More info on West Linn & Oregon City please? (Portland: to buy, schools)

[OregonOrBust]

Hi - my husband & I plus 3 dogs and a very cute guinea pig (Fifi) are moving to Portland from No. Cal in a few months time. We have family who relocated there a few years ago (Lake Oswego) and they love it, though they are not totally familiar with all the areas. My husband works from home, but I will need to find administrative work either in Downtown, or Beaverton/Tigard areas, as we believe that is where plenty of job opportunities exist . We are thinking about West Linn or Oregon City to buy a home. We love privacy and quiet and room to move and the feel of nature around us and somewhere with views would be a bonus . Not into high density living and as we have no kids, schools are not an issue for us. Can anyone help us with commute times from these areas during peak hour traffic as I'd like to keep the commute to a max of 30 minutes? Also, any info on public transport into the city? What is the lifestyle, quality of living etc like in West Linn/Oregon City? We love eating out occasionally, but also like hiking with the dogs and being around open space and are not into the hub-bub . And if you have any other towns that you think would suit our search criteria, please jump right in and let us know. We really appreciate and look forward to your feedback! Thanks!

[tiffela74]

Hey, Ore. City/West Linn are only an exit apart, so commute wont be a whole lot different. - you'd probably be going on 205 to I5 there, and opposite of course, back, and I hate to say it, but the traffic can be brutal. We lived outside Oregon City, in Mulino for a couple years (beautiful area!!) and for about a year, my poor husband was commuting to Forest Grove. It took him a good 3hrs w/traffic. bad bad. - When we lived in Tigard, I worked in Oregon City, and it took me about 45min. or so each way, and that was med. traffic. Im sure theres some backroads or different routes you can take, but I cant help youmuch there, sorry!!
There is some beautiful hiking out in the area, good fishing too. Im sure you will find much to do that will keep you and the dogs happy. Our dogs were happy there.
Theres also some incredible views of Mt Hood that I dont think anyone could ever tire of. Clear days and a good view of that Mountain will put you in awe.
Good luck!!
Tiffany