Interested in OR (Portland, Salem, McMinnville: real estate, house, job market)

[all of the sun]

Hey everyone. I'm looking to move to Oregon, near Portland or Astoria. I really like smaller towns, and I'm not big on suburbia. Any suggestions? My closest friend lives in Portland, so I'd prefer to be near him since this will be my first time living away from my lifetime home on the Central Coast of CA.

I'm interested in OR because of the landscape (love trees and rain-- and seasons!) and the more liberal-minded attitude in some places. Also, the real estate is SO MUCH CHEAPER! Avg. house price here is half a mil-- and that's an OLD house!

I'm a teacher, and am also looking for a job in English, 7th grade to 12th. What is the teaching job market like? I know the salary is considerably less than here, but that's a cut I'm willing to take.

Any suggestions of potential living spots, and spots to avoid would be a great help. Thanks!

[RodFarlee]

Originally Posted by all of the sun

I'm looking to move to Oregon, near Portland or Astoria. I really like smaller towns, and I'm not big on suburbia. Any suggestions?

All of the following small towns have nice, walkable downtown areas with historic character and interesting shops.

St. Helens - nice small older town on the Columbia River, 25 miles northwest of Portland. pop 10k.

McMinnville - a growing small town 30 miles southwest of Portland, has a small liberal arts college, many vineyards and wineries. pop 30k.

Estacada - lovely little town about 25 miles southeast of Portland, nestled in valley at the base of the Cascades' foothills with many Christmas tree farms. pop 2500.

Silverton - lovely small town about 35 miles south of Portland, 15 miles east of Salem, near gorgeous Silver Falls state park, our best state park for sure! pop 7500.

Hood River - an hour east of Portland in the Columbia gorge, in the beautiful Hood River valley filled with orchards, nestled on the north side of Mt. Hood. pop 6000.

Milwaukee - only 7 miles south of Portland on the Williamette River, but has the atmosphere of a nice small historic town, not of a suburb. pop 20k.

There are many more, but these should be on your short list if you come up on a small town tour!

[Steve97415]

Originally Posted by all of the sun

(love trees and rain-- and seasons!)

Portland has three and a half gentle seasons (winter is just cold rain, so I give it the "half season" designation). Seasonal variation in Astoria, however, is minimal. It is cool and humid the year round.
When it comes to love of rain, no place in western Oregon will disappoint.

[all of the sun]

Thanks for all the info-- good place to start and a big help!