dreaming of oregon (Portland, Eugene, Salem: home equity, custom, landscaping)

[rnmomof5]

My husband and I have been contemplating a move to Oregon for a couple of years-he is a landscape contractor-owns his own business and specializes in stone work-patios, waterfalls, etc.; and I am an NICU RN for the last 15 years. We have actually placed an offer on a home in Albany last winter, but did not sell our home in Idaho before someone else bought it-beautiful in the Montieth district. We have 5 children-2 to 14. All of the kids also excited to move. Could anyone share information on the area-good for families? And how is the hospital situation? I've seen them hiring for my area in both Salem and Eugene. Also-how is the landscaping situation? Would my husband have difficulty working in the area? I'm mostly concerned as to the school system and family climate of the area-would my transplanted Idaho kids be welcomed in new schools? We fell in love with Albany and would love to call it home. Thanks for any information.

[jjpop]

I have a little anecdote that may indicate that your husband will not have trouble finding work:

A friend of mine who lived in Adair Village (a few miles west of Albany) called several landscapers to get someone to help him landscape his property (about an acre, so quite a bit of area). Of about 8-10 calls to various landscapers he received only one return phone call, and that person told him it was too big of a job for them to do.

However, now that the home equity bubble appears to have deflated (it hasn't totally burst here in Oregon...YET) I wonder if some of these contractors are looking for work now.

[mdvaden]

Originally Posted by rnmomof5

My husband and I have been contemplating a move to Oregon for a couple of years-he is a landscape contractor-owns his own business and specializes in stone work-patios, waterfalls, etc.; and I am an NICU RN for the last 15 years. We have actually placed an offer on a home in Albany last winter, but did not sell our home in Idaho before someone else bought it-beautiful in the Montieth district. We have 5 children-2 to 14. All of the kids also excited to move. Could anyone share information on the area-good for families? And how is the hospital situation? I've seen them hiring for my area in both Salem and Eugene. Also-how is the landscaping situation? Would my husband have difficulty working in the area? I'm mostly concerned as to the school system and family climate of the area-would my transplanted Idaho kids be welcomed in new schools? We fell in love with Albany and would love to call it home. Thanks for any information.

The landscape trade is better up north, from, say Eugene on up to the Portland area, and maybe Bend.

Does he plan to exclude plantings entirely?

Oregon requires a landscape contractors license to use the words "landscape" and "landscaping" in regards to contracting, unless it says something like "landscape maintenance". "Landscape waterfalls" may be a bit of a stretch, since "Water Features" would suffice.

Either way, will probably need a licence with the construction contractors board or with the landscape contractors board. The landscape license has a very substantial set of tests - its like taking a half dozen college finals. 1 in about 10 people pass all the tests in the first sitting. Retakes can occur quickly.

There is a good demand for stone work, pavers and water features in Oregon.

[Pen Cap Chew]

I second that. I'm looking for someone right now to do stone work for a patio. I live in the Eugene area. I don't think your husband will have trouble finding work. Good luck with everything.

[turnerfamily]

You're both looking in the right area.Try the Salem area,it's said to be one of the most popular right now and I think for kids it would be a good choice.

[orygun]

Originally Posted by rnmomof5

I am an NICU RN for the last 15 years.

Sacred Heart in Eugene, soon to be Springfield in 2008, has a Level III NICU. I worked in there and they did good work. They lost there ped surgeon to retirement last year so I don't know if they have returned to surgeries or not. There are 4 neos in there. Competitive to get on day shift.

[toapert]

We moved from VA to West-Salem last year. The kids didn't have any problems adjusting in school and have a lot more friends than before. Schools are a little over-crowded. Teachers seem more relaxed - not quite as obsessed with testing.
As for the landscaping, it took me almost three month to get four different bids for a retaining wall. It took them forever to even come out and take a look at it. Most didn't even call back. Looks like there's plenty of work.

[andystearns]

check out Bend.
Seemingly endless landscape work due to the number of custom homes being built, investment properties needing maintenance etc.

also st charles medical center is our hospital or bend memorial clinic.