Best all-round for a political liberal? (Portland, Eugene: real estate, work, housing)

[Nature Lover]

I'm currently in Sunriver. I've lived in Lake Oswego, Salem, Eugene, and Bend, and have visited the coast numerous times. Yet I can't seem to find an area that has everything I'm looking for: natural beauty, snow in winter, not too hot in summer (I don't mind rain but I really don't like temperatures over 80), reasonable real estate, friendliness, and open-mindedness. Here in Central Oregon we have everything listed except the last three. It's beautiful, safe, and the weather is perfect with four seasons and gorgeous blue skies, but it's expensive (and getting more so), politically conservative (oddly this isn't changing despite the influx of people from California), and not nearly as friendly as other areas (a constant complaint in letters to the editor in the local papers). I want the natural beauty and weather of Central Oregon, the open-mindedness of Eugene, the low population density of Eastern Oregon, the access to good restaurants and shopping of Portland, the cultural events of Ashland, and the ocean! Impossible, I know, but what would be the best place for me? I'm considering the coast but wondering which area would have most of the features listed above.

[Steve97415]

Originally Posted by Nature Lover

I can't seem to find an area that has everything I'm looking for...

Neither can anyone else who posts on these forums. Face it: it's just not out there...and the places that come close are expensive to live in because of the very fact that they do come close to having it all.
If you look at any of the lists of liberal-friendly cities on the web, it looks like a rogue's gallery of unaffordable cost of living. The demand is high, and the supply low, for cities where well-informed. politically savvy people congregate. If Lake Oswego and Eugene, didn't meet your needs, I'm not sure there's any place in Oregon that would (though Corvallis would certainly be worth a shot). I'd look at Ft. Collins, CO if you want a friendlier affordable alternative to central Oregon with great community spirit.

[chaz longue]

Originally Posted by Steve97415

Neither can anyone else who posts on these forums. Face it: it's just not out there...and the places that come close are expensive to live in because of the very fact that they do come close to having it all.
If you look at any of the lists of liberal-friendly cities on the web, it looks like a rogue's gallery of unaffordable cost of living. The demand is high, and the supply low, for cities where well-informed. politically savvy people congregate. If Lake Oswego and Eugene, didn't meet your needs, I'm not sure there's any place in Oregon that would (though Corvallis would certainly be worth a shot). I'd look at Ft. Collins, CO if you want a friendlier affordable alternative to central Oregon with great community spirit.

A very reasonable and considered post.

But allow me to submit Burlington VT for consideration. The supply of houses here is very large, and prices/appreciation are cooling off. Almost exactly the same number of single family homes have sold year-to-date compared to 2005. But there are almost twice as many that have come on the market. There are those who would point out that houses aren't cheap here. True enough. But again, it's a matter of perspective. It depends on what the market/cost of living etc etc etc are like where you're coming from.

I've looked at 2 houses this week which are offered at $199,900. Both are in need of extensive cosmetic renovation. 18 months ago flippers would have bought them for quick profit. Not now. One of them's going to be somebody's home, and soon too. This is the one I can walk to downtown and the lake from. I'll bet dollars to doughnuts the other one has school-children in it before the holidays.

I mention this just to shed positive light on an "expensive" housing market. Heck, let's just admit it. $200,000 IS aa lot for a house. But it sure beats the alternative. ;-) Heck, even rents aren't outrageous although it seems expensive compared to buying.

Sorry - I couldn't help it. I got carried away. I'm an optimist...

;-)

[Waterlily]

Probably some of the most liberal areas on the coast would include places like Lincoln city, Newport, Cannon Beach and Seaside. Much of the south coast is taken up by retired people. Yep Oregon people are getting older by the minute.

[NWgirl]

Originally Posted by Nature Lover

I'm currently in Sunriver. I've lived in Lake Oswego, Salem, Eugene, and Bend, and have visited the coast numerous times. Yet I can't seem to find an area that has everything I'm looking for: natural beauty, snow in winter, not too hot in summer (I don't mind rain but I really don't like temperatures over 80), reasonable real estate, friendliness, and open-mindedness. Here in Central Oregon we have everything listed except the last three. It's beautiful, safe, and the weather is perfect with four seasons and gorgeous blue skies, but it's expensive (and getting more so), politically conservative (oddly this isn't changing despite the influx of people from California), and not nearly as friendly as other areas (a constant complaint in letters to the editor in the local papers). I want the natural beauty and weather of Central Oregon, the open-mindedness of Eugene, the low population density of Eastern Oregon, the access to good restaurants and shopping of Portland, the cultural events of Ashland, and the ocean! Impossible, I know, but what would be the best place for me? I'm considering the coast but wondering which area would have most of the features listed above.

Steve's post pretty well nailed it. You've tried a variety of Oregon cities and none of them are satisfactory; maybe it's time to try a new state? For weather you like Central and Eastern Oregon, but for philosphy and amenities you like Western Oregon. Which is more important? That might help you narrow down the field of cities across the country.

[Clear2land]

Could you be describing Colorado and Wyoming?

[BlackShoe]

Amusing,I have always considered the entire state of Oregon to be left of center,with no area really considered conservative.But then again,I am just an old right wing Redneck.Anyway,for a bit of help in quickly checking an areas political trend,try Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed .Right on the homepage is a survey on the most liberal cities by size and in each state.In Oregon,it is Lincoln City.Remind me to never move there.The site also lists the vote results for the last two presidential races by county,which also gives some idea of the political feeling of an area.Click on the politics box under an individual city page.

[robin from Oregon]

"If you look at any of the lists of liberal-friendly cities on the web, it looks like a rogue's gallery of unaffordable cost of living. The demand is high, and the supply low, for cities where well-informed. politically savvy people congregate."

So, is "well-informed, politically savvy" a synonym for liberal? Would that make all of us conservatives uninformed, politically ignorant? Personally, I would rate the political climate of a city way down on my list of priorities. I think that friendliness and acceptance are much more important. I can get along with just about anyone, regardless of where their views lie on the political spectrum. If liberals only want to live near other liberals, what does that do to diversity? Isn't diversity valued by liberals? Or is it only diversity of ancestry, sexual orientation, etc, but not diversity of political opinion?

[Colomonter]

Originally Posted by robin from Oregon

"If you look at any of the lists of liberal-friendly cities on the web, it looks like a rogue's gallery of unaffordable cost of living. The demand is high, and the supply low, for cities where well-informed. politically savvy people congregate."

So, is "well-informed, politically savvy" a synonym for liberal? Would that make all of us conservatives uninformed, politically ignorant? Personally, I would rate the political climate of a city way down on my list of priorities. I think that friendliness and acceptance are much more important. I can get along with just about anyone, regardless of where their views lie on the political spectrum. If liberals only want to live near other liberals, what does that do to diversity? Isn't diversity valued by liberals? Or is it only diversity of ancestry, sexual orientation, etc, but not diversity of political opinion?

You have pretty much nailed it. I am a registered Independent moderate and I have studied the extremes of both national parties in great depth. I have come to the conclusion that if the 20% extremists on each end of the spectrum could be moderated towards the middle that our country could be great again.

Yes, the far left does believe that conservatives are politically ignorant as well as racist, sexist and most other "ists" that you could come up with. The liberals do value diversity....any ancestry, gender, race, color, creed, religion is encouraged except for Christians and anyone who disagrees with their point of view on any political issue. Is that not extremely hypocritical....of course it is, but that is irrelevant.

[DavePautsch]

robin from Oregon: YEAH! Great post! snb3 actually has another thread going on this exact subject!

Black Shoe - Is that a Navy reference? I did 23 years as a "black shoe" myself.

Nature Lover - You might enjoy Corvallis or Eugene. The academic atmosphere provides much of the diversity and acceptance/embrace of liberals. I would stay away from the small towns though. You'll find hardworking, church-going, family-oriented folks there...they may challenge your ideas by living what they believe on a day-to-day basis.