Lansing, Michigan to Oregon: Some Questions and Concerns (Portland, Eugene: environment, agriculture)

[MBLaLande]

My fiancé and I currently live in Lansing, Michigan (we just earned degrees from MSU) and are from a smallish city just south of Detroit. We are getting married soon and plan to move right after I complete my graduate schooling (about 1-1.5 years). We are very interested in Oregon, but are having a difficult time narrowing down our search of cities. We are looking at Eugene, Salem, Corvallis, Medford, and Portland, but are also open to other suggestions. I am looking for general opinions of and comparisons between these cities or others in Oregon. Here are some of our main concerns:

Employment – I will master’s degree in library science, so a well-established library system is important. My fiancé is in communication; he’s particularly interested in working for an environmental organization of some sort, but would take a job in any kind of public relations. Any suggestions for cities in which such jobs could be found?

Weather – One of the main reasons we are so excited to move is to escape the long, snowy, gray, freezing winters and the hot, muggy summers. I get very depressed here during the winters. I know that it is gray and rains a lot during Oregon winters, but do the surroundings stay green, or does everything die off like it does here in Michigan? Do certain areas stay green more of the year? Does anyone from the Midwest (or especially Michigan) have an opinion about the difference in winter weather?

Trees – Outdoor activities, trees, lakes, etc. are very important to us because they are so abundant here in Michigan. This is one of the qualities that drew us toward Oregon. Is Mt. Hood the only area where one can ski (my fiancé loves snowboarding), or are there others? Do certain areas have more outdoorsy activities?

People – One of the main concerns that my fiancé has about Oregon (and especially Portland) is the possibility of close-minded or self-righteous people. We’ve read some stories/articles/postings about the people being somewhat stuck-up. I know one can’t generalize, but are people open-minded in Oregon? We’re both very liberal, but I don’t want to bring up my kids in an area of all like-minded people, even if they all agree with me. I’d like some diversity of ethnicity and beliefs. Also, we are non-believers and we’d like to live in a community in which that won’t be an issue. In addition, I’ve heard that some areas dislike newcomers, especially when they’re from other states. Is this true? If so, in which cities would we be better off if we hope to avoid such attitudes?

Families/Kids – We want to have a few kids eventually and education is particularly important to us. Which cities/areas have better public school systems? Also, do certain areas have more activities/community accommodations for children? Obviously, safety is also an issue.
Food – I am a vegetarian and have found Michigan very disappointing is accommodating my eating needs. My fiancé eats meat and I don’t plan to force my kids into my eating style, however we are both very concerned with being able to eat locally grown/processed foods. This includes produce, but also meats and cheeses. We’d also like to be able to grow a lot of our own fruits and veggies. Do certain areas in Oregon have this sort of food culture?

Sorry this post was so long. I really appreciate any information people can provide. I’ve done a lot of research, but realistically there is only so much that statistics can tell you. Thanks!!!

[freedom]

Everything you are looking for can be found from Eugene to Portland.
You should take a trip and see the cities along the I-5 corridor before you move, you'll have most of your queries answered.

So. Oregon is in a funding crisis and libraries are the least of their concern right now, not that we don't want them, but we need Sheriffs first.

best wishes,

freedom

[Silverfall]

Originally Posted by MBLaLande

Employment – I will master’s degree in library science, so a well-established library system is important. My fiancé is in communication; he’s particularly interested in working for an environmental organization of some sort, but would take a job in any kind of public relations. Any suggestions for cities in which such jobs could be found?

Our public library system has faced many funding cuts. I would think you would need to look at one of the many universities for something more secure.

For your hubby there are plenty of opportunities in his areas of interest, although I would think Portland would be his best bet.

Originally Posted by MBLaLande

Weather – One of the main reasons we are so excited to move is to escape the long, snowy, gray, freezing winters and the hot, muggy summers. I get very depressed here during the winters. I know that it is gray and rains a lot during Oregon winters, but do the surroundings stay green, or does everything die off like it does here in Michigan? Do certain areas stay green more of the year? Does anyone from the Midwest (or especially Michigan) have an opinion about the difference in winter weather?

I grew up in Illinois and weather here is so much better. I do miss the snow, but not the driving cold, shoveling my walks, etc. In Salem we get snowflakes every year, but they usually don't stick. My kids have been able to go sledding here locally twice (my son is 8 and daughter 6). It is gray, but everything stays green so it balances it out a bit.

It is not humid out here like the Midwest which is great. I'll take the weather here anyday over the midwest.

Originally Posted by MBLaLande

Trees – Outdoor activities, trees, lakes, etc. are very important to us because they are so abundant here in Michigan. This is one of the qualities that drew us toward Oregon. Is Mt. Hood the only area where one can ski (my fiancé loves snowboarding), or are there others? Do certain areas have more outdoorsy activities?

Mt. Bachelor has slopes, there is Hoodoo, and some down south as well. Doesn't matter where you live in Oregon, you are surrounded with outdoorsy things to do.

Originally Posted by MBLaLande

People – One of the main concerns that my fiancé has about Oregon (and especially Portland) is the possibility of close-minded or self-righteous people. We’ve read some stories/articles/postings about the people being somewhat stuck-up. I know one can’t generalize, but are people open-minded in Oregon? We’re both very liberal, but I don’t want to bring up my kids in an area of all like-minded people, even if they all agree with me. I’d like some diversity of ethnicity and beliefs. Also, we are non-believers and we’d like to live in a community in which that won’t be an issue. In addition, I’ve heard that some areas dislike newcomers, especially when they’re from other states. Is this true? If so, in which cities would we be better off if we hope to avoid such attitudes?

Coming from the Chicago area, I never found people to be stuck up. Not sure what you are reading, but maybe some insecure person with no friends was making a comment like that.

Oregon ranks last in church attendance so there are non-believers all around you. We have quite a variety in religions here, which I think is good.

There are those native Oregonians that have watched their state grow at a huge rate and the consequences of that. Infrastructure hasn't been able to keep up and Oregon has had growing pains as a result. I think those that feel the negative attitude are feeling the brunt of people's irritation.

Originally Posted by MBLaLande

Families/Kids – We want to have a few kids eventually and education is particularly important to us. Which cities/areas have better public school systems? Also, do certain areas have more activities/community accommodations for children? Obviously, safety is also an issue.

Our schools have deteriorated since Measure 5 was passed in 1991 (I think that's when). They have made small gains in the rankings in the past few years, but our schools do lack funding. We have many exceptional schools so once you decide what city you want to live in, go to the Oregon Department of Education and look at the report cards.

Portland has the most for kids, but all cities have plenty to do.

Oregon cities in general tend to rank below similar sized cities for violent crimes, but petty theft is a problem in Oregon cities.

Originally Posted by MBLaLande

Food – I am a vegetarian and have found Michigan very disappointing is accommodating my eating needs. My fiancé eats meat and I don’t plan to force my kids into my eating style, however we are both very concerned with being able to eat locally grown/processed foods. This includes produce, but also meats and cheeses. We’d also like to be able to grow a lot of our own fruits and veggies. Do certain areas in Oregon have this sort of food culture?

Oregon is very pro Oregon. Local produce everywere. We have local CSA's (Community Supported Agriculture) farms all over as well as farmer's markets in all of those towns.

Tillamook and Bandon cheeses are fantastic, and you will drool over Tillamooks Vanilla Bean ice cream and their Udderly Chocolate as well. Oregon is very pro Oregon.

Painted Hills is a local beef farm that does natural meat and there is a local chicken company as well. Norbest does the local turkeys.

Did I say that Oregon is very pro Oregon?

[MBLaLande]

Thanks, Silverfall! I really appreciate all of the information. It's very helpful.

And yes, Freedom, we're hoping to take a trip to some of the cities when we can get the money together.

I'm a little disappointed about the state of the library system, but there seems to be plenty of colleges/universities in which I could try to get a job.

[Leisesturm]

I wonder what percentage of graduates with majors in Library Science actually are librarians or even work in libraries. All over the U.S. cities are closing local libraries and cutting the hours of the central branches. It may be as bad a time to be in Information Science as it is a great time to be in some kind of security service or law enforcement. If you add some actual hard skills to your information science skills you might be able to work in Medical Administration or Database Administration. That would be my advice. As for the rest of it I think you got very good advice from Silverfall.

H

[SeeBee]

Hi, MB,

Ditto to what Silverfall and freedom said - not much to add after that! I live in the Portland area, so...

Don't forget to take a drive out I-84. It is an absolutely gorgeous drive. Hood River is a must-see, especially when the water sports competitions are held. You will fall in love, and that's a guarantee!!!

Snow-boarding??? You'll be in the right state for that. There are many places up around Mt. Hood, and several professional clubs. My physical therapist is from Michigan (graduated U of M, too!). She & her husband just moved her less then a year ago. They are "major" snow boarders & rock climbers...very outdoorsy. And, they absolutely adore it in the Portland area!

Vegetarianism - again, the perfect state for that. If you are a vegetarian, no one looks askance (sp) at you. Portland area is home to some great vegan/vegetarian restaurants. Already covered, but farmers' markets and local produce/fruit stands are all over the place in the summer. Stores: New Seasons, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and many food co-ops carry entire lines of vegetarian/vegan food. We also have Bob's Red Mill, a store which actually stone-grinds on site whole grain products, and other foods.

I agree with Silverfall on her response to the idea of people being stuck up. Might have more to do with the 'irritation factor.' Clannish or stuck up are not words I would use to describe Oregonians.

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage ! You sound like you'll really enjoy living here, and I wish you both luck in finding jobs.

SILVERFALL - if I ever buy a house in Salem, I'll be sure to choose you as my agent! Well done.

[EnricoV]

Multnomah County has a pretty good record of having always supported library funding ballot measures. Portland is a huge reading town. I believe it generally has the highest circulation figures per capita in the nation. There are quite a few job openings listed here all around the region.

[MBLaLande]

Leisesturm - Actually, Library Science is a pretty good field to go into for most states. The vast majority of librarians are older in age, so even though there is a recent shortage of jobs, there is still a good job expectancy for people currently going through school. I'm really not at all interested in those other fields. Thanks for the advice, though.

SeeBee- Thanks for that info! The more that I hear, the more it sounds as though the state would be a good fit for us..

EnricoV - I've actually heard that about Portland and its libraries, which was one of the initial things to attract me toward Oregon; so you can imagine my disappointment when people in this string of posts said that library funding in the state was being cut. By the way, I love that website. One of the girls I work with at a library right now is also interested in moving to the northwest and showed it to me and I always check it. Anyways, thanks.. :-)

[MIganderwander]

We moved here almost exactly a year ago from East Lansing (Go Spartans!). It has been a wonderful move for our family. We currently live in Tigard/Bull Mountain area but it is not the right place for us, although it is good for the time being. My brother lives in Medford and seem to like it. The summers are much hotter down there and they always mention how humid Portland is which is entertaining because he is from MI and my sister-in-law from NY.

The weather is fantastic! Apparently, it was a very cold winter but the temps were mostly in the 40's or so. We were at a local park hikinking around with only fleece jackets on Jan. 31st. You know how in Michigan, on those -7degree mornings you choke and cough on your first breath of morning air? Yeah, that doesn't happen here. I missed snow only once because that first snowfall is so breathtaking when it's on the trees. The mosquitos are very tame out here compared to the blood suckers in MI and, as an added bonus, we don't have to deal with those nasty black, biting flies! It is quite cloudy and it took some adjusting but it stays so green around here, it's manageable. Some days it drizzles and lets up, drizzles again~you just have to adjust to getting out there and finding something to do. We tend to hike at one of the parks~Forest Park or Tryon. Oregon is like living in a postcard, everywhere we turn~it is an amazing picture.

I think you will love it out here! tThe PNW in general fits your list wants in a home. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions or would like anymore comparisons. It's late and I fear I will stop making sense right now. I have to say, I do miss DeLuca's pizza, Tasty Twist, our friends in EL, and Lake Michigan but the homesickness is fleeting. Oregon has been very welcoming to us and we feel lucky to live here!

[Nell Plotts]

First find jobs. Then find a place to live convenient to the job. There are many communities that meet your lifestyle needs so focus on employment first.