Planning on relocating to Seaside area (Portland, Astoria: rent , job, college)

[uirisg]

My husband and a friend are planning on moving a business to the Seaside area in a couple of years and i was wondering what some of your thoughts might be on Seaside and surrounding towns. We have a son who will be just starting school at the time, so any info on the local schools would be nice. I was also wondering about Clatsop Community College and the local job market. Knowing that Astoria and Portland are not to far away helps ease my mind a little bit since i am willing to commute for a good job and education for my self. Also, we will be renting when we first get there so i'm interested in the rent ranges. I'm more than welcome to read your thought on the area, so please respond.

[Marko3]

Seaside is probably the most "spring break-ish" of the coastal towns in Oregon. It's very touristy. It's the coastal escape for Portland with it's relative closeness. Not a very big town population wise, but alot of fun. PM me your email and I'll send you some aerial pictures of the city I took while on a scenic flight.

[ThanksABunch]

Welcome! I live in Portland...but lived in Astoria for awhile. I drove down to Seaside quite often when the weather was nice. My impression if was that it was mostly a quiet town. It can get busy on nice weather weekends, but not to the point where it is unbearable. The best part is that you are not far from Cannon Beach, which is a beautiful artsy beach town...as well as many other small beach towns. The weather can get gloomy and wet in the winter...but that is how it goes in the PNW. Astoria is a very unique and charming town. People either love it or hate it. I fell in love with it immediately. It is quite beautiful! I also attended the little community college there and enjoyed that.

I read a few years ago that Astoria's elementary school received good reviews from parents. Check greatschools.net and see if that is still the case. I have also heard that Cannon Beach has good schools. I don't know much about Seaside in that regard. Keep in mind that all Oregon schools are struggling, but strong parent (in most schools) involvement helps a lot.

The Seaside beach area is great and has a nice boardwalk for biking/walking. It is a great place to fly kites. It has a very touristy little downtown area with arcades and cafes. There is a large grocery store in the middle of town that most residents could easily walk or bike to.

Overall, I would think Seaside would be a nice place to live and raise a child. Just make sure you are prepared for the climate. Each time I visit, I leave my car behind and bike everywhere.

Good luck to you!!

[uirisg]

thanks to both replies...i'll be used to the weather since i'm a PNW native, live in Bremerton,WA ferry ride away from Seattle.