Moving To Oregon! (Eugene, Salem, Springfield: job market, school, college)

[apappas]

Hello!

I am a senior at Springfield College in Massachusetts, and my long-term boyfriend and I have been thinking about moving to Oregon for awhile. We've lived in MA our whole lives and we really just want to get out for a few years - and Oregon seems like a great place!

Problem is, we really don't know too much other than that we want to go to Oregon! We would like to live on the Southern coast in or around a small city. As I said we are just graduating college, so funds are slightly limited. I am going to be looking for a teaching (visual arts) jobs, while my boyfriend will be looking for a regional planning and/or GIS related job. What is the job market like for these two professions? I'm really just looking for any type of general information I can get about nice (yet inexpensive!) areas on the Southwestern coast or really any advice anyone has. I'd love any type of advice anyone can give me about moving out there!

Thank you so much for any advice you have to give!
-ap

[Bendite]

I hate to sound negative, but I highly recommend that you find jobs before moving here. Oregon has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. If you can afford it, come out for a visit to the areas you're interested in and check out the job scene before making your move.

[hummingbird3]

Bendite's advice above is (unfortunately) very good. The southern coast of Oregon is mostly retirees and local small businesses that mostly cater to agriculture or limited resort business (5-6 months per year at the most). I can't imagine that there would be enough school there to provide employment for someone without experience in your fields. You never know, but do check out the area before making your decision!

[Rob Allen]

There are a lot more jobs and people in the Willamette Valley than on the coast, especially the southern coast. You might do better in Eugene, Salem or Corvallis, or if you really want the coast, Newport or Astoria.