We're moving cross country and it'll be a big move for us. I'm overwhelmed by trying to find a house. We have been looking at houses for sale online and have visited the area twice. However, we only got a good look at Portland because we were originally going to work there. However, the job is now on the WA side. We're thinking of flying out there again to get a better look at Vancouver but are wondering if it will be worth it. My husband doesn't have any more time off but we will have a month in between the jobs. Would that be enough time to find a house? We don't really want to rent. Any thoughts or comments about moving to and living in Portland OR vs Vancouver WA?
Update: I got a good idea of Portland neighborhoods. Those in favor of WA, any suggestions on a good neighborhood to live in? The location of the job is east of Hwy 205.
We have lived in both. I like the school district much better in WA. Unless you live in Beaverton area in OR I wasn't very impressed with that and traffic is worse. Houses are less expensive in WA. No state tax, but there is sales tax. Oregon has state state tax w/no sales tax. Vancouver is a 20 min drive from Portland so you still get the "big city" when you want it.
Especially since his job is in Washington I'd live in Vancouver. Yes we have no state income tax and sales taxes, but you'll probably end up shopping in Portland anyway and save that money! When I search my iPhone maps for Vancouver, wa it pulls up all the names of the neighborhoods so you can more selectively search by regions. And look at www.GreatSchools.net for detailed information on the nearby school districts and individual schools. Welcome to Washington soon!
I agree with Liz W. It is less expensive to live in Vancouver. And with the cost of gas you'll probably want to live close to his work. Many people live in Vancouver and work in Oregon. I've not known anyone the other way around.
I would think that a month would be long enough to find a house but it may not be long enough for closing so that you can move in. However, sometimes everything falls into place. You just never know. So whether or not you wait until the month in between depends on how flexible you can be.
I have never been either place, but my husband recently got back from Portland on a business trip. He has an always on the table offer to work in that office. What he discovered is that most people live in the WA area and buy grocieries in OR. Something to do with the taxes.
