Moving to work for Forest Service at St Helens (Battle Ground: real estate, apartments)

[Alaskagrl]

Can anyone tell me about apartments in the RURAL areas around Amboy, Battleground, Cougar areas? I've been living in AK for 4 years and I don't want to be anywhere too near a city. Which is "prettiest" and quietest? Everyone has their own version of pretty, I know--but I mean, trees, mountains, streams, lakes--anyone with pictures is AWESOME!

Any additional area info is very welcome.

[FunTimes]

I would be very surprised if you will find any apartments in Amboy or Cougar. Battle Ground does have a few. Being rural communities apartments are not something you see much of. You may have better luck looking for rental homes and not apartments unless you stick to Battle Ground.

[StealthRabbit]

I'd check into some seasonal homes in Cougar. The friends I have working in that district have been able to stay in USFS places during the week, and drive back around to Carson (home) on weekends. In the winter you have to go thru Woodland (which has plenty of apartments, tho some are not too nice). Coming from AK, I wouldn't get into suburbia too fast. Explore all options (Cougar being best bet, or the homes around the lakes; Swift, Yale, Merwin) !! I have a Sis-in-law that has been 'house sitting' for 25 yrs !!! she has to live out of a suitcase at times, but often gets 3-6 month stints for nothing more than utilities, and often she gets paid to stay in these places - great if you can get a deal like that. You will need to get some social networking going to do this, but that is pretty ez now-a-days.

[Alaskagrl]

Thanks to both of you--I will delve into the possibilities--printed out a realtor's list sheet yesterday for the area. Yeah--no suburbia for me; I would be in shock and probably head back to AK within a month!

My problem is--A, I have a cat and B, I would look for a small home but I have no saving for a down payment. However, my credit is good and I have virtually zero debt--not even a vehicle payment.

Never have even seriously looked for a house, so I don't know the in's and out's--but I'm sure my lack of savings would be a major hurdle when applying for a loan. Any words of wisdom about that one??

Will check into Cougar and Battle Ground a bit more. thanks again!

[WAmomof4]

I would make sure you want to stay before you think about buying a house ....we have been here 8 months longer than we want because of trying to sell...and when we do, we are headed back up to ALASKA! :-)
Should you decide to stay, there are first time home buyer loans, although my understanding is now that they are getting tougher with the requirements for a loan, with the mass of forclosures happening across the states....some loans are specific to rural land, too, something to look into if you end up loving it here...
Have you questioned your employer at all re:hsg avaliability? I had worked as a medic one summer at Pine Creek (south side of st. Helens), and there was on-site housing for the ambulance personel, and I swear I remember that there were a couple of other houses on site for the "interp's" ( forest service interepretive folk), if that is what you are doing...that was a little over a decade ago, though....
Yacolt could be a housing option as well, I haven't been out that way for years, not sure if there are apts. or not...
If you are super nature girl, you could tent or camper it at Beaver Bay campground (its just outside of Cougar) till you can find something more perm. and / or meet some friends....good luck to you!

[Alaskagrl]

Yeah, u are right--I would very much want to rent. I'd probably be there about 3-4 years; then I have every intention of coming back to Alaska. I have to make this career move, though--I've been working at well below my professional level for almost 3 years now and it's time to gain the experience so that when I DO return to AK, I can be making better money and doing what I am educated/experienced to do.

FS doesn't have gov't housing for long term; I'd be supervising those "interps" so I'd not be eligible for so-called "temp" housing--bummer. I did see a couple places for rent in the Reflector newspaper and called on a couple.

Any advice/knowledge on elk hunting or fishing in the area? Would it be worth it to bring my boat --a 14' flat-bottomed Jon-boat--and a 3.5 HP motor? Thanks again folks!

[TexasNick]

Hey Alaskagrl,
Can you tell me about working for the US Forest Service? I want to do a career change and get into the USFS it has always been a dream of mine. What do you do with the USFS? I was gonan go into the NPS as a visual information specialist but just found out taht the USFS aligns more with my goals of being in the outdoors in those rural/backcountry areas.

[Alaskagrl]

I'll PM you on this one--lots to say, for better or worse

[StealthRabbit]

boat might be nice if you are living in Cougar or close to there. (lakes) for the river you might want a drift boat. I would assume you could get a used one here cheaper than bringing one from AK.

For a non-permanent stay, the RV at a campground may be best, or possibly you can find a bargain cabin during this real estate down turn... but ... selling when you leave might be a problem (time frame)

Make it ez on yourself and enjoy the change (for the good and bad..)

[SYGuy420]

I would like to join the forest service but I want to go home and sleep with my fiance every night. Is that possible? I dont ever want to be away from her but I will for work. I just want to go home and be with her nightly. How would I do that. What are my options? Please reply to SyGuy420@gmail.com