Looking to move to La Grande area (Baker City, Gates: house, unemployment)

[jillcohen]

We are looking to move outside of La Grande frome Gates Or. (population 495)
Interested in hearing about schools for our 3 and 6 year old. How are they rated? Are the kids nice? ect.
I am a retired homebirth midwife going back to school for a nursing degree and my husband is a builder.
Would like to know more about the community and family friendly events.
We are rural dwellers but want access to some culture.
I am very interested in working in a rural hospital or clinic when I graduate.
thanks!!!

[oldhippie]

Hi - I have lived in La Grande for about two years and I absloutely love it here. My husband and I chose La Grande when we were looking to move back the NW because of it is rural and uncrowded yet there is enough going on to keep up happy. It can be a bit of pain to have drive a few hours when we need to go to places like Home Depot or Costco but I feel it's worth for the laid-back lifestyle we have.

As for the schools - I have heard some complain that the schools aren't a diverse or progressive as they would like them to be but if that is what someone is looking for, they should stay on the NW side of the state.

The main drawback to living here would have to be the job situation. Right now unemployment is hovering at about 10% - with most of the job loss being in the manufacturing sector. Hopefully, things will pick up as the year goes on.

Overall, if one has a good job and desires to live in a quiet, rural community, I think La Grande is a great place to live.

I read some of the other replies to questions about La Grande where a person was complaining about the residents not being friendly or welcoming. All I have to say about that is that I have found just the opposite to be true.

[GypsyLaura]

My house goes on the market tomorrow. It is in between La Grande and Baker City. Beautiful mountains surround the town. The people are very clicky.
Hunting is big here. The ice stays on the roads and it gets below zero. I have been here three years and could not use my degree. I never had a friend either. I hope to move and pray someone buys my house which is priced at a steal!

[dachmom]

If you are attending EOU, they have a school right on campus that you might be able to get your children into. Eastern was originally founded as a teacher's college. I hear they have a great nursing program there. I attended EOU years ago( when it was still Eastern Oregon State College) and I really enjoyed my time there as a student. I really liked the town too, everyone I met was friendly.