My partner, Alex, and I have big dreams of purchasing our own home within the next couple of years. We want to settle into a place before our kids start school so they can grow up alongside the same friends year after year. While it’s common for kids to switch schools, it breaks my heart to think of uprooting them from the friendships they’ve built simply because we had to move to a new district.
So, we have a plan—a great one, in fact. We’re determined to be homeowners in two years.
But the housing market in our area (Portland, Oregon) is absolutely bonkers, and it’s driving me up the wall. Modest homes are selling for insane prices, often going for well above their asking prices—all in cash. I’m left wondering who has that kind of spare cash lying around. Seriously, what do they do for a living? I clearly missed the memo on that career path.
While it’s not as wild as places like San Francisco or New York, Portland is quickly catching up. And even though both Alex and I are college-educated, work our tails off, and have a solid savings plan for a down payment, I often find myself staring at listings and thinking, “How in the world are we going to afford this?” The honest answer is, I have no idea.
When I share our struggles with friends, they often suggest, “Why not just move somewhere cheaper?” If only it were that simple! First, we have family here. My relatives are in California, so we don’t see them often, but Alex’s family is close by. Our kids adore their grandparents, and we love having trusted family nearby to help out when needed. I want my children to grow up surrounded by their aunts, uncles, and cousins. I want their family to be their friends, too. I can’t bear the thought of them being so far from loved ones.
Second, our life is rooted here. I moved to Portland over a decade ago, and it’s become my home. It’s where I discovered who I am—where I fell in love, got married, and welcomed two amazing kids. This city is bursting with art, culture, nature, and, of course, food trucks. Seriously, don’t make me leave my beloved food trucks.
Most importantly, I just don’t want to move. Moving means packing and unpacking, leaving old friends, making new ones, finding the best Thai restaurants again, and I refuse to let the housing market dictate my life. I already know where to get the best pad thai, and I’m not leaving Portland. Are you listening, universe?
So here I am, back to scrolling through MLS listings while indulging in a pint of Ben & Jerry’s. All I want is to plant roots in a city I adore, alongside the people I love, and give my kids a place to grow up, create memories, and come back to during college breaks. But with housing prices soaring, that dream feels more like a fantasy. Yet, we’re determined to hold on.
I genuinely don’t know how we’ll make it work or how we’ll afford a home. But one thing is clear: we’re not just going to “move.” Life isn’t that simple. For now, we’ll keep saving, hoping for a miracle, and maybe a kind-hearted benefactor to swoop in with a house offer. If I’m going to dream about homeownership here, why not dream big?
If you’re interested in more insights about family and parenting, check out our other blog post on home insemination. And for those looking for quality resources on family planning, Make a Mom is a great place to start, along with UCSF’s fertility insurance FAQ.
Summary
In the face of a skyrocketing housing market in Portland, Jamie Carter details the challenges her family faces in their quest for homeownership. Despite the temptation to relocate to a more affordable area, family ties and a deep love for their city keep them anchored. As they navigate this daunting market, they remain hopeful for a solution that allows them to stay where they truly belong.