Portland-Nice place to visit but dont stay?

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Currently I am nursing myself a masters degree in PMHNP (mental health NP) and looking to relocate. I already live in a city who slogan is "come on vacation and leave on probation", so I am thinking it soon will be time to move. The wife is all about chickens and goats, me I love green...I hate beige (hate hate hate), and we have a 15 month old son that basically deserves better.

I am a mental health nurse. I see houses there I like....but what isn't there to like about nursing in Portland area?

Thanks in advance..will respond

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My oldest son, daughter-in-law, granddaughter and also my daughter live there. So far, no complaints. Daughter works downtown Portland in an up & coming restaurant as a line cook. Son works/lives in Hillsboro. Loves access to fun city stuff but also rural stuff.

They belong to a CSA where you go pick your own veggies. Lots of great areas to bike. Hike. Swim. Fish and hunt too.

I'll ask them if they have any advise for you. My granddaughter was born there - I was impressed with the hospital and staff.

(I also have a good friend who lives there with his 3 soon to be 4 kids and wife. He's a dentist and loves it too. He's an avid fisherman and outdoorsman. But loves the downtown area. There is a great farmer's market in downtown Portland too).

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"come on vacation and leave on probation" Sounds like most of Florida to me.

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Lots of green in the Portland area and lots of rain to keep it green. Snow and skiing on Mt. Hood. Nice clean water from Mt. Hood melt-off. About two hours from the beach. Lots of culture, arts and diversity. Lots of environmentalists, and health conscious people. I heard it's one of the most livable large city. It has some excellent schools, others not so much. Excellent variety of restaurants and shopping. More parks than most big cities. You need to look into which part of Portland or metro area you live. Some areas aren't very safe. Other parts are much better. LOTS of traffic. Good bus system.

I lived there 35 years and then escaped to a small coastal town. I hated the crowds and traffic and love my sleepy little town.

If you were a hospital nurse, I would recommend St. Vincent for employment. I have relatives who work there. For a mental health NP, I would have no idea what to recommend.

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i won't be done with my psych-np for a while, but trying to stay in the field. Debating the pick up and leave method or plan it out. Right now we are going to head there for a mini vacation and see if the fit is right for my family and I.

How bad does it snow? I have googled pictures, yet it never looks that bad in pictures

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Specializes in ICU.

Just came across this thread! Currently also in LV- but was just accepted into OHSU's first ACNP program. It starts in 3 weeks. Moving 1050 miles away to somewhere I've never been before is a bit scary! (Also married and have 3 kids- who are supportive and willing to move... Well except the 7 year old who doesn't wanna leave her friends.) This is all happening incredibly quickly!!

Could use some advice on where to live...safe, family friendly...but on a budget! Exact community/town names/locations are appreciated!! Or maybe even just give me a heads up on areas to avoid? Any suggestions would be greatly welcomed!! Thanks!!!

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From what I have learned: Vancouver = kuntucky but more affordable housing.

N and be areas from within the city are considered bad areas. Beaverton aura, willsonvilled and their surrounding area nicer. Rent is higher so don't expect summerlin living. New construction home rents can break 2k month.

If you find a house check out portlandmaps.com for crim and school info.

Seven year old will have to stay behind sorry.

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Specializes in ICU.

Thanks for the tips!! We're looking at a place that is the same as what we pay in LV- but almost 1000sq ft smaller. Yikes!! Time to downsize! (Thankfully the 7 yr old is coming to terms with the move- I don't think I could bear to leave her behind!) :)

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Thats the down side. 2700sqr ft for 1400$/mo which turns in to 1500 if your lucky for 1400/mo. We're going in with the idea were going to buy a forever home (min. 15 years).

I just hope I can find something chicken worthy.

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Specializes in ICU.

I'm good with no chickens...so we'll rent an apartment up there for now! 4 more days till our big move! Ahhh!!!

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I'm from the coast originally (now live in MN) and have many friends in the Portland area. I love it, though the population is booming and housing is getting much more expensive when it used to be quite affordable. That's absolutely the only downside I can think of haha. Traffic is also getting hairy but there is very good public transportation so if you're near a MAX you're golden. If I lived right in Portland I'm not even sure I'd bother with having a car.

It barely snows. It is humid and wet in the winter so the 40-50 temps feel colder than one would think. Ice is more of a concern than snow.

Not sure about jobs there, I'd imagine they're getting a bit tougher to find with everybody and their dog (or chickens!) moving in, but then that would mean more healthcare staff are needed too :)

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First off mallysmama I am jealous. Second...how much was a truck rental?

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