Starting to get a little freaked out about Oregon (Eugene: appointed, fit in)

[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!

[Imperial1904]

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!

LOL Oregon is far from the meth capital of the world. Southern California has been known to be the capital for some time now. I know San Diego was named meth capital of the world in the '80s and '90s. Meth is everywhere but many Oregonians like to exaggerate how bad their town is.

Eugene seems to have alot of property crime buit that's about it. It's not a dangerous city.

Don't let Oregon scare you.

[Larry Caldwell]

Most Oregonians won't encourage anyone to move here. It's really pretty crowded. The Federal Government owns 1/3 of the state, big timber companies own 1/3 of the state, which just leaves 1/3 of the state where people can live. Most of that is in the Willamette Valley, a strip of land 140 miles long and 40 miles wide. Much of the Willamette Valley is farm ground, and not suitable for immigration.

You might be happy to know that we have established reservation land for Californians in Central Oregon, in the town of Bend. You should check it out. Not many people from Oregon live there any more, but the population is booming. There is also some reservation land on the border, at Ashland, but it's pretty full.

[Grailmaiden]

Originally Posted by Larry Caldwell

You might be happy to know that we have established reservation land for Californians in Central Oregon, in the town of Bend. You should check it out. Not many people from Oregon live there any more, but the population is booming. There is also some reservation land on the border, at Ashland, but it's pretty full.

Aw, I see, so the Californians are quarantine to certain parts of the state, LOL. I can see why Oregonians would want that seeing that many Californians are...well...difficult. That is one of the top reasons we want to get out of here, don't feel like we fit in here at all.

[ochoco]

Ever thought of movin' to Oklahoma? Just kidding.

[freedom]

Originally Posted by Larry Caldwell

Most Oregonians won't encourage anyone to move here. It's really pretty crowded. The Federal Government owns 1/3 of the state, big timber companies own 1/3 of the state, which just leaves 1/3 of the state where people can live. Most of that is in the Willamette Valley, a strip of land 140 miles long and 40 miles wide. Much of the Willamette Valley is farm ground, and not suitable for immigration.

You might be happy to know that we have established reservation land for Californians in Central Oregon, in the town of Bend. You should check it out. Not many people from Oregon live there any more, but the population is booming. There is also some reservation land on the border, at Ashland, but it's pretty full.

I'll have to recheck the figures but last time I looked it was the Federal Gov. had 50% or more,and state owned over 10%-15% of the state. So government controls over 60%, I would be surprised if Timber co.'s had more than 10%.

[Grailmaiden]

Originally Posted by ochoco

Ever thought of movin' to Oklahoma? Just kidding.

Too many tornadoes.

[StealthRabbit]

I wouldn't get too upset, all places have their issues. Oregon has some really good spots for you.

But... you might check other locations, and why Eugene for work?

[Grailmaiden]

Originally Posted by janb

I wouldn't get too upset, all places have their issues. Oregon has some really good spots for you.

But... you might check other locations, and why Eugene for work?

I would consider WA state too (better funding, no income tax) There are plenty of kid and family friendly destinations, and you can drive a little ways to work if necessary. You might like the 'east-side' since you are coming from sunshine. (Walla-Walla, WA would be somewhere I'd consider)

Eugene for work because my husband is a video game artist and it seems like most of the few game studios are located there.

I lived in Seattle twice. I loved it in the early 90's, great vibe, cool people, very laid back. But when I moved back to Seattle in the late 90's that had all changed. The Microsoft mentality seemed to have taken over and all the great grunge kids were now corporate, BMW driving yuppies. And the traffic...oh my, the traffic. I can get all that in California. Didn't like it one bit. Plus, not to sound too dramatic, but the whole Cascadian Subduction Quake and possible Mt. Rainier activity scare the hell out of me.

So, seeing that I have not found any evidence of any possible major natural disasters looming in Oregon's near future, and from what I have been reading about how laid back it is, I figured it is the closest thing to the "old Seattle" I remember and love.

[bluebird39]

Everyone I knew who moved to Oregon from S Ca. loves it. It's not as liberal as you think. Just like much of the US, the big city areas are more liberal than the rural areas. It depends on where you are.

It's a great place to find fresh organic produce, and such. I really miss that after moving away almost a year ago. The cost of living, I'm sure will be much lower for you. We did what many Californians are doing... moved from Oregon to a much lower cost of living place... the midwest.

One caution is the schools. But I'm not sure they're any worse than California. At least Ca has a limit on class sizes in lower elementary. Schools in Oregon don't have that, and are overcrowded.

Drugs are there, but not as bad as many make them out to be. It has gotten worse, but hopefully the new laws will help.

Oregon is a beautiful place. Go visit and get the real scoop.

BTW, The federal government owns a much bigger piece of land than stated. It's a big reason why the state is having financial problems, especially in more rural areas where there's less private land. That being said, the public land is a true treasure.

Good luck.