Your interpretation of cost of living calculator and relocation from Texas (Portland: rent, townhome)

[ZtoA]

Background: We've lived in Cali near our whole lives, used to housing prices. Moved to Texas (current). High property taxes, less expensive housing.

We may potentially have a job offer in Portland. Hillsboro to be exact. Cost of living calculator estimates that $ 45,000 in our current area of Texas would have to be boosted to $57, 817-$62,000 in Portland.

SInce the office is in Hillsboro, and we have 3 school age kids, we were looking at Beaverton in terms of a decent school system (tell me if I'm wrong). We imagine that renting a 4 bedroom here would be in the neighborhood of $1600.

Guess I've been reading on this website about how portland's economy is sluggish, how the schools take a hit because of budget issues. Just want to be renting in an area with a good school system where we don't have to commute (like Lake Oswego would be too far, right?)

He's flown out for an interview today, and they may (or may not) make an offer. Thing is, since this is SUCH a big move, I don't want to break even, I would want to come out ahead by a little (financially). I want to be able to enroll them in rec center activities (isn't that some parents do in that area?) So is it safe to say that rent would be about $1600-$1900 in a good neighborhood in Beaverton?

[philwithbeard]

Just be sure you and your family will be OK with the Weather and the dense heavy cloud cover for 8 to 9 months a year, plus the loads of days with light misty rain all winter & spring long. The Sun sets very early in Portland and Seattle during the winter. Temperatures are mild, but the high humidity during winter will give you and your kids a bone chill. But on the other hand July, August, and September are darn right gorgeous; dry, bright sun, warm days and cool nights. Daytime humidity around 35% or maybe less.

I mention this because several people who moved to Portland from SoCal have posted they became disillusioned with Portland even in my less than 2 years of posting on this board; disillusioned mostly because they find the winter weather very oppressively gray and 'goth' dreary. And also because of the heavy turnout for voting Democratic candidates and issues.

I do wish your family the best of luck with the Job interview.

[ZtoA]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that we used to live in Humboldt County, Ca, in Fortuna/Eureka/Arcata. Supposedly, it is very similar, I'm hoping anyhow....lots of fog and cold weather in the winter and even the summer. So I guess I know what that would be like!

[jruss80]

Originally Posted by ZtoA

He's flown out for an interview today, and they may (or may not) make an offer. Thing is, since this is SUCH a big move, I don't want to break even, I would want to come out ahead by a little (financially). I want to be able to enroll them in rec center activities (isn't that some parents do in that area?) So is it safe to say that rent would be about $1600-$1900 in a good neighborhood in Beaverton?

Just curious what kind of work does he do?

[Nell Plotts]

Consider this: Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District

You may want to consider their service area when purchasing a home.

[PDXBorn]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but $1600 may be a tad low if you want a good neighborhood. Lake Oswego is probably a bit far and is also fairly expensive.

[DoctorRain]

I am gonna say this.. Its a win win situation.

If you have expectations from Portland and some fail to deliver or you are disillusioned somewhat.. or heres a better one.. Say you expect a politically balanced area and it isnt. Say its more left leaning than anything you'd like, you can always find more righties/moderates outside the city.. move there if things in the city get tiresome and theres nearby cities better for your views most likely. Also climatewise, a few hrs away can bring more sun in the east direction. Maybe the south direction too, not sure.

[Sweet Cola]

We moved to Portland from Texas about 4 months ago. I don't know what size home you are looking for or anything about school districts, my kids aren't in school yet. But we rented a very nice townhome in Beaverton, very close to Hillsboro. It is about 1500 sq. ft. and has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. It's a decent size/layout and the area is really great. There are kids playing outside after school every day and it is a very safe, quiet neighborhood. It is relatively new, built 3 years ago. We are paying $1200 a month. The weather is very different and takes some adjusting but it hasn't been nearly as bad as we were expecting, maybe because we were expecting the worst. However, it is raining/misty almost daily and cloudy more often than not. Good luck with whatever you decide and hope that helps!