Camas/Washougal, WA Rentals/Childcare (Vancouver: credit, homes, neighborhoods)

[aklittlebelle]

I have been offered a job in Portland, OR as a medical assistant. I do not have a wage offer yet but am anticipating $18-20/hr. I currently live in Alaska so I would be relocating, though I have lived in Ashland and Portland previously. I do not desire to live in Portland proper and have been to Camas/Washougal in the past. I have two sons ages 7 and 10 and I appreciate the Camas school district and think I could handle the commute to work (N. Portland) daily.
My big concern is the cost of rentals in the Camas/Washougal area. The position I have been offered is only 3/4 time, and having that extra day off per week is a big income hit. I am a single mother as well.


Can anyone give me:
-comparisons between Camas vs. Washougal schools?
-neighborhoods to search for rentals in? (ie, neighborhoods with highly ranked schools are) Is it fathomable to find rent (3BD, 1 BA) under $1500/mo in that area? How about average cost of utilities?
-Camas looks like its school district has a before and after school care program. Does anyone have reviews of this? Does it accept childcare assistance or reduced tuition?
- Does either city offer housing/rent assistance?


Any info would be greatly appreciated. I haven't heard the greatest things about Vancouver, though I see the rent is more affordable. We are an active, outdoor family enjoying hiking, camping, boating, etc.


Thanks!

[notnamed]

That does not sound sustainable here. 3 bedrooms have eclipsed $1500 all over the area and keep rising. You may find some exceptions but not for long. Many landlords/property managers want income 3 times rent with first, last, and a security deposit. If you're paying OR income tax may as well live that side of the river, that is not a fun commute. I know an engineer working on an amphibious car for his cross river commute because it's so maddening.

But I would look elsewhere. Rental market here is too insane for that salary. Would only consider if you could buy a place and fix(relatively) your housing cost. Median price for a 1 bedroom in portland is now $1400 and it is spreading.

Income Guidelines:
 All applicants may combine their income to meet the requirement of grossing 3 times the rent.
o Please provide a recent paycheck stub (more than 1 must be provided, upon request)
o Any other income (i.e. retirement income, child or spousal support, self-employment, disability or Social Security) that you are using to
qualify will require 90 days’ worth of bank statements, showing monthly deposits that meet the 3 times the rent requirement.
o Alternatively, you may show 90 days’ worth of bank statements, showing a balance equal to 3 times the rent, times the term of the lease.
 If an applicant does not meet 3 times the rent, a family member or guardian may be a co-signer, as long as they prove 5 times the rent and have 0
points. The co-signer must pass the complete background check (criminal, credit, rental, etc.).

http://www.tmgnorthwest.com/criteria.pdf
http://www.tmgnorthwest.com/homes-washington/
http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/apa/5721654991.html
http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/apa/5725085595.html
http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/apa/5704916738.html