Portland-Nice place to visit but dont stay?

U.S.A. Oregon

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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

Specializes in ED, Medicine, Case Management.
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.

Nope. With the exception of your description of Vancouver, you are perfectly incorrect. The areas you have mentioned are the 'burbs and are nice enough (and some areas not so nice). All areas of Portland proper have good and bad areas. Some of the nicest and most expensive/exclusive areas of portland are in N and NE. It is not possible to flatly dismiss an entire area of the city as good or bad (except Gresham. It is always OK to dismiss Gresham.) and if you do so, you will miss out on the best parts of Portland. I hope you will take a look at the link I am attaching to get acquainted with the area.

Also, be aware that the traffic getting to OHSU from the 'burbs will not be a delight. It will be much easier to get in from more centrally located areas of town.

Portland Neighborhoods Guide - Portland Oregon

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Cardiology..

I live in portland and have never been as happy living somewhere as I do now! The people, such a different culture here. Everyone is accepted. We love thrift stores but are classy. Food carts, greenery everywhere. Easy going city. Recycle. Nightlife drinks and dancing in the building towers. OHSU

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

It is just barely under $1000 (with insurance included in case of accident or whatever). Then add on gas to make the 18 hour drive. Not cheap! We got the 20' uhaul. Hopefully all our crap fits!!

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"Nope. With the exception of your description of Vancouver, you are perfectly incorrect. The areas you have mentioned are the 'burbs and are nice enough (and some areas not so nice). All areas of Portland proper have good and bad areas. Some of the nicest and most expensive/exclusive areas of portland are in N and NE. It is not possible to flatly dismiss an entire area of the city as good or bad (except Gresham. It is always OK to dismiss Gresham.) and if you do so, you will miss out on the best parts of Portland. I hope you will take a look at the link I am attaching to get acquainted with the area.

Also, be aware that the traffic getting to OHSU from the 'burbs will not be a delight. It will be much easier to get in from more centrally located areas of town."

I agree with these comments by Viva LaVespaGirl. Portland is a series of neighborhoods that run together. All are interesting and diverse. Personally, I would not want to commute from Wilsonville or Outer Beaverton/Hillsborough to OHSU. The traffic would drive me crazy and it's too suburban. It all depends on what you like, but personally, I think Southwest Portland and Inner Southeast are great areas. Take a look at Multnomah Village and Hillsdale area in Southwest Portland (if you're interested in living near OHSU), and Sellwood/Eastmoreland in inner Southeast. If you like the suburbs, look at Tigard and Tualatin, but keep in mind that you'll have to commute via I-5, which can be a nightmare.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Cardiology..

I am a part of OHSU and we get free parking, a bicycle incentive of $50.00/month and huge discounts on the bus lines and free shuttle from town to OHSU and discounts galore at places...

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Specializes in ICU.

Thanks for the tips!! We will be renting an apt for 6 months (at least) in Wilsonville. How long do you think it will take me to get to OHSU for a 9am class? I've heard traffic is a nightmare...I've also heard people in Portland drive too slow. :) (Everyone drives slow compared to us down in LV!) Better to take public transportation from Wilsonville to OHSU or drive myself? I'm new to public transport.- any tips? I've never been on a bus/train/monorail/etc before. From what I was looking at on a website (can't remember which one)...a bus would take around an hour and a half (with switching buses a couple times) to get there. This scares me to death! Is that really the best option?

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Specializes in ICU.
I am a part of OHSU and we get free parking, a bicycle incentive of $50.00/month and huge discounts on the bus lines and free shuttle from town to OHSU and discounts galore at places...

I will be applying to their hospital system... Are the jobs very competitive and hard to come by? Better to look into agency first?

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Cardiology..

just hop onto I-5 north to OHSU :-). I'd leave an hour before your class until you learn the route.

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Specializes in ED, Medicine, Case Management.

And that is if traffic is good...During AM rush hour it will likely take you longer.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Cardiology..

I live in SW portland, if I-5north is backed up I can hop onto barbur blvd or terwilliger to get to OHSU. It takes me only ten minutes.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Cardiology..

Plus SW is pretty safe

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Cardiology..
I will be applying to their hospital system... Are the jobs very competitive and hard to come by? Better to look into agency first?

It's gorgeous. Everything I work I feel a huge sense of bliss. Do you have your license/certificates endorsed to Oregon yet? It takes about a month with the OSBN... I also work for an agency, "staffing partners" that has hospital shifts and pays really well, CNA making 18/hr and I can't complain. I get a ton of overtime hours as well.

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