HELP! Should I move to PDX from Madison, WI? (Portland: homes, neighborhoods) - Oregon (OR) - City-Data Forum

notangry · 10-09-2007, 01:41 PM

Back when my wife and I were first married, we were determined to move to Portland. We love it there. We visit often, have favorite hangouts, love the vibe... it's a kindred spirit to us.

Now, 6 years later, we have 2 children. Portland is still super, but the schools stink and homes are double the price than they were even 2-3 years ago.

I'm from Chicago and Portland feels more like home than even my hometown does... but my stated concerns along with the many PDX expats that have landed in Madison and are now many of my neighbors are telling me to stay -- that it's not worth it.

These people LOVED living there but said it's just not worth raising a family there. Ugh, my head hurts from the confusion!

Please, help us. Give me your honest thoughts. We can't afford to move to only regret it later. Thanks so much.

babycoleslaw · 10-09-2007, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notangry

Back when my wife and I were first married, we were determined to move to Portland. We love it there. We visit often, have favorite hangouts, love the vibe... it's a kindred spirit to us.

Now, 6 years later, we have 2 children. Portland is still super, but the schools stink and homes are double the price than they were even 2-3 years ago.

I'm from Chicago and Portland feels more like home than even my hometown does... but my stated concerns along with the many PDX expats that have landed in Madison and are now many of my neighbors are telling me to stay -- that it's not worth it.

These people LOVED living there but said it's just not worth raising a family there. Ugh, my head hurts from the confusion!

Please, help us. Give me your honest thoughts. We can't afford to move to only regret it later. Thanks so much.

You mentioned regret....ask yourself if you might regret NOT moving to PDX several years down the road.
I moved here this summer from the midwest for similar reasons you are thinking about it. I have 3 small children, the oldest in first grade here.
I am LOVING every minute of my decision!! My husband and I got Portland on the brain in the summer of 2000 and it never left....We're in a very family friendly area and there is sooo much to do here with kids it is unbelievable! The rain hasn't bugged us one bit, either. A good rain coat and boots will take you very far!!

notangry · 10-09-2007, 02:08 PM

The rain is a bonus for us. But no matter where we look, no matter who we talk to... it all comes down to the PPS system is in complete disarray and a mess.
Madison, WI is a pretty tough act to follow, we know, but we were living here when we first decided that Portland was to be our final destination. Of course, we didn't have children then and never gave the schools a thought...
Where did you move from? What neighborhood are you in? We are considering Sellwood/West Moreland or Hawthorne.
Thanks for your reply baby!

babycoleslaw · 10-09-2007, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notangry

The rain is a bonus for us. But no matter where we look, no matter who we talk to... it all comes down to the PPS system is in complete disarray and a mess.
Madison, WI is a pretty tough act to follow, we know, but we were living here when we first decided that Portland was to be our final destination. Of course, we didn't have children then and never gave the schools a thought...
Where did you move from? What neighborhood are you in? We are considering Sellwood/West Moreland or Hawthorne.
Thanks for your reply baby!

When the rain gets me down (which it hasn't yet but I'm thinking ahead!) I plan on viewing the weather in the Midwest to see how cold and snowy it is! That should brighten my spirits!! We came from Omaha...
I avoided the PPS at all costs because of the problems there. We decided to move to the Tigard/Tualatin district b/c our oldest is on an IEP and they are known for their incusive practices. Lake Oswego is an outstanding district but very spendy to get into. West Linn/Wilsonville are more reasonable and also quite exceptional. Sherwood is also a great option, very family friendly and focused and a great school system!

nancy thereader · 10-09-2007, 03:45 PM

Sorry, but what is PPS exactly?
thanks

babycoleslaw · 10-09-2007, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nancy thereader

Sorry, but what is PPS exactly?
thanks

Portland Public Schools...

Are you counting down the days 'til next summer???

notangry · 10-10-2007, 01:24 PM

Seriously, nobody has additional info about Portland schools? I read in another thread similar concerns and most people were like, "Oh, it's not that bad." But, I mean, I can't find anything that says otherwise.
I'm just looking for some real-world experienced parents who have some knowledge of what's happening around Portland in regards to schools and neighborhoods, etc...

Thanks a bunch, in advance.

Lillietta · 10-10-2007, 02:35 PM

What I hear from parents is that they prefer certain suburban schools like Otswego and Beaverton. I talked to some teachers in Portland when I was there this summer; they admitted - closing schools (never a good sign) and budgetary problems.

oldtintype · 10-10-2007, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notangry

Seriously, nobody has additional info about Portland schools? I read in another thread similar concerns and most people were like, "Oh, it's not that bad." But, I mean, I can't find anything that says otherwise.
I'm just looking for some real-world experienced parents who have some knowledge of what's happening around Portland in regards to schools and neighborhoods, etc...

Thanks a bunch, in advance.

My son just started PPS in grade K. I've been happy so far. I work with many people with kids in PPS and they're all happy too BUT, the majority of the people I know utilize school choice and have kids in various magnet programs (language programs, art, etc), or moved into specific neighborhoods for particular schools. So that might have a lot to do with it. There are plenty of good schools in Portland. They just released the report cards and the school my son is in got rated exceptional by the state. Many others are rated strong and exceptional as well. If you go just based on the ratings alone, it's clear that the reputation doesn't follow through across the board. PPS has gone through a lot of restructuring, closed schools because of declining enrollment and so on and I think that has a lot to do with the "bad" reputation. Several studies expect that the school district will level off within a few years and no longer have declining enrollment, which was the cause for school closures, etc. This year they had more students than they expected. I have no plans to pull my child out of PPS and feel like if I'm unhappy with a particular school I have a lot of options within the district. Hope that helps. Like everything you should come tour and visit yourself. Look at the schools, talk to parents with children IN the school district. There are a lot of really involved parents and great teachers.

Lillietta · 10-11-2007, 10:26 AM

Definitely talk to the involved parents. Find out how easy or difficult it is to get into certain schools. Typically good schools exist in good (read "expensive") neighborhoods. Great teachers exist all over but their hands are tied when it comes to budgetary and administrative mandates. When schools close, it is a warning about the system. Be sure to do your homework on this beforehand.