From So Cal to Oregon... (Salem, Keizer: rental, house, schools)

[sugarcookie5]

Just wanted to find out if the cost of living is way cheaper than the Inland Empire in So Cal, as my husband and I have found potential job opportunities. Is Salem a place where I can continue to be a stay at home Mom?

I reviewed the weather in Salem and it seems a dream to me. I hate So Cal weather, it's toooo hot for too long. Is Oregon a nice place to raise kids?

[Jumauslo]

I would check out sperlings cost of living calculator. According to it, it looks like Salem overall might be about 4% more expensive than San Bernardino, with housing about 26% more expensive.

We moved here from the north end of California. The climate here is nice. For schools and kids, I recommend South or West Salem. The Salem Keizer SD has all of the boundaries and school report cards on line.

We have certainly not regretted the move.

[Silverfall]

I have no idea about the cost of living in the Inland Empire. So are you asking if Salem is so expensive that you would have to work to make ends meet? You can live here on one salary, depending on how big that salary is and what your taste in housing is like. The average salary of a Salemite is about $44,000, so we are a very middle class city. A 3/2 house rental in south or west would run $1000-$1100 a month or so. A 3/2 house in those areas would be about $200,000.

I think Oregon is a good place to raise kids. Lots of incredible outdoor stuff to do no matter where you live and there are campgrounds all over the place so you can make vacations inexpensive if you are on a tight budget. Lots of local festivals in the city and surrounding cities.

Oregon schools are quite average, in my opinion. There are some standouts, but generally average.

[sugarcookie5]

Thanks, I just checked sperlings and in my area housing is 30% cheaper, cost of living 14% cheaper.