To some Oregonian’s, all of Oregon’s woes are caused by Californian’s making Oregon, well, like California.  Big houses, plastic surgery, flashy wealth, and a general disregard for the slow paced style of Oregon life are often quoted as what it means to be “Californian.”   The huge bump in Salem Oregon real estate prices was squarely placed on the heads of these folks by some locals.   So, really are Californian’s the only ones that have been moving into Oregon?

Forbes has this cool map that shows the influx into Marion county.  The black lines represent those moving here and red lines are those moving away.  Not surprisingly those moving away from Oregon to sunny climates such as Arizona and Texas.  I’ll admit, especially after this dismal start to summer, that the gray can get irritating.  Personally,  I was thinking about some kind of sacrifice to the Sun Gods who have apparently abandoned we Oregonians…but I digress.  While I am not a hot weather person, I can see the desire some folks would have to head to a warmer climate.

I have to say that I always thought that the Californian’s are coming was a bit of a crock. I work with so many people relocating to Salem Oregon from all over the country that I really don’t see that imbalance.  Unfortunately, this map indicates that indeed the largest influx into Marion county is from California.    Just for the heck of it, I clicked on Polk county, which has part of Salem as well, and um…yep…Californian’s again.

So much for debunking that local sentiment. Anyone got a horse and some lanterns?  The Californian’s really are coming.

P.S.  Dear Californians…Salem has an improving restaurant scene and we’d love to see more great local (ie, no chains) restaurants here.   If you want to open a restaurant, come on up, I say :)

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