Help a relocating teacher be calm (Portland, Eugene: job market, schools, living)

[dpotts]

HELLO!

I am a third year teacher with a masters looking to move to Portland from New Jersey. I teach 6th grade homeroom and 4,5 and 6th grade science.I've read many things about Oregon schools that now have me weary of making the move.

I grew up in Michigan and love the similar laid back attitude that Oregon has, with the added bonus of mountains and public transportation.I currently live in a very scenic part of NJ, but it's speed-to-stoplight mentality and high housing prices have lead my boyfriend and I to search for a move. My concerns about moving are:

1.Jobs- I'm wearing of finding a job in a school system that has more favorable reviews than the ones I've heard of Portland schools. Any suggestions for school systems near Portland that are progressive in education and equal in pay?

2. Cost of Living- though cost of living is lower than New Jersey, I've been told the economy right now in Oregon is not looking so great. I've been told you have to be stupid or lazy not to make it there, but I've also been told the small job market has resulted in too many overeducated waitresses/waiters.

Thank you for the help. From reading other posts, people have been so kind with their input.

Happy Halloween!
Diana

[mjgcamper]

For me Portland Oregon would be out, the amount of traffic, antiquated road system, and the amount of drivers with bad attitudes scatches this city off my list.

Southern Oregon is a much better place. Nice backroads, quiet areas, towns that seem to make sense. We've heard from teachers teaching in the highschools, they say we can tell who the kids are that come from the rural areas. they are usually much better behaved kids.

Grants Pass or Cottage Grove would, in my opinion be a much better area. Try to find a place at least one valley away from the 1-5 corridor.

Lastly, as you travel south on I-5 the traffic gets much better south of Eugene. Which can be an idication of better less crowded areas to live