College Couple Moving to WA but Where?

[Melissa82]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

Be forewarned, if you are young and looking for city stuff, (or ACTION, beyond the hiking, wind surfing, mtn biking, fishing, wineries... recreation of the Columbia Gorge), you will spend a lot of time in Portland. That is not a bad thing, but living in Portland could be bad (besides the 9% income tax). A few days / week in Portland might give you a fill, but if you are looking for social action in Vancouver, you MIGHT be disappointed.

Yeah, we aren't going to move to Vancouver I think. Doesn't seem like the best idea. I don't the whole only 2 bridge thing.

I created another thread and some people are saying that Portland would be too expensive for us just going there with no jobs. If I went down a few months early and got a job, wouldn't it be feasible? I have background in customer service call centers, reception/clerk and retail jobs. I have a associates in business management too.

[Inkpoe]

... Portland has it hit pretty hard. I think it's important that you heed this people's warning... there's been many qualified people who been unable to find a job in PDX. But if you want to try, go for it. The rewards could be good.

[backdrifter]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

... Portland has it hit pretty hard. I think it's important that you heed this people's warning... there's been many qualified people who been unable to find a job in PDX. But if you want to try, go for it. The rewards could be good.

This is true, but the Netflix call center in Hillsboro seems to always be hiring. I know someone who works there who loves it (after working retail) and others who were really upset with the way management did things. Although it is also at-will employment so they can drop you with no reason if they so wish (it's in the employment contract I believe).

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by Melissa82

Yeah, we aren't going to move to Vancouver I think. Doesn't seem like the best idea. I don't the whole only 2 bridge thing.

...

Don't give up on Vancouver , the Bridge thing is trivial, if you avoid rush hour it is a 10-20 minute drive. Get a job in Vancouver or Camas, (there are plenty) or an off-shift job in Portland. The Bridges have never bothered me in 30+ yrs and I HATE traffic, I just avoid the rush. (Or you can take an express bus and not worry about the drive)

Vancouver / Camas is likely your best CHEAP option with plenty of schools / opportunities. PORTLAND ... I would NOT do, but it is possible to live there cheap too.

Be Careful about ANY advice you get from OR forum, Oregonians (and posters are VERY polarized, thus I no longer post there, too intense, and a good way to get BANNED... they are not too tolerant)

[backdrifter]

I honestly think Portland would be a better option than Vancouver anyway. The housing (to rent) honestly isn't that much cheaper in Vancouver than in Portland. The unemployment rates (as of April) for the Portland-Beaverton-Vancouver MSA were:

Clark County: 10.2%
Clackamas County: 8.8%
Multnomah County: 8.6%
Washington County: 7.9%

Clark County's economic recovery has continued to lag behind the rest of the region.

But if still considering Vancouver over Portland, then yes, the bridges are fine. I drive into Portland everyday and almost never have a problem. That's the least of your worries... Portland is more interesting for younger people. And it is still the most affordable major city on the West Coast--though small enough as to be a happy medium size for your SO and you. The more time you spend here the smaller it seems, too... Especially if you're in a very neighborhoody part of town.