We are looking to moving to Ashland (Medford, Bend: apartment, credit)

[momo_n_moto]

My mothercand I are looking into moving into Ashland, but my only real qualm is with getting a job that will pay enough to make aure my bills are paid with. My current job is with a credit union in a small office with friendly people and a decent entry salary. I also have healthcare, room for increased income, and Christmas bonus. I have to get out of California, but I would like to attain a job that will pay near, equal, or more than 11$ an hour or more. Does anyone know if there are jobs comperable to what I'm looking for?

[Steve97415]

Take a number and get in line. Ashland is some what of a privileged community...it's been called "the Carmel of Oregon." It has attracted an awful lot of people over the years, but there's a reason why the population has not gone much beyond 20k. Most people there either work at the university, are wealthy retirees who cashed out of California, are business owners who cater to the tourist trade, or are commute-by-wire executives and entrepreneurs who can work anywhere. It's not the best place to try and make it on a bread-and-butter salary from a regular job. A lot of people who work Ashland jobs that are mid-level professional and below actually live in Talent, Medford or other outlying areas because they can't afford Ashland itself. I believe that even includes the mayor of Ashland.

This is not a good time to be making discretional geographic moves (especially not to places with 15% unemployment). It sounds like you have a good job where you are. Count your blessings and tread water for now.

[davefr]

Originally Posted by Steve97415

This is not a good time to be making discretional geographic moves (especially not to places with 15% unemployment). It sounds like you have a good job where you are. Count your blessings and tread water for now.

^^^ What he said. Ashland would not be a good choice for a discretionary move.

Line up a job first and then optimize where you live based on the job's location.

[o'malley]

Definitely secure a job first! Most jobs in Ashland pay minimum wage and it's a small community, so jobs are often filled by word of mouth before they're even advertised. Oregon has a very high unemployment rate, so you'll be joining the many, many people who are looking for work here! Many young families are emigrating out of Ashland because they can't afford to live here on the wages they can earn. The people who transition easiest into Ashland living are self-employed and not dependent on the local economy, or have a trust fund, or are retired. Or, they are "travelers" and don't mind living in a tent somewhere. Best of luck!

[Pickerind]

If you have experience working at a credit union, you might contact Rogue Federal CU... I worked there for about three years, and it seems like they're often hiring new people. Good luck, Ashland is a great community.

[tito]

I'll be going to school in Ashland this Fall and I will need a furnished apartment, can somebody tell me where to look for it? Thank you.

[Terryj]

Originally Posted by tito

I'll be going to school in Ashland this Fall and I will need a furnished apartment, can somebody tell me where to look for it? Thank you.

You might try Craigslist.

[tito]

Thank you "Teryj", I found the place in Craigslist.

[Fiddlehead]

I would agree with the cautionary posts. This is not a good time to be job hunting in S. Oregon. I cannot speak for the Credit Union business, but I would suspect it is down, because few people are making big purchases of any kind with 15% unemployment.

As the city data stats suggest, Ashland has about 80% of the average wage for Oregon, with home prices at nearly twice the state average. The reason is that the state was bombarded with wealthy Californians from the late 1990s up until a couple years ago. Many paid cash for their $4-500k homes, so current wages are not really an issue. It is a hard place to get a foothold.

This said, if you can line up a job and find a good situation, best wishes. However, be aware of the challenges.

[Fiddlehead]

Correction. Although the state was bombarded, Ashland and Bend (and the Oregon Coast) were inundated by beneficiaries of the housing bubble.