Good place to raise family east of Portland International?? (Troutdale: renting, homes) - City-Data Forum

jiffin4java · 02-13-2008, 10:51 PM

My husband is starting his air traffic control career at PDX in a couple weeks. We're looking for a town east of Portland with decent schools for the two kiddos (one has Aspergers) and hoping to find a home with about 1/2 acre (if that's possible) but with at least enough of a good yard to have a garden and for the dog and kids to play. Any suggestions of where to check out? How is Troutdale or Springdale?

oldtintype · 02-16-2008, 04:24 PM

This guy either owns stock or works for Renaissance Homes given his multiple posts on the subject

Anyway, to the OP, there are several nice areas where you're mentioning but knowing what I know about AS, you're probably not going to get half the services or even understanding from the little school districts in those areas. If it were me, and I was in your position it would be Evergreen (Vancouver) hands down. And I'm not even a fan of Vancouver! I strongly suggest joining the PDX Asperger's list and asking about school districts in east county before you make any other choice. I've heard nightmare stories from other parents about some of the small districts and their SPED services (or lack of), where as supposedly in Evergreen, as an example, things you'd have to fight to get on an IEP in some districts are already built into their programs for HFA and AS kids, not to mention they push for inclusion, etc.

jiffin4java · 02-16-2008, 05:41 PM

Thanks, Oldtintype. I'm not one for cookie cutter homes anyway. I've been told Camas, WA has a great school district, especially for those with Asperger's. I've also heard a lot of good things about Evergreen. I plan to check both out. We will be renting for a few months before we buy and my son is homeschooled this year due to all the problems the schools here caused. So we'll have plenty of time to look at things when we get there. Thanks so much! And where's this PDX Asperger's list? Can you give me a link?

BLAZER PROPHET · 02-16-2008, 08:48 PM

My first thought is Troutdale, but the winter weather can be treacherous and gang vilence in encroaching out there and they do not have the means to deal with it.

I would think the Hearthwood area of Vancouver to be your best bet. New schools, good shopping... very nice.

oldtintype · 02-17-2008, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiffin4java

Thanks, Oldtintype. I'm not one for cookie cutter homes anyway. I've been told Camas, WA has a great school district, especially for those with Asperger's. I've also heard a lot of good things about Evergreen. I plan to check both out. We will be renting for a few months before we buy and my son is homeschooled this year due to all the problems the schools here caused. So we'll have plenty of time to look at things when we get there. Thanks so much! And where's this PDX Asperger's list? Can you give me a link?

Portland Aspergers Network, Portland, Oregon, Resources for Families, Children with Asperger's Syndrome (AS), a form of high-functioning autism (HFA)