Thinking about relocating... (Albany, Roseburg: real estate, employment, school district)

[sstacy3179]

My husband and I were out in Northern California a couple of years ago and fell in love with the area. His sister still lives in the area. Unfortunately we are unable to afford to live there. We loved the scenery and outdoors lifestyle in the coastal redwoods area. We currently live in CT (which is also expensive). We have two boys and are interested in coastal Oregon. I have researched the tax rates and real estate options in the three west coast states and am most interested in Oregon.

I am curious about the job prospects. I am a certified teacher for grades 7-12 and my husband works for Coca-Cola. How easy is it to find jobs in the education field and for my husband? The housing seems very reasonable and the taxes are lower than what we pay in CT now. I am also curious about the programs and climates of the schools. Our oldest is in a GREAT elementary school and we were hoping to find something similar wherever we decide to go.

The weather and rain does not bother us. The temperate climate is actually a plus for us. I am interested in any feedback from those that live in the area and who may teach or have children in the schools. Thanks!

[Brett Ronk]

It is in my opinion that you and your husband would have no trouble getting a job in the fields that you are currently in now. As far as the climate, I personally don't think I could find another area having a better climate for my likes. I live in Southern Oregon and more specifically Douglas County in the city of Roseburg. We actually have a very noticeable four seasons and of which my favorite are Spring and Fall. The transition of the seasons is very noticeable and really gives me perspective of just how fortunate I am to live in an enviroment that seems to be always transitioning ever so slight but yet very much noticeable. I have three children and one of them in a great elementary school and I also have a family member who is a teacher in the local school district. If you would like, I can ask her to possibly give you some perspective about the schools and any information that she may suggest in general about employment and the school district in general. I hope that helps some and please feel free to let me know if you would any further information.

Thanks,

Brett

[DavePautsch]

There have been a number of posts in other threads regarding teaching certification here in Oregon. I have no knowledge personally, but I remember reading that there are some potential challenges to overcome...you should do some homework (no pun intended ) on that.

As far as your husband's career potential...I guess it depends on what your husband DOES for Coca-Cola...there is a PepsiCo project (Gatorade) starting here in Albany in the near future. Also, Target and Lowe's both have huge distribution hubs here in the mid-Valley. If he's in management there are possibilities at all of those, and maybe at Wah Chang / Allegheny Technical as well...the economy in the Willamette Valley is still adding jobs in a wide variety of fields.

The closer you get to the coast (1 1/2 hours away from here)...the more hospitality oriented the career choices for your husband.

Good luck though. This is a great place to live.


DavePautsch

[anodyne]

check out the TSPC website for getting certified. Ohio is one of the harder to get certifications, but Oregon wasn't a picnic either. Hoops to jump through, tests to take, etc.