Job at Mount Hood Comm. College (Portland, Gresham: real estate, apartments, condos)

[jagtech360]

Hi everyone! First off I must applaud all the great feedback I have seen in this forum. I did some searching but everyone's situation is different so I thought I would just start a thread.

I am highly considering a job offer as an instructor at the Mount Hood CC in Gresham. I am looking for suggestions on a nice area to relocate to. I am coming from Appleton, WI. I currently own a new construction house in a quiet, friendly, and dog friendly new subdivision. It would be my girlfriend, our black lab, and myself. We like the outdoors but are not crazy outdoorsmen. I would like to purchase a newer construction house within a 30 mile radius (or whatever is a reasonable commute). In the meantime, I would like to find a nice condo, apartment, or townhouse (preferably on a golf course). Who knows maybe we'll even learn to love that. It seems like the going rate for a house is 50-100k more than it is in Appleton. My compensation wouldn't reflect that much of a housing increase. I maybe just looking in the wrongs places though. I do know that I don't care for the immediate Gresham area (too congested and run down, for the most part).

It sounds like north of there near Vancouver, Woodland or other neighboring towns would be more of an area that resembles where I am located now. Any information or hints of what to look for as far as taxes and other fees go would be very helpful as well.

All input from anyone would be greatly appreciated!!! I am very nervous!

[Mom04]

Hi! Good luck in considering your job offer. I attended MHCC for a year and loved it!!

One area you may want to consider is the Happy Valley area. It is probably about 20min from your possible job and would be a relatively easy commute.

You will find very nice neighborhoods, safe and clean with lots of walking paths. Right now you can find some amazing good deals on homes because they were building like crazy when the market started to turn. The prices may seem a bit high from where you are moving from but I think in a couple of years you would have made a good investment.

The large park in the middle of Happy Valley has two fenced off leash dog areas that are great and never very crowded.

You could also check out the Damascus area. They may be dealing with some growing pains as it goes from rural to suburban but it is a pretty area with easy access to Gresham.

[StealthRabbit]

I would look to the regions on the NE side, probably Troutdale, Corbett, Boring, Sandy, Damascus. Keeping the commute handy and have an escape route to the country. (Gorge)

This public golf course is close by and has some nice areas with condos / apartments (some not so nice too, but just get referrals from someone who has lived there.)

Glendoveer Golf Course

a list... Public Golf Courses in Portland, Oregon

[jagtech360]

thank you very much for the input!!!!! I appreciate it!!

[EnricoV]

I'd second looking east or south-east to the Boring, Sandy, Damascus direction. Scrolling through the listings, Sandy seems to have some (to me) reasonably priced, newer, houses available. You could even go as far as Brightwood or Rhododendron - at the base of Mt. Hood. That'd be about a 30 mile commute.

I'd avoid Washington, though mileage-wise it's as near, the commute will more likley be much more difficult as you'll be tied up in Portland traffic. Living eastwards out of Gresham isn't as likely to give you traffic nighmares.

[gypsydoc]

All those areas could work nicely, but no one has mentioned Gresham! There are some great newer construction homes, condos and townhomes in some nice areas. Great shopping, just a few quick minutes to I-84 and the Gorge, or going into Portland, just a few minutes from downtown.

All the other areas are great possibilities as well.
Best wishes,

[EnricoV]

The OP said they didn't care for Gresham, and were looking for alternatives.

[jagtech360]

Thank you very much for the replies, everyone!!! I really appreciate the input! The more the better! Any other suggestions before considering the move???

[jagtech360]

If any of you are or know a real estate agent who would have some time to talk that would be greatly appreciated. I am having a difficult time finding a good one who will actually help me out

[gypsydoc]

Hi,
Just PM'd you... I'd be interested. Have done quite a bit of public speaking. What do you have in mind?
Thanks...