Young couple moving to Oregon from Washington - possibly help us choose a city?

[Steve Pickering]

Originally Posted by KayEhm

I was in the same position as you about a year ago - wanting to move to Oregon but unable to decide where to live/work. So, I took a road trip around the whole state, and I settled in Salem.

It's a city, but it's not huge or fast-paced. It's also right in the center of everything Oregon has to offer: it itself is a historical city, then 45 mins north you have groovy Portland, 45 mins east you have mountains, 45 mins south you have forests, 45 mins west you have waterfalls and the coastline.

Everything's at your fingertips here, so while it is a city, you will feel the "small town" vibe. Groceries, restaurants, hospitals, clubs, historic routes, rivers and creeks... The only trouble is getting to everything. You can bike around, but that won't work once autumn and winter hit. I started with a bike - until the snow came. Since you won't drive it much, I'd invest in something simple - I went with a Honda Accord that I bought right here in Salem at MidtownMotors.com - it got me through the entire winter snow and spring rain, so I'd definitely suggest going that route.

There are several parks here, so I think you'd be able to find a use for your talents. There are also dozens of wineries both in and around Salem with wonderful views of the vineyards. Oh, and you mentioned wanting to shop at farmers markets? Well we have them multiple times a week here

The cost of living here is super cheap, and there are neighborhoods all over the city. You can rent a house in this city for a fraction of what a condo/apt costs in Washington. Being frugal won't be a problem here. And it's so easy to grow your own vegetables, fruits, and herbs in this weather - if you get a garden going you'll save even more.

Hope this helps...

Salem is always a good choice, and you gave several of the reasons why. You should be a spokesperson for the city.

[freepelican]

Someone above said you might look for a suburb of Portland that feels like a smaller town. I can't think of anywhere that fits that description. In fact, I actually think some of the neighborhoods right in Portland feel more "small town" than the suburbs which are mostly modern sprawled out strip malls and shopping centers with little community feel, at least in my opinion.

$750 will not get you a great place in Portland or in one of the suburbs unless you get extremely lucky and trying to do that long-distance will be near impossible. You might want to get a monthly rate on an extended stay hotel for one month... one that has at least a small kitchen so you don't spend all your money eating out. Then move out and be in the area while you are looking. That would give you a better chance of finding that exceptional deal you are looking for... however, still keep in mind that $750 is a really tight budget for a rental anywhere in Portland, especially in a decent safe neighborhood.

[delta07]

This thread is almost 2 years old. Seems like the OP hasn't been back since then.

[Steve Pickering]

Originally Posted by delta07

This thread is almost 2 years old. Seems like the OP hasn't been back since then.

The answers and info is still good for others who read the thread. And as for small town feel in Portland communities ... Well it depends on where you are from. Those small communities all run together these days, and it is all one city spanning several counties.

[delta07]

Originally Posted by Steve Pickering

The answers and info is still good for others who read the thread. And as for small town feel in Portland communities ... Well it depends on where you are from. Those small communities all run together these days, and it is all one city spanning several counties.

I definitely agree, just wanted to point out that the OP may not ever respond.

[freepelican]

It would be nice if original posters who ask questions like this would come back and tell us the "end of the story." I for one am curious!

[West coast at heart]

What a nice thread!
You people are awesome!

Peace,
wc@h