single, 43, teaching, and Oregon (Portland, Eugene: elementary school, living in, retiree)

[merlyn]

Greetings,

I just came across this website, and have really enjoyed the posts. I've been living in the Bay Area for 20 years, the last five in Oakland, and am craving a slower pace and less people. I've had my eye on Oregon for a few years now, and have recently spent some time in Portland and Corvallis. I'm heading up to Eugene next week to scout it out. I'm a 4th grade teacher, and realize that getting a job could be challenging in any of these communities, but am not going to let that stop me. I'm posting for what may seem like an odd question: What is it like to be a 43 year old single person (man) in Corvallis and Eugene? I'm sure Portland, being much more urban, is another story. I loved being in Corvallis, but it seemed to be mostly students, retirees, and families. Anyone out there have any experience, insight, or information to share about Corvallis or Eugene in this context? Thanks!

[Steve97415]

You are more or less correct in your demographic characterization of Corvallis. Students and families. That's what you'd expect in a town built around education. But I think you will find plenty of singles your age in town. A lot of them, naturally, will be divorced and perhaps have kids. But compared to many other areas of the state, Corvallis is a good bet for meeting well-educated people because it's an attractive place for thinkers. Let me put it this way: even if the overall dosage of unmarried 40-somethings is rather low, the frequency of them who will be knowledgeable people who care about the world they live in will be high. I moved from Corvallis to the coast when I was in my mid-40's and found a real dearth of residents my age there...and those who are my age are mostly boneheads whose idea of culture is watching cable TV.
Getting a job in the Portland metro area might not be that challenging if you're flexible about exact location. Many schools are looking for gender balance in elementary school teaching staffs and that may work in your favor. Getting an Oregon Teaching License...now THAT can be challenging.