Anyone living around Portland help????

Question

I am planning on moving around the Portland area and need some help as what area is good,how the schools are, I would like to live in a smaller town not right in Portland, I would like to have some land so my kids can run around and I want to plant a garden......any suggestions?

Portland OR

Answer 1

The best combination of schools and larger lot sizes in the Portland area is across the river in Vancouver and Clark County, Washington. Before you make the move though you need to understand the reasons why:

1. There are only two bridges connecting Vancouver and Portland, so rush hour commutes (Vancouver to Portland in the AM, Portland to Vancouver in the PM) are a nightmare;

2. The tax structures are very different. Oregon has a high state income tax and no sales tax, whereas Washington has no state income tax but a fairly high sales tax. But in Oregon the income tax is based on where you work, not where you live, so if you live in Vancouver and work in Portland, you're stuck paying Oregon income tax for your Oregon-based wages;

3. Urban planning is different. Portland has an urban growth boundary and is trying to manage growth by redeveloping the city and promoting alternative transit. That means less sprawl, fewer highways, denser population, more parks, and smaller lot sizes. Vancouver has a better network of freeways but is growing in a more "sprawl-like" fashion.

In other words, based on what you are looking for, if you work in Vancouver and rush hour trips to Portland are limited, then Vancouver is DEFINITELY the place for you.

If you (or your spouse) will be working in the city, the decision is more complicated. Many people bite the bullet and move to Clark County anyway, others deal with the nice amenities and higher prices in Washington County, while others opt for Clackamas County which overall is more rural and less expensive (other than Lake Oswego and West Linn which are closer). There are a lot of nice suburbs in the Portland area. We live by Orenco Station in Hillsboro (Washington County) and it is gorgeous, good schools, pedestrian friendly, lots of parks, etc., but small lot sizes (less than 10,000 sq. ft. for newer construction).

The schools are pretty good in most every suburb, I don't think you can go wrong there (within the city of Portland, schools are underfunded though)... the latest ratings had Lake Oswego and Beaverton Schools the highest, but of course that means the property and land is more expensive. Tigard/Tualatin, Hillsboro, and pretty much all of the Vancouver/Clark County districts (Evergreen, etc.) are good too.

Rural Clackamas County is a good bet if reasonably priced land is your #1 priority (and a good investment to boot), but again that means a longer commute (30-45 minutes or more depending on location).

Based on your interest, you also might consider Wilsonville, which is about 25 miles south of Portland on I-5. It's sort of an "exurb" strategically located about 1/2 way between Portland and Salem (the state capital). Good schools and nice growing local economy. Not too far from the treasures of Portland and the yuppie amenities in Lake Oswego/Tualatin, with its own nice little downtown, yet it still has a small town feel.

Good luck with your decision!

Answer 2

Kinda hard to answer. Housing is expensive in the Portland area and the school system in Oregon is not great. As for where to look also depends on where you will be working. Also how old your kids are. I personally like the west side of Portland and I have lived on both the east and west sides. Land will cost, but Beaverton has a somewhat decent school system. Further out is Hillsboro, with a horrible school system. Followed by North Plains and Forest Grove. Further to the north on the Columbia River is Scappoose and St Helens. Both of these towns are further out and housing is cheaper. I hope this helps.

Answer 3

I lived in the area for awhile back in the '70's and found that right across the river in Vancouver was not so much like living in a major city. I worked in Portland, and it was only a 15 minute drive If I remember right. Good luck, Ron

Answer 4

Portland Oregon, or Portland Maine?

I live near Portland Oregon and can answer most of you questions about there.

Answer 5

I live in Tigard, a suburb of Portland. You might enjoy living in Tualatin. Good schools, growing town, and close to the main freeway.

Answer 6

I also have heard that across the river in Vancouver, WA is a serene place and still has everything to offer. Like most places, research each suburb on the internet. You can get crime rates and school ratings. Of course, a visit is the best if possible. Good luck to you!

Answer 7

Ok ive lived in Portland for over 40 yrs and for living with kids ...Try moving to the outskirt towns.Gresham..Clackamas..Milwaukie and the east side.On the west side..Tigard..Tualatin..

Answer 8

Oregon or Maine

Answer 9

detroit is a nice town

Answer 10

Clackamas...no doubt!!