Moving to Portland from CA (Beaverton, Beaver: obgyn, apartment, renting)

[lmcgeeca]

My husband and I are thinking of moving from San Francisco area(we live in Danville right now) to Portland...before you guys all jump down my throat about Californians moving to Oregon its because the cost of living in CA is getting waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too high! My husband is going to be able to keep his job thats based in San Francisco but he is going to be working from home if we move to Portland...that's what I love about his company...so flexible! Anyways what is it like living in Portland? Are the schools good...we have a one year old and I'm 3 months pregnant. Also any good recommendations for obgyn's, doctors(pediatricians/family), and dentists? What are the best places to live with young kids? We are looking forward to being able to buy a house instead of renting a tiny apartment. Also we know it rains alot but that will be a nice relief after continuous sun..I'm from Utah and totally confused as to why its 75 outside in the middle of October. Thanks guys for all the help!!!!!

[davefr]

Getting a job is the biggest hurdle but it sounds like you got that one solved

Comming from California there are at least two additional hurdles that you need to overcome:

1. Rain is not to be feared!! Californian's have this deathly fear of rain like it's going to disolve their bodies. In Portland you need to learn to accept rain and learn that it's not a "showstopper" to everyday living. Here you don't alter plans based on weather (with very few exceptions).

2. We don't have self service gas. This also tends to drive Californians insane when they come here. It's our choice and we've consistently said we prefer full service gas. (our prices are also lower then California)

If you can accept the above two, then you've got it made. Portland has excellent medical facilities IMHO. Schools districts vary. There are plenty of family friendly neighborhoods to choose from. Come on up and look around before you make any decisions. (it's only a day drive)

Contrary to popular belief, we don't hate Californians.

[backdrifter]

Originally Posted by davefr

Getting a job is the biggest hurdle but it sounds like you got that one solved

Comming from California there are at least two additional hurdles that you need to overcome:

1. Rain is not to be feared!! Californian's have this deathly fear of rain like it's going to disolve their bodies. In Portland you need to learn to accept rain and learn that it's not a "showstopper" to everyday living. Here you don't alter plans based on weather (with very few exceptions).

2. We don't have self service gas. This also tends to drive Californians insane when they come here. It's our choice and we've consistently said we prefer full service gas. (our prices are also lower then California)

If you can accept the above two, then you've got it made. Portland has excellent medical facilities IMHO. Schools districts vary. There are plenty of family friendly neighborhoods to choose from. Come on up and look around before you make any decisions. (it's only a day drive)

Contrary to popular belief, we don't hate Californians.

We don't hate them, we're only mildly annoyed by a lot of them.

Seriously though, the rain isn't the issue. As it's said time and time again, it's the grey and gloom for months and months and months. Not everyone can handle it and some people have physiological problems that cause them to have Seasonal Affective Disorder where they're horribly depressed in the dark of winter. Hopefully this doesn't apply to you.

I guess we would have to know more about you guys and what else you're looking for in an area to know what kind of area to recommend to you--what your priorities are and such. Beaverton is a good choice for families and has great schools, but it is mostly a soulless suburbia wasteland.