Ridgefield vs La Center (buying a house, buying, high school)

[citymom]

My husband has been checking out Ridgefield and La center...which would be better as far as schools?? also are there any plans for more growth in these areas as far as housing, shopping, restaurants etc..????

[LRay]

I too have been looking into these area's. What I have found out is La center has a great reputation for good schools, and the money to provide it.
Not alot going on except the casino's, which is not my favorite small town flavor. Not much open on the housing market in Lacenter. Ridgefield is cute downtown and kind of artsy. They are building like crazy, which is a little scary.
They are also building a new school, which could be good. They have live music
often downtown at the coffee shop. I currently live in Portland, so I am looking for a place that is small town feel, safe, and I won't go into culture shock.
We are kind of on the liberal/hippie side, but are also "like an onion", many layers. Hope this is helpful. Does anyone know any other things about the small towns in this area?
LRay

[ridgefieldgirl]

Hi there,

We just moved to Ridgefield a couple of years ago, we also did a lot of research and a lot of driving around. We fell in love with Ridgefield, especially the old downtown area! We ended up buying a house in this area and now really enjoy walking to all the neat little shops and restaurants. There are big plans to add shopping, commercial and homes up at the junction. Mostly upper end stuff I hear.

We have kids who have been to all the schools and I have really been impressed with the staff and teachers at all of them!

Hope this helps!

[SaraBeth]

Hi,

I don't know much about LaCenter schools except that they have a good reputation.

You won't find nicer people or children than in the Ridgefield schools. Scores are high because of the high-socio-economic status more than because of up-to-date teaching methods.

The schools lag behind others in the area in terms of technology, updated facilities and just plain cleanliness.
South Ridge is the nicest facility and the principal there is good to both parents and staff.

There has been land set aside for a new high school, but voters have voted down 2 bonds to fund it and other upgrades to the other schools. It cannot be brought up again for 2 more years. If you have high school children NOW, they will probably never see the inside of the new school.

LaCenter and Ridgefield have been arguing over border disputes--whoever loses will be affected economically.

Union Ridge is bordering on overcrowding and has to bus students to South Ridge.

Before you decide tour the schools your children will be attending--that could make the decision for you.

Hope this helps.

SB

[washinton native]

check out hood river oregon. great place.

[deathwind1]

I live in Ridgefield all My Life (71) and I Intend on dieing here Schools are very Good--But I think La Center is better yet--I worked for the LA. District for 17 years as a Janitor leaving Jan 31-07 in the high school so I knew every one there--They have a great Prinicple Dave H.--I would Highly Recomend that District--There New High School opened in 1994 and I was the first Janitor but after they Remodeled to a Double Story they have 3 now