In Portland, 'For Sale' Signs Specify 'No Californians'

Real estate signs are typically pretty straightforward things, but in Portland they're getting weirdly specific—with stickers popping up featuring a map of California in a red circle with a slash through it. It's not entirely clear who's behind the "no Californians" signs, reports the Oregonian, but the sentiment is on the rise as the housing market heats up, making bidding wars the norm in desirable neighborhoods. "A lot of these guys are getting outbid," says one real estate agent. "And I think they're going around to agents who have properties that have sold over ask price and putting anti-California stickers."

KGW estimates that about 25% to 30% of Portland homebuyers come from California, looking to score cheaper housing and armed with higher salaries. "There's the lowest inventory we've had in over 10 years, and people are frustrated," says the agent. Another is less sympathetic: "Unfortunately Portland's retired hipsters are going to have to get jobs if they want to live in North Portland," one real estate agent tells KGW. (More Portland, Oregon stories.)