Moving to Area

If you chose the Vancouver area, I highly recommend East Vancouver/Fisher's Landing area. The lots are small, some smaller than others as they have larger homes, but it has been a wonderful neighborhood. I live in Summer's Walk and my home is within 1 1/2 miles of, ah let's count... 8 parks? My children are 4,5 and 6 and we have spent countless hours at each of these different parks. We used to walk/stroller/backpack carrier/baby bjorn. Now, we all ride bikes. We are also within 2 miles of a Fred Meyer, Target, soon to be JCPenney, Michaels, Best Buy, soon to be Olive Garden, Spaghetti Factory, Red Robin, huge movie theater, Walmart, 4 Starbucks, and the list goes on! I love my culdesac and the numberous young children that play here and around here every day. Especially, now with summer finally here. Just beware of home owner's association dues and rules. There are some around here with higher ($50-90/month), ours is just $18. Our kids played soccer this spring, and practice was one mile away, as were the weekly games. Very convenient. The main cross streets are 164th and 192nd avenues, both with exits off of highway 14, approx 2-5 miles east of I-205. Ten minutes from terminal at the airport, Ikea, 15 minutes to Costco, 25 to downtown Portland... OK, I think I made my point? I love it here! Oh, and the schools, very good schools in the Evergreen district. My son/s go to Illahee Elementary (2 miles) with Shahala Middle school 1 mile and Union(the brand new school as of Sept 07) 2 1/2 miles. There are a ton of SAHM around here and ALOT of parental involvement in the schools.

We recently moved to the Cedar Hills neighborhood of SW Portland and LOVE it. It's a very large HOA and you can find homes to fit into almost any budget. The HOA has been around for over 50 years, so most of the homes are older and have large lots. There are lots of parks (including Commonwealth Lake with playgrounds, fish, and ducks), and it's a great neighborhood for taking walks. We have great freeway access, are only about 12 minutes from downtown, close to the zoo and Children's museum, close to shopping and activities. I can't imagine a better place to live. Oh, and the schools are great...Ridgewood Elementary, Raleigh Park middle, and Sunset High.

I would suggest Beaverton. It is more expensive but it is close to Portland, has great schools and great neighborhoods. Do not move to to the area east of Portland around 82nd!! Some spots in North Portland are bad too.
Portland Schools are not great and Hillsboro schools always seem to be in budgeting crisis'. Vancouver is nice and North of Vancouver is very rural and family friendly. It is also a bit cheaper than Beaverton. The commute to Portland is a nightmare from that side of the river though. But if you need to get to the airport it isn't bad.
Good Luck!!!

I would agree with Missy - we live in the Fisher's Landing area too and love it! Our one son is starting Kindergarten this fall at Fisher's Landing and it is rated very high! Great place to live - love it!!