Starting to get a little freaked out about Oregon (Eugene: crime rate, home)

[bobmulk]

I don't believe that Oregon is liberal. We passed a law banning homosexual marriage. Does that sound liberal? Oregonians are also notoriously anti-tax. Does THAT sound liberal?

Personally, my observation is that Oregon is libertarian. We don't like anyone, liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican, telling us what to do. We want government and special interest groups out of our face and our lives--as much as possible. That's my observation of the attitude. Sure there's liberals who hate anything white and Christian and there's white supremacist conservatives who hate anyone who isn't a WASP. Ya know what? You get that anywhere. Overall, I feel we're libertarian. Did I say that I think we're libertarian? <G>

[orygun]

Originally Posted by bobmulk

I don't believe that Oregon is liberal. We passed a law banning homosexual marriage. Does that sound liberal? Oregonians are also notoriously anti-tax. Does THAT sound liberal?<G>

Oregon is funny. Liberal and conservative at the same time.

[jjpop]

I like to think we Oregonians are individuals who think for ourselves. We've watched much of the rest of the country devolve into "sides"--people who have picked a side and then feel obligated to support EVERYTHING their side supports and reject EVERYTHING the other side supports. It's just silly.

[iammarby]

Things are pretty much the same...across the States... One cannot hide from them. As they are in the big cities ...so are they in rural, coastal, farming, mountainous areas & etc...

Life is what it is... and it is more a matter of what you are looking "for" not as much about what you are trying to stay away from.
There are adjustments... wherever you end up deciding to move... & there will be rumors about every place.

You are wise to ask & check things out, of course.... Why not search out some of the cities you are interested in?... Get the per capita reports....
A good start might be to check out the city offical web page... visitor pages ...school pages....
Never trust an opinion....check it out for yourself.
Best wishes to you & yours!

Originally Posted by Grailmaiden

My husband and I are currently in the process of trying to find a place to move to get out of S. California. I had my sights set on Oregon, particularly the Eugene area because that is where he could get work. However, I have been reading the posts here that are talking about how:
Oregon is the meth capital of the world
Eugene is the Anarchist capital of the world
the pollution in the Wilamette Valley is awful
the state is a financial vortex that sucks you under
that crime is rampant (although petty crime)

I am really disappointed because I was starting to think that Oregon was the place for us. We are trying to find a better place to raise our young children and from these scary pieces of info I am suddenly freaked out about Oregon.

We are a green family. We eat organic, we recycle, etc. etc. however, we are not ultra-hippie. We are middle-of-the-road politically and from what it sounds like Oregon is super liberal. I am looking for the safest, cleanest, friendliest place to raise my children. And although I am sure many of the Anarchists are very lovely people, it scares me to be in such a politically "hot" area. The meth thing scares the crap out of me too.

Does anyone have any feedback on the most family-friendly part of Oregon to live in? Or if the above statements are true or just from people who are unhappy where they are? I am really confused now. Help!

[haggardhouseelf]

Originally Posted by antsy22

WOW! I am thinking of moving to eugene and I am so happy to hear such a positive experience. Reading these boards I was a little concerned. Could you please give me any insight or knowledge you have about the Chambers - West 18th avenue area? I invested in a property over there and did not spend much time in Eugene. I know it sounds strange, but I saw a good investment oppurtunity, so jumped on it. I know there is an Albertsons, can you tell me other businesses you remember near that location and also any opinions. I really want to learn more about it.
Thanks-

I'm not much help with that area, I'm sorry. We spent weekends at the library or the Saturday market (downtown) or the coast or camping in the mountains... and we lived in the northern part of Eugene. I know the River Road area is great and also the Santa Clara neighborhood is really about to grow with a new elem. school and library and a few new things going up.

Sorry I'm not much help! I'm not really a business person, either...

[haggardhouseelf]

Originally Posted by orygun

Oregon is funny. Liberal and conservative at the same time.

Second that! It takes all kinds...

[LetsgoShane]

I LOVE HOW LIBERAL OREGON IS! Hell, I think my wife and I are the only Liberals in Lake Oswego. But portland is my grace land.

[freedom]

Originally Posted by LetsgoShane

I LOVE HOW LIBERAL OREGON IS! Hell, I think my wife and I are the only Liberals in Lake Oswego. But portland is my grace land.

Go Elvis!

All loving Americans are appreciated.

[DavePautsch]

I've always thought that Oregon is a bit bi-polar when it comes to politics. On one hand the emphasis on the environment is a huge part of the culture...yet there are SO MANY big SUV's and trucks. There are certain centers of the state where liberalism reigns (Benton County and Eugene due to the academic environment which fosters it) but there are also pockets of real conservatism (as generally seen in more agricultural communities).

We have a Democratically controlled state government, but it both the past 2 Governer races (I can't spell gubenatorial ) were pretty darn close.

I think that most of the Oregon population is pretty well centered with the extremists on either side (MOSTLY the left) tend to voice their opinions a bit more strongly. My area (Albany) seems to be generally more conservative in nature...but working in Corvallis for 4 years at OSU...way more liberal. On the whole, I think it's pretty balanced here.

DP

[chrisruns2far]

The majority of newcomers are retirees (primarily from CA) and not young families or young people in general as our state is getting older and more conservative.

I have no problem with retirees, it just seems that far too many of them are of the anti-government and anti-tax mindset that 'I have paid my share of taxes already' and will not support what your community needs for public schools, parks and rec, higher education, libraires, roads, police, fire protection, etc, etc.

Also many come here and seek to undermine the most progressive and pro-active land use legislation and regulations in the United States of America. They choose to attack, undermine and squander the urban/rural planning that makes Oregon so unique in that we seek to contain sprawl better than anyplace else and we protect vital farmland and private forestlands for future generations to enjoy rather than make high-end subdivisions and destination resorts out of them.