yet another moving to Oregon query.... (Portland, Salem: employment, high school, college)

[JerseyMom]

I am considering moving to Oregon. I'm a Jersey girl who has lived in SE New Mexico 4 years...love the weather, low cost of living, sparse population...BUT..they are offering more money and perhaps a better opportunity; I'm not sure I want to deal with the rain, traffic, increased housing cost....any thoughts?? I have 5 kids and husband to move too.....and could most likely go anywhere in the Pacific Northwest, I work in healthcare...

[tiffela74]

love to help you, not really sure on your question though.....Sounds kinda like your thinkin outloud.
Anything a bit more specific we could help you with?
Rain will depend on where you go. And its not as bad as many say. I have a dear friend in Texas, and she says shes so sick of the flooding evertime it rains, she is counting the days when she can come back to Oregon and the worst that happens when it rains, is you get wet. lol, actually, it can and has been worse, we've had flooding, and slides due to too much rain. But you know, I only recall once when it rained so much, caused floods where roads were closed and people lost possessions. But it lasted only a few days, and most of those who lost anything, were lowland by rivers/creeks.
Traffic, that depends on where youre at. Ya, Portland area can be a real snarl. And downtown Tigard, 205 can be nasty during rush hour, the typical tie ups. Or you can move out to the coast like I did and have no traffic at all really. Road rage has gone from daily to rarely out here.
increased housing costs, well, i cant help you there, some say their going up, others say their going down. And again, its going to depend on the area you decide upon.
anyhow, if you have anything more specific, Id love to be of help.
Best of luck to you!
Tiffany

[kittyhox]

If you aren't into rain you might consider someplace in Central Oregon or Central Washington.

Bend, Oregon is a great place for a family. You wouldn't have rain or traffic issues, but housing is probably more than in SE NM. Not sure

If you can deal with a bit of rain, I love Corvallis, Oregon. A charming college town in a gorgeous area, close to the beautiful Oregon Coast. Salem, Oregon is about an hour north or so and is quite affordable and would have a lot of job opportunities. That is where went to high school, so I'm kind of partial.

Those are my favorite places in the Pacific Northwest.

You could also look into Southern Oregon (Medford, for example).

Good luck in your search!

[Kathleenh54]

When someone says they're 'moving to Oregon' that's like saying you're 'moving to New England', lol. It's a big state. Where in OR were you thinking of moving? It's diverse in terms of climate and landscape too. Good luck, keep us posted!

[andystearns]

bend is the "sunny" city in Oregon. we are on the east side of the cascade mountians. High desert, dry air, hot, but not humid. Very beautiful.
Check out st charles medical center for employment or bend memorial clinic.

[orygun]

Originally Posted by JerseyMom

I am considering moving to Oregon. I'm a Jersey girl who has lived in SE New Mexico 4 years...love the weather, low cost of living, sparse population...BUT..they are offering more money and perhaps a better opportunity; I'm not sure I want to deal with the rain, traffic, increased housing cost....any thoughts?? I have 5 kids and husband to move too.....and could most likely go anywhere in the Pacific Northwest, I work in healthcare...

I just left Montana for Spokane for better money and work, or so I thought. I hated it so badly I left after six months. SO think twice if you enjoy your low cost of living and sparse population. You won't find that in Oregon. Spokane was a big bustling icky city and I couldn't wait to return to the wide open space. The money wasn't worth the stress and it's better for raising kids here I think.