Phoenix to Gresham Culture Shock? (Portland, Troutdale: property taxes, smog, budget)

[Osokop]

Howdy All:

I am contemplating taking a job in Gresham, OR and moving from Phoenix, AZ where I have been all my 50 years of life. I have finally tired of the 110 degree temps in May and wish for a cooler climate. Albeit, I may suffer from sun deprivation maybe?

Anyway, I have been reading that Portland area is about 9.1% above Phoenix for cost of living expenses and from a trip up there gas was at least 40 cents more a gallon than Phoenix, and housing looks a bit higher than here, but generally about the same. Property taxes of course are higher, but no sales tax, and what is the Oregon state taxes like? High, or pretty much normal?

How stable is Gresham's city budget as I would be working for the city itself? Any funding issues for the city you have heard? I have not seen anything in local papers.

What are the best places to live in or around Gresham and where should I stay away from? Seems like the NE and SE portions of Gresham and toward the Sandy area are very nice and about my speed and price range, but how are they generally? No need to worry about school for the kiddies as all mine are grown and married themselves. I would be interested in what Universities are nearby or close.

I already read about the availability of the Max line which sounds inviting, but Gresham has been having issues and heavy enforcement around the MAX lines I read?

All advice is appreciated, especially concerning areas to avoid for home buying!

Thanks!!!

[skypros]

Well you are going to love this...
Oregon State Income tax is 9%

I lived in AZ for a short period (show low az).... and AZ TAXES EVERYTHING! and the cost to register a car is very expensive! Gas was lower there as were utilities.... The state does not smog check and burns coal for electricity.

I did not like AZ one bit (except Flagstaff)

[Osokop]

Thanks Skypros....actually I love Arizona, but have lived here all my life and don't know the difference. I did have a very short time of living in Germany and Oklahoma, but was young and didn't care much about the cost of living.

Thanks again for the information and sharing your opinions!

[bobmulk]

One thing to remember about the income taxes--they won't be as bad as 9% if you own a home. Factor in all your deductions and the 9% doesn't happen. My income taxes aren't that bad with all my deductions. I would imagine that's the case anywhere.

You might opt to live in Sandy or Troutdale or Fairview. All nice, smaller communities. That are does get quite cold in the winter because the winds blow down the Columbia Gorge.