Long
touted as a "real steal" for Californians,
their inevitable invasion of Oregon following HUGE PROFITS they pocketed
from sale of their California property...
Yep,
the Real Estate rodents (most of whom are California transplants themselves)
have long crowed about the cheap land and home prices in Oregon. Running ads
in California newspapers, magazines, broadcast media and on the web, they have
enticed Californians to sell and move north in large numbers.
These
ads have promised a better life... slower-paced with less crime, an escape
from relentless traffic woes... safer places to raise a family... open spaces
and beautiful scenery... and, perhaps most appealing... a BIG
BANG for the
buck!
But
nothing lasts forever. This greedfest conducted by the Real Estate Vermin has
resulted in ridiculously overpriced real estate in Oregon. No longer do Californians
find those killer deals of yesteryear, as their predecessors have driven prices
through the roof. They have also caused traffic congestion, significantly added
to pollution, and contributed to an escalation in Oregon crime rates. Quality
of life in Oregon is no longer something to brag about.
Sure,
it has worked for years... and there indeed WAS an element of truth in it.
Land and home prices have absolutely skyrocketed in metro California;
Los Angeles and San Francisco markets consistently among the most expensive
places to live. Cashing in on their overpriced homes in California, they have
migrated north to purchase much more... for much less.
The
mortgage crisis is also taking hold, as an avalanche of homeowners now find
themselves on the verge of financial disaster. Unwise loans, irresponsible
lenders and a lack of foresight often result in unhappy endings. This promises
to be a long, drawn out misery for the economy as a whole, and will undoubtedly
cause immeasurable personal suffering.
As
for retirees, many of them are finding that property taxes are killing them.
The newer, adjusted assessments on their property (due to the land buying orgy
of the past 10 years) has left them in a pickle. Having splurged on toys such
as new RVs, boats and such, many face the unpleasant likelihood of becoming
an octogenarian WalMart greeter.
Oregon's
landfills are overfilled, and many face closure. Most communities no longer
offer library services, due to budget cuts. Farmland is disappearing, the hillsides
denuded. Water pollution, traffic snarls, gang activity, school violence and
meth labs abound... suffice it to say that it's definitely not the
Oregon of yesteryear.
Still
want to leave California? Here are some suggestions:
Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Texas
and Uzbekistan.
