PDX to SEA (Centralia, Chehalis: area, cities, county)

[StealthRabbit]

Bolt bus or train gives you wifi and time to rest.

Auto is no big deal, but tiring.
I often commuted 2x /day when disabled parent was in often hospital, and 1-2x / week for 15 yrs. (Stevenson to Bremerton). 12 hrs driving / day still allowed for 8 hrs work and 4 hrs sleep. (Usually in hospital parking lot). No buses or trains running my route. Driving off-hours is far faster and safer except at 2am when the bars close. Cars much prefer cool night air.

Having a friend or elderly with a spare bedroom on your PDX end would allow nice flexibility. Pick them up some groceries or smoked salmon as a gift.

[Nate55]

It’s looking like bus or train are the best options if I can get some flexibility on arrival times. Wish they had earlier departure options. Maybe fly up and train down.

Just wondering if this will get old fast. Once a week is pushing it but seems doable. I’m someone who talks myself into things and finds solutions, but concerned this is pushing it too the limit.

[Diana Holbrook]

Well, what are you gaining by moving to Portland?

[Nate55]

Originally Posted by Diana Holbrook

Well, what are you gaining by moving to Portland?

Larger social network, family, friend, cheaper cost of living, smaller city (positive to me), better public transportation, more manageable city to get around driving, and better vibe overall.

Seattle is good, Portland is great to me. Used to live in Portland for quite a while.

My current job is great. First time in my 22 years working I can say that. It provides great work life balance and I enjoy what I do. Unsure if I could find something as great as what I have here so I’m hesitant to just look for a new job and want to see if retaining it is doable. I figured there had to be some people somewhere who have tried this.

[Diana Holbrook]

I don’t know anybody who’s tried that commute very often!

Maybe plan yourself a nice working vacation down there and try it a few times before you go to far down the planning road. I wouldn’t want to do it but I always get lost in Portland. Lotta one-way streets and I was always on the wrong side of the river from where I wanted to be! Might be easier now with GPS. :-)

[Nate55]

Originally Posted by Diana Holbrook

I don’t know anybody who’s tried that commute very often!

Maybe plan yourself a nice working vacation down there and try it a few times before you go to far down the planning road. I wouldn’t want to do it but I always get lost in Portland. Lotta one-way streets and I was always on the wrong side of the river from where I wanted to be! Might be easier now with GPS. :-)

Great idea. I’ll look at a monthly rental somewhere and give it a trial run before making any major decisions.

[Diana Holbrook]

Good luck. Lots of Air BnBs around. Keep us posted!

Make sure you check on the tax implications of this.... Oregon has an income tax. - But no sales tax.

[DevanXL]

Originally Posted by Nate55

Larger social network, family, friend, cheaper cost of living, smaller city (positive to me), better public transportation, more manageable city to get around driving, and better vibe overall.

Seattle is good, Portland is great to me. Used to live in Portland for quite a while.

My current job is great. First time in my 22 years working I can say that. It provides great work life balance and I enjoy what I do. Unsure if I could find something as great as what I have here so I’m hesitant to just look for a new job and want to see if retaining it is doable. I figured there had to be some people somewhere who have tried this.

I’m down in the Portland area right now as well. I’m from Seattle so I’m alittle biased and prefer Seattle to Portland (enjoy them both though) but not sure if that commute is worth it. Definitely see if your company will pay for your travel or atleast part of it. If you decide driving is more reliable look into getting a large SUV or Truck. If its used for “business transportation” you can write off the entire cost of the vehicle. Could be worth looking into.

[41Willys]

3 hours one way, give or take.

[dav51lin]

terrible drive