Looking to Leave PDX... (Portland, Phoenix: how much, home, neighborhood)

[UrsusArctos]

Have you looked into Chico, California? It's about an hour and a half/ 2 hours north of Davis (which may also be a good choice). It's a large town/small city- around 90k, with a major college town feel thanks to Chico State, many coffee shops, still pretty affordable. There is a large hospital, Enloe, and the next town up, Paradise, is a major retirement community and so I am sure there could be demand for nurses there as well (but it would be a commute, and I wouldn't recommend living in Paradise over Chico, as its conservative and not much social life there, though it would also be a wonderful place for weekend bike rides, particularly if you like mountain biking as its in the foothills).

Chico does reach the low 100's in the summer, and yes, it does rain in the winter, but it doesn't snow there, and the spring, summer, and fall are lovely, so I think it makes the wet winter worth it. It's in a valley, so theres lots of flat land a huge bike culture, including wonderful lower and upper Bidwell parks. The population is around 90k, generally liberal (though not as much as it used to be as it gets slightly richer), and it has fantastic farmers markets during the summer.

It's only about 8 hours away from Portland, so you should drive down and check it out sometime.

Or, another thought- Have you looked into the Grass Valley/Nevada City area? I'm not sure about a large hospital, but if your wife could get a job, that area is fantastic, well known for its mountain biking, and liberal as well.

Good luck!

[1928]

Lakewood area in Dallas/E.Dallas numerous trails and White Rock Lake Austin but Family friendly great schools many liberals small town atmsphere dislike of chains and franchises pretense. Small businesses artists music scene

[Leisesturm]

I have to ask: given that in the two years that I have lived here everyone, save two, that I have met is originally from California. Every week, at my church, another recent ex-Californian family shows up shopping for a new church home. I've never lived in California, but given what I have just related, how, in all good conscience can so many of you recommend California to the OP?

H

[PDXBound]

Originally Posted by Leisesturm

I have to ask: given that in the two years that I have lived here everyone, save two, that I have met is originally from California. Every week, at my church, another recent ex-Californian family shows up shopping for a new church home. I've never lived in California, but given what I have just related, how, in all good conscience can so many of you recommend California to the OP?

H

I love this post! It's so true; Oregon seems to be the natural migration for Californians. I'm from California and long for the gloom of Oregon, but really if you're looking for sunny weather it's the place to be.

[UrsusArctos]

Originally Posted by Leisesturm

I have to ask: given that in the two years that I have lived here everyone, save two, that I have met is originally from California. Every week, at my church, another recent ex-Californian family shows up shopping for a new church home. I've never lived in California, but given what I have just related, how, in all good conscience can so many of you recommend California to the OP?

H

I've lived in California for 22 years and I'm looking for a change, and I may move back here some day. I've explored it thoroughly and now I'd like to explore more of the Pacific Northwest. I love Northern California- the great seasons, the liberal atmosphere, the nice people, outstanding nature. Portland is extremely similar to where I've been living for the last 7 years (Arcata, CA, only 1 hour south of Oregon anyway) except that its a city with has more opportunity than the 13k population town I've been living in, and just MORE of what I love about where I've been in California. Course there are trade offs and priorities- if the OP wants good weather and to live in a bike friendly area- then parts of CA sound like a great fit.

[Amykdelaney]

I say Austin.

[Carmen11]

San Diego would be a great place for anyone. I'd be there right now if I could afford it, but I don't think you could get a decent place for $1400-1500. I highly recommend Tucson, AZ. It has a small town feel (UofA), but nowhere as hot as Phoenix, where you don't even want to leave the house because of the heat. June, July, and August are hot, but you can get out and go to the store, run errands. You don't want to be in the heat all day though. The rest of the year is great weather.

Portland is the opposite of Tucson. In Portland, only have about 3 months of hot weather. I found Portland very depressing because of the rain and gray skies. Nice for a visit in the summer, but that's it. In Tucson, you won't have a hard time finding a place for the amount you are looking to spend. Has 3 large indoor malls and I "high-end" outdoor mall. Just don't live on the South Side. That's where all the crime is. Don't recommend living at the Foothills (scorpians and snakes) in desert area. Like I said, highly recommend it. It's a great place. Only 2 hours from Phoenix. The main thing I noticed in Portland was how dirty the downtown area is. I feel safe to say it's probably the dirtest city I have been in and I have traveled alot. In Portland there is a huge amount of homeless people. You only see the homeless in a few of the parks near downtown by the UofA. Tucson does not have a light rail though. On a scale, I'd give Tucson a 9.5; Portland a 1.5. Good Luck. Hope you find a good place no matter where you choose. Just get out of Portland; it doesn't get any better.

[Carmen11]

Austin is miserably hot and humid. Dry in Tucson; no humidity to deal with.

[In_Need_Of_Assistance]

Thanks to all, for suggestions, etc...

We've made our decision:
Here

[sorma1]

Why would u think u will find things better in austin? Others have already made this move (not uncommon). I've lived in austin, it is what u make it. Have fun, make sure to check out 6th street...