Need input re: Tigard/Tualatin/Wilsonville (Portland, Salem: real estate, apartment complex, lease)

[juneauite]

Hello!

I'm hoping to get some advice on where to relocate. My husband has a great job in Salem, but we are currently living in an apartment complex in Beaverton (we moved here from Alaska before we had any job lined up, and we didn't foresee the Salem thing). He has been commuting down to Salem via public transportation for the last 5 months, and it takes him about 2 hours each way. With our current lease up in June, we are starting to consider other towns further south that would make his commute more reasonable. We have two young children, one of whom will be starting kindergarten in the fall.

We are not interested in moving all the way down to Salem, because we really enjoy downtown Portland and spend time there every weekend. We also want to be located in close proximity to the new Westside commuter rail that is going in, because we are committed to staying a one car family, and my husband enjoys being able to read/nap, etc. on the bus or train (plus we like being able to take the Max into the city on weekends). So that leaves us with Tigard, Tualatin, and Wilsonville as the obvious choices.

We're liberal people. We like farmer's markets and towns that are smallish but progressive. We like being able to walk around in a city and not be surrounded by big box stores with huge parking lots. Downtown (old town) Beaverton appeals to us for this reason, and we are considering that as well, but one of the other places would make for an easier commute. We obviously would like good schools and family-oriented community activities.

Based on this information, what area would you recommend? Thanks for your help!

[juneauite]

Hello? Was it something I said? Anyone?

[EnricoV]

I haven't lived in any of those areas ... I'm an eastside gal. But my sister taught in the Wilsonville area, and the schools there were highly regarded. I think you'll find it more "village"-like. And it's further from WES, but West Linn is a similar area.

[juneauite]

Thanks to both of you. That does help. We are planning to drive down there one of these weekends to check it out for ourselves, but it is always good to get an insider's point of view on these things. Arts festival and a great library sound prefect so far!

[LongArm]

I've lived in Tualatin for many years and have lived and still spend much time in Wilsonville too. IMHO, you can't really go wrong with either one. Both fit your preference for "smallish and progressive," although both are growing quickly.

Tualatin is currently rebuilding its OWN library too--it should be pretty nice. And the city has a commons area which consists of a small man-made lake surrounded by restaurants, condos and various businesses. They hold art and music events there, as well as other activities. And, of course, Tualatin is home to the famous Crawfish Festival, which is held in the newly-refurbished city park. Speaking of parks, there are many of them spread around the city--most of them newer and in good shape. There's a brand-new and very cool walking trail that goes from the city park, over the Tualatin River and clear into Durham and Tigard's Cook Park. For shopping and eating, the new Bridgeport Village has a European feel to it and is a great place to walk around and do both (although parking can be a problem at times). The schools here are good--the elementary school my daughter goes to is rated one of the best around. As for the people, I'd say they're friendly. Lots of 'em are into walking, fitness, etc. My kind of place.

I could say much more but I think I'm rambling. If you have any specific questions about either Tualatin or Wilsonville, feel free to ask.

[juneauite]

Ok, yes, I do have a specific question: Which has more affordable housing?

[LongArm]

My first thought was that they're both about the same, but my real estate agent sister says that Tualatin is more affordable.

[babycoleslaw]

Originally Posted by juneauite

Hello!

I'm hoping to get some advice on where to relocate. My husband has a great job in Salem, but we are currently living in an apartment complex in Beaverton (we moved here from Alaska before we had any job lined up, and we didn't foresee the Salem thing). He has been commuting down to Salem via public transportation for the last 5 months, and it takes him about 2 hours each way. With our current lease up in June, we are starting to consider other towns further south that would make his commute more reasonable. We have two young children, one of whom will be starting kindergarten in the fall.

We are not interested in moving all the way down to Salem, because we really enjoy downtown Portland and spend time there every weekend. We also want to be located in close proximity to the new Westside commuter rail that is going in, because we are committed to staying a one car family, and my husband enjoys being able to read/nap, etc. on the bus or train (plus we like being able to take the Max into the city on weekends). So that leaves us with Tigard, Tualatin, and Wilsonville as the obvious choices.

We're liberal people. We like farmer's markets and towns that are smallish but progressive. We like being able to walk around in a city and not be surrounded by big box stores with huge parking lots. Downtown (old town) Beaverton appeals to us for this reason, and we are considering that as well, but one of the other places would make for an easier commute. We obviously would like good schools and family-oriented community activities.

Based on this information, what area would you recommend? Thanks for your help!

I moved to Tigard last summer and would be happy to help answer any questions you might have if you'd like. We're about a mile from the new commuter station going in downtown and are thrilled that things are coming together! I drove to Wilsonville yesterday for my daughters' dentist appointment and ugh, the traffic! My heart goes out to your husband for the long commute...