Just got back from a long weekend at Newport. Lots of For Sale and FSBO signs. Gas and the mortgage crisis are apparently wreaking havoc and driving the real estate values down. I know some of you are interested in eventually getting a place there. Now could be the time, but I think it'll be worse (better for buyers) by next winter/early spring.
oregon is a very different state i may think about going to portland i really loved that city when i visited it a few times. its a very laid back atmosphere. i went to a beach in oregon and it was really empty, it was nice change from the beaches here in california
Oregon coast is awesome. Cold...misty...but awesome. If I recall though....prices going 'down' is relative. They'd gone up a bunch already. Buy a place, Rimrocker. Cannon Beach would be nice. Let us know when it's convenient to come by, and we'll bring the beer. (you're probably already aware...but if you're looking for a cheap getaway...check out the beachfront state parks with yurts. It's like camping...but no tent...so no danger of getting soaked. Kiddies love it).
from wikipedia: "Portland is often cited as an example of a city with strong land use planning controls;[6] This is largely the result of statewide land conservation policies adopted in 1973 under Governor Tom McCall, in particular the requirement for an urban growth boundary (UGB) for every city and metropolitan area. The opposite extreme, a city with few or no controls, is typically illustrated by Houston, Texas."
Oregon is a weird state. There's a huge latte-sipping, super green, techno-geek, gortex wearing yuppified crowd. But there's also a large contingent of NRA-loving, god-fearing, flannel jacketted redneck-types. Especially inland and in the smaller towns. There's good folk in each group. And nutcases too. The economy was primarily logging until the tech boom. So you have those adamant in protecting the spotted owl and all living creatures, living next to others who depend(ed) on the industry that might put those habitats at risk. Spending time in small town Oregon is a trip. Bizarre and cool at the same time.
Oregon's a gorgeous state. There's no shortage of sights there: Multnomah Falls: Cannon Beach: Haystack Rock Mount Hood: Crater Lake: Bend, Oregon: Washington Park, Portland: Rose Test Garden:
Just spent some Spring Break time on the coast and it looks like we are about to put an offer on a lot in Bandon. Lots of lots 3+ blocks off the beach going for 40k or less.
Hmmm... and our house here in SF is at a peak in value... hmmm... I know the Oregon coast and I love it up there, rain and all. Lots of pals in Portland & Corvallis too... hmmm...
We plan on moving to the northwest (most likely Seattle) once the my daughter graduates (6th grade now). We love, love, love it up there.
The northwest is where its at, Thinking about Boise, ID myself. I just love that area. I cant stand the east coast........
I interviewed in Portland before ultimately moving to Austin (from Houston). This was November 2010. It rained the 2 days I was there, and was cold... but still seemed like a very cool city to live. Did not get to explore the surrounding areas much. Drove around Portland a bit to get a feel. Didn't make it out to the coast. I never could get quite content with the "business environment" there. Tax structure is different, and the state economy is based on a timber history... which isn't exactly the driving force of the energy industry. The state economy was depressed, and I suspect will always lag - certainly relative to high growth states. To that end, if I were ever to move to the NW, it would probably be Seattle, which I've visited multiple times. Not that I couldn't be happy in Portland... but i feel Seattle offers much of what Portland offers but with a bigger city vibe and a better business culture. I don't view Portland::Seattle the same as Austin::Houston by the way. I feel like Austin and Houston differ much more than Seattle and Portland do, even recognizing that they do differ a fair amount nonetheless.
