I understand about Oregon's direction. At one time the Oregonians were coming to California for jobs, now the Californians are heading back for (relatively) cheap property. I did apply for a job at a Xerox facility in Wilsonville about 6 years ago and at that time we would have been able to take the 40% cut in income and maintain a lifestyle pretty close to what we can afford here.
We've looked at the coast, Bend area (and Fuqua manufacturing plant), Salem area, Portland area and the Medford/Ashville/Talent areas. We became uncomfortable with learning that some of these areas are attracting a large California crowd and understand this will affect the economic and political climate, particularly for the firearms sports.
Salem does appear to be the hub, much like the city of San Ramon is for the Bay Area clubs--a good range within 35 miles in several different directions.
We stayed at a friend's apartment in Salem while taking a look at the Wilsonville area and went through Aurora and Canby. Thought Canby was great, but I've heard that it is getting caught up in the Portland growth. What is the mindset in the area regarding shooting sports?
Actually, we liked Salem and the surrounding areas quite a bit. The apartment we stayed at was within an easy stroll of the governor's lodging and the neighborhoods were tidy and pleasant.
Got somewhat depressed after walking over to a gunshop in the old downtown Salem. I asked about firearms purchase regulations, was told that a resident could take a purchase directly home and then had to face going back to the California 10 (sometimes 11) day wait for each purchase.
The Four Corners club outside Salem seems to be another pricey one. What are the conditions that support the higher cost membership in the Four Corners and Tri County clubs?
The most expensive clubs that I have joined in this area are the top end Chabot Gun Club which has a initiation fee and then annual fee of $70 and Richmond at $60. The Concord club is smaller, but has benefits of low cost reloading components and annual fee of $25.
Two other interests that will have some bearing on our decisions (on top of affordability--we won't be bringing along a California real estate windfall) will be road bicycling and Australian Shepherd dog activities--agility, tracking, stockdog work.
