Moving to Oregon (Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro: sales, rent, condo)

[RAAW]

Hello, me and my girlfriend are planning on moving to oregon (Beaverton) at the end of this summer. I was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts about the different law enforcement (city,or state) agencies in the area, since I am a criminal justice major and would be pursing this career. My girlfriend is interviewing with Nike for a marketing position ( any thoughts on this choice?). Also how about the housing in Beaverton anything 2000sf and up housing for around 300,000-350,000. Anythingwould help thanks. Brandon

[BLAZER PROPHET]

My personal opinion is that the Oregon State Police would be the best to work for. When I did arson investigating and then auto accident death investigations, I found them very professional and they have lots of areas to branch out into. That said, you could get transferred away from Portland.

You might want to think about Washington or Yamhill county sheriff office. The local city police departments seem to strugle with morale & credability these days.

As to Beaverton housing, I think you have a realistic price range for what you want. My boss's wife is a realtor (and in my honest opinion, a real good one) and if you want her contact info, send me a PM and I will get it for you.

[Leisesturm]

Originally Posted by BLAZER PROPHET

The local city police departments seem to strugle with morale & credability these days.

You're probably right but I'm wondering where city police depts will be as this thinking gets entrenched. I'm thinking the o.p. is young (20's?) and some time in the local force first might be a good thing. For the same reason I am wondering why the rush to pull the trigger on a mortgage, with a girlfriend yet. Rent for a while, RAAW, get to know the areas you might want to own in, advance your career, get life experience of all kinds and then consider owning joint property. FWIW.

H

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Originally Posted by Leisesturm

You're probably right but I'm wondering where city police depts will be as this thinking gets entrenched. I'm thinking the o.p. is young (20's?) and some time in the local force first might be a good thing. For the same reason I am wondering why the rush to pull the trigger on a mortgage, with a girlfriend yet. Rent for a while, RAAW, get to know the areas you might want to own in, advance your career, get life experience of all kinds and then consider owning joint property. FWIW.

H

I see your point. Get your first experience with a city depattment and then branch out if wanted. That seems to make sense.

[RAAW]

Thank you guys very much for your comments, good information. We were thinking of renting for a while and getting used to the area. Leisesturm I think its funny you mention the girlfriend aspect, and the early 20's. We have been together for quite some time now, and own a house together in Phoenix we just havent made the title official of husband and wife but maybe sometime soon. Anyways thank you guys very much. Blazer you might be hearing from me about the realtor.

[John Smart]

The best site to look for houses is RMLS™ Regional Multiple Listing Service - Home Check the 97006 zip codes - I really like the areas nearest to Hwy 26, its easy to get around and close to Tanasbourne and the Tualatin Hills Rec Center. You would also be close to Nike and just over an hour to the beach. The Washington County Sheriff and Justice Depts are in downtown Hillsboro which would be an easy commute too.

[Brandon26pdx]

Not sure if 2000 Sqft single family house for that kind of money is realistic...a buddy of mine has a place near the Bethany Village neighborhood (north of Hwy 26 and down Bethany Blvd). His place is worth about 300k but is more like 1300-1400 sqft.

Anywhere north of hwy 26 is very good. The farther east you go (towards downtown) once you're north of the Hwy tends to get pricier.

[RAAW]

WOW! 1400 sqft for 300k, thats discouraging. Maybe I need to rethink my relcation plans. I know Oregon is nice but why the outrageous house prices.

[Nell Plotts]

First, RENT. The housing market hasn't yet adjusted to reality and you should wait until you have substantial savings and know the community well before buying a home.

I have no knowledge of the various police organizations. I agree with others that the State Police assignments may draw you away from the communities you desire.

With regards to NIKE employee interviews. Congratulations to your SO in making it to the interview level. HOWEVER, know that they have an abundance of very well qualified applicants. Don't bet the bank on getting hired. There are other similar organizations in the area (Columbia Sportswear and "they who shall be unnamed"), she should explore opportunities there as well.

Good luck to you both.

[Brandon26pdx]

Originally Posted by RAAW

WOW! 1400 sqft for 300k, thats discouraging. Maybe I need to rethink my relcation plans. I know Oregon is nice but why the outrageous house prices.

Houses are a little outrageous around here. Yeah, a starter "house" (ie; not a condo) is $300k in most areas. A "gee this is a really nice place" is more like $500-600k. Property taxes are worse than average too.

The good news is that everything else in Portland/OR is relatively cheap. No sales tax, which is great on big ticket purchases like cars and furniture. Apts/rents in general are very affordable. DMV registration is practically free compared to CA...

I'd say rent for a year or two before you buy anything.