Making my move!

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Permalink Reply by Lorri E. on August 28, 2009 at 7:11am

Ah, Woodlawn is really cute! They have a nice community website too, if you wanted to contact their neighborhood association and learn a bit more.
http://gowoodlawn.com/

North and Northeast Portland is a bit more affordable still than NW and Goose Hollow areas which are awesome and closer into downtown...if you are living on a tighter budget when you first get here, Woodlawn might be a better fit. That said, you are farther out and on the East side of the river, so it kind of depends on where you want to live and what sort of activities you want to do. If you live closer into the city, you can also take advantage of the MAX train public transportation so it can be easier and cheaper to get around.

My husband is an LMT and is self employed in Portland (not the easiest thing in a bad economy). I do think you will find a job here, the market is tight and you may not earn as much as you hope, but there do seem to be some LMT jobs still on craigslist every week. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Nancy Cueva on August 29, 2009 at 10:43am

My first month in Portland has already come and gone. I still am waiting to take these exams to become a licensed LMT in Or which is such a drag. I have gotten the chance to get around town, get lost, and find my way back. I guess that's how one learns. I'm rethinking the home in Woodlawn. It is a bit out there, although I'm sure the neighborhood is nice. I got a great vibe from Beaumont Village, but know finding something affordable that's not a total fixer may be a bit more limiting. That's this week's choice; next week could change. I'm still open to suggestions. I do believe I'd like to be in the NE though.

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Permalink Reply by Niki Harrison on August 29, 2009 at 4:27pm

Hey Nancy. I just moved to Portland two weeks ago from Montana, so feel free to chat with me anytime about your transitioning process, etc. It's nice to go through the experience with other people who are making a fresh start. :)
Niki

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Permalink Reply by Emma on September 2, 2009 at 6:58am

I'm inspired by those of you who are doing this on your own. I've been wanting to do it too! Having made a move form MA to AZ by myself in '04 that turned out very badly in the end, I thought I'd move to OR, but I got so scared I came back to MA. I'm in love with the ways that the arts, community and green social change come together through organizations like City Repair, SCRAP, etc. I long to be there, making my new start too.
I am chemically sensitive and so need an eco-friendly rental with its own laundry facilities or non-toxic, shared appliances, as laundromats are generally off-limits for me. And I have a portable Section 8 voucher to cover rent, so need a willing landlord.
I'd like to be in SE (Sellwood, Sunnyside, buckman [sp?]) or, second choice, Alberta Arts. Making this move seems like it will take courage to push through the fear, especially now that I'm all the way bak east.

Ideas and support welcome!

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Permalink Reply by Nancy Cueva on September 3, 2009 at 12:06pm

Emma,
I'm sure you will love Portland. I'd never lived anywhere so eco conscious, green, and friendly. I'm living with a couple who don't have a tv, cell phones, and have me using their own green cleaning products. I'm even composting for the first time! Have you had a chance to come and check out Portland? I came for 2 days and that was enough to convince me I was making a great choice. I changed my mind about areas to settle in; first wanting the SE, but after getting a feel or vibe from driving around I'm going to focus on the NE around Alberta and Beaumont. Prices really vary, and it's really a matter of preference.
Go for it! I believe change will be better if we go forward and not backwards. There are a lot of transplants here who are finding what they're looking for in this beautiful state. Good luck.
Nancy

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Permalink Reply by Cynthia on September 5, 2009 at 12:12pm

It isn't in SE, but I live in a complex called CYAN. Its a brand-new eco-built, LEED certified building in downtown. We have our own washer/dryer, and all the appliances are sized for the apartment they are in. Thus, I pay $18/month for electricity (that is with air conditioning running 24/7 - I like it cool) I do not know if they take Section 8 vouchers.

You can find them here - http://www.cyanpdx.com/

I have moved a lot in my life, but I lived in AZ from '99 to '06. My belief is that AZ is just hard to live in. Its hot, thorny, and not a comfortable place to live (And I tried 3 different cities in that time frame).

I love Portland - as do many others. Is it the place for you? Only you can know that. But there are tons of different communities and many different kinds of people.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do!

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Permalink Reply by Nancy Cueva on September 3, 2009 at 11:49am

Hey Paula,
No one said it was going to be easy, but I think it's going to be worth it. My realtor is excellent, but he isn't really someone who usually deals with rentals. He helped me because I am a client and will be buying a home using his services. If that's your case, give Alex a call. He's super busy these days with first time buyers who are all trying to get their tax credit by the end of the year.
It's so beautiful here and I don't think I've met anyone who isn't friendly or helpful. Even the drivers are courteous! Good luck; I'm sure you'll love it.

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Permalink Reply by Cynthia on September 5, 2009 at 12:03pm

HI Nancy:)

I just moved to Portland in June. After years of trying to find the right job to move me here, I ended up moving to go back to school at PSU - LOL.

I am loving it here - I don't know when I have been so happy. This city fits everything I love - Green Living, Positive, life-affirming, forward-thinking.

Its wonderful that you are going to get your LMT license for Oregon. My next door neighbor is an LMT and loves her job.

I am sure you will find just the right house for you!

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