Hubby has new job offer...considering moving to Arlington

[dabaker1014]

We lived in oregon for 15 years and when we first moved there we found that they had no sales tax. That was great we thought, 15 years later we moved to missouri. Californians moving up caused our real estate prices to go through the roof and yea the schools do suck. Oregon is a beautiful state but with no sales tax and no way for them to truly bring in money they are hurting. I miss the better weather but I think I can do with out so my kids can have a better education.

[The lighthouse]

Arlington has pros and cons - just like any other community. Pros: Low cost of living; a nice home, with a river view, can be purchased for under $150k. Another pro: Great place to raise children. Classrooms are small and teachers accessible. Lastly, the air is clean, and the unemployment rate is low. Cons: Miles away from nearest City (The Dalles is 54 miles; Tri-Cities (Washington) is 72 miles away). You get used to driving for shopping, movies, bowling, restaurants, etc. Another downfall is the job market is limited. As far as the mayor scandal is concerned, the former mayor used poor judgement and showed ignorance concerning her My Space page. However, in her defense, she did nothing criminal, and even though she was miles away on vacation when the 'story' broke, she phoned the council members and apologized to them for any embarrassment she may have caused the City. She also closed her My Space to allow access to friends only. I don't believe the picture was the real problem; I think it presented an opportunity to those who were unhappy with the mayor's conduct in other city matters (the last sentence is speculation).

[chiva377]

My husband is also looking into a job in Arlington. Being that Arlington is such a small community, I have a question and please be very honest. Do the people of Arlington have issues with non-caucasian people? We adopted two little boys who are bi-racial. What kind of reception would they receive? And again, please be honest. We would certainly not want to live where they would be looked down upon.

Thanks.

[kickerofelves]

Originally Posted by chiva377

My husband is also looking into a job in Arlington. Being that Arlington is such a small community, I have a question and please be very honest. Do the people of Arlington have issues with non-caucasian people? We adopted two little boys who are bi-racial. What kind of reception would they receive? And again, please be honest. We would certainly not want to live where they would be looked down upon.

Thanks.

If by bi-racial you mean 'black' then the track record here is not that great I'd say for the handful of times I've witnessed it. No violence and little open hostility but a lot of behind the back commentary. No issues of any note with Asians or Hispanics who've lived here.

I might suggest Boardman about 25 miles away. Larger town and huge Hispanic community; perhaps the dynamic would be better (I'm guessing).

[chiva377]

Ok, thank you. Yes they are half black and half white. We've had them since birth and have experienced some not so nice remarks to behind the back commentary here as well, but no violence. For the most part, they've been treated well and accepted. I'm glad that there has been no violence towards anyone in your town I will look into Boardman. Thanks again for being honest.

[whydoucare?]

Its a shame in todays times african-americans cant move just anywhere, you have to research and see if you are going to have a cross burned on your lawn (which happened to my brother). He moved to an all white neighborhood and they didnt like that at all.

[chiva377]

They don't like us to talk about racism in this forum but I have to agree with you. I'm sorry that happened to your brother. Take care.

[mdvaden]

What's he going to do - be a State Police Officer or something?

My dad had the motel and restaurant there around 1977 when I finished high school. Worked 2 days in Portland and drove there to help hime 3 days. My second day there, I'd take the laundry into Pendleton and bring a truck of groceries back from United Grocers buried under linen bundles to keep it cold. He and a partner bought a bunch of lots, because a nuclear plant was already being excavated for. It got canned and so did many plans.

If you want to live in that isolated little town, forgot whatever you hear about anyone. Either just move there or don't. It could turn on a dime for being good or miserable. People will know your life in 15 minutes - literally. One local teen cruise - without driving to The Dalles, was the city dump. Literally.

In fact, two sister from Bremerton WA, visited someone in that town. I went out for a drive with one, and the other went out with some guy I knew not. So me and the one sister, slowly drive with lights off to the upper tier of the landfill, and her sister and date are way down below. I had a PA System with speaker in my grill. And I quickly turned on my high beams, then called out loudly on the PA something like:

"Attention - this is a security check - please identify yourselve immediately"

Anyhow, their engine roared, lights came on and they bailed out like a jack rabbit.

There is nothing about that town that even seems inviting to visit again. It's just a place to stop for gas. It was not a bad place. A few folks out in the country around there really knew how to throw a BBQ.