Posted on 06/03/2012 9:38:51 PM PDT by ChocChipCookie
Our family is considering a possible move and we're looking at Oregon and central-northern Idaho. A friend lives in Bend, Oregon, and we'll be checking out that area next month.
I'd love to hear about specific areas of Oregon and Idaho to avoid, what the current job and housing markets are like. Husband is an electrical contractor with 17+ years experience in commercial, residential, and light industrial.
Thanks in advance.
“The trick is getting hired by the companies putting up these buildings.”
My understanding of the “trick” to getting hired in New Orleans to put up one of these new buildings is to have no documentation.
The idea of liberal utopia dictated from the big cities and college towns won’t end until they run out of other peoples money.
They are getting pretty close here in WA. We are taxed to death and they are flirting with candybar taxes, well water taxes, and other crap to keep the inflated salaries of state workers and the progressive programs they run going. It is pretty ridiculous and definitely not sustainable.
My understanding of the “trick” to getting hired in New Orleans to put up one of these new buildings is to have no documentation.
Or be a minority like Elizabeth Warren.
“Avoid Portlandia”
Add “Berzerkley”, “San Fran”, “Olympitardia”, “Seattle”...
I second that opinion. I'm a Mom & Pop contractor who moved my business to Texas from California six years ago, and I can tell you for a fact that your hubby will do a lot better here, than in god-forsaken, uber-liberal Oregon.
If you can get past the bugs and the heat in the summertime, you'll do well here. In time, you'll wonder why in the hell you didn't move here sooner.
“Or be a minority like Elizabeth Warren.”
LOL
The architecture is sort of pre war small town, lot of homes look like doublewide trailers even though they are not. Townhouses remind me of old army barracks, nothing like Southern California, but weather is much milder than the desert. Green Mountains and Snow all around, beautiful views, small town atmosphere.
No sales tax, but a whopping 10% state income tax.
Oregon state income taxes are among the highest around. Low vehicle registration fees are an offset.
You live in Oregon
"Our family is considering a possible move and we're looking at Oregon and central-northern Idaho. A friend lives in Bend, Oregon, and we'll be checking out that area next month.
I'd love to hear about specific areas of Oregon and Idaho to avoid, what the current job and housing markets are like. Husband is an electrical contractor with 17+ years experience in commercial, residential, and light industrial."
"Thanks in advance."
I’ve heard property taxes are high???
For a real hopping state, try North Dakota. Something like 2% unemployment, and very well-paying jobs begging to be had. Super cheap housing and great politically. Problem is, it's North Dakota.
Bare in mind that it does not take to much to go all the way... once you have slipped over to the dark side....
You must not live in Eastern Wa. I do and this is what is happening here. Tri-Cities fastest growth in US
Western WA and Western Or are very liberal but East of the Cascades are pretty much conservative. Also WA has no state income tax where Oregon and Idaho do.
Renting so don't now. Wife and I are retired so we are renting a nice Duplex, because we don't want to try and keep a place up. Eat Sleep and FreeRepublic, bout sums up my life, had to give up poker which is ok since people started beating me like my cards were face up.
Over to you.
You've read comments from a lot of people warning you about Oregon (and Washington). They are right. All the politics & votes lie in the areas like Portland & Eugene (Seattle and Tacoma). Their state politics are a liberal mess because of it. Living in the more conservative east side might give you some solace, but the bottom line is state politics will override most everything. Especially if times get more difficult.
You have also thought the Idaho panhandle would be a great place. Idaho's a great state with adults in charge of the state's budget. Unfortunately, like many other areas, it may be difficult to find employment in your trade. There are a lot of local electrical contractors with deep experience that are struggling to keep food on the table. Some are able to maintain, because they are already well established.
Many Californians moved to the Coeur d’Alene area thinking it was an ideal place to relocate. You can't blame them, it's very pretty. Now, a few years later, they are in financial trouble.
Wherever you move, find a stable job FIRST. Employment is difficult in many areas that were once thought to be the relocation Mecca’s.
Good luck
Dallas/Ft Worth. Period.
I am a native of Bend and 56 years. I left to the Middle-East for work in Jan 2009 after the central Oregon economy took a big hit, particularly in Construction. I am “slightly” to the right of Genghis Khan, when it comes to my conservative nature. The city has been absorbed with trust fund babies and liberals in general. I keep a house there, with my daughter and her family living in it at the moment. Son-in-law is a tile contractor and business is not good. It IS a beautiful area with some great recreation. That being said, I am ready for a place in Wyoming and place in the Philippines. Certainly not in the Middle-East. I want a beach and boat half the year and hunting and outdoors for the other... I worked for a company with corp office in Manila and grew attached to the conservative lifestyle of most in the country.
Add “Berzerkley”, “San Fran”, “Olympitardia”, “Seattle”...
also add “Minnecraponus”.
bump
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