a nice house cheap in the middle of Tennessee. Good luck finding a job.

C'mon down to South Florida!!! 5.5 million people in three counties and average house costs of close to 300K!!!

[Joe C]

Originally Posted by stilly bum

Who says plummeting home values are bad?

Anybody who owns a home is immediately affected. Then take people who have jobs in construction, plumbing, painting, concrete, lumber, real estate, title companies, lenders. They get pay cuts and layoffs. Not to mention the fact that no home equity loans can be found with no equity, so all of the remodeling projects that contractors have been getting start to dry up.

Basically the entire economy takes a dump when home values drop. I watched it happen in southern california last year. Lots of layoffs, foreclosures, bankrupcy, etc.

Trust me, you don't want to see that happen to your friends and family up here.

[byebyeducky]

Originally Posted by Joe C

Anybody who owns a home is immediately affected. Then take people who have jobs in construction, plumbing, painting, concrete, lumber, real estate, title companies, lenders. They get pay cuts and layoffs. Not to mention the fact that no home equity loans can be found with no equity, so all of the remodeling projects that contractors have been getting start to dry up.

Basically the entire economy takes a dump when home values drop. I watched it happen in southern california last year. Lots of layoffs, foreclosures, bankrupcy, etc.

Trust me, you don't want to see that happen to your friends and family up here.

What good is a job though? It just keeps you from spending quality time at home with the family and from spending time fishing.

[stilly bum]

Originally Posted by Joe C

Anybody who owns a home is immediately affected. Then take people who have jobs in construction, plumbing, painting, concrete, lumber, real estate, title companies, lenders. They get pay cuts and layoffs. Not to mention the fact that no home equity loans can be found with no equity, so all of the remodeling projects that contractors have been getting start to dry up.

Basically the entire economy takes a dump when home values drop. I watched it happen in southern california last year. Lots of layoffs, foreclosures, bankrupcy, etc.

Trust me, you don't want to see that happen to your friends and family up here.

Those who purchased recently with a crummy loan and/or no down payment might be screwed. Those who pulled all their equity out to pay consumer debt might be screwed. The related jobs will be affected, but those industries grew with the housing bubble. Lots of new real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and appraisers in the last few years. Skyrocketing home prices aren't normal nor are they healthy.
Property taxes go up with property values. Maybe the counties will back away from the trough a bit.
I've got sympathy for the folks who will get laid off but the appreciation of the last few years can't continue.

[Joe C]

Originally Posted by stilly bum

Those who purchased recently with a crummy loan and/or no down payment might be screwed. Those who pulled all their equity out to pay consumer debt might be screwed. The related jobs will be affected, but those industries grew with the housing bubble. Lots of new real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and appraisers in the last few years. Skyrocketing home prices aren't normal nor are they healthy.
Property taxes go up with property values. Maybe the counties will back away from the trough a bit.
I've got sympathy for the folks who will get laid off but the appreciation of the last few years can't continue.

I'm not talking about appreciation continuing or even leveling off. That's something the state can weather.. I'm talking about the consequences of a 10-20% drop in home values the way a handful of states have seen. It's not just a handful of related jobs that get hit, EVERYTHING gets hit when that much money disappears in a short time-frame. Unemployment goes up, people have less money, so they buy less at the stores, then shops get hit. Really there are very few jobs that don't get impacted. It's not just new jobs that grew during the bubble. Construction workers who have been in the business 20-30 years are getting laid off because there is no new development or redevelopment going on in the hard-hit areas. Oregon has been spared that sharp drop, and if things stay stable for awhile, it's no big deal. The influx of new people has already helped IMO, because houses are still selling here ( you might not make a profit on a home, but at least you can avoid a foreclosure).

The problem in California, AZ, Nevada, etc... is that even though some people had bad loans, there were plenty of people with good modest loans who worked in an industry that was negatively impacted by the housing problem (and again, that could mean a directly-related job like a home builder, or it could be the guy that runs a coffee shop in a commercial area that's been hit) .. so a lot of people lost their jobs and when they couldn't make their mortgage payment, they had to do a short sale or get foreclosed on. This led to a whole downward spiral where nobody could sell their houses (good loan or bad loans) because the market was immediately upside down. Buyers know this, and they don't want to buy a home that is going to keep dropping in value... so what you have is a bunch of people who can't afford their home loans anymore (due to loss of work, the economy, lack of jobs) but there are no buyers out there for them, and unless they had 100k in equity built up, they're looking at foreclosure.

It's bad, and it's only getting worse in those places. The people there who are coping with the economic hardships and staying in their homes are piling up credit card debt right now, so the long-term effects of this problem are going to be hitting those places for years to come.

end-rant. They'll be coming to Oregon because the market here is stronger, the cost of living is much less, the job-market here is pretty good, etc. And it's a good thing for the state. We're talking about skilled workers and professionals who will be able to purchase homes and contribute to the tax base rather than be a drain on it. On top of that, the urban growth boundaries will keep some sanity to the whole thing (a lot of states don't have that safety net right now). I realize nobody likes more crowding, traffic, etc. But if there's ever a time that it's a good thing, it's right now.

[Cat n Tat's Dusky]

As soon as I sell the boat....I am on the way.

Plus, I have a squeaky clean CDL, so I can get a job anywhere in the world! Actually I have a line on a new driving job. If it pays what I think it will, and I have no doubt it should, I just might throw a Heavy Duty double axle trailer under the Dusky, and bring it with me.

Anyone for some offshore fishin in a 23' Center Console????

[retaliate]

It's unfortunate Home prices are depreciating 10% to 20% or even higher in some places, but the bubble had to break sometime, as prices/values were simply too high, & Mortage lenders knew this. I don't think this is an Oregon problem, but a National Problem, sure there are places where you can find a better deal on a Home with Property than most of Oregon has, & if you can find a good Job in that area, & it's someplace where you want to live, than why not go for it?, I doubt you'll find a place like that with all the Geographic diversity that Oregon has to offer tho, but Good Luck!