My partner, Jake, and I have lofty ambitions of purchasing a home within the next couple of years. We want to be settled before our two children start school, providing them with the stability of friends and familiar faces year after year. While it’s common for kids to switch schools, the thought of uprooting them from the friendships they’ve formed over the years due to a move is heartbreaking.
So, we devised a solid plan — the best plan. We will secure a house in the next two years.
Yet, the housing market in our city (Portland, Oregon) is completely spiraling out of control, and it’s infuriating. Even modest homes are selling for jaw-dropping prices, often going for well above the asking price — and in cash. Who are these people with cash ready to spend? I want to know what field they’re in because it seems I must have picked the wrong career.
While it may not be as severe as markets in cities like San Francisco or New York, it’s quickly becoming a challenge. Despite both of us being college-educated, hardworking individuals with a robust savings plan for a down payment, I often find myself looking at listings and wondering, how on earth will we afford this? And honestly, I don’t know.
When I share our struggles, the common suggestion I receive is, “Why not just move somewhere cheaper?” If only it were that simple. I wish it were.
Family Ties and Roots
Firstly, family ties bind us here. My relatives live in California, making visits rare, but Jake’s family is nearby. Our kids adore their grandparents, and having trusted family close by is invaluable for childcare. I want my children to grow up surrounded by their aunts, uncles, and cousins — to forge bonds that last a lifetime. I dislike being far from my loved ones, and I want my kids to experience that closeness.
Secondly, our life is rooted here. I relocated over a decade ago, and Portland has become my home. It’s not just a place I moved to for school; it’s where I discovered my identity, fell in love, got married, and welcomed our two beautiful children. This city is rich with art, culture, nature, and yes, food trucks — I can’t bear the thought of leaving my beloved food trucks behind.
Refusing to Move
Most importantly, I refuse to move. Relocating means packing up our lives, leaving old friends, and starting from scratch, all while finding the best local Thai restaurant and playgrounds again. I won’t allow the housing market to dictate my life choices. I already know where to find the best pad thai, and I’m not leaving Portland, period.
As I stand firm in my resolve, I find myself returning to the MLS listings, often with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s in hand. All I desire is to plant roots in a city I cherish, surrounded by loved ones, and provide my kids with a home filled with memories — but the ever-increasing house prices are turning this dream into a daunting challenge. Yet, we’re still holding on.
I have no idea how we’ll make it work or how we’ll afford a home, but one thing is clear: moving away is not an option. Life is complicated, and nothing comes easy. We’ll just keep saving, hoping for a miracle, or perhaps a benevolent benefactor to present us with a home. If I’m going to dream about owning a house here, I might as well dream big.
If you’re interested in exploring further options for your family’s journey, check out our post on couples’ fertility journeys. Understanding the nuances of home buying can be as complex as navigating fertility options, which is why resources like understanding follicular scanning are invaluable. For more insights into the process of starting a family, you may also find this resource on IVF helpful.
Summary
Despite the challenges posed by the skyrocketing housing market in Portland, Emily and Jake are determined to stay rooted in their community and provide their children with stability. They are committed to saving and finding a way to secure a home without uprooting their family ties.