Need help choosing a city in OR (Bend, Corvallis: sales, rental)

[xaethyx]

So, based on what I've been told by people on here, I've narrowed my search to a few cities in Oregon. The cities are: Corvallis, Albany, Monmouth, McMinnville, Bend, Florence, Newport, Grants Pass, and Ashland. If anyone knows of another city, that fits my needs, please feel free to tell me that city as well, or if one of the cities listed above aren't a good place to move to. I'm not asking for the work to be done for me, just where can I find a place that fits my needs, however, if anyone knows of a specific place that's particularly good, that would me awesome too. I am on a fixed income (Social Security). Also, if anyone has the limits for the income I can receive for food stamps, I would love this information. Thanks in advance for the information.


Living:
- 2+ bedrooms
- 900 or more square feet
- $600-650 a month, or possibly $700 with some utilities included
- not run down, etc.
- lower utilities (not necessary, just not ridiculously high)

Area:
- lower crime area
- low drug usage (I know, there's drugs everywhere, so just lower than most places)
- polite people
- what parts of cities are better, where should I stay away from?

School:
- Close (20min drive) college that offers Computer Networking
- Community College would be better for lower tuition, but Uni is ok too

Climate:
- Near all climate ok, just wanting to know snowfall/rainfall, and winter/summer temps for these areas

Cost of Living:
- I currently pay $642/6mo for insurance (19yo, first time with insurance, minimal coverage), what should I expect there?
- How much is gas there, and in comparison to other places? ($2.29 here in SC)
- How are the prices of groceries? (example: $2.79/gal of milk here, etc.)

Thanks!

[Silverfall]

I assume you mean by computer networking that you mean a computer science or IT type of degree?

I know Western Oregon has one, and so does OSU in Corvallis. If you lived in Monmouth you could take classes at Chemeketa Community College first, then transfer.

Our cost of living tends to be higher than other areas, but we don't have sales tax. I'm pretty sure you could find something in Monmouth or Independence for $650. Might not be super nice, but it would do.

[xaethyx]

Originally Posted by Silverfall

I assume you mean by computer networking that you mean a computer science or IT type of degree?

I know Western Oregon has one, and so does OSU in Corvallis. If you lived in Monmouth you could take classes at Chemeketa Community College first, then transfer.

Our cost of living tends to be higher than other areas, but we don't have sales tax. I'm pretty sure you could find something in Monmouth or Independence for $650. Might not be super nice, but it would do.

What specific area are you talking about that has no sales tax? The Monmouth/Independence area? How's the crime in these areas? I understand that there will be some, just the extent of crime is a different story (i.e. speeding vs. murders vs. drug trafficking). And yes, I plan on getting an IT degree, a network admin focus to be specific

[Rob Allen]

Oregon has no sales tax.

There are no four-year colleges on the coast, so you'd be limited to an Associate's degree in Newport or Florence.

[Silverfall]

Originally Posted by xaethyx

What specific area are you talking about that has no sales tax? The Monmouth/Independence area? How's the crime in these areas? I understand that there will be some, just the extent of crime is a different story (i.e. speeding vs. murders vs. drug trafficking). And yes, I plan on getting an IT degree, a network admin focus to be specific

You are very focused on crime so what I would do if I were you is call the local police departments and ask them your questions. I have no idea if any murders occurred there recently, nor do I know how many drug busts occurred. I, personally, would call it a low crime area, but hey...I used to live in Chicago.

http://www.ci.monmouth.or.us/ is the website and the police officers phone numbers are right on the front page.

[xaethyx]

Originally Posted by Rob Allen

Oregon has no sales tax.

There are no four-year colleges on the coast, so you'd be limited to an Associate's degree in Newport or Florence.

Alright, I'll keep that in mind. I have no problem transferring, since a CC is obviously cheaper than a Uni. And I thought that DE was the only state with no sales tax... thanks for that tid bit of info

[xaethyx]

Originally Posted by Silverfall

You are very focused on crime so what I would do if I were you is call the local police departments and ask them your questions. I have no idea if any murders occurred there recently, nor do I know how many drug busts occurred. I, personally, would call it a low crime area, but hey...I used to live in Chicago.

Monmouth, Oregon -- Welcome to the City of Monmouth! is the website and the police officers phone numbers are right on the front page.

Yes, I'm focused on crime, partially because I lived right outside Phoenix... that was scary... I'd find meth at the elementary school bus stops.

[Cornerguy1]

You could add Klamath Falls to your list of cities.

There's a decent supply of reasonably priced rental accommodation available, and the town has both a community college (Klamath Community College) and a university (Oregon Institute of Technology).

Climate is semi-arid with hot, dry summers and moderate winter temperatures combined with sporadic snowfall.

Check the local paper online for crime and rental information. Herald and News: Klamath Falls, Oregon > Front

[xaethyx]

Originally Posted by Cornerguy1

You could add Klamath Falls to your list of cities.

There's a decent supply of reasonably priced rental accommodation available, and the town has both a community college (Klamath Community College) and a university (Oregon Institute of Technology).

Climate is semi-arid with hot, dry summers and moderate winter temperatures combined with sporadic snowfall.

Check the local paper online for crime and rental information. Herald and News: Klamath Falls, Oregon > Front

I will add that, I had noticed that earlier when I saw it on another post. I hadn't thought about it till now though, and its rather funny, I have an ex who lives there... lol Thank you for the info

[sunangel719]

I'd stay out of SO OR. Nice, but it seems to be in the process of change. I lived in PhX too, nothing like that in OR. That place id the 5 largest city in the US and is all concrete. Trying looking north a bit more. I am searching to, just wanted to let you know what I found. I also lived in medford years ago. It has grown up a lot, but still a bit backwards if you ask me.