Considering Oregon, where's the best place to live? $600k budget, 30min from main towns (Portland: home equity)

[THEhomelessONE]

I'm sick of California, it's gone down the drain. I plan on being a state trooper so finding a job shouldn't be too difficult. I'm hoping for a house with 4+br, acreage, large garage or a shop, around 3k-4k sq.f of living space. I want to stay within a half hour distance from the main towns like Salem or Portland. I tried searching around but there's so many mixed reviews, so where would you choose and why? Thanks!

[davefr]

Dallas, Silverton or Keizer are possibilities. You'll get more for your money and a reasonable rural commute if you choose Salem as the city you want to be close to vs. Portland.

Check out along Hwy 99W and 22. I'd avoid anything along 99E.

Don't assume Trooper jobs will be easy to find. Budget issues are a major problem in this state. Too much runaway spending that must be reined in!!

[Brenda-by-the-sea]

Also, don't assume that Oregon is immune from swirling around the same drain that California has gone down. The outlook for the future here is not too bright. New report says Oregon faces decade of budget deficits | Oregonlive.com

[Silverfall]

You'll have lots of choices in the Salem metro area. It might be more helpful if you tell people what size and what kind of small town you are looking for.

I also concur that being a trooper isn't a guaranteed job. Budget cuts are going to be here for a long time.

[Terryj]

If you do land a position as a state trooper, you may not be assigned in the Salem/Portland area, you find yourself assigned to a small town in Central or Eastern Oregon, so your going to have to be flexable on where you wish to live.

[Cornerguy1]

A 4000 sq ft house with acreage and all the trimmings on a state trooper's salary?

OSP troopers start at $48K/year and eventually work up to $66K/year. www.oregon.gov/OSP/RECRUIT/salary_benefits.shtml

You better plan on eating a lot of Kraft Dinner.

[davefr]

Originally Posted by Cornerguy1

A 4000 sq ft house with acreage and all the trimmings on a state trooper's salary?

OSP troopers start at $48K/year and eventually work up to $66K/year. www.oregon.gov/OSP/RECRUIT/salary_benefits.shtml

You better plan on eating a lot of Kraft Dinner.

Maybe he's bringing a lot of CA home equity with him or has a sugar mama.

However property taxes will be huge.

No Kraft dinner's needed, OSP Troopers can live on donuts and coffee.

[Cornerguy1]

Originally Posted by davefr

No Kraft dinner's needed, OSP Troopers can live on donuts and coffee.

I believe that is a mandatory requirement for police recruits across North America.