Which town for us, any ideas please? (Portland, Eugene: home, job market)

[Mummsy]

Hi everyone,

I am an RN right now but am planning to get my teaching certification. My husband is an ultrasound technician. We have two small girls, and are planning a move to Oregon within the next two years. We currently live in Phoenix, and really want a change from the fast paced, "suburban" lifestyle.

We are looking for a smallish town with reasonable schools, a relaxed liberal lifestyle, and somewhere where we can buy a small home with a little land to spread out some, grow veggies, have a few chickens, and generally enjoy nature and the outdoors. We are considering Bend, Corvallis, and Eugene, (though are concerned about employment opportunities in the latter two), and possible Medford. Are these towns the kind of places that might work for us? We are in an OK situation equity wise, though of course aren't planning on selling at the mo'!!!

Any experience of these places would be great, and any other ideas for others would also be great. We LOVE four seasons, don't mind the rain, and just really wish for a low key life where people are friendly, and the living is good. (Am I asking for too much??)

Thanks all.

Mo.

[Silverfall]

You should also consider Silverton, OR. I am not sure if it is too small for you, but it has a fantastic hospital and its a wonderful community.

Also, Chemeketa nursing program doesn't have enough teaching staff to teach nurses fast enough to deal with the shortage here.

You would also have a choice to work in the Salem area as well, and it would take about 30 minutes to commute from Silverton.

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Your best bets are Eugene, Bend & Ashland. Liberal, good job markets, beautiful...

[bobmulk]

Don't worry about employment opportunities. Since you're both in health care and you're a nurse, you'll find jobs. Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis, Peace Health in Eugene and McKenzie-Willamette in Springfield are all hospitals DESPERATE for nurses. Plus, there's several clinics.

[Mummsy]

Thanks all, that is very helpful and gives us lots more ideas! I am actually planning to go into elementary school teaching but have thought about nurse education because I know there is a national shortage of nurse educators. Wow, some of these places look idyllic to say the least! Thanks again.

Mo

[eoyellow]

If you have a tolerance for the good folks, you might try La Grande. It's about 40 percent D. They have a good hosp, great small liberal college, four seasons, no malls, and fair priced housing compared to the west side.

[zagyzebra]

If liberal is what you're looking for, I would rule out Medford. We are in the process of relocating to Portland simply because Medford is too backward and conservative for us. Ashland, conversely, leans too much in the opposite direction. FYI

[haggardhouseelf]

Originally Posted by bobmulk

Don't worry about employment opportunities. Since you're both in health care and you're a nurse, you'll find jobs. Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis, Peace Health in Eugene and McKenzie-Willamette in Springfield are all hospitals DESPERATE for nurses. Plus, there's several clinics.

I ditto Corvallis and Eugene. BOTH are wonderful communities for families and both have a sort of big city feel - with big city accomodations - even though they are quaint little college towns. Eugene has UofO and Corvallis has OSU. Both towns have lots of good options as far as public schools go for the kids as well as private school options. Both towns have good food and easy access to amazing natural areas to explore... Both towns have lots to explore and are good jumping off points for adventures outside of your own zip code.

We just found out that we are moving back to Eugene after having been gone for a year, and we are so excited!! Yay!!

[Mummsy]

Thanks again guys! We are planning a trip up there this summer to see what's what, can't wait! I feel especially drawn to Eugene. My hubby is an ultrasound tech and the primary worker in the family, so a job for him might be harder than for me, but I am sure there are offices as well as hospitals. Are elementary school teachers also in short supply?