Eugene for retirement and launching of my 17 year old autistic grandson? (Springfield: homes, job market)

[ssumner]

We are not able to retire in my home state and are attracted to Oregon. My only struggle is the job market later for our autistic grandson. He is high functioning and I have no idea what his abilities will be. He is in special ed and not graduating with a diploma. He will need adult ed to work on that. How strong is support for special ed in Eugene? We can only afford $250,000 to buy a home.

[texasdiver]

You could buy a smaller home for $250,000 in one of the cheaper suburban areas of Eugene like the Bethel area or River Road/Santa Clara area. For example, here's a random zillow result in the Bethel area: https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sal...48448577_zpid/ that is typical of what you'll get in the Eugene area for $250,000.

As for your son. Oregon has been bleeding funding for all levels of eduction for years. Eugene is going to be about as good as it gets for Oregon but it isn't necessarily going to be up to the level of states that more properly fund education such as MN because the SpEd teachers and caseworkers are just going to have larger class sizes and caseloads in Oregon compared some other states.

Frankly the job market in Eugene is pretty weak for everyone But then areas that are more thriving are going to be more expensive as well, so it's a catch 22.

[Cloudy Dayz]

Originally Posted by ssumner

We are not able to retire in my home state and are attracted to Oregon. My only struggle is the job market later for our autistic grandson. He is high functioning and I have no idea what his abilities will be. He is in special ed and not graduating with a diploma. He will need adult ed to work on that. How strong is support for special ed in Eugene? We can only afford $250,000 to buy a home.

I think you should worry about yourselves, and finding a location right for you. Your grandson will have to figure out for himself where he wants to live and work. If he can't manage that, then there is SSI for that situation. Eugene is a fairly good size city, with a variety of job opportunities. I doubt your grandson would have a much worse time finding a job in Eugene, then any place else.

[ssumner]

Thank you for your replies. I really appreciate them.

[dottie55]

You should consider the Springfield-Thurston area next to Eugene for a home in the $250,000. The taxes and utilities are less in than Eugene. There are nice neighborhoods and good shopping choices too.

I don't think it will be a problem helping your son get a job. Special needs support is here. Good luck.

[ssumner]

Thank you for the perspectives. Our dtr, his bio-mom, passed e months ago
We want him to be able to afford life wherever we are. Our small town was "discovered" by city folk. Neither of my first grown children-3- could afford to stay near.
Your advice is practical. Thank you.