Two Weeks Out

Well, we're exactly 2 weeks out from the big move and I'm sick as a dog--strep throat and flu-like symptoms for the past 5 days. Today is the first day I've made it to the computer to study, and in my typical routine of facebook and CNN time-wasting, I found this:

"Portland's streetcar system attracts about 12,000 daily riders at an average ticket cost of $1.47. Its creators credit it with $3.5 billion in surrounding development, including shops, restaurants and 10,000 new housing units.

After paying $10.40 to get from Concord to San Francisco and back, the Portland public transportation system sounds like a good deal. Then again, almost everything sounds like a much better deal up there! I guess the major trade-off for fair prices, no sales tax, a green city, and awesome public transportation is.... rain?

Well, we're still excited about moving even if it is going to be wet for the first few months... We did manage to find a temporary housing situation, though! For $500 a month, we have a downstairs apartment deal with refrigerator, washer and dryer, access to kitchen, off-street parking, and direct access to the bus line (across the street). Also, all utilities are included in that price, AND its furnished.

We plan on hauling up all of our stuff once I/we land jobs and can afford a more permanent rental. Living in temp. housing is probably the least risky way for us to move, and will hopefully be enough motivation to find a sweet spot for us to plant down some roots! Here's an arial view of the temp housing neighborhood:

In the above map, our spot is right above the "Portland" on the lower left side of the map, at the 45 degree-angled intersection. It seems like a nice spot, and we'll be about 6 miles from Washington. Here's another map to show our proximity to downtown and other areas:

More updates to come :)