My partner, Alex, and I have set our sights on purchasing a home within the next couple of years. We want to establish roots before our two little ones start school, ensuring they can forge lasting friendships with the same classmates year after year. Although it’s common for kids to switch schools, the thought of uprooting them from their friends breaks my heart.
So, we’ve devised a solid plan — a plan we believe will lead us to homeownership in just two years.
However, the housing market in our area (Portland, Oregon) is completely out of control, and it’s absolutely infuriating. Modest homes are being listed at outrageous prices, often selling for well above asking price — mostly in cash. I can’t help but wonder who has that kind of money lying around. What career paths are these buyers in? Clearly, I must have chosen the wrong profession.
While it may not be as extreme as places like San Francisco or New York, Portland’s market is rapidly approaching those heights. Even though Alex and I are both educated, work tirelessly, and have a robust savings plan for a down payment, there are days when I find myself staring at listings, thinking, “How on earth are we going to afford this?”
The frustrating answer is, I simply don’t know.
When I share our struggles with friends, the common suggestion is, “Why not just move somewhere more affordable?” If only it were that simple. If only I could wish upon a star.
First and foremost, our family is here. While my relatives are in California and we don’t see them often, Alex’s family lives nearby. My children cherish their grandparents, and we rely on our trusted family for childcare when necessary. It’s important to me that my kids grow up surrounded by their aunts, uncles, and cousins. I want them to have a close-knit family that they can learn from and have fun with. Living far away from loved ones is something I want to avoid for my children.
Secondly, my life has been built here. I moved to Portland over a decade ago, and it has become my home — a place where I discovered my identity, fell in love, got married, and welcomed our two beautiful kids. The city is rich in art, culture, and food (food trucks are a must!), and we love living here. You can’t make me leave my beloved food trucks.
Lastly, and most importantly, I simply don’t want to move. The thought of packing up, leaving old friends behind, and starting anew is daunting. I refuse to let the housing market dictate my life choices. I already know where the best pad thai is located, and I’m not budging from Portland.
So here I am, back to scrolling through MLS listings, occasionally drowning my sorrows in ice cream. All I desire is to plant roots in a city I love, surrounded by people I cherish, and to give my children a home filled with memories — but the soaring housing prices are turning this dream into an overwhelming challenge. Nevertheless, we are holding on.
I don’t have a clear plan for how we’ll make it work. I can’t say how we’ll manage to afford a home. But I do know that moving isn’t an option. Life is rarely that straightforward. We’ll keep saving and holding out hope for a miracle — perhaps a benevolent benefactor who will grant us a home. If I’m going to dream about affording a house in this city, I might as well dream big.
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Summary
The housing market in Portland is becoming increasingly challenging for my partner and me as we strive to buy a home before our children start school. Despite our efforts, rising prices and the suggestion to move elsewhere complicate our plans. We value our family connections and the life we’ve built here, making relocation undesirable. We’ll continue to save and hold onto hope for a solution, while also exploring various resources and staying engaged in our community.