AM/PM commute from McMinnville to Salem? (Portland, Dallas: find a job, casino)

[turnergang]

I'm considering a move to McMinnville and will likely work in Salem. What am I looking at, commute-wise, in the mornings (i.e., an 8am start time) and in the evenings (i.e., departing for McMinnville about 5pm).

Thanks in advance

[Silverfall]

There isn't a good way to get from McMinnville to Salem. Your commute could be an hour depending on where in Salem you will work. Those backroads through there can be windy, and it is wine country. You could be behind a slow truck or tractor for miles. It also puts you entering in West or downtown Salem area, neither of which are fun in the morning.

It looks better on a map than it really is. Is there a reason why you thinking of living in McMinneville and communting down?

[turnergang]

Thanks for the reply... All of my extended family is in McMinnville and I'm looking for decent paying jobs -- all of which seem to be in Salem (as I don't want to commute towards Portland).

I'd *love* to find a job right in Mac but they seem few and far between -- esp decent paying jobs.

[Atillion]

I'm also thinking of moving from NC to McMinnville... And getting a job toward Salem. Any more input would be great ^_^

[Silverfall]

That's a tough one. There are not a lot of jobs in McMinnville. What industry are you in?

[Atillion]

I'm in the Information Technology field. I've found tons of jobs in/around Salem. I think we're pointing more toward living in Dallas now.

[Silverfall]

Yes Salem does have a lot of IT jobs and I understand there is a lot of competition for them. Not to say you won't get them, but just be forewarned!

I replied to you about biking from Dallas to Salem on your other post. The bridge is going to be an issue and something to consider. If you are considering Dallas, maybe look the other direction and consider looking at Stayton or Silverton, which would give you a smaller town feel, but you could still ride to work. You'd have more route options as well.

If you want more details on route ideas, email me off list, and I'll have my hubby respond with safe ideas for you. It may help you narrow down an area.

[Atillion]

Thanks so much for all of the advice Silverfall =)

I was thinking either Dallas or McMinnville because of their proximity to both Grand Ronde and Salem.

My wife and I currently work in a casino, and while I'm looking for an IT job in Salem, she will probably be dealing cards at Spirit Mountain.

[Silverfall]

Ah...Monmouth/Independence is not that much farther east from Dallas, but it would be much safer for you to bike from there as you would come over the Indpendence Bridge instead.

[Dangerous Dave]

Check out Dayton also, maybe Amity.