Portland/Vancouver vs Seattle (how much, houses, neighborhoods)

[pdxh2oman]

The only thing that Portland and Vancouver have in common is that they are in the same metro area. You will find none of the Portland vibe across the river. Many Vancouver residents avoid coming to Portland if at all possible - and for several reasons, including that some just don't like Portland. The commute is bad and getting worse. The advantages would include lower cost of living, no income tax (if you can find a good enough job in Washington), and living somewhat close to a more progressive city.

[delitebrite]

Originally Posted by Cliftonpdx

If you wish to continue with this program, you will either need to suck up the cost of housing, suck up the commute time, or transfer to a college in a cheaper location that isn't going to ********* with high out of state costs for the degree.

There is a lot of factors to consider beyond the cost of rent.

The problem is that even to afford living in the suburbs, I need to be working full-time and my job is in Ballard. If I am working and going to school full-time, I usually don't have enough time left in the day to shower let alone spend 2-3 hours on the bus. It's literally just not possible. I simply don't have that much time in the day. I live within walking distance of work right now, and my grades are already not very good because I don't have nearly as much time to study and do homework as I need to pull A's. As I mentioned in my original post, I am also considering New Mexico as they have a couple decent universities, but they aren't in urban areas which is really a concern for me because I don't have a car and rely on public transportation.

[delitebrite]

Originally Posted by pdxh2oman

The only thing that Portland and Vancouver have in common is that they are in the same metro area. You will find none of the Portland vibe across the river. Many Vancouver residents avoid coming to Portland if at all possible - and for several reasons, including that some just don't like Portland. The commute is bad and getting worse. The advantages would include lower cost of living, no income tax (if you can find a good enough job in Washington), and living somewhat close to a more progressive city.

That's helpful, thanks!

[Cliftonpdx]

Originally Posted by delitebrite

The problem is that even to afford living in the suburbs, I need to be working full-time and my job is in Ballard. If I am working and going to school full-time, I usually don't have enough time left in the day to shower let alone spend 2-3 hours on the bus. It's literally just not possible. I simply don't have that much time in the day. I live within walking distance of work right now, and my grades are already not very good because I don't have nearly as much time to study and do homework as I need to pull A's. As I mentioned in my original post, I am also considering New Mexico as they have a couple decent universities, but they aren't in urban areas which is really a concern for me because I don't have a car and rely on public transportation.

That is tough, I know because I had to work full time while going to college full time as well. It isn't an easy task by any means, nor is there anything anyone on this site will be able to tell you that will make it easier for you. My three points are the three points that you have to decide on, no one else is going to be able to make those choices for you.

If New Mexico has the program that you want to do, and you understand the rules for out of state tuition there, then that is most definitely an option for you. I don't know anything about New Mexico, so I can't comment on that.

Colleges that aren't in urban areas often times rely on students living in or near campus. WSU is not urban at all, yet it is a huge college of students that live in walking distance of the University. You may have to consider that as a real option if you are to get a degree in your field.

Semi-serious response...

West Virginia?

Extremely cheap
Good for astro if you're into radio astronomy (Green Bank is there and quite a few professors make use of it on a regular basis)

I don't see how Portland makes any sense. It's expensive and your options to study what you want are nonexistent.

Vancouver is cheaper but pretty far removed from Portland aside from geographic proximity. The commute across the river is pretty miserable (as in backed up for miles) and transit options are limited thanks to the open hostility for light rail across the river. Amtrak is one option but it's pretty expensive ($8.50 one way) and doesn't run past about 7 PM.

[58rhodes]

Seattle is much more corporate/big$$ than Portland. At this point Im not sure what Portland wants to be other than weird/ different. We have been adding manufacturing jobs by the hundreds but the wages are too low to even rent a decent apt. We have been building thousands of residential units(overpriced) but very little industrial/office space-only 1 major office building in downtown since 2001--I fear for the future.

[ficklered]

My husband applied for a job in Vancouver, Washington (near Portland) and King's County. I may need to have an opinion about which I'd prefer. I really liked what I read about Vancouver until I saw old threads about tons of drugs like meth? Has that changed? We are 40s-50s with two small dogs and currently live in SW Florida. We want to experience more outdoor time (hiking, nature, etc....) in a place nearby culture and concerts and good restaurants, but safety is a prime concern. We were already packing for a move to Auburn, CA until I cancelled it due to air quality.

[Yankeemama]

Originally Posted by ficklered

My husband applied for a job in Vancouver, Washington (near Portland) and King's County. I may need to have an opinion about which I'd prefer. I really liked what I read about Vancouver until I saw old threads about tons of drugs like meth? Has that changed? We are 40s-50s with two small dogs and currently live in SW Florida. We want to experience more outdoor time (hiking, nature, etc....) in a place nearby culture and concerts and good restaurants, but safety is a prime concern. We were already packing for a move to Auburn, CA until I cancelled it due to air quality.

You may want to check out Camas.

[ficklered]

Originally Posted by Yankeemama

You may want to check out Camas.

Okay, thank you.

[Nell Plotts]

I suggest Ficklered visit the Vancouver, WA forum for specific information about Vancouver and the surrounding communities. Rent initially, take time to find a neighborhood that suits you.