The autumn is beautiful in Oregon. Mile after mile of fir forest
curving against the mountain slopes like the branches of an
unusually thick Christmas tree are dotted here and there with the
bright yellow or orange of deciduous trees blazing with the last
glory of defiant color before submitting to a dark drab winter
bareness. If the low-angled sunlight catches just right then
illusionary lit Christmas bulbs shine amid the verdant mass.
The autumn is beautiful in Oregon. Mile after mile of fir forest curving against the mountain slopes like the branches of an unusually thick Christmas tree are dotted here and there with the bright yellow or orange of deciduous trees blazing with the last glory of defiant color before submitting to a dark drab winter bareness. If the low-angled sunlight catches just right then illusionary lit Christmas bulbs shine amid the verdant mass.
Ribbons of gray unwind over river valleys to connect small towns to the major cities of Portland and Eugene. To my California-born-and-bred eye it was sparsely populated and untainted. However, the good citizens of Oregon feel that they are being crowded out. I’m sure you’ve seen the bumper stickers: Don’t Californicate Oregon.
It occurred to me that Oregon’s philosophy is much like that of San Benito County’s when it comes to increasing population: It’s OK as long as it doesn’t happen in my backyard.
Have you heard of the State of Jefferson? In 1852 legislation was introduced to create a new state comprised of northern California and southern Oregon. The bill was never acted upon. Oregon went on to be incorporated as a state in 1859. During the Civil War the creation of this additional state was again discussed so that there would be a haven for slavery, but it failed.
In 1941 the concept again cropped up, this time fueled by the fact that the region paid taxes but did not receive services from the government. Infrastructure, necessary to support the lumber and fishing industries, was inadequate, especially roads and bridges.
This time a name was proposed: Mittelwestcoastia. The citizens didn’t much like that, so a contest was held. J. E. Mundell was awarded two dollars for coming up with the name of the State of Jefferson. Though currently not actually a state, you can see signs of its existence along the road. Highway cleanup is provided by the Chamber of Commerce of the State of Jefferson.
During the long hours I was on the road it occurred to me that population seems to be creeping upwards along the Pacific Coast. There is great concern in California for the large numbers of South and Central Americans coming into our state. Oregon bemoans the fact that record numbers of Californians relocate each year. I haven’t visited Washington for years, but I’m willing to be the same issues crop up. And I know for certain Canada keeps a tight control over the number of United States citizens it allows into its hallowed borders. I heard an amazing factoid: The population of California exceeds the population of all of Canada. Whoa, doggies! And they worry about us migrating there.
The world population is growing quickly. It is expected to crest 3 billion mid-October. And before you think, “Well, it’s all that population growth in those third-world countries with names no one can pronounce,” be advised that the fastest climbing population of an industrialized nation is here in the old U S of A. Hmmm.
Add to that the fact that we are living for ever-increasing years. A woman of 50 who remains free from cancer or heart disease can expect to live well into her 90s.
Okay, where is everyone going to live?
We human beings do not like change at all. We would like everything to remain the same. But that’s impossible, in case you haven’t noticed! So the only question remains how to respond to the change. You can kick in your heels and moan about the good old days, or you can look for the positive aspect of each challenge life sends your way.
There will be new developments and building in our area. Our roads will become more congested and difficult. Our population will change its demographic numbers. You can decide what to do. You can stay and accept change with grace and optimism, you can stay and become bitter and ugly about it, or you can leave in search of a region more in keeping with your personal style and philosophy.
Pretty deep thoughts for a simple weekend road trip to the annual Lipizzan Symposium in Wilsonville, Ore., eh?
So, back in the central section of California we see some interesting trends. (Well, I think they’re interesting. If you don’t think so you can put the paper down and go for a walk.) This week we saw a lot more activity than usual. There were lots of people who pulled their homes from the MLS. They either didn’t truly need to sell or decided they wanted to wait until after the holidays.
Many other people decided to list their homes now, recognizing that buyers are out year-round. In addition, many people buy now so they can be in new homes before Thanksgiving or Christmas or whatever religious observance they enjoy. And saavy sellers know a home often looks at its best dressed in holiday decorations.
Activity is increased, though individuals don’t feel it because of the large inventory. When it’s your home that has had no showings for 4 weeks, you can’t help but feel the market is stagnant. But each home transaction has a life of its own. Just when you least expect it, the offer appears at your door and your off on your new life adventure.
So be patient and be kind to your Realtor!
