Moving from PDX area, silverton, Ashland, or ?? (Portland, Salem: crime, best schools)

[msgem]

I am hoping to get some insight to a few of Oregon’s smaller communities. Schools? Community? Jobs? Things to do? Family oriented?

I live in the suburbs of Portland. We have realized that Suburb or not, it is big city to us and we are not city folk. We are hoping to find a place that has a small family oriented feel. I also have an elementary school child and a Middle school child. My youngest child has Autism Spectrum disorder, so I am hoping to find somewhere that'll help him without a major fight. He already has an IEP for ASD.

We are a family that loves to be part of community events, volunteer, go on nature hikes etc. Outdoorsy family oriented.

We are looking at Silverton OR because it is cute, had a family community atmosphere and everyone we talked with while we were passing through to silver falls was super nice. I like that kids are out playing in the nice weather and everyone seemed pretty happy. I also like that it is close to Salem for shopping and all the other conveniences of the big city without living in the hustle and bustle of it all.

We have also considered Merlin or Ashland OR, but not certain about living in southern Oregon or if the benefits of there would out weight the distance from my family.

My questions about Silverton specifically are…Opinions regarding school quality? Handling Special needs in school? How far is it to get into Salem for things to do or shopping? How far is Chemeketa community college? Commute? (Are there times you get trapped in Silverton because of weather/ road conditions, dangerous roads with lots of accidents going into Salem, etc.) Also, are there after school programs, sports/clubs/events for the kids to join?

Any opinions about other small towns that have these qualities would be great too! We don’t want to live a in a one horse town with one school and a population of 1000 either. LOL. Thanks

[mamh]

Well,I drive from northeast Salem at least once a week or more to volunteer at Oregon Gardens.
It takes about 20 minutes (13 miles) in 5 years of doing this have only come upon one car accident and that was 2 weeks ago, driven in some fog after rain and the fields are wet its not that often.The road doesn't close and its a beautiful drive coming and going..Its an easy commute into town..
Everyone that I know loves it out there, the hospital is excellent and there are tons of activites for
everyone..
I would call the school's main office and inquire about the question you have with schools..
Good luck with your move

[msgem]

Thanks for the input.

[the1heat4u]

Silverton is really a lovely town. However coming from a much bigger city, I would think you may find the fringe of Salem a bit more comfortable. I have no idea how they handle IEP's, but I can attest to Salem. There are many services here, and you don't have to go far to get them.

There are plenty of community things to get involved with and lots of things for kids to do as well. I would suggest West or South Salem. I think West has the best schools right now. My boys (one on an IEP) goes to Kalapuya in West. They have been absolutely delightful to work with. I know how hard it is to get services, maintain them, and services that are worth a damn. I would fear going to a smaller school, that they may not be able to offer as much.

Even tho Salem is decently large, it has never given me that "bigger" city vibe. Granted I am on the island called West Salem, and it is almost like its own town anyway.

As for Southern Oregon - having friends who have moved from there and knowing people down there. The biggest complaint I hear is hot insanely hot the summers are. Spoke with a client today who is from there.. and they are daily in the 100's as of now. Plus how bad drugs are, and the crime associated. Merlin is cute, but that is REALLY small!

If you are looking for what I would consider one of Salem's coolest, neat, outdoorsy, friendly, fun cities... Bend. IF I could leave the valley. I would move outside of Bend in an instant! It provides everything as far as shopping, entertainment, night life, outdoorsy hiking fun stuff, and general community, and community activities.

I am not a "Silverton" person, mainly because I am not a cutesy small farming town kind of person either. I like to be within arms reach of all things noted above, without feeling like I am in a city. Hence West Salem.

I wish you luck on whatever you decide! It sounds like no matter what you do, you will be making an educated, researched, good decision for your family!