Opinions: Portland, Salem, Northern California (Bend, Lake Oswego: apartment, how much, townhouse)

[Nuckie]

I am hoping someone can give me some advice to go along with the research I am doing. I am just getting out of school and have the ability to move just about anywhere. Here are some facts about me:
-From Indianapolis, never lived anywhere else
-Will be making at least 100k/yr
-Have a boyfriend who will be moving with me, not planning on having a family anytime soon
-Am a little afraid of constant rain/gray days

Some things I am looking for:
-A semi-upscale place to move
-Nearby beach/nature
-Would probably live in an apartment or townhouse
-Plenty of nearby fun things to do (nightlife, arts, concerts, etc.)
-Lower traffic (not always possible of course, but I don't want it to take hours to get from one side of town to the other)
-A more liberal atmosphere than in Indiana at least...
-Primarily English-speaking (for my job)
-Friends

I know I can't have all these things, but this gives you an idea of what I'm looking for. From what I've read, Salem doesn't seem like the best option, but there are larger incentives for me to work there. Is it possible to live on the south side of Portland and commute to Salem in a reasonable amount of time? Are there other suburbs that would be a better option? Also, if anyone knows much about San Francisco, Sacramento, or the Napa valley area and how they could compare, I would be very interested! Thanks in advance!

[Silverfall]

I don't think Salem is what you are looking for. If you job is located in Salem you may want to consider living in Keizer and just heading to Portland for those things. Otherwise Lake Oswego is great. It takes about 30-45 minutes to get to Salem depending on where you work.

[Rob Allen]

First, I have to ask - what field are you in that you can get $100k right out of school?

Portland does sound like the place for you. Salem is an hour or more away; is that a reasonable amount of time?

I haven't lived in N CA but my impression is that the cost of living there is higher - especially in San Francisco. Sacramento is less expensive but not as interesting.

[Nuckie]

Thanks for the replies. I was thinking about Lake Oswego, but I've heard about it's reputation for "snottiness." I will be visiting the Portland area next month, so I am trying to get a good idea of places to check out. I'll have to look into Keizer.

An hour drive to work everyday might be a little much. I can definitely deal with 30-40 minutes.

Originally Posted by Rob Allen

First, I have to ask - what field are you in that you can get $100k right out of school?

I'm graduating pharmacy school... it still surprises me how much pharmacists make right now.

[InSalem]

I agree Salem doesn't fit much of your desires. The NW in general is going to be more liberal then Indiana but Multlomah county is more liberal than Marion county where Salem is located. I think Portland is more along the lines of what you are looking for. Salem has NO culture, Portland has a night life, museums, culture, more for a couple with no children to do.

Good luck!

[bluebird39]

If you're afraid of constant rain and gray days, I would say that further South, Sacramento, or Napa Valley would be a better bet. The further North you go, the worse the winters are going to be. In the PNW, winters can be a real downer if you aren't used to them.... very short days, and if you work a day shift, it's go to work in the dark, come home in the dark.

Sacramento has much sunnier weather. I don't know too much about the Napa Valley. SF is wonderful if you can afford to live there, but you might just be able to if you're not looking to buy a house. In general most of the West Coast is going to be more liberal than Indiana.

Portland is my favorite big city, but it's not for everyone. You might be able to move to Salem, then work for a while until you decide if you like it. It'd be much easier to find a job in Portland later on if you have a good hook into one in Salem.

Good luck.

[kimhamblin]

Salem won't be good, I wish it wasn't so, because it's closer to me than Portland, but the nightlife sucks and the culture is nearly nonexistant. I have a friend in Salem who commutes to Portland for the nightlife!
The Pacific Northwest is pretty rainy in the winter and is not for everyone, the trade off is that it isn't so cold. The dark days can affect your happiness, it doesn't get me down and now I sort of look forward to the hibernation period!

[mamh]

Nukie
I'm a northern california (Napa-Fairfield)transplant to Salem..
Napa is very pricey, you pay for the address to live in the napa valley, they are not accepting to new comers, we saw that in 76 when retired from the navy and moved home to napa..I still feel it when I go down to see family there..Don't know anything about Sacramento.
We like salem and for that matter everything about oregon..On weather, we don't have the violent weather your use to , just rain and a bit of snow but the summers are wonderfull..
Good luck with your move.

[mddd]

If you dislike cloudy rainy- you could look at Central Oregon. Bend has lots of outdoor activities, stores, and great weather. It does have a mild winter- so if you want an area with NO snow go to Sacramento.

[kinipela89]

hello there. I would have to disagree with the "snottiness" about Lake Oswego. I moved to Lake Oswego from Northern California six months ago, and I have met the nicest people ever. Everyone makes you feel welcome. Besides, Lake Oswego still gives you a small town feel and everything is really close so you don't have to drive very long to get anywhere quickly. I love it and it is beautiful and green. If you want upscale, this is the place to be. Everything is quite reasonable. If you want to know more, please ask. Hope this helps!! =)