Moving to Portland (Beaverton, Hillsboro, Beaver: apartment complex, utilities, income)

[AlefSin]

Hi,

I'm currently living in Switzerland and plan to move to Portland with my family within a few months. I have already visited Portland two times and have stayed there for a total of 5 weeks so I know some basics about this nice city.

I'm going to work in a research institute in Hillsboro. My salary would be something round $54000 per year. I'd like to know:

- We are a family of 3 and our daughter is toddler. How is that kind of salary for living in Portland?

- I don't really know much about the tax system of US. Could anyone give me a rough estimate about the total income tax I should pay? I assume out of my salary I should pay something less than 20% in total for taxes.

- How safe are Hillsboro and Beaverton? I think given the location of this institute, it might be better to stay in those areas to reduce time/cost of commuting.

- What type of apartment I could afford? Ideally we are looking for an apartment with 2 bedrooms. What are typical rents and costs of utilities?

I've visited Portland both in Summer and Winter. I liked the people, the city, nature and surrounding areas. I especially liked the proximity to ocean and mount Hood (looking forward to ski there!).

Thanks a lot,
AlefSin

[Lillietta]

[quote=AlefSin;1804969]Hi,

I'm currently living in Switzerland and plan to move to Portland with my family within a few months. I have already visited Portland two times and have stayed there for a total of 5 weeks so I know some basics about this nice city.

I'm going to work in a research institute in Hillsboro. My salary would be something round $54000 per year. I'd like to know:

- [b][i]We are a family of 3 and our daughter is toddler. How is that kind of salary for living in Portland?

That salary should be fine.

- [b]I don't really know much about the tax system of US. Could anyone give me a rough estimate about the total income tax I should pay? I assume out of my salary I should pay something less than 20% in total for taxes.
[/B

Someone else will have to answer this.

- How safe are Hillsboro and Beaverton? I think given the location of this institute, it might be better to stay in those areas to reduce time/cost of commuting.

In my opinion, Beaverton is better than Hillsboro and is closer to Portland proper.


- What type of apartment I could afford? Ideally we are looking for an apartment with 2 bedrooms. What are typical rents and costs of utilities?

In Beaverton, there are lovely apartments from $700.00 to 1200. Go to Craigslist and you will find tons. After you find an apartment complex that looks appealing, google the name of the complex (add Beaverton) and read the ratings as far as management service, noise, etc.

[AlefSin]

Thanks a lot Lillietta, your comments are helpful. I'm going to check the Craigslist

[Lillietta]

Originally Posted by AlefSin

Thanks a lot Lillietta, your comments are helpful. I'm going to check the Craigslist

Good luck to you, AlefSin.