[Formula WS6]

tell me about it. cost of living, crime, weather, how nice is it. essentially id just like to know what id be getting myself into if i was to just up and move out there one day and try to find a job and what not. thanks

[ITE Racer]

I currently live in Vancouver, WA and work in Portland, OR. I just moved here from Seattle with my wife and kids in December '03 for a job change.

The weather is significantly better than Seattle. Usually about 5 degrees warmer in the spring and summer from what we've seen so far, and a lot less rain. The unemployment rate is about 6.5 percent the last I heard. Not the greatest, but Vancouver is growing at a pretty good rate and the job outlook is probably better than Portland. I would definitely secure your employment before moving out here though.

Cost of living is a bit better than Seattle and probably other major cities as well. Housing is a lot more affordable. A decent four bedroom house in a good neighborhood here goes for $200k to $220k+, quite a bit less than across the river in Portland. The crime rate in Vancouver is certainly better than Portland too.

Someof the things I enjoy the most about living here is being only about 10-15 minutes away from Portland International Raceway, a world class roadcourse (almost). The Columbia River is full of salmon, great boating and virtually unlimited outdoor activities available. Don't forget a spectacular view of Mt. St. Helens eruptions which are getting more and more frequent.

I would definitely come out here for a visit before you make your decision though. And target some potential employers to schedule interviews with in the same trip.

Good luck with your decision!

Steve