I Quit! Left the toxic PNW...

Mikej · Nov 7, 2024

MTpockets said:
Checking in on you @ZigZagZeke

Hope all is working out well for you.

I traded a couple/three private convo's with Zeke. He seems to be a real nice guy. Hate to see folks like that move away from us. But I sure understand it.

I hope he's getting plenty of car racing stuff in his life!

mkwerx · Nov 29, 2024

Certaindeaf said:
I know if I moved to some nirvana I'd only then find out utilities or somesuch is 4x more.

You're not wrong. Generally the COL here in Texas is lower BUT there are two things that are considerably higher - property taxes and electricity.

Property tax rates vary county by county as the base, but then also city by city, municipal utility districts are a thing, and school districts likewise have taxing authority - there are places where your property taxes can reach into the tens of thousands per year (though for most, if you can afford the property with that high of taxes, the taxes themselves are an annoyance rather than a real deal breaker)

You can "homestead" your primary residence property though, which wacks off a good bit of the assessed value.

Electricity rates also vary, but its weird here because in urban / metro areas, you have a chioce of electric provider. Where we live, we don't. We're part of an electric co-op, set rates, cheaper per kilowatt than other areas, but its still Texas, SE Texas at that - our AC ran from May to November for the last three years. We have not yet hit the point of turning on the heater, but December is only a few days away. We've been having highs in the 80's still recently. Honestly I'm over the damned heat and just wish we could have a good stretch of 50-60 degree days for the next 12 months

Gas is under $3 for regular, just over $3 for premium. Beef is going for $5-25 per lb depending on grade and cut. An untrimmed brisket will run you about $50-75 at the grocery store. A family pack of choice grade ribeyes is about $25.

Guns are plentiful, as is ammo. Its nice having private sales without UBC. It sucks not being able to drive 20-30 minutes to the woods and blast away. Unless you have 10+ acres, or a friend with 10+ acres that'll let you shoot - you gotta pay to play at a gun range. We're paying $50 a month for a membership for two to a nice indoor range, but its still a 40 minute drive to get there. Traffic sucks, and its getting worse due to a construction boom in our lil town. Nirvana isn't so...Nirvana after a while.

Nick Burkhardt said:
I am hoping to make our escape to Texas in the next 18 to 24 months.

What part of Texas are you looking at? It probably won't get any cheaper, and will probably be more expensive the longer you wait pretty much anywhere you're looking to go - prices have dropped some on homes / land from last year's highs, but its still on average 30-50% higher than what we paid in 2020. We got our home for $212k, market rate for it right now is about $330k. It went over $400k last year. I couldn't convince the wifey to sell and buy further out / more land. There are some gems that occasionally pop up in our area in the 200's but they get snatched up faster than the last piece of cake at a fat girl's dinner party.

Now circumstances have changed, so we're here for probably another 4-5 years at least, unless I wind up with a job somewhere too far away to drive.

1911Fanatic · Nov 29, 2024

ZigZagZeke said:
Well, here I am in Indiana for the last 2 weeks. I have to admit that I enjoyed being an outlaw when I drove across Illinois with a truck load of guns and 20K rounds of ammo. It's a permanent move, even though I hung on to my Oregon property. My wife is loving her new job running a statewide program for one of the medical schools. Among the perks of living here:

1) Constitutional Carry
2) No BGC on private gun sales
3) Nearly everyone here likes guns
4) Red state conservative political atmosphere
5) Schools are not indoctrinating my kids
6) Virtually no homeless
7) Almost no graffiti
8) Nobody cares about your pronouns
9) Green haired people are damn few and far between
10) Damn few sh*tbox Subarus covered in leftist stickers and driven by angry, mean faced, clipped haired women at 15 mph
11) Statewide school vouchers
12) No DEQ except the two counties bordering Chicago
13) They still have sit down restaurants here
14) Costco, Home Depot, and dozens of decent restaurants are within 5 minutes of my house
15) $3 gasoline
16) Reasonable speed limits
17) 50% lower real estate prices

I've been involved in open wheel, paved oval track racing since I was 14 years old. I now live 2 miles from Indianapolis Raceway Park, and 5 miles from Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I had breakfast the other day at Charlie Brown's, a stone's throw from IMS and a legendary racer's hangout. So far, so good. When I take the oldest kid to her charter prep school each morning I pass by the Turn 2 grandstands at IMS. Looking forward to next Memorial day...and to being able to actually buy and sell some firearms privately without losing 20% to dealers and BCGs.

View attachment 1941743

Did you die? It sounds like you went to Heaven!

mkwerx · Nov 29, 2024

OneArgus said:
I remember as a Kid, ( totally dated my age here) California was and amazing place.
Then moved and Oregon was and amazing place.
The fact of the matter is, no one fights everyone moves. Then they just take over and move along.
No place is immune just a matter of time since no one even comes close to fight the way the left does.

Sometimes you have to admit the battle is lost and fall back to friendlier territory for your own well being and the well being of your family. Staying and fighting a constantly losing battle only wastes resources and mental energy. With as bad as things have gotten in Oregon and Washington or California, the majority of voters in those states STILL keep voting for the same party, the same politicians over and over. Crazier laws to screw over those with something to lose, lack of prosecution for the actual criminals with nothing to lose, higher costs of living, higher taxes - you have to draw the line at some point.

Born and raised in Oregon for 39 years. Had to leave because Oregon was too far gone. The place we escaped to isn't perfect, but its night & day different when it comes to personal freedom, the ability for businesses to prosper, and the ability to afford a home of our own. The last 4 years have been a huge difference from the preceeding decade in Oregon. Oregon - the Oregon I grew up in and loved - left me, I didn't leave it. The geography didn't change, but it certainly didn't feel like home for a long time, and it wasn't the same culturally or politically as the state I grew up in.

I miss the mountains, I miss the rivers, I miss fresh Dungeoness crab at Norma's in Seaside, I even miss four seasons (something I didn't think I would, until this year when it was ungodly hot far too early, and for far too long) but I don't miss Oregon's taxes, I don't miss the high gas prices, I don't miss the politicians constantly working to turn me into a criminal while babying actual criminals.

A lot of like-minded folk seem to be regrouping here, as most of the people resettling here are more conservative on most issues than the natives, as much as the natives hate to admit it. Sometimes you just get tired of the fight, and you've got to do what's best for your family and yourself instead of settling for less to stay in the land of your birth.

Tlock · Nov 29, 2024

mkwerx said:
Sometimes you have to admit the battle is lost and fall back to friendlier territory for your own well being and the well being of your family. Staying and fighting a constantly losing battle only wastes resources and mental energy. With as bad as things have gotten in Oregon and Washington or California, the majority of voters in those states STILL keep voting for the same party, the same politicians over and over. Crazier laws to screw over those with something to lose, lack of prosecution for the actual criminals with nothing to lose, higher costs of living, higher taxes - you have to draw the line at some point.

Born and raised in Oregon for 39 years. Had to leave because Oregon was too far gone. The place we escaped to isn't perfect, but its night & day different when it comes to personal freedom, the ability for businesses to prosper, and the ability to afford a home of our own. The last 4 years have been a huge difference from the preceeding decade in Oregon. Oregon - the Oregon I grew up in and loved - left me, I didn't leave it. The geography didn't change, but it certainly didn't feel like home for a long time, and it wasn't the same culturally or politically as the state I grew up in.

I miss the mountains, I miss the rivers, I miss fresh Dungeoness crab at Norma's in Seaside, I even miss four seasons (something I didn't think I would, until this year when it was ungodly hot far too early, and for far too long) but I don't miss Oregon's taxes, I don't miss the high gas prices, I don't miss the politicians constantly working to turn me into a criminal while babying actual criminals.

A lot of like-minded folk seem to be regrouping here, as most of the people resettling here are more conservative on most issues than the natives, as much as the natives hate to admit it. Sometimes you just get tired of the fight, and you've got to do what's best for your family and yourself instead of settling for less to stay in the land of your birth.

Doesn't really seem like one can express their opinion here, I made a joke and got my privileges revoked instantly.....go figure

CastleRocker · Nov 29, 2024

That's why I'm looking to move back to AK. It seems like the real liberals don't last long up the in God's Country. Find a place outside any Borough, and no property taxes/building permits. Kind of like having Allodial title to your property. I remember when Nevada and Texas still had that, but that's all gone now I believe. Just need to talk my wife into moving!

Caveman Jim · Nov 29, 2024

CastleRocker said:
As soon a my wife and I retire, we are going either to Montana or Alaska. Looking at property both places. We love where we live now, just don't like the politics. We only have one neighbor within 400 yards of us. Also, according to the All Seeing Eye in The Sky; (aka Google Earth), I can walk due west from our house right now and not cross pavement for about 50 miles until I hit hwy 101 on the coast. It's all timberland/tree farm. There's alot to be said for that. We have a nice view of the mountains, and all our Grandchildren are within a couple hours of us. I remind my wife that life's about choices, and we need to make a new one. My daughter/son-n-law's family is looking at moving to Montana next spring. That may tip the scales.

I still want AK though, as the weather will always keep the folks from Southern Commiefornia out.

That's not a true statement, look in every big city in Alaska and you will find them. I spend a fair amount of time up there fishing with my son and we can always pick them out.
According to best places.com

Anchorage, AK Politics & Voting

Best Places to Live | Compare cost of living, crime, cities, schools and more.

www.bestplaces.net

"Anchorage Municipality County, AK is leaning liberal. In Anchorage Municipality County, AK 49.5% of the people voted Democrat in the last presidential election, 46.4% voted for the Republican Party, and the remaining 4.1% voted Independent.

In the last Presidential election, Anchorage Municipality flipped Democratic, 49.5% to 46.4%.
Anchorage Municipality flipped Democratic in 2020, after voting Republican in 2016, 2012, 2008 and 2004."

Caveman Jim · Nov 29, 2024

mkwerx said:
Sometimes you have to admit the battle is lost and fall back to friendlier territory for your own well being and the well being of your family. Staying and fighting a constantly losing battle only wastes resources and mental energy. With as bad as things have gotten in Oregon and Washington or California, the majority of voters in those states STILL keep voting for the same party, the same politicians over and over. Crazier laws to screw over those with something to lose, lack of prosecution for the actual criminals with nothing to lose, higher costs of living, higher taxes - you have to draw the line at some point.

Born and raised in Oregon for 39 years. Had to leave because Oregon was too far gone. The place we escaped to isn't perfect, but its night & day different when it comes to personal freedom, the ability for businesses to prosper, and the ability to afford a home of our own. The last 4 years have been a huge difference from the preceeding decade in Oregon. Oregon - the Oregon I grew up in and loved - left me, I didn't leave it. The geography didn't change, but it certainly didn't feel like home for a long time, and it wasn't the same culturally or politically as the state I grew up in.

I miss the mountains, I miss the rivers, I miss fresh Dungeoness crab at Norma's in Seaside, I even miss four seasons (something I didn't think I would, until this year when it was ungodly hot far too early, and for far too long) but I don't miss Oregon's taxes, I don't miss the high gas prices, I don't miss the politicians constantly working to turn me into a criminal while babying actual criminals.

A lot of like-minded folk seem to be regrouping here, as most of the people resettling here are more conservative on most issues than the natives, as much as the natives hate to admit it. Sometimes you just get tired of the fight, and you've got to do what's best for your family and yourself instead of settling for less to stay in the land of your birth.

Well said @mkwerx!!!
This is also my mentality of the last 30+ years in western Washington.
I have weighed my choices to stay for my daughter & grandchildren, god knows we love em dearly, always will. They will have an open ticket plus $1,000 for expenses for each visit.
Our decision to retire in Florida (where we met and wed) is multi faceted, cold and painful wet weather is rough on my body, of course the stifling communist regime here and to again be near family and old best friends we've been away from it seems, a lifetime.
Mind you, I'm not from here so I do not consider myself a quitter but I do encourage all those that are native born to stand up and take back what is rightfully yours!

So elated that life is good for you and your wife in your new place @ZigZagZeke

Sorry for the thread drift (not really)…

Nick Burkhardt · Nov 29, 2024

mkwerx said:
You're not wrong. Generally the COL here in Texas is lower BUT there are two things that are considerably higher - property taxes and electricity.

Property tax rates vary county by county as the base, but then also city by city, municipal utility districts are a thing, and school districts likewise have taxing authority - there are places where your property taxes can reach into the tens of thousands per year (though for most, if you can afford the property with that high of taxes, the taxes themselves are an annoyance rather than a real deal breaker)

You can "homestead" your primary residence property though, which wacks off a good bit of the assessed value.

Electricity rates also vary, but its weird here because in urban / metro areas, you have a chioce of electric provider. Where we live, we don't. We're part of an electric co-op, set rates, cheaper per kilowatt than other areas, but its still Texas, SE Texas at that - our AC ran from May to November for the last three years. We have not yet hit the point of turning on the heater, but December is only a few days away. We've been having highs in the 80's still recently. Honestly I'm over the damned heat and just wish we could have a good stretch of 50-60 degree days for the next 12 months

Gas is under $3 for regular, just over $3 for premium. Beef is going for $5-25 per lb depending on grade and cut. An untrimmed brisket will run you about $50-75 at the grocery store. A family pack of choice grade ribeyes is about $25.

Guns are plentiful, as is ammo. Its nice having private sales without UBC. It sucks not being able to drive 20-30 minutes to the woods and blast away. Unless you have 10+ acres, or a friend with 10+ acres that'll let you shoot - you gotta pay to play at a gun range. We're paying $50 a month for a membership for two to a nice indoor range, but its still a 40 minute drive to get there. Traffic sucks, and its getting worse due to a construction boom in our lil town. Nirvana isn't so...Nirvana after a while.

What part of Texas are you looking at? It probably won't get any cheaper, and will probably be more expensive the longer you wait pretty much anywhere you're looking to go - prices have dropped some on homes / land from last year's highs, but its still on average 30-50% higher than what we paid in 2020. We got our home for $212k, market rate for it right now is about $330k. It went over $400k last year. I couldn't convince the wifey to sell and buy further out / more land. There are some gems that occasionally pop up in our area in the 200's but they get snatched up faster than the last piece of cake at a fat girl's dinner party.

Now circumstances have changed, so we're here for probably another 4-5 years at least, unless I wind up with a job somewhere too far away to drive.

My wife's younger sister moved to Houston a few years ago and is making a solid six figures. She lives in Jersey City, but we were thinking about someplace outside of Harris County. We looked at Katy and Waller, but are leaning towards Montgomery County.

There is so much new construction all over that the choices seem endless. I need to watch the property taxes for when we eventually retire.

I have at least 12 more months in Oregon. I can have my oldest son take over payments on our house here and eventually buy it outright. The Texas home location and size will depend on how many family members are going to live there. Just us, us and her sister's family and may include my elderly parents. Yeah, it is going to take me a year to figure it out.

Jade Falcon · Nov 30, 2024

I'm putting my house on the market in April and moving to Idaho, probably Boise. I absolutely can't wait. I've lived in Oregon 4 years and it's been a complete nightmare, in large part thanks to this house and watching Oregon go further Left with snobbish idiots in Government whom have made it abundantly clear that they hate us. Living near Boise will allow me to be near an airport when/if my parents visit. My father is familiar with Boise due to having traveled here on business, so flying from PDX to Boise shouldn't be a problem. And I can hop on a flight back there and visit too.

I'm probably only going to get $50,000 for my house and that might be a bit generous, and it might have to sit on the market for a while before it sells. I'll probably have to move back into an apartment temporarily, but ANYTHING will be better than this dump. I utterly hate it here....the state (some people are good people, but the politics, Liberals, and taxes suck), this house, and the weather. Even the snow is more preferable to 9 months of rain.

I was looking at Mississippi yesterday, but it looks like a total craphole, and I can see why things are so cheap there. And nevermind being in yearly danger of having your house destroyed by a hurricane. Good prices, okay homes, and bubblegum property.

Anything to get the hell out of this place. Selling this house will be the single greatest thing that has ever happened to me in my adult life.

Congratulations on your move, and good health to you.

GWS · Nov 30, 2024

Best of luck in your new home.

Hotdog 7 · Nov 30, 2024

I'm born and raised in Oregon and can't see myself living anywhere else. I've traveled all over the country and nowhere has the same charm as Oregon. However, with the ruling party now having a supermajority in the state legislature things are about to get really stupid. It'll be all gas and no brakes on their legislative agenda. Perhaps in time it'll get bad enough where we'll have no choice but to leave.

Tlock · Nov 30, 2024

Jade Falcon said:
I'm putting my house on the market in April and moving to Idaho, probably Boise. I absolutely can't wait. I've lived in Oregon 4 years and it's been a complete nightmare, in large part thanks to this house and watching Oregon go further Left with snobbish idiots in Government whom have made it abundantly clear that they hate us. Living near Boise will allow me to be near an airport when/if my parents visit. My father is familiar with Boise due to having traveled here on business, so flying from PDX to Boise shouldn't be a problem. And I can hop on a flight back there and visit too.

I'm probably only going to get $50,000 for my house and that might be a bit generous, and it might have to sit on the market for a while before it sells. I'll probably have to move back into an apartment temporarily, but ANYTHING will be better than this dump. I utterly hate it here....the state (some people are good people, but the politics, Liberals, and taxes suck), this house, and the weather. Even the snow is more preferable to 9 months of rain.

I was looking at Mississippi yesterday, but it looks like a total craphole, and I can see why things are so cheap there. And nevermind being in yearly danger of having your house destroyed by a hurricane. Good prices, okay homes, and bubblegum property.

Anything to get the hell out of this place. Selling this house will be the single greatest thing that has ever happened to me in my adult life.

Congratulations on your move, and good health to you.

Boise isn't much better.....I had a friend move there and 6 months later he sold and relocated

Caveman Jim · Nov 30, 2024

Tlock said:
Doesn't really seem like one can express their opinion here, I made a joke and got my privileges revoked instantly.....go figure

You're not alone… it's almost like having to draw this in the sands.

Jade Falcon · Nov 30, 2024

Tlock said:
Boise isn't much better.....I had a friend move there and 6 months later he sold and relocated

I'd take Boise over literally any city in Oregon. At least the Democrats don't have power in that state, and God willing it stays that way.

But just curious, where did your buddy relocate to?

Tlock · Nov 30, 2024

Jade Falcon said:
I'd take Boise over literally any city in Oregon. At least the Democrats don't have power in that state, and God willing it stays that way.

But just curious, where did your buddy relocate to?

He was in downtown Boise he moved to a smaller Colorado town and said it was even worse there

Jade Falcon · Nov 30, 2024

Tlock said:
He was in downtown Boise he moved to a smaller Colorado town and said it was even worse there

Well, no bubblegum, it's Colorado.

Tlock · Nov 30, 2024

That's what I told him. I think sd and wy are still safe

Tony617 · Nov 30, 2024

When we lived in Chicago we caught the electric train that would go as far as Michigan City, Indiana. There were some discounts outlets and a Casino back in 2005. The train stopped in Gary Indiana as well .but didn't get off of the train.

We did take the casino buses from downtown Chicago and went to some casinos in Hammond Indiana. It was old school where the casino was on a boat but the boat didn't leave the dock. Not sure if the boats went out on Lake Michigan. Ice would be a problem in the wintertime.