Moving to Oregon in June (Portland, Beaverton: 2009, apartment, to rent)

[rickysmomm]

Here's another moving to Oregon question. I was in Beaverton, Portland, Hillsboro, Milwaukie last week. I have been looking for just the right place to raise my young son. We are currently in the way too stressed out and congested place of Orange County. I just don't like it here. The places I looked at are so diverse, because I don't know the areas I could use some help. Looking to rent, nice neighborhood, stuff to do, child care a must. I'm more on the conservative side( downtown Portland was a little much for me, nice to visit though). I'm in the medical field, but can switch careers if need be. How are the jobs? Looking to move in June. Any ideas?

[tiffela74]

little more details might be helpful. Like...whats your price range? House/Duplex/Aprt? what kind of activites are you looking for? how old is your son?
lots of friendly helpful people on the board,your question was a little broad for me to be of any help.

[Silverfall]

Oregon is at 12.1% unemployment. Have a job secured before you try and move out here.

[Minervah]

If you are in the medical field you may have a chance at a job. Don't switch and lose the up to date knowledge of your skills. Have a job secured and/or lots of savings on which to live before you get here. I will suggest as I have to others, try the Legacy Healthcare system for a job. They are hiring at present.
I agree with Tiffela you are not telling us specifically what you are looking for. If downtown was a bit much for you, you may want to rethink your move. Homeless people are in every neighborhood. While they are usually no bother outside downtown, it may not be something you want to have to deal with.
It's difficult to give advice on "just the right place." What is your concept of "just the right place?"

[Smiled]

Healthcare is cutting back (see today's Portland Business Journal). I know there's some turnover, but there's a sharper focus on costs.

[davefr]

Originally Posted by silverfall

have a job secured before you try and move out here.

^^^^^+1

[Rob Allen]

Find a job first, then choose a place to live that's nearby.

[Smiled]

Here's the link to the healthcare story I saw today. Sorry!
Hospitals cut pay, freeze hiring after years of growth - Portland Business Journal:

[Minervah]

Wow, the info that Legacy was hiring was given to me just a month ago by a newly hired employee. I guess they are now feeling the pinch too.

[rickysmomm]

I was looking to rent an apartment between $700-$900. Church is important. I do have a little money saved up. My son is 10 so i need afterschool care. The Boys n Girls clubs are great because they are so affordable and a good environment for the kids, I'm not familiar with any after school programs. I am having difficulty trying to cordinate school, child care, apartment and work. Because Oregon is uncharted waters, so to speak I'm having a hard time. I've lived in Orange County for 20 years and have just recently got it so job, school, child care are 20 minutes from home. That's a blessing here! I'm so used to it taking forever to get anywhere around here. If the health care industry is suffering as well, I can do switch if need be. I've done alot of jobs in my lifetime. I'll go wherever there is employment. Besides, this recession isn't going to last, things will turn around again. Thanks for helping.