[jennlindsey]

I'm currently in Portland and love it (except those housing prices, ick) but am contemplating going to U of O for an MFA next year. Before I uproot poor DP, I need to do some research.

How do y'all like it there? Biggest concern for us:

1. Job market, especially in IT, for DP.
2. Housing market -- being able to get a house under $200k that isn't a meth lab would be really, really sweet.
3. Public transit -- I'm spoiled in Portland, and because I rely on it every day, it's critical.
4. The crunchy/liberal factor -- I'm assuming it's there, but am curious how much so, seeing as it's a much smaller town than PDX.

Thanks mamas!

-- Jenn, who has a strange fetish for moving every two years, it seems

 

[lactivist]

1. Job market, especially in IT, for DP.
The IT job market is pretty good but nothing compared to Portland. Symantec is here and expanding so there is an IT market. My hubby was able to get a good job within a month of moving here from SF.

2. Housing market -- being able to get a house under $200k that isn't a meth lab would be really, really sweet.
You can definitely get a house for under $200K but that is the edge. You can still get a decent house for about $179k but not for much longer. The market is going up all the time.

3. Public transit -- I'm spoiled in Portland, and because I rely on it every day, it's critical.
Eugene transit system is great. My daughter rides the bus everywhere around town.

4. The crunchy/liberal factor -- I'm assuming it's there, but am curious how much so, seeing as it's a much smaller town than PDX.
It is VERY crunchy and liberal. It's very eclectic with lots of different types of people, all seemingly getting along.
I have only been here since January but I LOVE it here. The thing I really love is that it is a city with all the ammenities but with a very small town feel. It is amazingly kid friendly. I have only been to Portland a couple times but it was really overwhelming.

Wendi

 

[MelW]

Thought I'd say hi when I saw found this thread... we're moving to Eugene (from Vancouver BC) next week so my dh can do his MFA in creative writing at U of O.

 

[Armom]

Hello,

Well, I read this thread without answering several times. Lactivist did such a great job that I really don't have a lot to add.

I will just re-emphasize that it is SO child friendly here. It is wonderful.

I am not familiar with the job market in IT, but I believe anything would be very competitive here. Although as Lactivist said ,with Symantec expanding, things should be a lot easier for those in that particular market. That said, there are so many qualified people here in every area and only so many jobs. I know that is true in Portland as well, but I think it is more so here. I am not trying to discourage you, as eventually things will work out, but it is sometimes tougher in that area than people expect.

Good luck!