looking to relocate to northwest Oregon (Portland: job market, schools, live in)

[captain oblivious]

My wife and I currently live in Vegas - we're expecting our first daughter in a few months and to be honest, while we like Vegas, it's not a good place to raise children. We want to be 'near' water, and in a much more temperate climate.

We've driven through Oregon including the portland area, through hillsboro to see the "roloff farm". Nice mix of urban and rural in my opinion.

what is the job market like? my wife is a professional massage therapist and i am the kind of person who will exploit any method to make money

what is the housing market like?

schools?

We're originally from NY, so we're ok with the weather.

[Silverfall]

The job market stinks.

The housing market is still declining here, but not like Nevada. We probably look pretty good compared to there.

There are great schools and not so great schools. Just depends on where you live.

[captain oblivious]

Originally Posted by Silverfall

The job market stinks.

The housing market is still declining here, but not like Nevada. We probably look pretty good compared to there.

There are great schools and not so great schools. Just depends on where you live.

when you say the job market stinks, what sectors do you speak of? I work in a tech oriented field - web design/development, etc.

[jjpop]

Originally Posted by captain oblivious

when you say the job market stinks, what sectors do you speak of? I work in a tech oriented field - web design/development, etc.

There's no sector that's thriving. Take a look at monster.com or another job site--you'll see openings, but take into account that there are a lot of well-educated unemployed people here that are applying for jobs at Starbucks because they're desparate. There's a lot of competition.

[captain oblivious]

Originally Posted by jjpop

There's no sector that's thriving. Take a look at monster.com or another job site--you'll see openings, but take into account that there are a lot of well-educated unemployed people here that are applying for jobs at Starbucks because they're desparate. There's a lot of competition.

the same can be said for her in Vegas, but i know professionals who are easily finding good paying work!

my wife and i plan on taking a trip up there next summer to scout out the area.

[davefr]

Originally Posted by captain oblivious

my wife and i plan on taking a trip up there next summer to scout out the area.

That's the right approach to try and line up a job. Never move without job(s) secured!!

[captain oblivious]

Originally Posted by davefr

That's the right approach to try and line up a job. Never move without job(s) secured!!

we didn't make the 3,000 trek from NYC to Vegas w/o a job secured. Flew out here, interviewed, got hired, moved out 10 days later.

we're conservative libertarians but used to the 'big city'. I work in the internet/tech industry and from what i see, there is no lack of massage therapy in portland (my wifes profession).

[Minervah]

Okay I said it before and I will say it again.

1. You can't compare Portland's unemployment situation to other towns because people are moving away from the worst towns (like yourself) and to Portland (like yourself) upping the competition with those thousands who are already here looking for work.

2. Why do you ask questions if you don't want honest answers?

I am not saying you shouldn't move, just check out conditions before you do. You could be one of the fortunate ones who is able to procure a job within the first six or so months you are here but you have to be prepared for the fact that it's a long shot for everyone who tries unless possibly they are in a very high level position in their field.

Also keep in mind that low-level low-paying jobs are have the highest amount of competition and are the most difficult to come by.

[captain oblivious]

Originally Posted by Minervah

Okay I said it before and I will say it again.

1. You can't compare Portland's unemployment situation to other towns because people are moving away from the worst towns (like yourself) and to Portland (like yourself) upping the competition with those thousands who are already here looking for work.

2. Why do you ask questions if you don't want honest answers?

I am not saying you shouldn't move, just check out conditions before you do. You could be one of the fortunate ones who is able to procure a job within the first six or so months you are here but you have to be prepared for the fact that it's a long shot for everyone who tries unless possibly they are in a very high level position in their field.

Also keep in mind that low-level low-paying jobs are have the highest amount of competition and are the most difficult to come by.

did you ready ANYTHING i posted above?