Former Oregonian needing answers (Portland, Beaverton: house, school districts, closing)

[Hoosier]

A company from Portland has contacted me about possible relocation. We lived there for many, many years and the thought of going back is a bit surprising as we thought we'd never move back. Loved Portland, just never thought it would be an option. We have school-age kids now, they were newborns and toddlers when we left.

My main concerns are schools. I remember so many problems with the schools in Oregon. Any recommendations on school districts to look at, and those to stay away from? We live in Minneapolis where the schools are top notch so we want to get them in as good of schools as possible. Should we consider private? Or is that simply a waste of money?

We lived in Vancouver and on the NE side of town when we lived there before. Would love the west side if the schools are good there. What are commute times from west side and east side to downtown? Right now my commute is just over an hour each way. Kinda grueling! Would be SO nice to live in a smaller city. Love, love, love Minneapolis!! But the commute can wear on a person. Speaking of commutes....here I go again.

[Leisesturm]

Originally Posted by Hoosier

Speaking of commutes....here I go again.

Now why would that be? Not trying to be too much of a knee biter just a devil's advocate. Seems to me that since you know where the job is going to be you are in a unique position to position yourself in whatever proximity to work you desire. Schools... IMO if you consider what a 'good' schoold districts property taxes are likely to be and you figure out what the tuition at a decent private school will run, well the two aren't that far apart in many cases. In other words, if your job puts you in proximity with an area with so-so public schools then find a private school and call it good. As I said in another post the bottom line is you. A school can only do so much no matter what its reputation. I opted for private school for my kids but I spent hours and hours reading to them doing homework and taking them on field trips.

H

[Hoosier]

I don't know the schools out there. I don't know which is a good district and which is one to stay away from. My kids were babies at the time so we did not pay attention to that too much. While I lived there for many years I only commuted from Vancouver to NE Portland so I'm not up on what traffic patterns are like going into and out of the city, along with good and not-so-good areas to live.

And you're right, schools can only do so much, and it's up to the parents to come along side. However, at least here in Minnesota we have schools that we know do not perform as well as others. We moved into the house we live in specifically for the school district. Higher taxes are inevitable and I will pay what I need to in order to get in a good district. My kids come first and foremost.

Any helpful advice from you all would be awesome.

[Mt-7]

Originally Posted by Hoosier

I don't know the schools out there. I don't know which is a good district and which is one to stay away from. My kids were babies at the time so we did not pay attention to that too much. While I lived there for many years I only commuted from Vancouver to NE Portland so I'm not up on what traffic patterns are like going into and out of the city, along with good and not-so-good areas to live.

And you're right, schools can only do so much, and it's up to the parents to come along side. However, at least here in Minnesota we have schools that we know do not perform as well as others. We moved into the house we live in specifically for the school district. Higher taxes are inevitable and I will pay what I need to in order to get in a good district. My kids come first and foremost.

Any helpful advice from you all would be awesome.

I only have exp with sw metro, Wilsonville to be exact but the west linn/wilsonville school district is a good place to start, Oregon City is growing also, these are all in commute of portland proper although aggravating at times. Good luck

[Hoosier]

Originally Posted by seven of nine

I only have exp with sw metro, Wilsonville to be exact but the west linn/wilsonville school district is a good place to start, Oregon City is growing also, these are all in commute of portland proper although aggravating at times. Good luck

Thanks! I remember Wilsonville and really liked it there! It was just beginning to grow when we left. West Linn I remember too. Is that on the spendier side like Lake Oswego?

[bobmulk]

West Linn isn't as spendy as Lake O, but it's pricey. Schools in the southwest corner of the metro area will be good--Tigard/Tualatin, Wilsonville, Sherwood, Lake Oswego, West Linn. Beaverton has some good schools like Sunset. Depending on where you live in these areas I'd say your commute (assuming you're going downtown) would be about half an hour.

[Mt-7]

Originally Posted by Hoosier

Thanks! I remember Wilsonville and really liked it there! It was just beginning to grow when we left. West Linn I remember too. Is that on the spendier side like Lake Oswego?

You might not even recognize Wilsonville, all the development. I think that the home prices are steady, the old supply vs demand. Wilsonville has its own water treament plant, new schools ect. Being hooked up with West Linn, yes it is pretty pricey now, lots of cash flow, the prior post is correct that parts of Beverton are good but you need to look very carefully. IMO the Portland ps is still in flux and I would be concerned about school closings. Also be aware of the schools in the west side of Washington County, lots of growth but not sure if the schools are keeping .Good luck. BTW I have moved out to Montana so I can afford to keep the two kids at the U of O! Quack attack!

[suncat]

Beaverton has some good schools, and the district bleeds into parts of west Portland. I live in Portland, but within the Beaverton school district. If you're concerned about the commute, you might want to look into areas such as Garden Home or Cedar Hills, as they're closer to downtown Portland than other areas of Beaverton.