Need Advice - Looking to move to PNW

[boheime]

We are very strongly considering moving to the PNW. From everything we've read, it seems like it would be a good fit for our family. However, we haven't actually been there before (working on a visit in the next year), so I could really use some advice.

We are a homeschooling (unschooling) family. I'm wondering how homeschool laws affect families in Oregon and Washington. I prefer the least amount of government involvement, but perhaps the laws are workable. I would love to hear experiences. Are there networks of homeschoolers and unschoolers? What is the homeschool climate like? Right now, we are hard-pressed to find other unschoolers and most homeschool groups are religious based.

Land and home prices. Where are we more likely to get the best value?

Weather. What is the weather really like? I keep reading that it rains and is dreary for 9 months of the year. We like the rain, but wonder about getting out and doing things. Are temperatures really fairly moderate?

What is the social climate in various areas? We are looking for an area that is liberally minded and open to various religious beliefs other than a mainstream view. Appreciation for the arts? Access to various cultural events and experiences?

Alternative medicine? Chiropractic care? Food allergies?

Anything else you can think of?

[Onthetrail]

Hi Boheime,

I wish I was responding with information for you...instead, I'm in the same place you are.  I could have written your post, except I have two little ones.

We are considering a move to Portland, OR ourselves.

Would love some info, too.

Is anyone out there?

[happyhippie]

I'm here

We used to live in Portland or "PDX" as it is referred to. We also did a lot of travelling around the area.

However, we moved when I became pregnant.

I find the Pacific Northwest to be completely conducive to alternative modes of learning, birthing, living, etc. I knew many homeschooling, unschooling, non vaxing mamas.

Portland is way alternative, IMO. It has a very large subculture, and honestly has characteristics of style, art, raising kids, that I have yet to find anywhere else.

Lots of beautiful parks. A ton "one of a kind" restaurants, and one heck of a bagel shop " Kettlemans".

We loved it there, but found it incomparable to what California had to offer.

I HIGHLY suggest visiting before moving.

Price of Living has definitely increased from the influx of people from all over the states who have decided to call Portland home. That's sort of a bummer.

Good luck on your hunt.

forgot to mention: chiropractic: YES alternative meds: YES allergists: YES

and crappy gray weather, depending upon what you think is "nice". Lots of rain, icy winters. (Compared to CA)

[425lisamarie]

We love it here.  I don't know what is mainstream.  GUess it depends on who you are talking to.  I know some people who eat organic vegetables and so put them self in their own class and assume the rest look at them as "different."  It's a beautiful family friendly place to be.  The weather IMO promotes health and well being, despite the rain.  Clean air, clean water, and the green is here because it gets rained on! 

We homeschool and don't have a problem finding people who are not religious.  There ARE several organizations/coop who ARE religious, but not all of them.  We live a little North of Seattle, but travel there for art school and other things.  It's not a cheap place to live, but there are different sizes/models of homes in different areas that are more affordable.  WE have food allergies and found a good doc, I think there is more awareness all over the place regarding food allergies these days. 

It does NOT rain 9 months out of the year. You just get used to the drizzle.  There is usually a time during the year sometime in the spring and/or fall when you think it will not end, but that is not often.  It doesn't just pour out rain all the time and we all have cute rain boots we live in.  I HATE snow,t he kids love it.  It usually snows enough to have fun in it for the kids but not so long that I want to cry. 

Oh forgot to add: About homeschool laws. You can look them up by state.  Washington state is fairly liberal

[philomom]

PDX Land. No, the lots are tiny. If you leave the city to get land you will then be placing yourself back among the churchy, non recyling, Republican folks. The city is liberal. The outskirts not so much.


Yes, it can and does rain from October to June. Lots of it. That's why its so green and the air so clean. It only gets cold a little bit and we have usually just one snow event per winter.

The views when the rain lets up are stellar. You can be in the mountains in one hour and at the coast in an hour and half. There are great museums and libraries and cool events that go on.

I was crunchy in Atlanta, Ga. Here, my greenness, thriftiness and natural parenting don't bat an eye. There are many here that do the things I do.. patch clothes, raise chickens, keep a garden, volunteer and so on.

Come for two weeks while the rain goes on and see if you can stand it. Some folks can't.