Childcare/housing affordability in portland? (to rent, daycare, student loans)

[Ktoldread]

Hello!
I just finished my last class/rotation in Medical School (YAY!) and am hoping to match at Doernbecher. Anyway, we are trying to do a budget to see if we can afford to live in Portland on a resident's salary (with the hopes of him finding work, too - he's in the publishing field). I've been trying to research childcare options and all of the sites I can find online are super-expensive on our projected income (what we are paying in Boston, but have "luxury" of student loans and only one child in daycare at the moment (we are expecting our second daughter in a couple of weeks). Anyway, does anyone have recommendations for childcare that is affordable (and good quality)?

Also, is it possible to rent for $1000-$1200/mo in a neighborhood that has good schools? (thinking long-term here as our oldest daughter is 26 months at the moment.

Thanks for any input!! We really hope to work it out!
Katie

[oldtintype]

What size place are you looking for? Your price range for a 2 bedroom is very realistic.
Daycare depends on what you're looking for in terms of home daycare or center. There are some excellent centers that have waiting lists that you should consider getting on NOW, even before moving, but center costs, for full time range about $800-$1000 per month, where as home daycare runs in the $450-800 range. Nanny shares seem to run about $6-10 per hour. You can find cheaper or higher as well. If you're at Doernbecher, they have a facility don't they? Or at least that VA does, which is a short walk from D. Vermont Hills isn't it? I don't know if it's only a preschool or?

[tiffela74]

you might try asking about Childcare options from the people at Doernbechers....after all, they are all about kids...
Excellent choice btw, my daughter has been a patient with them both there in the hospital and as a consult. The people there are incredible.....